How to Request a Quote for 3PL, Pick and Pack Services
Outsourcing logistics functions can completely transform the way your business operates, particularly if your growth means manual fulfilment has become unwieldy, error-prone, or simply unviable. Many brands—whether e-commerce start-ups or established manufacturers—reach a point where warehousing, picking, packing, and dispatching every order in-house is no longer practical. That’s when third-party logistics (3PL) providers, especially those offering dedicated pick and pack services, make all the difference.
However, getting the right fulfillment partner on board doesn’t happen by chance, starting with the need to request a quote for 3pl, pick and pack services. It starts with requesting an accurate, tailored quote—one that isn’t just a rough estimate, but a considered proposal that recognises your business’s unique needs. The way you approach this initial step will determine the clarity, transparency, and fairness of the pricing you receive, plus the suitability of the partnership that follows.
This guide breaks down how to collect the information needed, how to communicate it, and what to watch for during the quoting process.
Why 3PL Pick and Pack Makes Business Sense
Order fulfilment is much more than shoving products into boxes. Inventory management, warehousing, quality control, timely packing, and last-mile delivery all add layers of complexity. The pick and pack process itself demands accuracy, speed, and adaptability, especially as customer expectations soar.
By partnering with a skilled 3PL provider, retailers and brands unlock:
- Scalable storage capacity, without long-term property commitments
- Access to specialist picking, packing, and shipping technology
- Reduced need for internal staff recruitment and management
- More time to invest in customer experience and growth strategy
Carefully planned outsourcing allows businesses to respond flexibly to seasonal shifts, new product launches, and international demand. It also helps adapt to fluctuating order volumes and rapid retail cycles.
Preparing for a Thorough Quote Request
To achieve a meaningful comparison between 3PL partners, it pays to provide detailed, clear information. Vague enquiries tend to return generic pricing; specifics invite providers to price not just for your present needs, but for your long-term potential.
Here are the core areas to gather before contacting providers:
1. Order Volume and Seasonality
The quantity and fluctuation of your orders drive almost every cost calculation in pick and pack. Be as precise as possible.
- Historical average orders per month
- Seasonal peaks (e.g. Christmas, Black Friday, product launches)
- Expected growth rate for the next 12–24 months
2. Product and Inventory Details
The type, variety, and number of products will guide a 3PL’s storage, picking, and packing strategies.
- SKU count (Stock Keeping Units)
- Product dimensions and weights
- Storage requirements (e.g. refrigeration, hazardous materials)
- Inventory turnover rate
3. Packing Preferences and Materials
Not every business is satisfied with a brown box. Distribution, branding, sustainability, and presentation can matter just as much.
- Custom packaging or branded inserts
- Gift wrapping or value-added services
- Fragility or special handling instructions
4. Delivery Destinations and Methods
Where orders are going—and how urgently—shapes shipping arrangements and costs.
- Typical delivery destinations (domestic, EU, international)
- Preferred couriers (if any)
- Standard vs express delivery breakdown
5. Integration and Technology Needs
Efficient order management and processing hinges on warehousing solutions, technology compatibility, and automation.
- E-commerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.)
- Marketplace connections (Amazon, eBay)
- Desired integrations (inventory management, CRM, reporting dashboards)
6. Return Management
Processing returns smoothly, with an effective team in place, can be as important as rapid fulfilment.
- Typical return rates
- Complexity of return checking and restocking
- Repackaging or refurbishment needs
Summary Table: Pre-Quote Essentials
| Area | What to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Order Volume | Monthly total, peaks, projected growth |
| Product Details | SKUs, size, weight, special storage requirements |
| Packing | Branding, materials, special handling |
| Delivery | Locations, preferred courier, delivery types |
| Technology | Platforms used, necessary integrations |
| Returns | Return rates, restocking process, any special needs |
Crafting a Request That Gets Results
So, you’re ready with your data. How do you make your quote request stand out—and prompt the provider to treat your enquiry with priority?
Here’s a template for the kind of information to include:
- Brief Business Overview: Introduce your products, markets, and brand values. A sentence or two is enough.
- Order Details: Share your order volume, seasonality, and growth projections.
- Product Profile: Outline SKUs, typical weights, and any unique handling requirements.
- Packing and Presentation: Specify if you need branded materials or niche packing approaches.
- Delivery Scope: Indicate UK only, European, or global shipping.
- Return Processing Needs: Detail any expectations on managing returns.
- Current Set-Up: Mention if you’re currently using another 3PL or self-fulfilling.
- Integration Challenges: Briefly highlight any must-have platform or integration features.
- Questions: List two or three key things you want clarified.
Making your requirements easy to digest not only helps providers price more accurately, but also signals your professionalism and intent to partner, not simply bargain-hunt.
Understanding the Variables Affecting Pricing
Not all pick and pack providers price their services in the same way. Some may offer a simple per-order fee, others may break costs down across warehousing, picking, packing, consumables, and dispatch.
Common pricing variables include:
- Receiving and put-away charges (when new stock arrives)
- Storage fees (based on volume or pallet space)
- Pick & pack fees (per item, per order, or tiers based on volume)
- Packing materials (standard or premium)
- Freight and postage/shipping (plus carrier surcharges or fuel levies)
- Returns processing (flat or variable)
- Account management or integration setup fees
Comparison is easier with a breakdown, so ask each partner to quote per element—or even provide a sample invoice based on your real business metrics.
Comparing Quotes: Beyond the Headline Price
Cost matters, but it’s rarely the only criteria. Relationship, reliability, and scalability all have serious financial consequences if underestimated.
As you review proposals, look for:
- Transparency: Are all costs itemised and explained?
- Flexibility: Can you update service levels as your business grows?
- Input handling: How robust is their stock-checking and put-away process?
- Cut-off times: How late can orders be processed for same-day dispatch?
- Returns support: What effort is made to reintegrate clean stock and credit customers promptly?
- Reporting: Is real-time tracking or inventory visibility offered?
A cheap price can lose its appeal if it patches over delays, poor communication, or heavy surcharges down the line.
Questions to Ask 3PL Providers
Sometimes the devil is in the details. Before committing, clarify the following:
- How are missed orders, delays, or errors rectified?
- What’s your SLA (Service Level Agreement) for dispatch times and order accuracy?
- Can we audit or visit your warehouse?
- Do you offer scalability for sudden growth or promotions?
- What support is available out-of-hours or during peak trading?
- How are tech updates or integration issues handled?
This ensures peace of mind and minimises unexpected problems once operations start.
The Benefits of Transparency for Both Sides
Laying out expectations and challenges plainly gives providers every chance to accurately reflect your costs and risks—nobody likes surprises post-signature. Open dialogue also helps identify hidden advantages, such as value-added tech, access to specialist packaging, or discounted courier rates at higher volumes.
Likewise, an engaged provider who asks clarifying questions demonstrates attentiveness, not unnecessary fuss. Look for a conversation, not a template reply.
Ready to Request a 3PL Pick and Pack Quote?
Preparation is the single strongest influence on the accuracy and suitability of your quote. Gather your stats, craft a concise summary, and reach out with a well-structured request. Potential partners will view your business as a valued opportunity, not just a sales target.
An informed approach sets you on track for a solution that doesn’t just fit your budget, but actively supports your wider ambitions. Responsive, tailored logistics can free up cashflow, delight customers, and ensure you spend less time firefighting—and more time building something remarkable.
Every significant partnership begins with the right conversation. With a little groundwork, you’ll get far more than a price—you’ll find the care and expertise your brand deserves.