In Episode 35 of the Retail Success Series Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest decisions product-based businesses face—how to manage order fulfillment. Should you continue packing orders in-house, or is it time to partner with a third-party logistics provider (3PL)? Host Nicole Keleher shares her personal journey from handling orders herself to outsourcing fulfillment, detailing the pros, cons, and surprising insights along the way. If you’ve spent countless hours packing orders this holiday season, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration to help you rethink your approach for 2025.Nicole recounts how outsourcing started as a quick-fix solution during a staff shortage but eventually transformed her business operations. She explores the initial fears many business owners face—losing control, sacrificing personalization, and increased costs—and explains how these concerns were resolved through strategic planning and partnership with the right 3PL provider. Nicole also provides insider tips on managing large or fragile inventory, negotiating fair rates, and ensuring seamless customer experiences with a third-party warehouse.For product-based businesses feeling overwhelmed by fulfillment, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Nicole shares lessons learned from costly mistakes, including navigating delivery cost glitches and inefficient inventory systems. She highlights the importance of asking the right questions when selecting a 3PL and outlines the unexpected benefits, like faster dispatch times, lower shipping rates, and the ability to scale quickly during busy sales seasons. Whether you’re an online-only retailer or managing both e-commerce and a brick-and-mortar store, this episode can help you streamline fulfillment and reclaim your time.If the thought of another chaotic holiday season leaves you stressed, this episode is your roadmap to smoother operations in 2025. Nicole’s experience shows how outsourcing fulfillment doesn’t just save time—it can also reduce costs, improve logistics, and free you to focus on growth and customer relationships. Tune in for practical tips on finding the right 3PL partner, negotiating fair terms, and maintaining that personal touch that keeps customers coming back.Instagram: @theretailmarketersWebsite: theretailmarketers.comYouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theretailmarketers

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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