Fulfillment Services FAQ

1) What is a third-party e-commerce fulfillment service, and how does it work for Shopify stores?

Fulfillment Services and Warehousing Third-party e-commerce fulfillment is when an external third party provider stores, picks, packs, and ships products on behalf of an online seller. For Shopify and other shopping stores, we integrate directly via API, so orders are automatically received and processed in our Chicago fulfillment center. This speeds up delivery and reduces errors without requiring manual input and is a seamless process.

2) What is the difference between warehousing and fulfillment?

Warehousing refers to the storage of products, while fulfillment involves processing orders, picking, packing, and shipping. We offer both services under one roof, fully integrated with your e-commerce platform for end-to-end order management.

3) How much does warehousing cost for small to mid-sized e-commerce businesses?

Warehouse pricing varies based on order volume, and storage requirements, product type, and turnover rate. For most mid-sized e-commerce stores, monthly fees are worthwhile in comparison to try to fulfill the orders yourself . We provide flexible plans with no long-term commitments to help growing businesses scale affordably.

4) Can I connect my online store to your fulfillment center via API?

Yes. Our fulfillment center is fully API-enabled, allowing seamless integration with Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and most other platforms. Orders sync in real time, enabling automatic fulfillment, inventory tracking, and shipment updates.

5) How do shipping costs impact total e-commerce fulfillment expenses?

Shipping costs are a large expense of total fulfillment cost. We help businesses optimize shipping cost by using real-time carrier rate comparisons, strategically located zones, and negotiated rates through our volume discounts\u2014significantly lowering cost-per-package.

6) What types of products do you warehouse in your Chicago facility?

We fulfill a wide variety of products, including apparel, consumer electronics, health & beauty , vitamins and supplement items, and specialty packaged goods. Our air-conditioned, climate-controlled and secure Chicago facility can handle both B2B pallet storage and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.

7) Do you offer returns processing and inventory restocking?

Yes. Our returns management system scans and verifies each return, then updates your inventory in real time. We also inspect and restock returned items when applicable\u2014helping you reduce losses and improve customer satisfaction.

8) Is your fulfillment warehouse location in Chicago advantageous for U.S. fulfillment?

Absolutely. Chicago is a major logistics hub with direct access to key shipping routes, rail, and air freight. From our central location, we can reach most U.S. customers within 1\u20133 business days via ground shipping, improving delivery times and lowering shipping costs. More importantly, we are in the center of the country, where shipping from our location is typically faster and cost less that our competitors who are located on the east or west coast. Fulfillment Services Technology & Integration.

9) How does API integration improve order accuracy in order fulfillment?

API integration allows real-time communication between your online store and our warehouse system. Orders are transmitted instantly, reducing the risk of human error, missed orders, or shipping delays. It ensures faster order fulfillment, accurate inventory levels, and automatic tracking updates.

10) Can I connect multiple sales channels (Shopify, Amazon, Walmart, Target eBay etc) to one your warehouse?

Yes. Our system supports multi-channel integration, allowing you to sync inventory and orders across platforms like Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, and others. You can manage all channels from a unified dashboard while we fulfill from a single location.

11) What happens if a product goes out of stock while orders are syncing?

If a product goes out of stock mid-sync, our system can hold the order, backorder the item, or ship a partial order based on your preference. We also send real-time alerts so you can proactively replenish inventory before we run out of stock. E-commerce Shipping & Delivery.

12) What are the most cost-effective shipping options for US-based e-commerce stores?

From our centrally located Chicago fulfillment warehouse, we can reach most U.S. customers within 1\u20133 days via ground shipping. We optimize for cost using negotiated rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

13) Do you support same-day shipping from Chicago?

Yes. Orders received before our daily cut-off time are eligible for same-day or next day pick, pack, and ship. This is especially valuable for fast-moving SKUs, urgent orders, or customer satisfaction guarantees.

14) How do you handle multi-piece or oversized shipments?

We handle oversized and multi-piece orders with special packing procedures, dimensional rate optimization, and carrier coordination. Our system supports consolidated shipping and can generate master labels or split shipments as needed. Inventory Management.

15) How is inventory tracked in a third-party warehouse?

All inventory is scanned on receipt, stored and tracked by SKU, location, and quantity. Our WMS (Warehouse Management System) maintains real-time visibility, and all transactions\u2014receiving, picking, shipping\u2014are logged for full traceability.

16) Can I receive real-time inventory alerts?

Yes. You can configure inventory thresholds in our portal and receive automatic alerts when levels fall below your set minimums. This helps prevent stockouts and enables proactive reordering.

17) Do you provide cycle counts or physical inventory checks?

Yes. We offer scheduled agreed to cycle counting and full physical inventory counts on request. Reports are provided for reconciliation, and we support FIFO/FEFO inventory rotation methods for compliance-driven products. Returns & Reverse Logistics.

18) How are returns processed and restocked?

Returned items are received, scanned, and evaluated based on your return policy. If the item is resalable, we restock it and update inventory. If not, we hold or dispose of it per your instructions.

19) Can I customize return instructions and labels?

Yes. You can create branded return labels, include custom instructions, or use pre-printed inserts.

20) Do you offer customer support for return issues?

We don\u2019t directly handle customer service, but we provide real-time return data and status updates so your team can respond promptly. Some clients connect their support platforms (e.g., Gorgias, Zendesk) via API to streamline this. Kitting and Welcome Kits and Bundling Services.

21) Do you support kitting and bundling services and support influencers?

Yes. We offer full-service kitting, welcome kit assembly and bundling\u2014combining multiple SKUs into one unit for sale, gift sets, promotions, or influencer mailers. We follow brand-specific SOPs for consistent presentation.

22) Can you fulfill temperature-sensitive products?

We can accommodate certain temperature-sensitive products from our air-conditioned warehous such as cosmetics and nutraceuticals within climate-controlled or air conditioned zones.

23) What kind of packaging materials are used?

We use standard corrugated boxes, padded mailers, bubble wrap, air pillows, and dunnage. We also supply upon client request, custom-branded packaging, inserts, or eco-friendly materials for use in their orders. Compliance & Industry-Specific.

24) Are your facilities FDA registered for health products?

Yes. Our warehouse is FDA-registered.

25) How do you handle hazmat or regulated items?

We work with clients to determine shipping eligibility and labeling for hazardous or regulated materials. Our team follows DOT and carrier-specific requirements but currently does not fulfill high-risk hazmat items.

26) Is your warehouse insured, and what coverage do you provide?

Yes. Our warehouse is fully insured for general liability, inventory loss, and operational incidents. Clients can request a certificate of insurance (COI).

27) Do you fulfill vitamins, supplements, and nutraceutical products?

Yes, we specialize in fulfilling a wide range of health and beauty products including vitamins, supplements, powders, and nutraceuticals. Our facility can accommodate various packaging formats like bottles, pouches, blister packs, and more.

28) How do you handle lot tracking and expiration dates for supplements?

We offer lot-level inventory FIFO tracking and expiration date management. This is essential for supplement brands to stay compliant and manage recalls or batch-specific shipments when needed.

29) Can you fulfill cosmetic and skincare products?

Yes. We provide secure, climate-controlled warehousing for cosmetics and skincare items such as creams, serums, makeup, and personal care products. We also support kitting and custom packaging for beauty subscription boxes or influencer bundles.

30) How do you ensure the safety of fragile cosmetic packaging during fulfillment?

We use protective packaging and fulfillment protocols for fragile items like glass droppers, jars, and bottles. Our trained staff ensures minimal damage rates, even during high-volume shipping seasons.

31) Do you support fulfillment for subscription-based supplement services?

Yes, we fulfill recurring orders and subscriptions for vitamin and supplement brands as well as other products. Our systems can automatically sync with your e-commerce platform to handle monthly shipments, refills, and custom bundles.

32) Can you handle influencer kits or promotional bundles for beauty brands?

Absolutely. We offer custom kitting and assembly for influencer mailers, sample kits, and event-based product bundles. These can include variable packaging, inserts, and personalized notes.

33) What regulations apply when shipping supplements across the U.S.?

Shipping supplements in the U.S. may require compliance with FDA guidelines, accurate labeling, and, in some cases, restrictions based on state laws. We help brands navigate those requirements to ensure proper fulfillment and delivery.

34) Do you ship to Amazon or other 3PL hubs for supplement brands?

Yes, we can ship inventory to Amazon FBA, Walmart Fulfillment Services, or other 3PL hubs or big box distribution centers. We label and prepare products according to the platform\u2019s requirements, including FNSKU, lot, and expiration labeling for supplements.

35) What are kitting services in e-commerce fulfillment?

Kitting services involve assembling multiple individual items into a single packaged unit, often with branded packaging or inserts. This is commonly used for gift sets, subscription boxes, and promotional giveaways. Our Chicago fulfillment warehouse provides kitting for both retail-ready and DTC shipments.

36) How do kitting services differ from standard packaging?

While standard packaging is typically one or more item per shipment, kitting combines defined multiple SKUs into one unit. For example, we might combine a skincare cleanser, toner, and moisturizer into one custom box, optionally with instructions or promotional literature included.

37) Can I customize my kitting instructions?

Yes, our kitting services are fully customizable. You can specify exact item placement, box types, inserts, printed materials, or promotional extras. We follow detailed SOPs for each brand to ensure consistent, accurate assembly.

38) Do you offer kitting for vitamin and supplement brands?

Absolutely. We often kit daily supplement packs, sample bundles, and multi-product starter kits. This is especially popular with wellness and lifestyle brands running promotions or subscription services.

39) Can you assemble influencer kits or branded PR boxes?

Yes. We offer premium kitting services for influencer mailers, PR boxes, and event giveaways. These can include personalized notes, tissue wrapping, or other presentation elements to elevate the unboxing experience.

40) What types of products are best suited for kitting?

Almost anything so long as it\u2019s presented well and tells a story i.e. product samples, gift boxes, holiday bundles, or educational kits. We handle both fragile and non-fragile items and ensure secure, professional presentation.

41) Can your team apply barcode or SKU labels to kitted units?

Yes. Once a kit is assembled, we can apply a master SKU, barcode, or custom label to the outside of the package. This ensures your inventory, shipping, and sales platforms recognize it as one sellable unit. Long-Tail Q&A Topics: Shipping Costs, Carrier Rates & Last-Mile.

42) How do negotiated carrier rates help reduce e-commerce shipping costs?

As a fulfillment provider, we maintain pre-negotiated rates with major carriers like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. These rates are typically more competitive than what most e-commerce businesses could secure independently. We pass savings directly to our clients, helping them lower cost-per-order without sacrificing delivery speed.

43) What\u2019s the difference between SurePost, SmartPost, and standard ground shipping?

SurePost (UPS) and SmartPost (FedEx) are hybrid shipping services that hand off the final delivery to USPS. These services are often more cost-effective for residential and lightweight shipments. Our rate shopping software is used to help clients decide when to use hybrid last-mile delivery versus full carrier services based on speed, cost, and reliability.

44) How can fulfillment providers optimize shipping zones and transit times?

Our Chicago location gives us a central advantage, allowing 1\u20133 day delivery via ground shipping to most of the U.S. By combining this location with carrier rate shopping and zone-based strategies, we minimize shipping zones and reduce delivery time and cost.

45) Do you offer real-time shipping rate shopping?

Yes. Our system automatically compares real-time rates across USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL to select the most cost-effective service for each shipment, factoring in package weight, dimensions, and destination.

46) Can you support international shipping and customs documentation?

Yes. We offer international shipping through DHL, FedEx, and USPS International.

47) How do dimensional weight (DIM) charges affect shipping costs?

Dimensional weight pricing means that larger, lightweight packages may cost more to ship than expected. We help clients optimize packaging size and material to avoid unnecessary DIM charges, especially when shipping supplements or cosmetic kits. We also have negotiated DIM factors with the major carriers.

48) Do you offer flat-rate shipping options to simplify e-commerce fulfillment pricing?

We can build custom flat-rate shipping programs for brands that want to offer free shipping, fixed pricing, or subscription models. These are based on average carrier rates and order profiles, helping simplify both checkout and backend operations.