How do you know when to stop DIY fulfillment and outsource pick and pack?

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asked 2 days ago in Internet by Archiveone (4,000 points)
Running my own e-commerce store for three years now, and what started as me packing orders at the kitchen table has turned into a daily logistics nightmare. I'm spending 20+ hours a week on picking, packing, and post office runs instead of growing the business. My error rate is up, and I'm constantly worried about inventory counts. For those who made the switch, what were the undeniable signs it was time to outsource pick and pack? Was the cost worth the time and sanity you got back?

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answered 2 days ago by Dorime (2,130 points)

You've described the classic founder burnout phase. The signs are clear: when logistics become the primary activity (20+ hours is huge), error rates climb, and the business can't scale because you're stuck in operational details. Outsourcing isn't just a cost; it's an investment in your company's growth and your own sanity. The time you reclaim is your most valuable asset—it can be redirected to marketing, product development, or customer acquisition, which directly drives revenue. A professional service transforms your operation. They handle storage, real-time inventory management, and the entire pick, pack, and ship process with accuracy. This means fewer shipping mistakes, faster delivery times (key for customer satisfaction), and systems that prevent stockouts. Crucially, they also manage complex but essential tasks like returns processing and can handle custom packaging or kitting for promotions. This level of service turns a variable, stressful cost center into a predictable, scalable operational pillar. For a comprehensive look at how a full-service partner structures these solutions—from seamless platform integration to customized services—check out this detailed resource on pick and pack fulfillment. It breaks down the entire value proposition beyond just cost per order.

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