The contract-language and pricing landmines most SMBs miss — and how to avoid them.
Choosing a third-party logistics partner is one of the highest-leverage decisions an SMB operator will make. The wrong fit shows up as missed cutoffs, surprise invoices, and angry customer emails. The right fit fades into the background and lets you focus on the product.
Start with pricing transparency. Ask for a sample invoice from a customer of similar size — not a rate card. Rate cards hide receiving fees, long-term storage surcharges, and the dreaded 'special project' line item. A real invoice tells you what you'll actually pay each month.
Next, dig into integrations. A modern 3PL should connect to Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, NetSuite, and your ERP within hours, not weeks. If the answer involves CSV uploads or a 'custom EDI project,' keep looking.
Ask about SLAs in writing: same-day shipping cutoffs, inventory accuracy guarantees, and the credit you receive when they're missed. A confident partner offers credits without you having to fight for them.
Finally, talk to two current customers your size. The 3PL will hand you their happiest accounts — ask those customers what frustrates them anyway. Every relationship has friction; you want to know what kind you're signing up for before you sign.
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