How to find a China fulfillment center for your eCommerce business?

The China order fulfillment model is growing fast. In the past few years, many eCommerce brands have shifted to using fulfillment centers in China to drive global expansion, unlock more cash flow, minimize inventory costs, and skip customs duties. If you’re looking to tap into the numerous benefits of this fulfillment method, keep reading to learn how to find the best China fulfillment center for your business.

What is a China fulfillment center?

A China fulfillment center, often referred to as a China warehouse, distribution center, or order fulfillment center, is a warehouse facility located in China that manages various logistics services for eCommerce businesses. These services include receiving inventory from China suppliers, storing, picking & packing, and shipping orders globally. 

How to choose the best China fulfillment center for an eCommerce business?

Finding the right fulfillment center in China involves several key considerations. Here’s how to choose the best China 3PL company for you: 

Clarify your fulfillment requirements

Before researching potential fulfillment centers in China, outline your specific requirements. Consider factors like order volume, product type, shipping speeds, and any special handling requirements. This helps you narrow down your options and submit clearer quote requests to fulfillment companies. 

Look for a real China fulfillment center

Choose a 3PL company that operates as a genuine fulfillment center and provides direct fulfillment services. Dropshipping providers, for instance, may be using third-party warehouses and fulfillment centers to service their clients, which may not be ideal. If you’re looking for quality services, search for a legitimate China 3PL with its own warehouse and fulfillment team.

During your research for a reliable fulfillment center, remember to double-check the company’s track record and industry experience. Search for a 3PL that specializes in serving businesses like yours and closely examine their websites to see if they share photos of their team and warehouse. Checking review websites would also provide additional insight into the company’s reputation and reliability. 

Location: China, but where in China?

Location is a critical factor when selecting a China fulfillment center. The country is massive, and it has numerous regions and cities, each specializing in different industries. Ideally, the fulfillment center should be close to key manufacturing hubs to quickly receive inventory from suppliers after production. 

In addition, the fulfillment center should be close to major cargo airports where your packages would fly to their destinations. A few Chinese cities fit this criteria, but the one that tops them all is Shenzhen. In this thriving metropolis, you can find suppliers, fulfillment centers, and busy airports just a few miles away.

Connections with various shipping lines

Gone are the days of slow shipping from China. Today, many shipping companies can deliver products by air in 6 to 10 days to many destinations. These companies include the likes of YunExpress and 4PX, which specialize in cross-border eCommerce and charge reasonable prices. So when looking for a fulfillment warehouse in China, make sure it has strong connections with these shipping lines to ensure your products are handled by the best in the business. 

Cost of China eCommerce fulfillment 

Cost is an essential factor to any eCommerce brand. In general, fulfillment costs in China are lower than in places like the US and Europe. However, costs can vary widely between fulfillment centers in China. Each company has its own pricing structure and charges differently for its services. 

Consider asking for quotes from multiple 3PL fulfillment centers in China and compare prices. Be clear when talking to them about any additional costs or hidden fees. At the same time, remember that cost isn’t everything, and some companies who charge way less than market rates may be cutting corners and providing low-quality service.

The quality of customer service 

Customer service is a very important factor in deciding which fulfillment center to partner with. The customer service team should be fluent in Chinese and English to facilitate seamless communication between eCommerce businesses and suppliers who only speak Chinese. Issues may arise at any point during the fulfillment process in China, so having reliable customer service is paramount to ensure minimal disruptions and delays. 

Ecommerce software integration

Most businesses run their stores on popular eCommerce platforms such as Shopify and BigCommerce. Proper integration enables real-time inventory tracking, automatic order processing, and status updates, reducing manual tasks and improving accuracy. 

Other considerations

Offering fulfillment services isn’t the only thing to look for in a fulfillment center in China. If the company offers additional services, it can bring more benefits for your business and help you save costs. 

Additional services offered by a China fulfillment center can include:

• Custom packaging to package your items with your own brand
• Quality control: Some centers have an in-house quality control team that can ensure products are properly inspected before leaving China.
• Freight forwarding to bulk ship some products and store them locally when needed. 
• China product sourcing: Source products directly from reliable suppliers and fulfill orders. 
• Global warehouses: If you were planning to do local fulfillment in key markets like the US, working with a fulfillment provider that has warehouses in the US can enable you to store inventory in more locations, enhance your fulfillment strategy, and facilitate product returns.

If you’ve decided to expand your business with China order fulfillment, Lansil Global is here to help! With 9 years of experience, we’ve supported eCommerce brands in fulfilling orders in China and shipping them worldwide. Our fulfillment centers in China and the US provide tailored solutions to meet your unique requirements. 

Ready to get started? Request a quote today to discover how we can help you grow more while spending less.