What is contract packing?
First of all, let’s answer that burning question: "what is contract packing?"
The dictionary definition of contract packing states that:
“Contract Packing is when a business uses a third-party or external company to pack or fill its orders.”
But in reality, it is so much more than that!
Contract packing or co-packing covers a wide range of different filling, packing, and reworking activities. Starting from when the product arrives at the warehouse to when it gets redistributed to your client and or customer, co-pack solutions often cover the whole process. From putting raw materials into their containers to assembling gift boxes and bundles, contract packing is a brilliant solution for eCommerce businesses looking to save time and money when it comes to staff and resources.
What does contract packing cover?
Never just as simple as ‘filling a box’ contract packing can cover so many different areas of eCommerce fulfilment!
When it comes to filling and assembling orders all too often we hear about the time and resources this takes away from in-house staff. That is where co-pack would come in. Co-packing covers a range of different services which can help to improve your eCommerce fulfilmentprocess and the customer's journey. Improved flexibility due to advanced resources and knowledge means that you can supercharge your packaging and boost the customer experience…
So what does it actually cover?
- Custom packaging
- Shrink-wrapping
- Barcoding
- Flow wrapping
- Relabelling
- Kitting
- Repackaging
- Gifting & promotional packaging
Want a little more information? Check out the infographic below for more key information on what contract packing covers.
What does the process of contract packing look like?
Step 1: Let your chosen 3PL partner know what you want to achieve!
Transparency is key! No matter what service you’re looking for from a 3PL you need to be open and honest about your business goals, what are you looking to achieve? Is it reducing time spent on fulfilment tasks? Is it reducing internal costs? Or is it just to improve your processes and get expert advice on board? Whatever the reason is that you’re looking to outsource your contract packing, this will determine the bespoke plan which SCEND put in place to help you achieve these goals!
From there we can discuss the nitty gritty! Looking at custom packaging, filling containers or even bundling. Choosing the right 3PL, that is going to help you achieve your goals whilst also meeting these requirements is arguably THE most important stage in the contract packing onboarding process. Whether you're selling luxury items, or producing boxes for PR & Marketing purposes - the right 3PL will help you boost your business no matter what.
Step 2: Managing inventory and stock control
We all know that when it comes to inventory, this is the very first piece in the eCommerce fulfilment puzzle. This is no different when it comes to contract packing. However, if you choose to outsource this is something that your chosen contract packing company will take care of for you! Large warehouses and storage facilities as well as state-of-the-art technology are used when looking after stock levels ready for packing.
Step 3: Product packing:
Yet another step which you can leave to us.
As we navigate your goals we’ll take on all of the heavy lifting (so to speak) and a team of highly skilled fulfilment and contract packing experts will fill, wrap, and package your raw materials and/ or products to assemble a product ready for distribution.
Following this an intense quality control procedure will ensure that all products are up to the highest spec before they’re sent to your customers.
Step 4: Distribution and logistics:
Get a co-pack company that can do both.
Once the products are packed, bundled, or relabelled they’re ready to be sent out. As just one of the services that we offer – our co-pack and fulfilment facilities all lie under one super convenient roof, so once your products are ready, we can package, label and ship in one fluid process.
Should I outsource my packing and fulfilment?
As a co-pack and fulfilment company of course we’re going to say yes to this! But there are definitely some things which you should consider before outsourcing any element of your fulfilment. Check out our recent blog about why we think you should outsource your fulfilment.
And if you want more information on our co-pack service, or to enquire, contact us today.
