Choosing a Fulfillment Services Provider isn’t just a logistics decision—it’s a partnership that can directly influence your customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and bottom line. Before you sign anything, make sure you’re asking the right questions to protect your business and ensure a seamless relationship. Stick around, because knowing what to ask could save you from some seriously expensive surprises.
What Services Are Included and What Will Cost Extra?
Before locking into a contract, ask the Fulfillment Services Provider exactly what’s included in their base pricing. Some providers might offer warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping as part of the deal, while others charge separately for every touchpoint. At American Western Distribution, we believe transparency builds trust, so we outline all fees upfront to avoid unwelcome surprises later.
It’s not just about the cost—it’s about value. Clarifying what you’re getting ensures you can compare apples to apples. American Western Distribution always encourages new clients to review and question fee structures. Industry groups like the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals help define what services are typically expected from fulfillment providers.
Can You Handle My Inventory Needs Year-Round?
Scalability is critical, especially during peak seasons or when your business grows faster than expected. Ask your Fulfillment Services Provider how they manage inventory spikes and if they can accommodate changes in volume. At American Western Distribution, we scale with your business, ensuring your products are always stored, processed, and shipped efficiently.
It’s not just warehouse space that matters—it’s proactive planning and real-time inventory management. Our team helps you forecast and adjust as needed, so your fulfillment operations keep pace with your business goals. If your provider can’t keep up, neither can your customers.
How Do You Ensure Accurate and On-Time Shipments?
Order accuracy and delivery timelines are deal-breakers in ecommerce and wholesale fulfillment. Your Fulfillment Services Provider should have quality checks, automation, and fail-safes to catch issues before they hit your customer’s doorstep. American Western Distribution uses integrated systems and experienced staff to ensure precision with every shipment.
Ask for error rates, SLA commitments, and shipping options offered. We’re proud to say our fulfillment accuracy rates exceed industry averages, and our clients trust us to get it right every time. When your customer opens that package, it’s your brand on the line—don’t settle for anything less than reliable.
How Secure and Organized Is Your Facility?
The right Fulfillment Services Provider isn’t just about operations—it’s about physical security, inventory control, and compliance. Your products should be housed in a secure, well-maintained, and professionally managed environment. At American Western Distribution, our facility meets high standards for cleanliness, climate control, and 24/7 security systems.
We know your inventory is valuable, and we treat it that way. Whether you’re shipping electronics, apparel, or specialty goods, our facility safeguards your products from theft, damage, or disorganization. For logistics oversight and compliance guidelines, the U.S. Department of Transportation provides helpful reference.
How Do You Handle Returns and Customer Service?
Returns and exchanges are an unavoidable part of the fulfillment process, and how your Fulfillment Services Provider handles them can either preserve or damage your brand’s reputation. American Western Distribution provides streamlined return management services that help you minimize delays and maximize customer satisfaction.
Ask about return timelines, inspection procedures, and customer communication policies. We help you close the loop with professionalism, accuracy, and speed. A reliable returns process isn’t an afterthought—it’s a critical component of modern fulfillment.
Will You Help Me Choose the Right Warehousing Provider for My Business Needs?
One of the biggest advantages of partnering with a Fulfillment Services Provider is their expertise in warehouse strategy. At American Western Distribution, we help you choose the right warehousing provider setup based on your product type, order frequency, and regional needs. That includes optimizing for shipping costs, storage efficiency, and fulfillment speed.
You’re not just renting space—you’re investing in an extension of your brand. Our team provides tailored solutions so your fulfillment strategy supports your business model, not just boxes on a shelf. If a provider doesn’t guide you through warehousing options, they’re not invested in your success.
Choosing the right Fulfillment Services Provider can make or break your operational success. At American Western Distribution, we’re not just here to answer your questions—we’re here to ask the right ones too. If you’ve got more questions or want to dive deeper into how we can help, contact American Western Distribution today.
