Pick and pack services

Efficient order fulfilment is crucial for eCommerce and retail business success. Pick and pack services streamline the process by selecting, packing, and shipping products directly from warehouse inventory to customers. Whether you're a large online retailer, a subscription box business, or making the leap to a new third-party logistics (3PL) provider, having an understanding of pick and pack services can help improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Pick and pack fulfilment is a logistics process where individual items are selected (picked) from warehouse inventory and packed into boxes or envelopes for shipment. This service is a critical component of supply chain management, ensuring that orders are processed quickly and accurately.

What are pick and pack services?

Pick and pack fulfilment is a logistics process where individual items are selected (picked) from warehouse inventory and packed into boxes or envelopes for shipment. This service is a critical component of supply chain management, ensuring that orders are processed quickly and accurately.

Pick and pack fulfilment is widely used in industries such as:

• eCommerce – Online retailers rely on pick and pack services to handle customer orders efficiently.
• Retail – Brick-and-mortar stores with online sales channels use this service for inventory management.
• Subscription box companies – Businesses that ship curated products to customers on a recurring basis.
• Wholesale & distribution – B2B companies needing efficient order fulfilment.
• Healthcare & pharmaceuticals – Secure and accurate packing of medical supplies.
• Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) – Quick dispatch of high-demand products like food, beverages, and household items.

How does pick and pack service work?

To fully appreciate the benefits of pick and pack services, it's important to grasp how the process unfolds from order placement to final shipment:

1. Order processing - When a customer places an order, the fulfilment system retrieves the details and sends them to the warehouse team.

2. Picking - Warehouse staff use barcode scanners or inventory management systems to locate and select the required items.

3. Packing - Selected items are packed securely in appropriate packaging materials, ensuring protection during transit. This step may also include custom branding, inserts, or promotional materials.

4. Shipping - Once packed, orders are labelled and handed over to shipping carriers for delivery to customers.

Benefits of pick and pack fulfilment

Leveraging pick and pack fulfilment services can significantly enhance a business’s efficiency and customer satisfaction. Pick and pack services provide numerous advantages, including:

• Faster order processing – Streamlined workflows reduce turnaround times.
• Cost savings – Efficient processes lower labour and shipping costs.
• Improved inventory accuracy – Real-time tracking minimises errors and stock discrepancies.
• Scalability – Services can be adjusted based on seasonal demand fluctuations.
• Better customer experience – Accurate and timely deliveries enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Who needs pick and pack services?

Numerous industries rely on pick and pack services to streamline their distribution and fulfilment operations, and benefit from its operational fulfilment approach, including:

• Online retailers & marketplaces – Businesses selling through platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay.
• Third-party logistics (3PL) providers – Companies managing fulfilment for multiple clients.
• Food & beverage businesses – Perishable and non-perishable goods requiring quick and accurate order fulfilment.
• Manufacturers & wholesalers – Companies shipping products to retailers and business clients.
• Consumer electronics & gadgets – High-value items needing secure handling.

The different types of pick and pack fulfilment

Businesses can choose from several types of 3PL pick and pack fulfilment services based on their operational needs, industry, and customer demands. The main types include:

1. Piece picking (Individual order fulfilment)

• Ideal for eCommerce businesses and retailers.
• Warehouse staff pick and pack individual items per customer order.
• Suitable for businesses selling small quantities per order, such as fashion, beauty, and electronics.

2. Batch picking

• Best for businesses with high order volumes containing similar items.
• Workers pick multiple orders at once to improve efficiency.
• Used in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and subscription box companies.

3. Zone picking

• Warehouses are divided into zones, and pickers focus on specific areas.
• Multiple pickers work on the same order before it reaches the packing station.
• Ideal for large-scale operations, wholesalers, and distribution centres.

4. Wave picking

• Orders are picked in waves based on priority, order type, or shipping schedules.
• Helps optimise warehouse operations during peak seasons.
• Common in logistics and supply chain management for retailers.

5. Pick to cart / Pick to light

• Pickers use carts or light-guided systems to streamline order selection.
• Reduces picking errors and increases speed.
• Often used in high-tech warehouses with automated processes.

6. Automated pick and pack fulfilment

• Utilises robotics and conveyor belt systems for faster processing.
• Integrates with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Suitable for high-volume eCommerce and major logistics providers.

Each type of 3PL pick and pack service caters to different business models and operational needs.

Choosing the right 3PL provider for your fulfilment requirements

Selecting a pick and pack 3PL provider requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure seamless operations.

When selecting a pick and pack fulfilment provider, consider the following factors:

• Warehouse Location – A provider with strategically located warehouses can reduce shipping times and costs.
• Technology Integration – Look for providers that offer real-time inventory tracking and seamless eCommerce platform integration with their warehouse management system (WMS).
• Custom Packaging & Branding – Choose a service that allows for custom branding and packaging solutions.
• Shipping Partnerships – Ensure the provider has strong relationships with reliable couriers to offer competitive shipping rates.

How uTenant helps you find the 3PL partner

At uTenant, we connect businesses with tailored warehousing and fulfilment solutions to streamline their supply chains. Whether you need flexible storage, reliable pick and pack services, or complete fulfilment support, our platform helps match you with the right 3PL providers for your business needs.

Pick and pack fulfilment is a vital component of modern supply chains, ensuring efficient and accurate order processing. By understanding how these services work and selecting the right 3PL provider, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. If you're looking for the best pick and pack solution for your business, uTenant can help you find the perfect match for your industry and operational needs.

Published: 19 February 2025