Blog
Warehousing

Outsourcing TikTok Fulfillment to 3PLs: Why It’s Better Than FBT

Steve Schlecht
Written by
Steve Schlecht
Published on
December 5, 2024
Table of Contents

Struggling to manage logistics for your viral TikTok Shop products? Here’s why outsourcing fulfillment for TikTok to a 3PL like Buske Logistics can transform your fulfillment operations and help you scale seamlessly. While Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) offers convenience, it may not provide the flexibility and scalability a seller needs to thrive. Let’s explore why 3PLs are the smarter choice for sellers looking to dominate TikTok e-commerce.

3PL vs Fulfilled by TikTok: How Do They Compare?

Here’s how outsourcing fulfillment for TikTok compares to sticking with FBT:

Feature 3PL Services Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)
Cost Pay-as-you-go, more cost-efficient Fixed fees, less flexibility
Flexibility Custom packaging, branding, and more Limited to TikTok’s processes, standard packaging
Scalability Easily handles fluctuations and growth Potential challenges with sudden demand spikes
Support Dedicated, personalized service Generic customer support
Multi-Channel Supports seamless integration on multiple e-commerce platforms Exclusive to TikTok
Value-Added Services Includes services like kitting, bundling, and returns management tailored to every shop’s specific requirements Basic fulfillment only

So, is 3PL better than Fulfilled by TikTok? While both options aim to simplify the fulfillment process, their approaches and benefits vary significantly.

What is 3PL Fulfillment for TikTok?

  • Key Strengths of 3PL:some text
    • Flexible and scalable services
    • Custom packaging and branding options
    • Multi-channel integration for sellers on TikTok and beyond
    • Dedicated support for real-time problem-solving

Outsourcing TikTok order fulfillment to 3PL companies means the logistics provider will handle every step involved, from receiving orders to shipping them to customers. These processes include order management, storage, packing, delivery, and returns management.

A 3PL company like Buske Logistics can efficiently scale its services and offer customizable solutions to fit the specific needs of businesses of all sizes.

What is Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)?

FBT is TikTok’s in-house fulfillment solution. It functions similarly to 3PL fulfillment. Sellers send their inventory to a designated FBT warehouse, where their products are stored, packed, and shipped to buyers.

It’s designed for sellers who want an all-in-one solution to streamline their TikTok-based sales. While FBT can be a good option for sellers on the platform, it comes with some limitations, including:

  • Limited flexibility in branding and packaging
  • Fixed costs that may not suit smaller or fluctuating businesses
  • Exclusive focus on TikTok, with no multi-channel support

Why 3PLs are Better Than Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)

Choosing 3PL TikTok shop fulfillment isn’t just a logistical decision—it’s a growth strategy. While FBT is designed to streamline order processing, it has significant limitations.

On the other hand, 3PL outsourced TikTok order fulfillment can significantly impact a shop or brand’s reputation and success. Here’s why partnering with a 3PL like Buske can be more beneficial for sellers:

1. Cost Efficiency

In general, partnering with a 3PL is known to lead to savings. NTT Data’s 2022 3PL Study revealed that 64% of companies using 3PL services reported reduced logistics costs. TikTok sellers can enjoy the same outcome.

FBT charges fixed fees for storage, handling, and shipping, which may not be cost-effective for small businesses or those with fluctuating sales. A 3PL allows its clients to pay for only what they use, allowing them to save money during slower months.

2. Scalability

With social media's constant rise, many instances have shown that viral posts can impact sales. When this happens, sellers need a 3PL partner that can scale its fulfillment operations to meet fluctuating demands—this is where Buske shines.

Buske’s services are built to scale with businesses of all sizes, offering extra storage and staff when needed.

For example, a new TikTok shop would likely need storage and fulfillment services on a smaller scale. However, their logistical requirements could grow quickly, especially when a product goes viral on TikTok.

With Buske’s flexible warehousing solutions, we can quickly scale our storage and fulfillment operations to accommodate a surge in orders. This could mean providing additional warehouse space, expedited shipping services, and even extra staff to manage the influx of orders. 

Once the demand stabilizes, Buske can adjust back to the business’s regular needs. This means sellers won’t overpay during slower periods. This seamless scaling will allow TikTok sellers to focus on marketing and maintaining customer relationships.

3. Maintain Control of Inventory

Partnering with a 3PL doesn’t mean giving up control—quite the opposite. TikTok sellers retain complete visibility and oversight of their inventory with the help of advanced tools provided by 3PLs. 

For instance, Buske Logistics uses cutting-edge Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to offer real-time tracking and detailed inventory reporting. This helps TikTok sellers avoid overselling or running out of stock, which is essential for shops experiencing viral sales spikes.

4. Value-Added Services: Beyond Basic Fulfillment

One of the biggest advantages of working with a 3PL over FBT is access to value-added services beyond simply storing, packing, and shipping products. These services can help a brand or store stand out on TikTok Shop and create a memorable customer experience.

Here’s what value-added services look like with Buske Logistics:

  • Custom Packaging and Kitting: A 3PL can assemble unique product bundles or create custom packaging that reflects a brand’s identity. This is especially useful for TikTok sellers who want to impress their customers with a premium unboxing experience.
  • Personalized Customer Experience: Buske can help sellers add a personal touch to each order, from branded inserts to personalized thank-you notes.
  • Quality Control: A 3PL can inspect products for quality before shipping, ensuring customers receive items in perfect condition.
  • Returns Management: Partnering with a 3PL company means having a streamlined returns process. Buske offers top-notch quality inspection services, ensuring products are inspected, restocked, or disposed of efficiently.

5. Personalized Support

With Buske’s 24/7 operations, our clients aren’t left waiting for answers or solutions. Buske's team is always available to provide real-time support, whether it’s a last-minute change to an order, a sudden spike in demand, or a question about inventory.

This personalized approach ensures that a TikTok shop runs smoothly and customers stay happy—there are no generic solutions, just hands-on assistance whenever our clients need it.

6. Multi-Channel Selling

One downside of choosing FBT is that it leaves sellers with little room to expand their business on other e-commerce platforms. Want to expand to Amazon or Shopify? A 3PL can manage inventory across various e-commerce sales channels.

Buske’s 3PL Tiktok fulfillment services come with seamless integration between TikTok Shop and our systems. Our e-commerce clients get to enjoy the same level of online store integration for other platforms, making it easier to expand their business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 3PL if I only sell on TikTok?

Yes, 3PLs can integrate seamlessly with TikTok Shop. Using API connections or middleware, orders received on TikTok Shop are directly sent to the 3PL’s systems for quick fulfillment and delivery.

However, an advantage of partnering with a 3PL provider is that TikTok sellers always have the option to expand their business to other e-commerce platforms without worrying about seamless integration for order fulfillment.

Is it hard to switch from FBT to a 3PL?

Not at all! Transitioning from FBT to a 3PL is smooth, especially with an experienced provider. For example, Buske can handle everything from onboarding a seller’s inventory to integrating a TikTok store with our system.

Can small businesses afford a 3PL?

Yes, 3PL services are designed to be scalable, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Many 3PLs, including Buske Logistics, offer flexible pricing models where sellers only pay for the services they use.

Focus on Growing Your TikTok Shop, Partner With Buske

Outsourcing fulfillment for TikTok to a 3PL like Buske Logistics isn’t just smarter—it’s a game-changer. With scalable services, custom solutions, and a team that’s as invested in your success as you are, the possibilities are endless.

Contact Buske Logistics today to see how we can help grow your TikTok Shop.