No. With dropshipping, your supplier holds the inventory and ships each order directly to your customer. With third-party fulfillment (3PL), you own the inventory and a partner picks, packs, and ships it from their warehouse to your customer. Whether shipments can go out under your brand depends on the provider and your contract. Ask if custom packaging is included. They are two different fulfillment models, not two names for the same thing.
Apparel fulfillment is harder than standard ecommerce: size-and-color SKU matrices, high return rates, and poly-bag and hang-tag requirements. Here's what changes when you move clothing through a 3PL, what to ask before you sign, and how Simpl runs apparel programs, starting at $7/order.
What does order fulfillment actually cost? This guide breaks down every fee type, from pick-and-pack to receiving, storage, and setup, with real industry ranges and Simpl's flat-rate model as a case study.
The best subscription box fulfillment companies in 2026, compared on kitting capability, pricing transparency, and platform integrations for DTC subscription brands.
