Contract Packaging Experts Share When Outsourcing Fulfilment Makes Sense

A recent study estimates that in 2025, 73% of small businesses outsource their fulfilment operations to stay competitive. This shift is essential for growth-minded companies who want to focus on what they do best whilst leaving logistics to the experts.

Understanding Your Fulfilment Options

The rise of third-party fulfilment centres has created new opportunities for businesses of all sizes. These facilities handle storage, packing, and shipping, which helps companies scale without becoming shipping and fulfilment experts.

• When DIY Makes Sense: If you're shipping fewer than 20 orders per week, have simple products that don't require special handling, and want to maintain direct control over every customer interaction, handling fulfilment in-house might still work.
• When to Consider Outsourcing: When you start shipping more than you have time for, need specialised packaging, are overwhelmed by seasonal peaks, or want to expand internationally, professional fulfilment services often deliver better results at lower total costs.

The key factors to evaluate include volume thresholds, product complexity, seasonal fluctuations, and growth ambitions. It can be hard to estimate but, in short, if shipping is a hassle, then it’s time to let a contract packaging service help.

Current Trends Shaping Fulfilment

Three major trends are reshaping how small businesses approach logistics:

1.     AI-driven optimisation is making fulfilment smarter and more efficient. Modern facilities use algorithms to optimise picking routes, predict inventory needs, and reduce shipping costs through intelligent carrier selection.

2.     Eco-friendly practices are becoming standard rather than optional. Consumers increasingly expect sustainable packaging, carbon-neutral shipping options, and waste reduction throughout the supply chain.

3.     Micro-fulfilment hubs are bringing warehouses closer to customers, reducing delivery times and shipping costs whilst supporting the growing demand for next-day delivery.

These developments mean that working with a professional fulfilment partner often gives small businesses access to technologies and capabilities that would be impossible to develop in-house.

Avoiding Common Fulfilment Mistakes

Many businesses make costly errors when evaluating fulfilment options:

• Underestimating hidden costs is perhaps the biggest mistake. Beyond obvious fees, consider setup costs, integration expenses, minimum order requirements, and charges for returns processing. Look for providers who offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
• Ignoring scalability is another common oversight. That cheap fulfilment service might work for 100 orders per month, but can it handle 1,000? What about seasonal spikes or international expansion?
• Focusing only on price rather than value can be shortsighted. The cheapest option might not offer the quality control, customer service, or flexibility your brand needs to maintain its reputation.
• Overlooking integration requirements can create operational headaches. Ensure your chosen provider can integrate smoothly with your ecommerce platform, inventory management system, and customer service tools.

Finding the Right Fulfilment Partner

Look for providers that understand your specific industry and customer expectations. A company specialising in subscription boxes will have different capabilities than one focused on industrial parts or luxury goods.

Transparency should be a priority. Your ideal partner provides real-time inventory tracking, clear reporting, and responsive customer service. They should also offer flexible solutions that adapt to your changing needs rather than forcing you into rigid packages.

Companies like Copper Beech Trading exemplify this approach by offering transparent pricing with no hidden fees whilst providing specialised services for subscription boxes, gift packaging, and artisan products. Their organic certification and sustainable packaging options also reflect current market demands for environmentally responsible practices.

Location matters for shipping costs and delivery times. UK-based businesses often benefit from domestic fulfilment providers who understand local postal services and can offer competitive rates for both domestic and international shipping.

Making Your Decision

Start by honestly assessing your current fulfilment costs, including your time, storage expenses, packaging materials, and shipping rates. Factor in the opportunity cost of time spent on logistics rather than growing your business.

Most professional fulfilment providers offer consultations to help you understand whether outsourcing makes sense for your specific situation. Even if you're not ready to make the switch immediately, understanding your options helps you plan for growth and avoid the bottlenecks that constrain many expanding businesses.