Your 3PL RFP Playbook: What to Do & When

February 5, 2025
Here's a helpful timeline/guide that is applicable for clients with a "classical" peak season in Q4:


🎯 Use Q1 to add 3PLs to your RFP discovery list/search. This master list should not be more than 7-10 providers.


🎯 You should have your preferred 3PL partner list dwindled down to three no later than end of Q1.


🎯 Use the beginning of Q2 for site visits (3 max)—engage with operations and folks on the floor. At this stage, "pricing gaps" should be somewhat narrow between 2-3 companies. Focus on who will "get the job done" and who you envision your company working with for the next 2-3+ years! This is super important.


🎯 Aim to award a verbal "yes" halfway through Q2, no later than end of May. You'll want to allow another 30-45 days to work through legal discussions.


🎯 Ideally, you should sign an MSA with your chosen 3PL no later than the end of June. This allows inventory transfers over the summer and ensures the new operation has ample "time" to touch the product, test systems, etc.


🎯 Go-Live by Oct 1—You really don't want to "go live" in November, two weeks before the major holidays/peak, etc. Launching by Oct 1 allows for at least a 30-day period before the ultra-craziness begins!


The Right 3PL Can Make All the Difference—Let’s Chat


If you're just about to start your RFP or need help with any of the above, contact us - 51ÊÓÆµ would love to be your next 3PL partner to run your supply chain!

Recent Blog Posts

By Bryan Corbett May 29, 2025
Surfin’ in the USA: Kulani Kinis Rides the Wave with 51ÊÓÆµ 51ÊÓÆµCenters to Anchor USA Fulfillment
By Katherine Wroth May 15, 2025
Let’s be honest—most 3PLs aren’t built for high-touch brands. With premium price tags come premium expectations, and fulfillment is no exception. Whether it’s monogrammed leather goods or curated skincare kits, today’s high-touch brands can’t afford to treat logistics like a commodity. At 51ÊÓÆµ, we work with boutique luxury and personalized brands every day. One thing is clear: fulfillment is more than getting a product from Point A to Point B. It’s the final critical touchpoint in the customer experience and needs to feel as premium as the product itself. The Fulfillment Factor Behind High-Touch Brand Loyalty 71% of consumers expect personalization and 76% get frustrated when they don’t get it (Source: McKinsey & Company, 2021) You’ve done the hard work. Your product is beautiful, your website is curated and your brand story is compelling. But if the unboxing experience feels generic or careless, it can cheapen everything. In the luxury space, fulfillment is brand extension. That’s where we come in. What High-Touch Brands Need from a 3PL Here’s what we’ve learned working with some of the fastest-growing personalized and luxury DTC brands: 1. Inventory Accuracy That Doesn’t Miss When you offer custom options like embroidery, personalization, or mix-and-match bundles, flawless inventory control is essential. The entire order will be delayed or incorrect if one SKU is missing. At 51ÊÓÆµ, we achieve 99.9% inventory accuracy through advanced warehouse management systems and real-time visibility that integrates directly with platforms like Shopify and Amazon. 2. Kitting + Personalization Whether it’s applying branded tissue paper, adding thank-you notes, or assembling kits with care, we support: Custom kitting and assembly Packaging inserts SKU-level quality control Custom labeling and wrapping We’ve helped brands build everything from personalized PR kits to retail-ready gift boxes that align and enhance branding. 3. Speed Without Sacrificing Experience Yes, customers want fast shipping. But luxury shoppers expect care. That’s why we help brands strike the right balance by delivering quickly without cutting corners. With 24+ fulfillment centers across the U.S. , we enable 1 to 2-day ground shipping to 95% of the country while maintaining consistent handling processes that protect quality. 4. A Warehouse That Reflects Your Brand You’ve built a brand that stands out. Your 3PL should reflect that. At 51ÊÓÆµ, we offer: In-warehouse banners to spotlight your brand Co-branded unboxing content and marketing support A dedicated support team that understands your business and cares about the details Your brand isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the daily operation. The Results: Better Reviews, Fewer Returns and Higher LTV According to Deloitte, brands that deliver a consistent customer experience across all touchpoints enjoy 2.4x higher customer loyalty. When fulfillment meets expectations, it drives repeat purchases, positive word-of-mouth and long-term growth. Ready for Your Forever 3PL? If you’re a high-touch, high-growth eCommerce brand, it’s time for a fulfillment partner that gets it. Contact us for a complimentary supply chain consultation and see what your brand can do with the right 3PL.
By Harrison Smith May 14, 2025
Tired of Being Too Small for Big 3PLs? We Built This Just for You!
More Posts