Exploring Value-Added Services

Value-added services (VAS), sometimes called premium services, allow logistics providers to provide a more comprehensive experience for their clients. Clients then can create a  better experience for consumers and have more time to focus on important aspects of the business.

VAS can be an easy add-on for clients looking for a 3PL to truly handle end-to-end fulfillment. When selecting a 3PL provider, consider the value-added services they offer to enhance your order fulfillment strategy and explore all available options.

What is considered a value-added service?

A value-added service is any additional service that your 3PL provides to meet your needs or demands. This can be any project or task outside of the normal pick-and-pack process, including but not limited to:

• Barcoding/Labeling
• Kitting
• Light Assembly
• Subscription Boxes
• Personalization
• Special Requests

Basically, anything this is not required for a product or service but creates additional value (aka makes it worth more money). 

Does my 3PL need to provide VAS?

A 3PL provider that offers value-added services can be game-changing for a brand. Even if you don’t need the services right now, you might want the option in the future. Having the option for value-added services can save costs, increase efficiency, reduce stress, and improve customer service. 

Having a 3PL that provides VAS creates a level of flexibility that you can’t get at a 3PL without VAS. They are able to help with anything from barcoding products to putting together kits. Maybe since you partnered with the 3PL you have been growing exponentially and now want to offer your customers a subscription box. It would be great if you could just talk to your 3PL and start the subscription boxes instead of searching for another provider or doing it yourself. Ultimately, your team doesn't want to (or need to) label every product or create hundreds of subscription boxes by themselves.

A 3PL that offers value-added services can help focus on the details and shows you that they are invested in your success across the entire supply-chain. They can help your brand meet consumer demand and increase revenue. In the meantime you and your team more time to focus on growing other aspects of your business. 

In a rapidly evolving logistics industry, leveraging 3PL value-added services can be a key strategy for companies looking to optimize their supply chain. 

Read more about how value-added services such as kitting can boost your sales.