The Barrett Blog

Spoiler alert: Your customers don’t care how the package gets there. They just expect it to be fast, accurate and on-brand. That’s where the right 3PL comes in—handling everything from fulfillment and inventory management to returns and tech integration. So, what happens when you partner with a “forever 3PL”? Your operations run smoother, costs go down and growth gets easier across every sales channel. At Barrett Distribution Centers , we’ve supported high-performance brands for decades. Below, we break down the key features and differentiators to consider when evaluating fulfillment partners in 2025. A Smarter Approach to Omnichannel Fulfillment A successful omnichannel fulfillment strategy means your customers get a consistent experience—whether they’re shopping online, in-store or picking up curbside. For your operations team, it should mean: Faster shipping speeds Real-time inventory visibility Brand consistency across channels Top 3PLs don’t just preach omnichannel, they deliver it through strategically placed fulfillment centers , intelligent routing and scalable tech infrastructure. At Barrett, we operate a national network of fulfillment campuses that allow for multi-node shipping, optimizing delivery speed based on where your customers are. Some providers may promise omnichannel but only operate from a single location—leading to longer delivery times or inventory challenges. Brands that are growing fast or expanding into new channels often need more than just a one-warehouse solution. Customer Support and Returns: Not All 3PLs Are Created Equal While many 3PLs offer similar fulfillment services, customer support is often the differentiator. Personalized support can make or break your experience, especially during onboarding, peak season or troubleshooting unexpected issues. Support levels vary by provider: Tier 1 providers like Barrett offer dedicated account managers who know your business and provide hands-on support throughout onboarding and daily operations. Tier 2 options rely on shared support models like live chat or automated help desks. Tier 3 providers offer ticket-based systems with slower response times, often with minimal brand familiarity. When it comes to returns management, here’s how it breaks down: Tier 1: Advanced returns systems that sync with your inventory and automate refund triggers. Tier 2: Branded return portals with restocking or disposal features. Tier 3: Basic returns that return to a warehouse with limited tracking or communication. Not every business needs Tier 1 support, but if your fulfillment strategy depends on speed, customization or customer satisfaction, then this should be a non-negotiable. Tech Matters: OMS and WMS Capabilities The right 3PL gives you more than storage; they give you control. A strong order management system (OMS) and warehouse management system (WMS) ensures your team can monitor inventory, manage sales channels and fulfill orders quickly and accurately. A reliable tech stack includes: Sales channel integration that captures orders from your website, social media and retail locations An OMS that routes orders and manages updates A WMS that locates products, coordinates labor and tracks every step of the fulfillment process While most 3PLs provide an OMS, not all offer a full WMS. Barrett’s technology ecosystem includes both, giving you the visibility and precision to scale smarter. The Bottom Line Choosing the right 3PL isn’t just about cost but partnership. Your fulfillment provider should scale with you, solve for complexity and offer proactive service that keeps your operations running smoothly. At Barrett, we’ve been doing just that for over 80+ years. Let's talk if you’re outgrowing your current 3PL or want to explore what a “forever 3PL” partnership looks like. Contact us to connect with our supply chain experts for a complimentary consultation.

If you’re a high-growth brand evaluating 3PLs, there’s one thing you deserve: real answers from the people who run the floor. I caught up with Bill Johnson , Regional VP of Operations at Barrett Distribution Centers , to ask the questions every brand should consider — from automation and accuracy to culture, planning, and what really sets a great 3PL apart. Here’s what he had to say: 1. Innovation Every Brand Should Know “Our Locus Robotics system has been a game changer,” Bill shared. “We’ve seen faster pick times, quicker pack-outs, and improved labor metrics. We’re even piloting robotics for putaway now.” Why it matters: Automation isn’t just a buzzword. At Barrett, it’s delivering measurable impact, especially during peak. 2. How to Keep Ops Running Smoothly (Especially During Peak) “It all comes down to planning,” Bill said. “We work closely with our customers on forecasting, ramp up labor early, and create a schedule that matches capacity with demand.” Why it matters: Smooth operations lead to fewer delays and better customer experiences. Your 3PL should be ready before the volume hits. 3. The Top Trait to Look for in a 3PL “Accuracy, speed, and cost control. Brands need to ask: How will this 3PL deliver orders faster, reduce errors, and save me money?” Bonus advice: Always visit the facility before signing on. 4. What Clients Are Most Surprised to Learn “Our culture. Visitors are blown away by how invested our employees are. They know our clients’ brands and care deeply about the work.” Why it matters: Culture drives performance. It shows up in service, accuracy and communication. 5. Going Live in 30 Days? It’s Possible. “We had a client who needed to launch fast. From signed contract to first order out was 30 days — full integration, setup, the works. We made it happen.” Why it matters: Your 3PL should move at the speed of your business. 6. Operational Excellence, Defined “It’s doing things right the first time. From onboarding to pick/pack/ship — and then continuously improving to lower costs.” 7. Supply Chain Trends to Watch “There’s a lot of noise out there. Look for solutions tailored to your business, not just the flashiest tech. And ask for proven results.” 8. Balancing Speed and Quality “It’s not about rushing — it’s about setting the right pace. You need fast fulfillment and accuracy. One without the other won’t cut it.” 9. What Sets Barrett Apart? “Our people. They’re embedded in the business, care about the customers and drive our success.” Final Thought from Bill: “Data drives everything. From setup to automation — we make informed decisions based on real numbers, not guesses.” Are you ready for a partner who treats your brand like their own? Contact us to schedule a complimentary supply chain consultation with our experts today.

Surfin’ in the USA: Kulani Kinis Rides the Wave with Barrett Distribution Centers to Anchor USA Fulfillment

Let’s be honest—most 3PLs aren’t built for high-touch brands. With premium price tags come premium expectations, and fulfillment is no exception. Whether it’s monogrammed leather goods or curated skincare kits, today’s high-touch brands can’t afford to treat logistics like a commodity. At Barrett, we work with boutique luxury and personalized brands every day. One thing is clear: fulfillment is more than getting a product from Point A to Point B. It’s the final critical touchpoint in the customer experience and needs to feel as premium as the product itself. The Fulfillment Factor Behind High-Touch Brand Loyalty 71% of consumers expect personalization and 76% get frustrated when they don’t get it (Source: McKinsey & Company, 2021) You’ve done the hard work. Your product is beautiful, your website is curated and your brand story is compelling. But if the unboxing experience feels generic or careless, it can cheapen everything. In the luxury space, fulfillment is brand extension. That’s where we come in. What High-Touch Brands Need from a 3PL Here’s what we’ve learned working with some of the fastest-growing personalized and luxury DTC brands: 1. Inventory Accuracy That Doesn’t Miss When you offer custom options like embroidery, personalization, or mix-and-match bundles, flawless inventory control is essential. The entire order will be delayed or incorrect if one SKU is missing. At Barrett, we achieve 99.9% inventory accuracy through advanced warehouse management systems and real-time visibility that integrates directly with platforms like Shopify and Amazon. 2. Kitting + Personalization Whether it’s applying branded tissue paper, adding thank-you notes, or assembling kits with care, we support: Custom kitting and assembly Packaging inserts SKU-level quality control Custom labeling and wrapping We’ve helped brands build everything from personalized PR kits to retail-ready gift boxes that align and enhance branding. 3. Speed Without Sacrificing Experience Yes, customers want fast shipping. But luxury shoppers expect care. That’s why we help brands strike the right balance by delivering quickly without cutting corners. With 24+ fulfillment centers across the U.S. , we enable 1 to 2-day ground shipping to 95% of the country while maintaining consistent handling processes that protect quality. 4. A Warehouse That Reflects Your Brand You’ve built a brand that stands out. Your 3PL should reflect that. At Barrett, we offer: In-warehouse banners to spotlight your brand Co-branded unboxing content and marketing support A dedicated support team that understands your business and cares about the details Your brand isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the daily operation. The Results: Better Reviews, Fewer Returns and Higher LTV According to Deloitte, brands that deliver a consistent customer experience across all touchpoints enjoy 2.4x higher customer loyalty. When fulfillment meets expectations, it drives repeat purchases, positive word-of-mouth and long-term growth. Ready for Your Forever 3PL? If you’re a high-touch, high-growth eCommerce brand, it’s time for a fulfillment partner that gets it. Contact us for a complimentary supply chain consultation and see what your brand can do with the right 3PL.

Tired of Being Too Small for Big 3PLs? We Built This Just for You!

What's the biggest touchpoint in eCommerce? It’s when the order finally lands on your customer’s doorstep. With eCommerce projected to surpass $7.4 trillion globally by 2030 (Statista), the question isn’t just how fast you ship, but how you show up at your customer’s doorstep. For many brands, packaging is no longer just a protective layer. It’s an experience. And in a noisy, competitive digital space, it can be a significant differentiator. So, should your e-commerce brand invest in branded packaging? Let’s break it down. What Counts as “Branded Packaging”? Branded packaging is more than putting a logo on a box. It’s the full packaging experience; your choice of box design, inserts, colors, materials and even the tape you seal it with. Done well, it communicates your brand before a customer even opens the flap. Think: Custom-printed boxes with your brand colors Inserts with product tips or thank-you notes Packaging designed to be photographed and shared Its packaging has a purpose and has become an extension of the product for many brands. The Upside: Why Branded Boxes Work 1. Boosts Brand Visibility Generic brown boxes don’t spark recognition. But boxes that reflect your identity build brand equity. Studies show branded packaging can increase brand recall by up to 80%. 2. Enhances the Customer Experience The first physical interaction with your brand is when someone receives your product. A well-thought-out unboxing experience can reinforce trust and create excitement. In fact, 68% of consumers say it makes them more likely to recommend a brand. 3. Generates Organic Buzz Branded packaging gets shared, especially when it’s visually appealing. Customers are more likely to post about their unboxing, which becomes free marketing and expands your reach. 4. Can Lower Shipping Costs  Custom mailers built around product dimensions can reduce dunnage, lower dimensional weight and reduce parcel costs. BARRETT PRO TIP: A Barrett client cut freight spending by optimizing box sizes for product kits, improving efficiency and presentation. The Tradeoffs: What to Watch Out For 1. Higher Upfront Costs Custom boxes and inserts require upfront investment in materials and design. That said, many brands recover costs through shipping savings or customer retention. 2. Fulfillment Complexity More packaging options mean more room for packing errors. Unless you have a WMS with visual guides, this can lead to longer training times and fulfillment mistakes. 3. Security Risks Branded boxes can attract attention on doorsteps. With porch piracy losses reaching $12 billion in 2024, clearly labeled packages may become targets. Consider shipment protection to safeguard your customer experience and reputation. Packaging Options: Which Route Is Right? Not all brands need fully branded packaging. Here’s a quick breakdown: Plain Packaging: Simple and cost-effective. Works for brands that prioritize speed or a clean look. Fully Branded: Custom prints and full-color designs that create a premium unboxing moment. Partially Branded: Generic exterior with branded inserts or inner packaging. A balanced approach. Dual-Purpose: Packaging that doubles as storage or display. Helpful in cutting waste and adding value. Final Take: Packaging That Works For You At Barrett, we support brands at every stage of growth. The best packaging solution reflects your customer promise, fits your budget and runs smoothly through your fulfillment operation. Are you ready to optimize your packaging and fulfillment? Contact us for a complimentary supply chain consultation today.

Barrett Distribution Centers is excited to announce that Tactacam, the market leader in action and trail cameras for hunting, shooting, and outdoor enthusiasts, has officially launched operations with Barrett as their 3PL provider.