UK 3PL Fulfilment: 20 Questions Every Shopify Merchant Asks
Scaling a Shopify store in 2025 often comes down to one decision: in-house packing vs. outsourcing to a UK-based third-party logistics provider (3PL). The right partner slashes pick-pack time, unlocks Prime-speed delivery and frees you to launch new products. But first come the questions—lots of them. Below are the 20 most common queries British Shopify merchants ask (and the straight answers you need). Bookmark, share with your ops team, and save yourself a week of back-and-forth emails.
1. Pricing & Contracts
Q1. How much does a UK 3PL charge per order?
Most providers quote £1.00–£1.40 for the first pick and £0.20–£0.30 for each additional pick, plus packaging and carrier fees. Volume tiers (2 500 / 5 000+ orders-per-month) can drop rates 15 %.
Q2. Are there setup fees?
Typical onboarding runs £250–£750 to map SKUs, integrate APIs and run test orders. Some 3PLs waive the fee for 12-month contracts.
Q3. Do I need a long-term agreement?
Many UK 3PLs offer rolling 30-day contracts, but you secure better pricing with a 6–12-month commitment.
Q4. What hidden costs should I watch for?
Look for peak-season surcharges, long-term storage, returns handling, energy fees and custom packing material mark-ups.
2. Integrations & Automation
Q5. How does the Shopify integration work?
Most 3PLs provide a public Shopify App: 1-click OAuth, real-time order push, inventory sync and tracking updates back to Shopify.
Q6. Can I keep FBA stock in the same warehouse?
Yes—choose a 3PL with Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP) or Amazon MCF compatibility so one inventory pool serves both Shopify and Amazon channels.
Q7. How fast is inventory sync?
Modern connectors poll every 5 minutes or use webhooks for instant updates—crucial during flash sales.
3. Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)
Q8. What’s a realistic despatch time?
Industry standard is same-day despatch for orders received by 2 p.m. (cut-off can be later near parcel hubs).
Q9. How is on-time performance measured?
Ask for monthly KPI reports showing % orders despatched on time, tracking first scan time and carrier delivery performance.
Q10. What happens if the 3PL misses an SLA?
Many contracts stipulate fee credits (e.g., £0.20 per late order) once performance drops below 98 %.
4. Brexit & EU Shipping
Q11. Will the 3PL file ICS2 Entry Summary data?
Reputable providers submit ENS data automatically through carrier portals; confirm they capture HS6 codes and IOSS IDs at order import.
Q12. Can they ship DDP to EU customers?
Yes—select a 3PL offering IOSS for ≤ €150 orders and fiscal-rep DDP services for higher values to avoid customer duty surprises.
Q13. Do I still need my own EU EORI?
Only if you remain importer of record. Otherwise, the 3PL or courier’s IOR can be used under DDP.
5. Returns & Reverse Logistics
Q14. How quickly are returns processed?
Look for a 48-hour inspection and stock-update SLA. Photo evidence and reason codes should sync back to Shopify.
Q15. Who pays return postage?
You choose: prepaid label inside the parcel, customer-paid, or “printer-less” QR code via Royal Mail / Evri.
Q16. Can returned items be relabelled for Amazon FBA?
Yes—advanced 3PLs offer reprep: inspect, poly-bag, FNSKU label and forward to Amazon FCs.
6. Packaging & Damage Control
Q17. Will they use eco-friendly materials?
Many warehouses now stock FSC-certified cartons, paper void fill and compostable mailers; request a packaging menu.
Q18. How is fragile inventory protected?
Ask for ISTA 3A-tested double-wall cartons, air-cell sleeves and “photo QC” at packing for high-value glass or electronics.
7. Growth & Scalability
Q19. Can the 3PL handle 10× order spikes?
Check peak-season case studies; look for automation (box erectors, put-wall sorters) and temporary labour pools.
Q20. Is multi-warehouse routing available?
Larger 3PLs offer North vs. Midlands vs. London hubs and auto-route orders to the closest facility, cutting last-mile cost and delivery time.
Download: Quick-Reference PDF
Grab the 20-Question 3PL Checklist (PDF)—perfect for internal planning and vendor vetting.
Conclusion & CTA
A transparent UK 3PL should answer these 20 questions without hesitation. When cost clarity meets bullet-proof SLAs, you gain the freedom to focus on marketing, not mailing labels.
Ready to quiz a provider? Book a 15-minute discovery call with UK Pre Fulfilment—get line-item pricing, live Shopify demo and a peak-season capacity plan in under 24 hours.
