It’s a common conundrum for many fashion brand founders: should I outsource my apparel logistics operations to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider? Countless fast-growing startups begin looking for external supply chain management support when order processing and fulfilment become too complex to manage in-house. If this sounds familiar, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out what to look for in a fashion logistics provider and how the right one can add value to your logistics operations.
Knowledge and experience of the fashion industry
One of the most important considerations when selecting a 3PL is how experienced your potential partner is in the fashion industry. “Apparel logistics comes with unique challenges, from managing seasonal peaks to handling a high level of returns and managing a diverse range of SKUs,” explains Maxim Sion, Business Development Manager at Bleckmann. “In addition, an experienced partner with a deep understanding of the industry will be able to support your brand with specific value-added services such as ironing and reconditioning, so that garments always reach customers in top condition also because all fulfilment processes are designed for your product and your product alone"– something that generalist 3PLs might not have the equipment or expertise for.
Quick and efficient onboarding
Your 3PL partner’s onboarding process should be as efficient as possible, with minimal disruption to your existing operations. One of the major benefits of outsourcing your logistics is that it frees up your team members so they can again focus on the core activities of your company such as product and business development. However, speed shouldn’t come at the expense of quality and dedicated attention. Look for a partner who offers just this topped with consistent communication while getting you up and running as quickly as possible.
Scalable infrastructure to help your brand grow
If you’re searching for an apparel 3PL, it’s likely to be because you’ve outgrown your current logistics setup or you are keen to return your focus to your core activities. It is therefore crucial to partner with a 3PL that has the scale and expertise to handle your rapid growth. “Scalability is critical when selecting a 3PL partner because you need a provider with the warehouse space, workforce, and infrastructure to handle your growth and enables you to reach your objectives,” says Maxim. “But it’s not just about having a larger warehouse; it’s also about the flexibility that an established 3PL can provide. Whether it’s a Black Friday sales spike or rapid growth in a new international market, your logistics partner should have the scale and geographic footprint to give your business room to grow.”
Advanced technology to streamline your operations
One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing to an experienced fashion logistics provider is that you gain access to advanced technology that might otherwise be too expensive for your brand to invest in. However, it’s always important to ask how the innovations deployed make an impact. For example, the automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) that’s available to clients of Bleckmann’s Bscale solution enables users to slash order handling times by up to 60%. This way, your brand can maintain efficiency and even speed up fulfilment as you grow, ensuring customers benefit from a superior experience.
Alignment on sustainability goals
When you entrust your logistics to a 3PL, it should become an extension of your brand – so you and your fashion logistics partner must be aligned on your sustainability objectives. Sustainability initiatives such as recyclable packaging, energy-efficient warehouses and low-emission last-mile carriers can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your fulfilment operations and therefore your company as a whole. In addition, if a 3PL offers circular services such as repair programmes or recommerce support, this will also be an advantage for brands looking to build greener and closer connections with customers while unlocking new revenue and revenue retention streams.
Unlocking growth with your fashion logistics partner
Choosing the right 3PL to support your operations can be the beginning of a strategic partnership that supports your brand’s long-term growth strategy. Indeed, the strongest 3PLs do much more than just take logistics off your hands. “Fashion-specialist 3PLs know the industry inside and out, and have the expertise to establish a supply chain management framework that will power your brand’s growth trajectory,” concludes Maxim. “They can also leverage their network of industry connections to ensure your brand benefits from advantages that are usually reserved for larger players – such as preferential shipping rates or access to major online marketplaces like ASOS, Macy’s and Zalando.”
Want to find out how Bleckmann could help support your supply chain management? Find out more about our Bscale solution or get in touch today for a free consultation with one of our experts!
