Storing and Packaging/Posting option for sellers

[good_signs]

So i've been looking for a fullfilment service to store and package/post my products for some time now and have found 3 potentials, all way too expensive to use though for the items i sell.

Does anybody know of anybody doing this privately? What would peoples thoughts be on using a pivate individual. I'm starting to think that my own problem is shared by others and that maybe i should get into it and provide this service myself.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[putney32]

the reason these fulfillment services are relatively expensive is due to high overheads, with storage facilities, pick and pack staff and INSURANCE. (the real killer),

however if you feel you could make a living / sideline income from it, why not explore the possibilities with your accountant/business advisor.

[good_signs]

Thanks for your reply. i've thought some more on this topic and also checked out more prices (very expensive pack and send)

I'm thinking i'm going to do it. restrict the service to 4 - 5 high volume ebay sellers maximum. Use the space i have at home or rent a storage unit and only offer Auspost as the delivery method. Insurance quote checked out pretty cheap (in the extremely rare event of fire/theft) and as i will be the one doing the work there are no picking/packing staff overheads.

Stock would be held by me. seller will send an excel spreadsheet with a picture of the item and the address and i send. Simple and cheap for seller, easy to organise and the seller knows that its been sent with a confirmation excel spreadsheet sent back to them.

Just musing at the moment but i can't see why it wouldn't create a win win situation, obviously would have to iron out a few details. Any ideas or potential issues would be much appreciated ebay community!! 

[the-kazbar]

I'm thinking i'm going to do it. restrict the service to 4 - 5 high volume ebay sellers maximum. Use the space i have at home or rent a storage unit and only offer Auspost as the delivery method. Insurance quote checked out pretty cheap (in the extremely rare event of fire/theft) and as i will be the one doing the work there are no picking/packing staff overheads.

I am only very small fry on ebay but I stuggle to house all of my stuff and when its busy, packing my items can be a stretch for 1 person. I hate to think what it would be like for 1 person to pack for 5 high volume sellers, and send confirmation emails, and store all the stuff as well.

[putney32]

Thanks for your reply. i've thought some more on this topic and also checked out more prices (very expensive pack and send)

I'm thinking i'm going to do it. restrict the service to 4 - 5 high volume ebay sellers maximum. Use the space i have at home or rent a storage unit and only offer Auspost as the delivery method. Insurance quote checked out pretty cheap (in the extremely rare event of fire/theft) and as i will be the one doing the work there are no picking/packing staff overheads.

Stock would be held by me. seller will send an excel spreadsheet with a picture of the item and the address and i send. Simple and cheap for seller, easy to organise and the seller knows that its been sent with a confirmation excel spreadsheet sent back to them.

Just musing at the moment but i can't see why it wouldn't create a win win situation, obviously would have to iron out a few details. Any ideas or potential issues would be much appreciated ebay community!! 

you'd need more than just a photo of the item.. say a high volume seller of clothing... 200 lines, each in 4 sizes and 6 colours.-- that's close to 5,000 items  you'd need to pick and pack from for just one seller.

just use Aust Post... ok but do you know how many different services Aust Post offer?  some items would go Click and Send / Some Registered / Some Express... and of course some may go International, with extra services, paperwork etc.

you would need to know the aust post rules/pricing etc. inside out to get it right.

Most sellers offer 1 or 2 day turnaround, so you'd have to be packing at least twice a day, morning and evenings to make the post.

there are lots of other hurdles I could think of, including running a Storage Facility from your home, how would the Council see that?

there is a reason why such services, offered professionally, are expensive.

[lyndal1838]

If you are looking for someone to provide this service for the 39 items you are listing, why do you think you could offer the same service to 4 or 5 HIGH VOLUME sellers.

You are listing a small number of small items but you want to farm the work out....do you really think you could cope on your own with the packing/posting for just ONE high volume seller, let alone 4 or 5?