3PL Solutions: What Happens When You Need More?

16 Nov, 2023 By Samantha Warren 259 Views

The behind-the-scenes work of logistics and supply chain management is often overlooked, but it’s crucial if you want to successfully scale your apparel brand.

3PL solutions streamline the logistics and supply chain processes by handling warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment. Instead of getting entangled in the logistics web, you can focus on core business tasks like designing more apparel and marketing your products.

While a 3PL solution is a stepping stone, it has limitations. As your brand grows, it will demand more comprehensive, strategic, and integrated solutions—that’s where 4PL solutions can be more beneficial.

If your apparel brand has outgrown your current 3PL provider’s capabilities, it might be time to consider upgrading to a more robust solution.

Today, we’re going to discuss how advanced fulfillment solutions can help take your brand to the next level.

Upgrade to Scrappy Apparel’s 3PL MGMT Program!

How to Know It’s Time to Upgrade Your 3PL Solution

Want uninterrupted growth and maximum efficiency? Then you’ll want to monitor how your operations are running.

Your brand may begin to experience complexities that a typical 3PL provider can’t manage. You might crave more strategic logistics management.

The evolution from 3PL to 4PL isn’t just a change in number—it’s a significant leap toward more advanced, comprehensive solutions.

Here are some signs that it might be time to upgrade your 3PL solution:

Increased Complexity in Supply Chain

As your apparel brand grows, so does the intricacy of your supply chain. Now, you’re dealing with more suppliers, larger inventories, and broader distribution networks. A 3PL provider may struggle to maintain efficiency under these complex conditions.

However, 4PL solutions are designed to manage these increased complexities, ensuring your supply chain remains streamlined and efficient.

Need for Greater Control and Visibility

As you grow, you’ll want 100% transparency into what’s happening throughout your supply chain. You may need detailed analytics and real-time updates, which some 3PLs might not provide.

4PL solutions offer enhanced control and visibility, providing you with real-time tracking, detailed analytics, and comprehensive reports for better decision-making.

Desire for Strategic Partnership

At a certain point in your growth, your brand may require more than just operational support—you may need a strategic logistics partner.

This is where 4PL solutions stand out. They go beyond the operational tasks of 3PL and work with you as strategic partners, aligning their operations with your business goals. They take up the responsibility of managing your supply chain, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives.

Requirement for End-to-End Supply Chain Management

Balancing growth and supply chain management can become increasingly challenging. If you find your brand reaching a point where you need end-to-end supply chain management, it might be time to consider 4PL solutions. They handle everything from production to warehousing and distribution, taking the weight off your shoulders. Think about all the time you could get back if you didn’t have to worry about any of that!

Scale Your Brand with 3PL MGMT by Scrappy Apparel

Scrappy Apparel’s 3PL MGMT is the next step in your journey toward a seamless supply chain. Our program might have “3PL” in its name, but we offer the same level of support that 4PL solutions provide.

We leverage our expertise to manage your production supply chain and integrate with 3PL warehouses. Our end-to-end support is designed to align with the growing demands of your brand.

Here’s what you can expect to get when you work with us:

An Apparel-First Fulfillment Solution

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand the unique needs of apparel brands.

As a team of experts, we leverage our comprehensive resources and experience to take your brand to the next level. Our promise to you isn’t just a service—it’s hard work and horsepower.

We offer an array of services, from one-time campaigns to eCommerce and retail fulfillment, and even tour merchandise programs.

End-to-End Supply Chain Management

With our 3PL MGMT solution, we take on the responsibility of managing your entire supply chain. You can count on us to source materials, manufacture garments, manage eCommerce operations, and fulfill orders. All aspects of your supply chain will be optimized and efficient.

Our monthly management services are designed to streamline your supply chain operations. We provide a dedicated account management team, inventory management, and real-time tracking with online inventory access.

We guarantee same-day shipping on all orders placed before 12:00 PM (EST). We’re all about fast and reliable delivery to your clients.

Full-Service Apparel Manufacturing

In addition to our fulfillment solutions, we provide apparel manufacturing services like:

…and much more!

We also offer specialized printing techniques. (Simulated process screen printing is one example.) Just tell us what you need, and we’ll make it happen!

Product Assembly Services

Our services include ticketing, folding, heat transfers, sewn-in label changes, polybagging, pre-pack assembly, rebranding, pick and pack, and sizing/sorting.

We’re committed to providing comprehensive solutions to help your brand grow in an increasingly competitive apparel market.

A Fully Integrated Fulfillment Program

Our program is more than just warehousing and delivery—it’s a fully integrated solution for scaling your brand. We provide dedicated warehouse space for your brand, handle all your products and SKUs, and offer custom packing slips and shipping labels. Our program also includes seamless online store integration, ensuring a smooth transition for your brand.

Strategic Partnership

Our 3PL MGMT solution is more than just a service—we’re your strategic partner.

At Scrappy Apparel, we’re more interested in building long-term partnerships than closing short-term deals. Let us be your trusted partner in logistics and manufacturing so you can focus on what you do best—designing apparel for your customers.