How Does the Fulfilment Process Work?

Written by:
Mark Jones
April 15, 2024

How Does the Fulfilment Process Work?

Understanding Fulfilment: Why It Matters in E-Commerce

Mastering the fulfilment process is essential to staying ahead. Whether you're running a small online shop or a growing brand, your ability to deliver products quickly, accurately, and affordably can make or break your business. A streamlined fulfilment strategy not only boosts customer satisfaction but also supports growth and efficiency.

From the moment an order is placed to the final delivery, each step in the e-commerce fulfilment journey plays a vital role. In this guide, we explore what fulfilment entails, how UK fulfilment services work, and why outsourcing to a fulfilment centre or 3rd party logistics provider could be your secret weapon for success.

What Is Order Fulfilment?

Order fulfilment refers to the entire process of receiving, processing, packing, and shipping an order to a customer. A smooth fulfilment service reduces errors, cuts costs, and helps create positive customer experiences. Whether done in-house or through a fulfilment centre UK provider, this process is at the heart of any successful e-commerce operation.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Fulfilment Process

Step 1: Order Placement

Every fulfilment journey begins when a customer places an order. This can happen through:

  • Online platforms (like Shopify or Amazon)
  • Phone orders
  • In-store purchases

Ensuring accurate product info, correct quantities, and clean customer data is key to seamless order fulfilment. The smoother this first step, the fewer issues you'll face downstream.

Step 2: Order Processing in a Fulfilment Centre

Once the order lands, the fulfilment centre takes over. The process includes:

  • Verifying order details
  • Checking inventory at the relevant fulfilment warehouse
  • Processing secure payments

Modern e-commerce fulfilment services rely on automation to reduce human error, speed things up, and keep everything accurate.

Step 3: Picking and Packing Your Orders

  • Picking: Guided by warehouse management systems (WMS), staff locate and collect items efficiently.
  • Packing: Products are packaged securely and professionally. Many UK fulfilment services offer branded packaging and promotional inserts to elevate the unboxing experience.

Step 4: Shipping with a Fulfilment Service

Shipping is a critical component of e-commerce fulfilment. Key elements include:

  • Carrier selection based on cost and speed
  • Shipping method (overnight, express, standard)
  • Providing tracking info for transparency

A strong fulfilment centre UK partnership ensures consistent, on-time deliveries.

Step 5: Delivery and Customer Satisfaction

This is where your fulfilment efforts truly pay off. Ensure:

  • Accurate and timely deliveries
  • Secure, undamaged packaging
  • Clear post-purchase communication

Customer feedback and support also play a role in enhancing the fulfilment experience.

Step 6: Handling Returns Efficiently

A solid fulfilment service includes reverse logistics, covering:

  • Authorising returns
  • Inspecting returned items
  • Restocking and updating inventory

Great return policies build trust and encourage repeat purchases.

Choosing the Right Fulfilment Model

In-House Fulfilment

Gives you control, but comes with higher costs and management effort.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Outsource to a 3rd party logistics provider who handles the entire fulfilment process.

Dropshipping

No inventory to manage, but you give up control over shipping and branding.

For most growing brands, partnering with a fulfilment centre UK strikes a great balance.

Common Fulfilment Challenges & How to Solve Them

Challenges include:

  • Inventory imbalances
  • Human error in order picking
  • Shipping delays

Solutions:

  • Real-time inventory systems
  • Automation software
  • Strategic 3rd party logistics support

Ready to Optimise Your Fulfilment Strategy?

The entire fulfilment journey is central to your e-commerce success. From that first click to the final delivery, each part of the process matters. Investing in a reliable UK fulfilment service or trusted 3rd party logistics partner can elevate your brand, improve your bottom line, and keep your customers coming back.

Contact Complete Packaging, UK Fulfilment Specialists

Looking to simplify and supercharge your fulfilment process? At Complete Packaging & Fulfilment, we offer tailored e-commerce fulfilment services designed for businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a start-up, scaling brand, or established retailer, we help you deliver excellence every step of the way.

Let us handle your logistics, so you can focus on what you do best.

Book Your Operations Survey Today

Take the guesswork out of your packaging costs. Contact us now to schedule a no-obligation operations survey and discover how we can help optimise your business.

Want to discuss your business or project?

Get in touch.