Search3PL

Detailed Step-by-Step Workflow

October 28, 2025
Detailed Step-by-Step Workflow

A detailed step-by-step of how a client and a fulfilment provider interact via Search3PL, and what each step involves.

Step A: Fulfilment provider lists on Search3PL

  1. The 3PL goes to Search3PL, creates an account, and enters their company information: name, address(es) of warehouse(s), region(s) covered, contact details, website, description of their services (e.g., “We specialise in D2C web order fulfilment, pick/pack small items via courier, pallets via LTL, returns processing”).

  2. They input their storage cost structure: for example, “£X per pallet per month”, “£Y per cubic metre per month”, “£Z for small item storage (each)”, etc. They also specify storage tiers: small items, medium items, large items.

  3. They input picking/handling costs: cost per pick for small items, medium items, large items. Handling cost for pallets, cost for inbound pallet receipt, cost for outbound pallet dispatch.

  4. They enter dispatch methods: courier/post for small items, pallet/post for large items, and note the carriers they integrate with (Royal Mail, DPD, UPS, DHL, etc) and any special factors (climate control, hazardous goods, SKUs requiring special packaging).

  5. They declare their capabilities: e-commerce integration (Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, Amazon FBA prep, etc), returns handling, value-added services (kitting, assembly), minimum order volumes, maximum capacity (storage, order picks per day).

  6. They are live in the directory and searchable by clients. If there are multiple locations, they can list each location separately or note multi-site capability.

Step B: Client enters their requirements

  1. The client business visits Search3PL and uses the “Find a 3PL” search form. They fill in required fields such as:

    • What region(s) you need fulfilment (UK, Europe, internationally).

    • Storage requirements: number of pallets, cubic metres, number of SKUs, expected growth.

    • Order volume: number of orders per month, average items per order, average size/weight of items (small/medium/large).

    • Picks per order: how many pick/pack operations on average, how many single-item vs multi-item orders.

    • Dispatch method: small parcel via courier/post, pallets via LTL, large-item shipments, hybrid.

    • Special requirements: climate control, hazardous goods, returns, kitting/assembly, integration with webstore or EDI.

  2. Based on these inputs, the platform retrieves matching fulfilment providers from the directory whose profiles match the criteria entered (i.e., they list the required service, region, item size capability, order volume capability, etc).

  3. For those matching providers, the platform uses the cost?inputs the providers entered (storage cost, picking cost by size, etc) plus the client’s required volume/picks to calculate an indicative monthly cost. E.g., if client needs 500 pallet storage, 1000 small items/picks, 200 medium items/picks, etc — the platform will compute a rough estimate: storage + picks + handling + dispatch (as far as the 3PLs have provided cost inputs). This helps the client understand approximate budgets.

Step C: Client shortlists & contacts providers

  1. The client reviews the list of matching 3PLs: their locations, services, cost indications, capabilities.

  2. The client shortlists (say) 3-5 providers that best meet their needs (location, cost estimate, picking/item size requirements, dispatch method).

  3. The client reaches out via the platform (or via the provider’s contact details) to ask for full quotes, discuss SLA, integration, inventory management systems, lead times, performance metrics (order accuracy, fulfil-to-ship cut-off times, returns handling).

  4. The client then selects one provider, negotiates contract, transitions inventory and order flow to them, and the fulfilment operations commence.

Step D: Ongoing benefit & matching

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