Guide to Order Fulfillment

Discover what to look for in a fulfillment service

Different businesses have vastly different fulfillment needs, and service choices also vary tremendously. Choose a service that handles volume similar to yours, has good support and is Web-savvy.

I recommend: Check this list of What to Look for in a Mailing or Fulfillment Service Company.

Find a fulfillment service to fit your precise criteria

The Mailing and Fulfillment Service Association, a professional organization for mailing and fulfillment companies, offers a search feature on its Web site that can help you locate a fulfillment house that's right for you.

I recommend: Select your criteria and search the online directory of fulfillment services.

Get help designing your own fulfillment documents

To handle fulfillment properly, you'll want to integrate it with email notices, invoicing and reports that keep you informed on what's happening.

I recommend: ShipWorks includes a number of royalty-free invoice, email, and report templates that you can customize to fit your specific needs. Editing templates is simple using the built in editor included with ShipWorks.

See what 'Brown' and its affiliates can offer

For many small businesses, fulfillment services available through UPS or its affiliates may be the smart and convenient choice – especially if you already use this carrier.

I recommend: Discover the full range of UPS fulfillment solutions.

Integrated fulfillment solutions for eBay sellers, Miva merchants and others

Specialized fulfillment solutions are available for eBay businesses and other Web merchants.

I recommend: ShipWorks, from Interapptive, provides eBay sellers and Miva Merchant users with a complete software solution for managing checkout and shipping. CoLinear Systems has integrated UPS OnLine Tools into its Response for Windows customer/order management software. Infotech Systems, Inc. developed Order Manager as a complete order fulfillment system. It provides complete order tracking from inception to completion. Stone Edge, Order Manager can help you create and manage a small-to-medium e-commerce business.

Fulfillment that's fast, easy and guaranteed

While there are hundreds of shipping and fulfillment services nationwide, these have offerings that set them apart.

I recommend: iFulfill warehouses, packages and ships your inventory and offers a full guarantee. InterShipper offers exceptionally fast Web-based service and can help reduce shopping cart abandonment rates. Turnaround prides itself on high-speed turnaround (hence the name).