Most common 3PL problems and give you practical solutions so your online business can scale smoothly and keep customers happy.
Running an online store is exciting, but as your sales grow, so do your logistics challenges. That’s where 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) services come in. By outsourcing warehousing, packing, and shipping, e-commerce sellers can focus on growth instead of logistics headaches.
But here’s the catch—many online sellers jump into 3PL partnerships without proper planning. This leads to delayed shipments, unexpected fees, inventory errors, and frustrated customers. The good news? These issues can be avoided if you know what to look out for.
✅ 3PL Problem 1: Inaccurate or Outdated Inventory Data
The Issue:
One of the biggest frustrations for e-commerce sellers is when a 3PL reports inaccurate inventory levels. This can lead to overselling, backorders, or stockouts—damaging your reputation.
The Solution:
- Choose a 3PL with real-time inventory management software that integrates with your e-commerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.).
- Run regular inventory audits to make sure numbers match.
- Set up low-stock alerts so you can reorder products before running out.
👉 Accurate inventory is the backbone of successful fulfillment. Without it, everything else falls apart.
✅ Problem 2: Unexpected Shipping Costs
The Issue:
Many sellers are surprised by hidden charges like fuel surcharges, oversized item fees, or remote delivery costs. These unexpected expenses can eat into your margins fast.
The Solution:
- Ask your 3PL for a transparent pricing breakdown before signing a contract.
- Check if they have preferred carrier discounts you can benefit from.
- Factor shipping zones into your pricing strategy—choosing a 3PL with warehouses near your customers helps reduce costs.
👉 Transparency in pricing ensures you don’t get caught off guard by surprise invoices.
✅ Problem 3: Poor Communication with Your 3PL
The Issue:
Assuming your 3PL “just knows” how you want things done can lead to mispacked orders, delayed responses, or customer complaints.
The Solution:
- Set up clear communication channels (dedicated account managers, weekly check-ins, or Slack/WhatsApp groups).
- Provide your 3PL with detailed product and packaging guidelines.
- Use dashboards or reports to stay updated on performance metrics.
👉 A 3PL should feel like an extension of your team, not a black box you never hear from.
✅ Problem 4: No Strategy for Returns Management
The Issue:
Returns are part of e-commerce. But if your 3PL doesn’t handle them properly, customers will face delays and frustration, leading to lost loyalty.
The Solution:
- Ensure your 3PL offers a clear and efficient returns process that aligns with your brand’s policies.
- Automate return labels to make it easy for customers.
- Track returned stock in real time to resell eligible items quickly.
👉 A smooth returns experience can actually increase repeat customers.
✅ Problem 5: Choosing a 3PL That Can’t Scale with You
The Issue:
Many sellers outgrow their 3PL. During peak seasons, some providers can’t handle volume spikes, leading to missed delivery deadlines and unhappy buyers.
The Solution:
- Ask your 3PL about scalability before signing—can they handle seasonal surges?
- Check if they have multiple warehouse locations for flexibility.
- Look for providers experienced in handling high-growth brands.
👉 The right 3PL will grow with your business, not hold it back.
✅ Problem 6: Lack of Technology & Integration
The Issue:
If your 3PL doesn’t integrate with your online store, you’ll be stuck with manual updates and delays in syncing orders and tracking numbers.
The Solution:
- Choose a 3PL with API integrations for your platform.
- Ensure they provide real-time tracking and reporting dashboards.
- Look for automation features like order syncing, inventory forecasting, and shipping updates.
👉 The best 3PLs are powered by technology, not spreadsheets.
✅ Problem 7: Ignoring Customer Experience
The Issue:
At the end of the day, your customers don’t care about your 3PL—they care about getting their orders quickly, accurately, and in good condition. If fulfillment fails, your brand reputation suffers.
The Solution:
- Use branded packaging for a consistent unboxing experience.
- Ensure fast shipping options (2-day or next-day delivery where possible).
- Track fulfillment accuracy rates and push for continuous improvement.
👉 Great fulfillment = happy customers = repeat sales.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Partnering with a 3PL can transform your online business—but only if you avoid common pitfalls. To recap:
- Keep inventory accurate with real-time integrations.
- Get full visibility into shipping costs upfront.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with your 3PL.
- Ensure a solid returns management process.
- Choose a scalable partner who can grow with you.
- Leverage technology to streamline operations.
- Always put the customer experience at the center of fulfillment.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 3PL is one of the most important decisions for your e-commerce success. The wrong choice can lead to higher costs, slower shipping, and frustrated customers. The right choice, however, will give you the freedom to scale faster, reduce overheads, and build customer loyalty.
At 365 Fulfilment, we specialize in helping online sellers grow with transparent pricing, advanced technology, real-time tracking, and reliable shipping solutions. From inventory storage to order delivery, we handle the hard work so you can focus on your brand.
👉 Ready to avoid 3PL headaches and take your e-commerce business to the next level?
Contact 365 Fulfilment today to get started.
