To succeed in warehousing in China, you’ll need to outsource to a third-party logistics (3PL) company. Also known as ‘global forwarding providers,’ 3PL companies in China will help you establish, facilitate, and execute your outsourced warehouse solution. If you’re a retailer, you will find 3PL services convenient and helpful in saving you a lot of time and money in the long run. After all, doing logistics, warehousing, inventory management, freight forwarding, packaging, and fulfilment by yourself could easily become daunting, especially as your business is growing and getting more customers.
Understanding 3PL
Working with 3PL companies in China means outsourcing your operational logistics, such as warehousing, delivery, and production. That way, you can focus on other important aspects of your business. 3PL is often associated with eCommerce retailers, but it can benefit many other businesses looking to outsource the manufacturing and shipping of their goods.
Advantages of 3PL in China
If you’re considering 3PL, consider solutions that are offered by companies in China. That way, you can have access to a wide array of services, such as inventory control, fulfilment, and much more. Here are more benefits you can expect:
1. Save money
You may already know how costly warehousing can be because it involves inventory management, transportation, fulfillment, and other important tasks. Outsourcing to 3PL companies in China could help reduce your costs in fulfilling those activities. And as the Chinese economy’s strength is built around shipping and manufacturing, the services are typically more affordable compared to the price you would have to pay locally.
2. Work more efficiently
Warehousing can be challenging when done in-house. By relying on 3PL companies, you can leave all essential tasks to them. They offer all-in-one solutions, so you don’t have to find multiple service providers for every responsibility and you can work more effectively when only a single company is managing your documentation.
3. Connect with other businesses
Established 3PL companies in China have long-standing relationships with many other manufacturers, shipping companies, and suppliers. They could help you get in touch with those businesses and connect with them. Just be sure that you’re working with a credible 3PL service, so you can trust their connections. They might be able to suggest businesses that are relevant to yours, so it’s easier for you to determine who to connect with.
4. Scale your business
Scalability is often one of the challenges of growing a business. You’ll want to make informed decisions when it comes to your growth, but there are risks involved in terms of the costs associated with buying and selling more goods. At times, you’ll find leftover products that could cost money to store. By outsourcing to 3PL companies in China, you can have professionals help you in controlling your inventory and empower you to scale your business cost-effectively. Some companies offer flexible warehouse solutions in China and the US.
5. Access to expertise
Experienced 3PL companies in China have a thorough understanding of the country’s customs, laws, language, regulations, and business culture. These insights can be helpful when you’re new to doing business with Chinese manufacturers and suppliers. Moreover, they use cutting-edge technologies to offer full visibility, supply chain analysis, ROI measurement, electronic connectivity, process improvement, and reporting tools.