What is contract packing?
First of all, let’s answer that burning question: what is contract packing? The dictionary definition of contract packing would be:
“When a business uses a third-party or external company to ‘pack’ its orders.”
But in reality, it is so much more than that. Contract packing or co-packing covers a range of different filling, packing, and reworking activities. Starting from when the product arrives at the warehouse to when it gets redistributed to your client, co-pack solutions often cover the whole process. From putting raw materials into their containers to assembling gift boxes and bundles, contract packing is a brilliant solution for eCommerce businesses looking to save time and money when it comes to staff and resources.
What does contract packing cover?
Never just as simple as ‘filling a box’ contract packing can cover so many different areas of fulfilment!
When it comes to filling and assembling orders all too often we hear about the time and resources this takes away from in-house staff. That is where co-pack would come in. Co-packing covers a range of different services which can help to improve your eCommerce fulfilment process and the customer's journey. Improved flexibility due to advanced resources and knowledge means that you can supercharge your packaging and boost the customer experience…
So what does it actually cover?
- Custom packaging
- Shrink-wrapping
- Barcoding
- Flow wrapping
- Relabelling
- Kitting
- Repackaging
- Gifting & promotional packaging
Want a little more information? Check out the infographic below for more key information on what contract packing covers.
What does the process of contract packing look like?
Step 1: Let your chosen 3PL partner know what you want to achieve
Whether it is custom packaging, filling of containers, or bundling let your chosen company what it is you want to achieve. Choosing the right 3PL for your requirements is one of the most important stages in the co-pack process – and having open and transparent communication with them is the first step to a successful co-pack relationship.
Step 2: Managing inventory and stock control
Your chosen contract packing company will take care of this bit for you! Large warehouses and storage facilities as well as state-of-the-art technology are used when looking after stock levels ready for packing.
Step 3: Product packing:
Another one that you can leave to us. A team of highly skilled experts will fill, wrap, and package your raw materials and/ or products to assemble a product ready for distribution. Intense quality control procedures make sure that all products are up to the highest spec before they’re sent to your customers.
Step 4: Distribution and logistics:
Get a co-pack company that can do both. Once the products are packed, bundled, or relabelled they’re ready to be sent out. As just one of the services that we offer – our co-pack and fulfilment facilities all lie under one super convenient roof, so once your products are ready, we can package, label and ship in one fluid process.
Should I outsource my packing and fulfilment?
As a co-pack and fulfilment company of course we’re going to say yes to this! But there are definitely some things which you should consider before outsourcing any element of your Check out our recent blog about why we think you should outsource your fulfilment.
And if you want more information on our co-pack service, or to enquire, contact us today.
