List the work that creates the price.
Receiving, storage, pick and pack, packaging materials, shipping services, returns, special handling, and technology requirements all contribute to the operating model.
Fulfillment pricing
Compare the work behind each proposal.
A useful proposal states what is included, which assumptions shape the price and who owns each responsibility.
Fulfillment proposalBased on your operation
Receiving
Storage
Pick and pack
Packaging
Shipping
Assumptions
Cost factors
Start with the operation, then price it.
not only the headline number.
Receiving, storage, order mix, packaging, shipping, returns, integrations and peaks all change the work involved.
Inside a fulfillment quote
Compare the activities behind the total.
A responsible quote explains the assumptions behind each part of the service, so you can budget and compare providers on the same basis.
| Activity | Typical cost drivers | Information to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving | Inbound frequency, pallets or cartons, SKU count, checking and labeling needs. | How stock arrives, how often it arrives, and what validation is required. |
| Storage | Product dimensions, quantity, turnover, special conditions, and seasonal stock. | Average and peak inventory by product or storage unit. |
| Pick and pack | Items per order, bundles, inserts, packaging, fragile handling, and quality checks. | Representative order mix and packing instructions. |
| Shipping | Destination, size, weight, service level, carrier, pickup point, and cash-on-delivery. | Parcel profile, destination mix, and delivery promise. |
| Returns and exceptions | Return volume, inspection depth, restocking rules, customer contact, and manual decisions. | Return policy, common exception types, and expected outcome for each condition. |
| Technology and support | Store connection, custom rules, data exchange, reporting, and support model. | Systems in use and the information each one must send or receive. |
Plan for inbound stock and storage.
Inbound deliveries need checking, recording, and putting into a usable stock position. Storage reflects the space and handling your inventory needs while it waits for an order.
Price the order profile you actually have.
Picking complexity, items per order, bundles, inserts, packaging choices, and special handling affect the work required to prepare a correct shipment.
Show carrier charges separately.
Destination, parcel size, weight, service level, carrier, and delivery method shape shipping cost. A useful conversation separates delivery charges from warehouse work.
Account for returns and peak periods.
Returns, launches, promotions, and seasonal spikes change the amount and type of work. A good model explains what happens when orders rise or returned parcels arrive.
Compare providers on the same scope.
Shipendo starts with products, order profile, packaging, delivery methods, returns rules, and growth plans, then explains the activities and assumptions behind the model.
Practical checklist
How to make proposals comparable
Ask each provider what is included, what varies and what happens when the order profile changes.
Separate warehouse activities from carrier charges and packaging materials.
Confirm minimums, one-off setup work, special handling, and peak assumptions.
Use the same product, order, destination, and return data for every proposal.
Review the operational service and exception ownership, not only the lowest unit rate.
Compare the total operation
A cheap line item may leave costly work with your team.
A low parcel or pick-and-pack rate does not reduce total cost if your employees still correct stock, investigate failed orders, chase carriers and resolve every return. Compare the work included, not only the visible rate.
A useful proposal makes these areas explicit.
- Receiving and inbound checks
- Storage method and billing unit
- Pick and pack rules
- Packaging and inserts
- Shipping and carrier charges
- Returns and condition handling
- Integration and setup work
- Routine exception handling
- Support and reporting scope
- Minimums, peaks and one-off charges
COST + CAPACITY
What belongs in a 3PL quote?
How is fulfillment pricing calculated?
The price reflects receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, returns, systems, product size, order complexity, volume and service rules.
Are shipping fees included in the quote?
That depends on the proposal. A clear quote should show carrier charges separately from warehouse and fulfillment work.
What information do you need for a quote?
Useful inputs include monthly orders, SKU count, product dimensions, items per order, inbound frequency, packaging, destinations, return rate and expected peaks.
Why does Shipendo not publish one flat rate?
Different products and order profiles require different work. A useful price reflects receiving, storage, items per order, packing, delivery, returns, integrations and the service rules your customers expect.
How should I compare two 3PL proposals?
Use the same operating data, separate carrier charges from warehouse work, check minimums and special fees, and compare how each provider handles visibility, peaks, returns and exceptions.
Ready to hand over daily fulfillment?
Show us how your operation works.
Tell us what you sell, how orders move today and where the work gets stuck. We will review the information and contact you within one business day.