A Guide to 3PL Order Fulfillment for TikTok

Breaking through a highly competitive e-commerce space like TikTok Shop can be overwhelming, but that’s where 3PL order fulfillment for TikTok can help. A third-party logistics provider (3PL) supports small business owners in growing their brands and engaging better with their followers.

What is Order Fulfillment?

For e-commerce businesses, including TikTok Shop sellers, the entire order fulfillment process can make or break the customer experience. It covers everything that happens from when a customer orders to when the product reaches their doorstep.

Here are the typical steps included in order fulfillment:

1. Receiving Inventory: Products are delivered to a warehouse or fulfillment center and logged into inventory.
2. Storage: The inventory is organized and stored in a warehouse until an order is placed.
3. Order Processing: When an order is received, the item is picked from storage, packed securely, and labeled for shipping.
4. Shipping: The package is handed over to a carrier and delivered to the customer.
5. Product Returns: If the customer initiates a return, the process involves receiving and inspecting the product. Depending on the seller's guidelines, returned products may be processed for restocking or disposal.

What are Order Fulfillment Options for TikTok Sellers?

TikTok Shop sellers have three options for their order fulfillment processes. The right one depends on a business's specific needs, order volume, and long-term goals.

3PL Order Fulfillment

This approach means a seller will use third-party logistics for TikTok Shop order fulfillment. The 3PL provider will take care of everything from warehousing to packing and shipping so sellers can focus on growing their brand and e-commerce storefront.

By opting for 3PL TikTok Shop fulfillment, sellers gain access to flexible warehousing solutions. More importantly, 3PL order fulfillment gives sellers access to customized logistics services tailored to their unique brand goals and specific business needs.

For example, say a small seller is launching a new product with a fluctuating inventory. Instead of committing to a fixed storage unit, Buske’s contract warehousing solutions allow them to utilize only the required space during peak seasons to avoid unnecessary costs.

Another good example is Buske’s suite of value-added services, including product kitting and custom packaging. A TikTok beauty seller could use our customized packaging services to include personalized thank-you notes or branded boxes to promote their brand.

In-House Fulfillment

TikTok Shop is one of the emerging e-commerce spaces for small business owners. It’s common for sellers to start by handling their own order fulfillment processes. This means they handle the packing and shipping of orders, customer service, and product returns.

One of the good things about this option is that it gives a seller complete control over the entire process. However, as order volume increases, it can quickly become overwhelming and more difficult to manage. 

Instead of being able to focus on growing their business, sellers could become stuck in the day-to-day grind of order fulfillment tasks.

Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)

Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) is TikTok’s proprietary order fulfillment service for sellers on the platform. This option means TikTok stores sellers’ products in its fulfillment centers, packs orders, and ships them to customers.

What’s the Best Order Fulfillment Solution for TikTok Shop?

Each order fulfillment option for TikTok Shop has advantages and can be appropriate at certain stages of doing business on the platform. However, using 3PL logistics for TikTok Shop is often the most versatile and sustainable solution. 

In-house fulfillment works well for smaller operations and Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT) offers simplicity for platform-exclusive sellers. On the other hand, Tiktok 3PL order fulfillment provides unmatched flexibility, speed, and customized solutions. 

Here are the top reasons to opt for 3PL for a TikTok Business:

• Control and Branding: Sellers get to retain full control over their branding. From custom packaging to personalized inserts, you can ensure every order reflects your brand's identity, enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction.
• Flexibility and Scalability: From handling seasonal spikes in orders to expanding to new markets, 3PLs provide the infrastructure and expertise to scale without hassle.
• Inventory Management: Buske offers real-time inventory tracking so clients can monitor stock levels. This helps avoid out-of-stock situations, which, according to a Journal of Business and Retail Management Research paper, can hurt sales and customer satisfaction.
• Value-Added Logistics: 3PLs like Buske Logistics offer additional services such as kitting, bundling, and returns management. These services add convenience and efficiency to order fulfillment operations while enhancing customer experience.
• Multi-platform Integration: With access to top-notch technologies, 3PL providers can help clients integrate their TikTok storefront with other online shopping platforms. It makes inventory management and order flow a breeze.
• Customized Services: The biggest advantage of using 3PL for TikTok is the tailored logistics solutions that match specific business needs. For example, Buske can provide custom packaging solutions for sellers with promotional campaigns.
• Cost Efficiency: Using 3PL services helps optimize costs through strategic warehouse placement and bulk shipping discounts. This allows sellers to save money without compromising on service quality.
• Delivery Speeds: 3PLs can ensure fast and reliable shipping by using strategically located warehouses and partnerships with multiple carriers.

3PL for TikTok Shop: How Orders Flow From Purchase to Delivery

Here’s the basic step-by-step of how a 3PL TikTok fulfillment kicks into action:

Step 1: Order Received: When a TikTok shopper makes a purchase, the order details are sent to your 3PL provider in real-time. This is done via an integration between TikTok Shop and the 3PL’s system.

Step 2: Picking and Packing: 3PL staff picks the correct item from the warehouse and prepares it for shipping. Depending on a client’s guidelines, this can include custom packaging.

Step 3: Shipping: Once the order is packed, the 3PL ships it to the customer. Professional 3PLs like Buske have state-of-the-art transportation management systems, providing clients with real-time tracking of their shipments.

Step 4: Delivery: The order is delivered to the customer’s doorstep. 3PL companies often partner with major carriers to get competitive rates and faster delivery times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 3PL company need to be an official partner of TikTok Shop?

3PL companies don’t need to be official partners with TikTok to handle order fulfillment. Sellers can choose the best 3PL partner that can provide them with reliable and cost-effective warehousing and order fulfillment services.

Do I need to ship products to the 3PL before I start selling? 

Yes, TikTok sellers must send their inventory to the 3PL warehouse. Once products are received and stored, the 3PL will handle the rest of the fulfillment process, from receiving and packing orders to shipping them to customers.

Can I store inventory for multiple platforms with a 3PL?

Absolutely! One advantage of using a 3PL is the ability to manage inventory across multiple sales channels, such as TikTok Shop, Shopify, and Amazon. This allows e-commerce sellers to track and fulfill orders seamlessly from a single inventory pool.

The Key to Growing Your TikTok Shop

By choosing to have their products on TikTok and shipped by a 3PL service provider, sellers can focus on creating content, engaging with followers, and growing their brand. Leave the hustles of logistics to the experts—enjoy reliable order fulfillment services and better customer experiences. 

‍Contact Buske Logistics today and learn how we can provide efficient order fulfillment solutions tailored to your needs.