The cost of 3PL services depends on what your business needs, how many orders you ship, and what kind of products you sell, so prices can vary a lot from one company to another.
Most 3PL companies charge a setup fee which can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on how complex your setup is, and this fee covers getting your account ready, connecting your store, and training you on how the system works.
You’ll also pay for storage each month, and this usually costs between $5 to $15 per pallet, although some companies may charge based on the number of bins or shelves you use instead.
When it comes to picking, packing, and shipping your orders, you’ll be charged a fulfillment fee which can range from $2 to $5 per order, but this depends on the size and weight of your products and whether your orders include multiple items.
Shipping costs are usually separate, and they depend on the carrier, delivery speed, package size, and where the customer is located, but 3PL companies often get discounted rates from shipping carriers which can help you save money.
You might also see extra charges for things like return processing, kitting, labeling, or handling special items, so it’s important to check the full pricing list before choosing a 3PL provider.
Overall, small businesses might spend a few hundred dollars per month while bigger ecommerce stores can spend several thousand, but many businesses find it’s worth the cost because they save time, ship faster, and grow more easily with expert help.
