How Does a Fulfilment Partner Support the Growth of Indie Brands?

By outsourcing logistics, indie brands can focus on core activities such as product development, marketing, and customer engagement, which are crucial for expansion. A fulfilment partner also offers specialised services and technology to optimise processes, leading to faster shipping times, later cut-offs, and improved inventory management – ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty. 

At ILG, we are proud to have worked for many years supporting indie brands – smaller, more nimble businesses that prioritise authenticity, unique product offerings, and direct connection with their customers. We live and breathe the challenges that fast-growth brings, and we focus on trust, flexible support and an entrepreneurial mindset to enable indie brands to grow and flourish.

How Do Outsourced Fulfilment Services Specifically Support Indie Brand Growth?

1. Time and Resource Optimisation: 

• Focus on core activities: outsourcing fulfilment allows indie brands to concentrate on product development, marketing and customer service, which are vital for growth
• Reduced operational burden: brands can avoid the complexities of running a warehouse, freeing up time and resources

2. Enhanced Customer Experience:

• Faster shipping: fulfilment centres have access to faster, more reliable and multiple shipping options, leading to increased satisfaction for your customers
• Improved order accuracy: optimised processes within fulfilment centres minimise errors in order fulfilment
• Scalability: fulfilment centres can handle increased order volume during peak seasons or growth periods, ensuring consistent service
• Returns management: managing returns efficiently is important for providing a seamless experience for customers, a fulfilment partner can help do this

3. Cost Reduction:

• Reduced overhead: outsourcing fulfilment can eliminate the need for expensive warehousing and staffing
• Bulk shipping rates: fulfilment providers are able to negotiate better shipping rates due to high volumes, passing savings on to their customers
• Inventory management: efficient inventory management within fulfilment centres can minimise storage costs and reduce the risk of stock-outs or overstocking

4. Access to Expertise and Technology:

• Specialised knowledge: a fulfilment partner has extensive expertise in logistics and shipping, providing indie brands with valuable insights and support
• Advanced technology: utilise sophisticated technology and automation for inventory management, order processing, and shipping, which will improve efficiency and accuracy
• Data-driven insights: brands can use valuable data on order patterns and customer behaviour, providing by their fulfilment partner to make more informed decisions

5. Expansion Opportunities:

• Multi-channel sales: fulfilment centres can support sales across multiple channels, including e-commerce, marketplaces, and physical retail locations 
• International expansion: with their global footprint, a 3PL can help brands expand into new markets by managing international shipping and logistics
• Testing new markets: a fulfilment partner can support pop-up shops or other initiatives that allow brands to test new markets or customer segments

The Right Fulfilment Partner to Support Long-Term Growth

Outsourcing to the right fulfilment partner can be difficult for indie brands as there is so much riding on this fundamental business partnership. It takes plentiful trust and a belief that the fulfilment partner is as invested as you are in the success of your brand. Having supported indie brands for many years we asked a few of our customers what appealed to them when selecting ILG over other fulfilment providers, or what they have learned along the way from working with us – here are a few of the words that they used:

• Agility
• Spirit
• Energy
• An entrepreneurial mindset
• Direct & honest
• People-focused
• Tailored
• Flexible
• Practical problem-solvers
• No nonsense!

They know that we take their business very seriously; we approach the partnership as becoming part of their team, not as their ‘supplier’. And with our many years of experience, we challenge their thinking to help them make more informed choices. Ultimately, we want businesses to feel that with ILG, their brand is in safe hands, and their growth is supported every step of the way.

By leveraging outsourced fulfilment services, indie brands can overcome operational challenges, improve customer experience, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.

“When it comes to fulfilment, ILG are absolute superstars. If we need to move fast, they have agility like I’ve not seen before in other 3PLs. And they hit their KPIs every time!”

Sophia van der Schaaf, Head of Logistics & Warehousing, Gisou

Read the full Gisou case study to see how we supported their growth

Whether you are a start-up, influencer spike-driven, or rapid scale-up, get in touch to find out more.