Pick and pack services

Efficient pick-and-pack services are vital for meeting customer expectations and delivering a smooth shopping experience. Whether you're a growing online store or an established retailer, understanding the value and structure of pick-and-pack fulfilment can give your business a real competitive advantage.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from the packing process to reducing fulfilment costs — so you can focus on scaling your operations while keeping your customers happy.

TL;DR:

Pick and pack services streamline logistics by handling the process of selecting and packaging items for shipment. These services are vital for businesses, especially eCommerce stores, helping meet customer expectations with fast, reliable order fulfilment. The process involves receiving orders, picking items from shelves, packing them efficiently, and dispatching for delivery. There are different picking methods like piece picking, batch picking, zone picking, and automated solutions that improve speed and accuracy.

Benefits of pick and pack services include faster turnaround, cost savings, improved inventory accuracy, scalability, and better customer satisfaction. These services are widely used across industries such as online retail, subscription services, wholesalers, and healthcare.

Choosing a reliable 3PL provider can enhance your fulfilment strategy, offering the right technology, customisation, and scalability to meet your needs. Real-time tracking and visibility improve customer trust, while efficient packing methods help reduce fulfilment costs. uTenant connects businesses with cost-effective, scalable pick and pack solutions to optimise fulfilment and ensure customer satisfaction.

What Are Pick and Pack Services?

Pick and pack services involve selecting items from warehouse shelves and packaging them for shipment. It’s a core component of fulfilment services in Australia, particularly for businesses operating online or across multiple channels. The process ensures each customer order is handled with accuracy, efficiency, and care.

From the moment a customer places an order, the system kicks into gear — coordinating stock, pickers, and packers to get the job done quickly. For businesses, it’s not just about sending products; it’s about creating a seamless order fulfilment experience that builds loyalty and drives repeat purchases.

The Pick and Pack Process Explained

Here’s how the pick and pack process typically works:

1. Order Received

Customer orders flow into a warehouse management system (WMS), which provides real-time tracking and accurate stock updates. Complete visibility over the entire order ensures everything runs smoothly from the start.

2. Picking

Pickers locate items from warehouse shelves using barcode scanners or smart systems. Efficient pick strategies such as batch picking, zone picking, or wave picking reduce time and labour, especially for businesses handling high volumes.

3. Packing

Once items are picked, they’re packed using suitable materials — think boxes, bubble wrap, or branded packaging that enhances customer satisfaction. At this stage, many businesses include marketing inserts or custom packaging to stand out.

4. Dispatch and Delivery

Packed orders are labelled and shipped, often with same-day dispatch options. Integrated systems allow customers to track shipments in real-time, reducing uncertainty and boosting trust.

Types of Pick and Pack Fulfilment

Different pick and pack methods suit different business needs. Here’s a breakdown:

Piece Picking

Ideal for eCommerce businesses, this method processes individual customer orders one by one.

Batch Picking

Groups similar customer orders so multiple can be picked simultaneously — a great fit for subscription boxes or fast-moving consumer goods.

Zone Picking

Divide the warehouse into zones. Workers pick items only from their zone, speeding up the process for larger orders.

Wave Picking

Orders are picked in timed waves based on shipping deadlines. This maximises warehouse efficiency during busy periods.

Pick to Light / Pick to Cart

Pickers use light indicators or mobile carts to guide selections, reducing errors and improving speed.

Automated Pick and Pack

In high-volume operations, robotics and automation enhance fulfilment efficiency — integrating directly with inventory management and real-time tracking systems.

Benefits of Pick and Pack Fulfilment

Adopting professional pack services can transform your fulfilment workflow. Key advantages include:

• Faster Turnaround: Efficient pick systems allow quicker order dispatch, even with large volumes.
• Cost Savings: Optimised packing and smart batching reduce fulfilment costs and manual labour.
• Inventory Accuracy: Real-time visibility across stock ensures better inventory management and fewer errors.
• Scalability: Services can expand with your business — from small brands to nationwide pack services Australia-wide.
• Customer Satisfaction: On-time delivery, branded packaging, and order accuracy lead to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

Who Uses Pick and Pack Services?

Pick and pack services are vital across many industries, especially where customer orders require fast, reliable fulfilment:

• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Prioritising safe, accurate shipment of sensitive goods.
• Online Stores: From fashion to electronics, businesses rely on pack fulfilment for daily operations.
• Retail Chains: Managing inventory across multiple locations.
• Subscription Box Services: Handling recurring orders with kitting assembly requirements.
• Wholesalers & Distributors: Fulfilling bulk orders accurately and on time.

Choosing a 3PL Pick and Pack Provider

The right third-party logistics (3PL) provider can make a big difference in your supply chain. Here’s what to consider:

• Location: Providers with warehouses across Australia help reduce delivery times and fulfilment costs.
• Technology: Look for inventory systems offering real-time tracking and complete visibility.
• Customisation: If branded packaging or kitting is important to your customer experience, choose a provider who can deliver.
• Scalability: Can the 3PL handle your growth? From seasonal peaks to international expansion?
• Communication: A responsive team ensures your business needs are met quickly and reliably.

Why Real-Time Tracking and Visibility Matter

In today’s fulfilment landscape, customer expectations are high. They want updates, transparency, and accurate delivery windows. Real-time visibility allows you — and your customers — to monitor every step, from stock to shipment. This reduces issues, builds trust, and can even help reduce support enquiries.

Common Fulfilment Challenges — and Solutions

Every business faces obstacles in fulfilment. Here’s how pick-and-pack services help overcome them:

• Inventory Errors: Using accurate systems and real-time data ensures fewer stock mismatches.
• Slow Turnaround: Efficient pick processes and same-day dispatch capabilities keep things moving.
• High Fulfilment Costs: Batch picking and wave picking reduce costs by optimising labour and resources.
• Lack of Visibility: Complete visibility and transparent tracking improve internal processes and customer confidence.

How uTenant Helps

At uTenant, we specialise in connecting businesses with reliable, cost-effective pack services tailored to your specific needs. Whether you run a boutique e-commerce store or manage a large distribution network, we match you with 3PL partners who offer:

• Efficient fulfilment services across Australia
• Custom packing and dispatch options
• Real-time tracking and inventory integration
• Solutions that adapt to your operational goals

From picking stock to packing boxes and managing shipment logistics, we help you focus on what matters — growing your business.

Optimise Your Fulfilment Strategy

If you’re ready to scale your operations, lower your fulfilment costs, and deliver exceptional customer satisfaction, it's time to explore smarter pick and pack fulfilment. uTenant’s trusted network of 3PL providers across Australia is ready to support your business.

Contact us today to find a tailored solution and give your customers the reliable delivery experience they deserve.

Published: 19 February 2025
Updated: 24 June 2025