Shopify is an eCommerce platform which allows businesses to start, sell, manage, and grow. You can build online stores, manage all of your sales and accept payments from customers. Anyone can use Shopify, and it is such a simple way to begin selling items, as all of your inventory and orders are kept in one place.
But as your Shopify store grows, so does the operational workload. Many sellers quickly become overwhelmed by processing and shipping orders and keeping up with rising demand – and that’s where Shopify fulfilment comes in.
Shopify allows you to collaborate with third-party logistic (3PL) providers, which means your chosen 3PL will handle your whole fulfilment process whilst you focus on other areas of your business.
Shopify fulfilment involves partnering up with a 3PL provider (like GNOC), and they will essentially store, pick, pack and ship your orders and send them to your customers. When an order comes through your shopify store, this will synchronize up to your 3PL’s system, and they will pick and ship your orders fast and efficiently. 3PL’s have access to real-time inventory tracking, exceptional stock control and brilliant staff, ensuring your orders are sent out correctly and on time (as all customers love a fast delivery).
1. Shopify integration: Your store connects directly to the fulfilment providers system
2. Inventory storage: Products are sent and stored in a UK fulfilment centre, ready for dispatch.
3. Order syncing: When a customer clicks "buy" on your Shopify website, it's instantly sent to the fulfilment centre.
4. Pick, pack, dispatch: Once the warehouse team receives the order, it's picked, packed, and shipped using trusted couriers.
5. Tracking and notifications: When the item has been dispatched, the tracking details are sent to your customers.
6. Returns handling: Return items are processed, checked, and re-stocked (if possible). Items that cannot be put back into rotation are placed in "quarantine" to ensure faulty items aren't resent.
Shopify fulfilment is the catalyst for growth, it is such an easy way to sell online and gives you more time to focus on other areas of your business. You can put your trust in a 3PL, who will be able to offer your customers cheap and fast shipping, as well as monitor your stock levels accordingly (avoiding overselling). Below, we've included a step-by-step process for the service:
There are endless benefits of Shopify fulfilment, but the key ones to take away include:
The cost of outsourcing your order fulfilment on Shopify can vary, as things such as order volumes, storage requirements, and shipping destinations all play a significant part. Below, we've outlined the standard "headline costs" for the service in the UK.
Shopify fulfilment has many benefits, but it is important to consider that there are many costs that are associated with Shopify fulfilment services and these need to be understood before making decisions on your fulfilment strategy. With this sort of fulfilment, there are pricing models to be aware of per provider, and these can include per-order, item, or storage fees. This can depend on what items you do sell, and it is important to make an agreement with your chosen provider.
There may also be costs for things such as returns, kitting or your account management. Contact us here to discuss your options with GNOC and we will give you a clear plan.
Whether you're new to fulfilment, or switching providers, it's important to make sure you're choosing the right partner. It's a key decision that affects the growth of your business, and your brand reputation. So, what should you be looking out for?
Shopify fulfilment in the UK is ideal for e-commerce businesses who are looking to grow fast and efficiently. It's particularly useful for:
UK-based Shopify merchants
International brands entering the UK market
High-growth ecommerce businesses
Subscription box companies
Crowdfunded product launches
Brands shipping B2C or DTC orders
If you’re processing more than 50–100 orders per month, a fulfilment partner can quickly pay for itself.
Choosing the right Shopify Fulfilment partner in the UK can be the difference between struggling with logistics and growing successfully. With fast delivery expectations, rising operational costs, and increasing competition, professional order fulfilment is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity.
Here at GNOC, we want to help you thrive and grow. Shopify fulfilment is something we excel at and have years of experience in. By working with us you can take your store to new heights and really begin to thrive as a business. By contacting us here, and letting us know your business needs, we can point you in the right direction and begin to help your business grow.