For those of you who run a small business, it’s no secret that you must compete against the larger, often lower-priced, stores.
We’ve shared our ideas before about how small, local businesses can compete with Amazon and even Walmart.com as much as possible, and today we want to talk to you about how partnering with a local 3PL logistics provider could make a difference in your business.
First, let’s talk about what exactly is a 3PL provider?
In this blog from 2015 (the definition hasn’t changed), we explain that third-party logistics (3PL) services generally refer to services provided by a company that manages multiple facets of the logistics process including warehousing and delivery. Legislation passed in 2008 says that a 3PL is a person who “solely receives, holds, or otherwise transports a consumer product in the ordinary course of business but who does not take title to the product.”
How does e-commerce affect small business?
It would be easy to assume that most customers of 3PL providers are larger companies that need all the various services offered. For most small businesses, tradition has been that full-service logistics was never a need. That has changed with the world of e-commerce in two ways.
First, small businesses are being forced to find ways to compete and this includes offering delivery services to their nearby customers. Some are even starting e-commerce sides of their business to further their reach. With the internet, “local” doesn’t have to mean down the street anymore!
Secondly, on a more positive note, small businesses are able to spread not only their geographic reach but their product reach. With e-commerce, they can offer more items and more value to their customers. It also presents the opportunity to continue to cater to their truly local audience by offering in-store specials while offering regular wares online only.
How 3PLs Empower Small Businesses with Logistics SolutionsWhat does all this mean for the future of 3PLs partnering with small business?
In short, small businesses are now finding the need for delivery services of both the last mile and courier variety, as well as warehousing and cross-docking for inventory. This means that a growing number of small businesses, from retail stores to event services companies, are needing logistics and warehousing services.
We’ve all heard the phrase “one-stop shop,” right? By partnering with a 3PL provider for your small business needs, you are ensuring that the skills, professionalism, and services you need now and in the future are available at your fingertips.
It might be easy to think that your current staff can handle the deliveries and manage your inventory. This can become costly very quickly and presents new challenges to the small business owner. By hiring a professional company to perform your deliveries, you are ensuring that the deliveries will be done on time and to your customer’s satisfaction. It also allows you to offer specialty services such as white glove, which will help put you above the competition.
Who needs a logistics provider?
Does your small business make deliveries of any kind or would your customers benefit from the addition of delivery services? Do you often find that you need to ask employees to make deliveries of items even though their time would be better served working at your office? Are you in charge of a medical facility that needs medical courier services to better serve your patients? Are you wanting to have more inventory items available than you have room for in your store?
If any of these are true, you need a logistics provider. At On Time Logistics, we offer last mile delivery, medical courier services, standard courier services, warehousing services, and more. We have offices in Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock and Tulsa and can service Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Need help? Give us a call!