How we work · Step 3 of 3

From contract to first shipment.

You have chosen your partner, and their onboarding team takes it from here. 3PLhelp does not walk away. We stay available to answer questions and help keep the implementation on track toward the goals you set.

4 minute readBy Eric Maxfield, Founder ← Back to 3PLhelp.com

The decision is made. The work starts now.

Choosing a 3PL is the start, not the finish. The weeks between signing and the first clean shipment are where a new fulfillment relationship takes shape: inventory arrives, integrations go live, the first orders ship. The provider's onboarding team runs that process, and a good one runs it well. But you are learning their language as you go.

3PLhelp does not walk away. Throughout implementation we are a resource you can call: to answer a question, to tell you what is normal and what is worth raising, and to help you keep things pointed at the goals you set.

Where we help along the way

  1. SetupIntegrations, SKU setup, packaging specs and shipping rules. If a question comes up that the onboarding team cannot answer in your terms, we can.
  2. First shipmentsOrders start flowing. We are a sounding board on cutoffs, accuracy and anything that looks off in the first days.
  3. Steady stateOrders are moving. If anything is still unresolved from go-live, a lingering integration issue, a surcharge that keeps appearing, we help you get it closed out.

And after go-live

We remain a resource once orders are moving cleanly. When volume grows, when you add a channel or a second warehouse, when a contract comes up for renewal, or when something simply is not working, you have someone to call who knows how 3PLs work and can help you think it through.

Free 20-minute consultation

Ready to find your 3PL?

Tell us what you sell and where you want to be. We'll come back with a short list of fulfillment partners that fit your products, and we'll be on the line when you meet them.

Schedule a call