As businesses grow, it can be difficult to keep up with the demands of inventory storage and, more importantly, delivery to the customer.
Which is why so many businesses opt for third-party storage and warehousing providers, like FDC Holdings, to lighten the load. One of the key services these enterprises are searching for – even if they don’t know it to begin with – is pick and pack fulfilment services.
But what exactly is a pick and pack warehouse? What are the advantages they offer businesses on the rise? And would they be a good fit for your business?
Keep reading to learn more.
What is a pick and pack warehouse?
Beyond simply storing your business inventory, a pick and pack warehouse specialises in the storage, handling, packing and shipping of your goods, for a fully comprehensive service.
They’re manned by a team of trained, experienced and reliable warehouse staff who work hard to ensure every item, or collection of items, that is picked and packed is done so with care and attention to detail, ensuring all goods remain damage-free.
But speed is also an important factor in the era of rapid online shopping, and these providers always strive to utilise the most efficient picking routes in their warehouses as part of an effective inventory storage strategy. They also use different picking methods for ultimate pack process efficiency, which has a significant and direct impact on business operations.
Think of it this way: Rather than needing to grab your stock off the shelf, package it up and ship it out every time an order comes through, someone else takes care of that for you, saving you a lot of time and effort. Sounds good, right?
Benefits of pick and pack warehousing
Pick and pack warehouses are an integral part of UK and global business processes, helping enterprises relieve internal pressure while keeping profits high and customers satisfied.
Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect if you choose to onboard a pick and pack service for your business:
Cost savings
It’s not obvious at first glance, but your business can save money by utilising a third-party pick and pack service, despite having to pay a pick and pack fee. This is because you can avoid extra hires, instead passing off the responsibility to external professionals.
You also remove the need to invest in warehouse space, equipment, and management systems yourself – often making the pick and pack fee well worth it.
Scalability and flexibility
Because you’re no longer crippled by a lack of space or resources, your pick and pack services can grow as your business does, helping you flourish and take advantage of every opportunity.
Whether you’re handling steady daily orders or a seasonal peak, a good provider flexes with your volume – no temporary hires, extra leases, or equipment investment needed.
Improved accuracy
With pick and pack services, your internal staff won’t be overrun with orders, which can lead to mistakes. Instead, trained professionals handle everything for you, greatly reducing the likelihood of human error.
Specialist teams use barcode scanning and WMS software throughout, resulting in a measurably lower error rate – fewer wrong items, fewer returns, and fewer unhappy customers.
Customer satisfaction
With trustworthy picking and packing, you can rest easy knowing orders will reach customers in good condition and record time, boosting satisfaction across the board.
In an era where next-day delivery is expected, the consistency of a professional pick and pack operation is one of the most valuable things you can invest in.
The pick and pack process explained
If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a quick overview of the picking and packing workflow:
Order received: Once the customer places an order, it is automatically entered into the third party’s warehouse management software.
Picking list generated: The system then identifies the items that have been purchased, and cross-references this with the warehouses that are holding said items, notifying them.
Order picking: A professional “picker” gathers all sold items from warehouse shelves. Either individually or in larger quantities. Depending on the specifics, this can be known as batch picking, wave picking or zone picking.
Quality check and packing: The items undergo a thorough quality check to ensure everything is as it should be before they are packaged with the appropriate packing materials at a designated packing station. They’re also bound with the relevant documents and/or branding.
Shipping and tracking: The package is topped by a shipping label and packing slip, before it is collected by a courier and dispatched promptly on the most efficient route, arriving with the customer by a specified date.
How much does pick and pack warehousing cost?
Most providers charge a combination of a storage fee and a per-pick fee, with additional charges for packaging materials and returns handling. The key thing to establish upfront is whether pricing is fully transparent – a provider who is clear about costs at every stage is far easier to budget around than one with a headline rate and hidden add-ons.
At FDC Holdings, we’re always upfront about our pricing. Get in touch for a tailored quote based on your specific requirements.
Is a pick and pack system right for your business?
All of this sounds fantastic, but pick and pack options aren’t right for everyone. If you’re wondering whether to take the leap, first ask yourself:
- Are we outgrowing our current premises?
- Have we spent too long housing our stock in unsuitable spaces?
- Are our fulfilment processes too slow, or riddled with other issues?
- Would a good warehouse management system be a game-changer for us?
If the answer to any of the above is ‘yes’, your business is a prime candidate for pick and pack fulfilment services. For more help making the decision, take a look at our guide to choosing the right fulfilment partner. And we know exactly who you should speak to…
Choose FDC Holdings for pick and pack services
With decades of experience in the storage and warehouse operations space, and a 300,000+ sq ft space that’s ready and waiting to keep your stock secure for the picking process, while always using the correct packing method, you can rely on FDC Holdings.
If you’re planning ahead for busier periods, read our guide on why a pick and pack warehouse is perfect for peak season.
To find out more about our pick and pack services and the other ways we can be of assistance to your business, get in touch with a member of the FDC team today by calling 01772 695 695 or emailing enquiries@fdcholdings.co.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What is pick and pack warehousing?
Pick and pack warehousing is a fulfilment service where a third-party warehouse stores your stock and picks, packs, and dispatches individual orders on your behalf. It removes the need to manage your own warehouse space and staff, and is used by businesses of all sizes across retail, e-commerce, food and drink, and wholesale.
What is the difference between pick and pack and fulfilment?
Fulfilment covers the full process of receiving, storing, and delivering orders. Pick and pack is the specific step of selecting items and preparing them for dispatch – included as standard in most fulfilment services, though the terms are often used interchangeably.
How much does pick and pack cost?
Most charge a storage fee plus a per-pick fee, with extras for packaging and returns. Costs vary by volume and product type – the best way to get an accurate figure is to request a tailored quote.