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Building Your Brand With US 3PL
July 18, 2024

By the end of 2024, the ecommerce industry is expected to grow to a whopping $6.3 trillion globally. With so many people and businesses buying and selling online, it comes without surprise that the market has exploded so much in size. The undeniable truth is that the ecommerce industry has evolved at a rapid pace and will not stop for the foreseeable future.

 

Read More: What is Zendrop?

 

However, as more competitors flood the market given the increased accessibility of products and services, it’ll become exponentially harder for businesses to differentiate themselves from the masses. Naturally, this will lead to a decrease in revenue and growth.

For that reason, it’s becoming more and more critical for growing business and existing sellers to build a reputable brand in today’s market. Doing so will result in increased customer retention, more repeat sales, and better word-of-mouth organic growth.

In this article, we’ll cover how sellers can leverage the power of US 3PL services to establish globally distinguishable brands.

Brand Reputation and US Third Party Logistics (3PL)

Let’s first start by explaining what US 3PL is. Third-party logistics (3PL) refers to outsourcing logistics and supply chain management. Basically, hiring someone else to take care of the logistics that come with buying inventory, storing it, processing it, managing it, and delivering it.

Read More: Comprehensive Introduction to 3PL

Generally speaking, most sellers who have contracted a 3PL service will have done so with either a China or US based company. The location determines what sort of services you’ll have access to, but generally speaking, you’ll want a service provider located in the country you get the most business from.

In this case, US 3PL. So how exactly can that help with building your brand? Well, assuming you’re doing most of your business in the US, a 3PL service provider here can confer upon you the following benefits:

  • Fast, domestic shipping. Think Amazon-like delivery speeds.
  • Custom packaging to establish a known brand and logo.
  • Automated fulfillment so that the 3PL provider can do all the deliveries.
  • High standard quality control checks with on-site employees

These are just some of the benefits, and they all help build your brand. Being reliable, fast, and trustworthy will generate more customer loyalty.

Why Exactly is Brand Recognition Important?

It all comes down to a simple concept in Economics: pricing war.

A pricing war is when competing businesses continuously lower their prices to undercut each other in an attempt to attract more customers. It goes without saying, this ends up reducing everyone’s profits and is unsustainable in the long run. Pricing wars usually happen under several conditions, the main ones being:

  • When products in a market become too similar
  • When anyone can enter the market

One way to avoid a pricing war is via creative pricing strategies.

Read More: Pricing Strategies For Your Ecommerce Store

In this case, one of the best ways to avoid a pricing war is through brand recognition. Humans are pack animals and highly social. They want to be understood and to understand other humans. There are a million other psychological and social reasons why brand recognition is important, but all you really need to know is the end result.

The proof is in the pudding. Look at brands like Nike, Apple, and Samsung for proof of what brand recognition can get you. And it’s not like it only works on giant brands either, there are plenty of smaller brands that customers develop a fierce loyalty for. Just think about the next time you go to a grocery store or buy something online. Are there specific brands you default to for certain products? Boom, brand recognition.

Anker: A Brief Case Study

Back in 2011, Steven Yang founded the electronic goods company, Anker. And honestly, there wasn’t really anything special about them. They sold chargers, power banks, and various electronic doodads for phones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

But today, in 2024? Anker is worth $4.54 billion. So how did this no-name company beat the odds and scale to such a massive time? I mean let’s be honest, back then (and still today), Chinese electronics held a fairly significant stigma for poor build quality and ‘chinesium’ materials.

The answer? Brand recognition.

At the time, Amazon as an online marketplace was still a wild west. Steven Yang knew that he could beat the flood of Chinese electronics brands with one simple strategy: gain a reputation for being the only Chinese electronics brand that actually cared about quality.

Boom. Just like that, Anker quickly soared to new heights. When everyone was selling USB 2.0 charger bricks for $5, Anker was selling top of the line USB 3.1 charger bricks for $9.99.

When everyone was selling cheap, flimsy portable chargers for $10, Anker was selling robust, tanky portable charging bricks for $24.99. Just like that, Anker quickly grew a loyal customer base of repeat buyers.

Read More: Brands That Started as Dropshipping Stores

Tying it All Together: Enhancing Brand Reputation with US 3PL

So how exactly does US 3PL enhance your brand reputation?

Consider the following state of the ecommerce industry:

  • There are more people than ever before trying to break into the industry
  • Dropshipping has made product accessibility easier than ever before
  • Dropshipping has made entry into the market easier than ever before
  • There are low quality stores EVERYWHERE
  • Customers, in general, are now able to spot low quality stores consistently
  • Customers are more skeptical of online stores than ever before

If only there was a silver bullet you could use to tackle all of these objections at once. You guessed it, US 3PL (or really any 3PL service you can trust in the country where you do your business).

3PL provides fast domestic shipping, custom packaging, customized products, unique offerings, high quality goods, and an overall sleek, modern, and reliable shopping experience.

This will immediately associate your brand with reliability and trustworthiness, naturally leading to an increase in customer loyalty. 

In fact, being able to provide rapid shipping similar to Amazon is already a MASSIVE game changer that gives you an edge over your competitors. Some competitors will try to circumvent the aforementioned objections by trying to do Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). This CAN be a good move, but carries with it many risks.

  1. FBA means you compete with all the other copycats on Amazon
  2. Amazon’s review system can completely tank your store before you even get a chance
  3. You have very limited control over marketing and traffic, meaning your business is at their mercy
  4. Retargeting and remarketing is pretty much nonexistent

Read More: What is FBA?

GymShark: A Brief Case Study

One of the biggest brand building examples is of course GymShark. GymShark was founded in 2012 as a dropshipping business for activewear. They quickly distinguished themselves from their competitors by bringing their product line in house.

They may have started as a dropshipping brand, but by leveraging domestic warehousing, they successfully transitioned into a fashion giant.

How Do You Pick the Right US 3PL Provider?

Now, there are a million different 3PL providers out there, and choosing the right one can be daunting. At the end of the day, you want to pick the one that best fits your business needs. Here are some criteria you can check off to make the best choice for your business.

Criteria for Selecting a Reliable US 3PL Partner

  • Experience and Expertise:
    • Look for a 3PL provider with a proven track record in your industry. Their experience can be invaluable in navigating logistics challenges and ensuring efficient operations.
    • Assess their expertise in handling products similar to yours. Specialized knowledge can make a significant difference in the quality of service.
  • Technology and Integration:
    • Evaluate the technology they use. A good 3PL provider should offer advanced inventory management systems, real-time tracking, and seamless integration with your e-commerce platform.
    • Check if their systems can integrate with your existing software, ensuring smooth data flow and minimal disruptions.
  • Scalability:
    • Consider whether the 3PL provider can scale their services as your business grows. You need a partner who can handle increased order volumes during peak seasons without compromising on service quality.
    • Assess their ability to offer flexible solutions, such as additional storage space or expedited shipping options when needed.
  • Location and Network:
    • The geographic location of the 3PL's warehouses can impact shipping times and costs. Choose a provider with strategically located warehouses that align with your target market.
    • A broad network of warehouses can also provide backup options in case of regional disruptions.
  • Reputation and Reviews:
    • Research the provider’s reputation through customer reviews, testimonials, and case studies. Positive feedback from similar businesses can indicate reliability and good service.
    • Check for any recurring issues mentioned in reviews, such as delays or poor customer service, to avoid potential pitfalls.

Questions to Ask Potential 3PL Providers

  1. What industries do you specialize in?
    • Understanding their expertise can help you determine if they are the right fit for your business needs.
  2. Can you provide references from similar businesses?
    • Speaking with current clients can give you insights into their reliability and quality of service.
  3. What technology do you use for inventory and order management?
    • Ensure their technology is up-to-date and compatible with your systems.
  4. How do you handle peak season volumes?
    • Assess their scalability and flexibility in managing increased order volumes during busy periods.
  5. What is your process for handling returns and exchanges?
    • Efficient return management is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction.
  6. How do you ensure the security and accuracy of inventory?
    • Inquire about their inventory management practices and security measures to protect your products.

Importance of Alignment Between Your Values and the 3PL's Capabilities

  • Brand Consistency:
    • Your 3PL provider should understand and reflect your brand’s values in their operations. This includes packaging, handling, and customer service practices that align with your brand image.
    • Ensure that the 3PL can maintain the quality and consistency your customers expect, reinforcing your brand’s reputation.
  • Customer Experience:
    • A 3PL provider that prioritizes customer satisfaction will enhance your brand’s reputation. Their efficiency in order fulfillment, timely deliveries, and effective communication directly impact your customers’ experience.
    • Collaborate with a provider who shares your commitment to exceptional customer service and can act as an extension of your brand.

Benefits of Zendrop’s US 3PL Warehousing

Zendrop provides US 3PL services to its Select members. The Select Program is completely free to join. Users can apply if they have a consistent sales volume of ten sales over a three day period.

Unlike other US 3PL partners, Zendrop emphasizes affordability, convenience, and reliability. Here are some comparisons.

Faster Shipping Times

One of the most significant advantages of using Zendrop’s US-based 3PL provider is faster shipping times. By storing inventory closer to your customers, you can significantly reduce transit times, leading to quicker deliveries. Fast shipping not only enhances customer satisfaction but also gives your business a competitive edge.

Consumers today expect quick and reliable shipping. By partnering with a US 3PL provider, you can meet these expectations by reducing the distance products need to travel. This not only improves delivery speed but also reduces the risk of delays, thus enhancing the overall customer experience. Fast shipping is particularly important for perishable goods, seasonal items, and trending products that customers want immediately.

Zendrop offers Amazon-like fulfillment speeds, with delivery being between 1-3 days on average. Users may also request even faster fulfillment times.

Improved Inventory Management

Zendrop’s US 3PL service provides advanced inventory management systems that allow you to track inventory in real-time, making it easier to manage stock levels and avoid common pitfalls like stock outs or overstocking. 

These systems can also forecast demand based on historical data, helping you plan for peak times and seasonal fluctuations. 

By optimizing inventory levels, you can reduce storage costs and ensure that products are always available for customers.

Cost Savings

Running an in-house warehouse requires substantial investment in infrastructure, staff, and technology. By outsourcing to Zendrop, you can convert these fixed costs into variable costs that scale with your business. 

And unlike other partners, Zendrop does not charge any fees for storage.

Scalability

Scalability is a critical advantage for e-commerce businesses, especially those experiencing rapid growth or seasonal peaks. 

Zendrop can quickly add warehouse space, increase labor, and enhance shipping capabilities to meet your growing needs. This flexibility allows you to focus on marketing and sales without worrying about logistical bottlenecks.

Focus on Core Business Activities

Managing logistics can be time-consuming and distract from core business activities. By outsourcing these functions to Zendrop, you can free up valuable time and resources to focus on activities that directly impact your bottom line. 

This includes developing new products, enhancing marketing efforts, and improving customer relationships. Zendrop can handle the complexities of logistics, allowing you to innovate and grow your business.

Read More: Zendrop’s US 3PL

Conclusion

Building a reputable brand in today’s competitive ecommerce landscape is crucial. Leveraging US 3PL services like those provided by Zendrop can significantly enhance your brand’s reputation by ensuring fast shipping, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service. By partnering with a reliable 3PL provider, you can focus on growing your business and achieving long-term success.

Of course, the biggest benefit is that you’d immediately set yourself apart from your competitors and the masses. It’s not easy to build a successful brand, and this should make that journey easier.

Interested in 3PL? Apply for Zendrop Select to Access Zendrop’s 3PL Services


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