Going viral on social media, getting positive press coverage, running promotions, and increasing advertising are some top reasons driving sales spikes.
What steps can I take to prepare for more orders?
Evaluate your fulfillment workflow, consider hiring seasonal staff, ensure enough warehouse space and supplies, renegotiate shipping contracts to get better rates, and partner with a 3PL provider.
When should I outsource order fulfillment?
If you have a high SKU count, many product variations, and are reaching peak capacity even with temporary hires, outsourcing to experts can help you scale.
How much warehouse space do I need?
Plan for at least enough space to store 2-4 weeks worth of inventory to account for restock lead times. More space allows flexibility to handle sales spikes.
What shipping carrier should I use?
Shop rates with USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Large 3PLs can negotiate the best pricing. Ensure your packing methods align with carrier requirements.
Should I hire seasonal warehouse staff?
Temporary workers can help in the short-term but require hiring, training, and management time. Multi-channel fulfillment providers already have trained teams.
What common fulfillment mistakes should I avoid?
Not having enough inventory, warehouse space, or staff can lead to shipping delays and errors. Poor packing and inaccurate order processing also causes problems.
A recent data exposure at a fulfillment vendor affected thousands of ecommerce customers' records. Four questions worth asking about data retention, access controls, breach notification, and subprocessors before you sign with a 3PL.
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.
