PRACTICAL GUIDES · 3PLWOW
Goods-In Delivery Checklist for Fulfilment Warehouses
The first stock delivery is easier to receive when the booking, labels and expected inventory agree. Preparing those details also helps a brand spot supplier discrepancies before live orders depend on the stock. Use this checklist when planning an inbound delivery to 3PLWOW or another fulfilment partner.
Before dispatch from the supplier
Confirm the warehouse address, contact, delivery arrangements and any booking reference. Share the expected SKUs, quantities, carton or pallet count and arrival window. Explain mixed cartons, batch/date information and unusual handling requirements. A delivery forecast should be updated if the supplier changes the quantities or sends stock in separate consignments.
Prepare labels and product data together
The receiving team needs to connect the goods to your catalogue. Make sure SKUs, pack counts and labels match the agreed stock file. A supplier carton and a customer retail unit are not interchangeable quantities. Include an itemised packing list and identify damaged, sample or non-saleable stock separately rather than allowing it to blend into ordinary inventory.
Agree what happens after arrival
Define how discrepancies, damage and missing information are reported. Clarify when stock is considered available for orders and who decides what happens to an exception. Physical arrival does not automatically mean the inventory has completed the receiving process. Keep the supplier’s dispatch record so your team can compare expected and received quantities if a difference is found.
A WORKED EXAMPLE
Make the brief practical
Example plan: the supplier sends eight cartons under one inbound reference, but two cartons will arrive a day later. Telling the warehouse in advance prevents the first six cartons being mistaken for a complete delivery and gives your team a clear reconciliation trail.
What to prepare
- Delivery booking and receiving contact
- SKU-level expected quantities and pack counts
- Carton/pallet labels and packing list
- Discrepancy process and stock-availability agreement
A starting template for your team
Copy these fields into your working brief and use the checklist above to add the details for this task. Agree any required file format with your fulfilment contact before sending the final version.
Brief / delivery / review name: Brand and contact: Relevant SKUs / order profiles: Quantities and units: Required date / invoice period: Instructions and exceptions: Approver and version:
Questions to settle before go-live
Can I start selling as soon as stock is delivered?
Agree when received stock becomes available for fulfilment. Arrival, counting, checking and system availability are separate steps and should be planned before a launch.
What if the supplier changes the shipment?
Update the receiving contact and the expected contents promptly. Keep the delivery reference consistent or explain clearly how replacement paperwork relates to the original booking.
Bring your order profile to 3PLWOW
Our team in Blyth, Northumberland can discuss the products, stock, order volumes and packing work involved. Send examples of your typical orders, delivery destinations and any special requirements so the service and pricing can be agreed around your business.
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