Extensiv (formerly 3PL Central) has launched a programme to help eCommerce agencies, system integrators, and consultants assist their customers in finding the right fulfilment solution for their needs. The Extensiv E-commerce Solution Provider programme offers three diverse ways to work with Extensiv to meet a client’s shipping needs:
- Fulfilment Marketplace Affiliates: For agencies looking for a straightforward way to get started, Extensiv has created an affiliate program. Solution providers simply share their custom link. When clients sign up with an Extensiv 3PL, they share in the referral fees.
- Referral Partners: In this more traditional referral model, agencies introduce Extensiv. Clients can sign up to use Extensiv Order Manager, Extensiv Warehouse Manager, Extensiv Integration Manager, or connect with a 3PL through Fulfillment Marketplace. The solution provider receives a referral fee and/or the customer receives a discount. In cases where a client needs help choosing the best approach, Extensiv offers trusted guidance to select the strategy that is right for its unique needs.
- Private Label 4PL: For larger eCommerce solution providers, Extensiv can support the creation of a private label 4PL. By combining Extensiv Network Manager with the company’s network of 1500+ connected 3PLs. Virtually any organisation can select the appropriate partner 3PLs and utilise Extensiv Network Manager to run their own 4PL. Extensiv Network Manager’s 4PL functions include distributed order management and routing, customer service, and 4PL billing.
Critical to the eCommerce eco-system
According to Maier Bianchi, Founder & CTO at Bemeir, “We had a client, a reseller of surf and action sportswear. The client had concerns of keeping deliverables on track.
“As their trusted development agency, we decided moving from in-house fulfilment to a 3PL as soon as possible. Extensiv’s trusted team guided the brand to find the perfect fulfilment partner in just a few weeks.”
Richard Kang, Extensiv’s vice president of business development & partnerships, said, “The thousands of eCommerce solution providers that help emerging brands develop their eCommerce sites and strategy are critical to making the eCommerce ecosystem work. Our goal with this programme is to help these solution providers deepen their relationships with their clients. As a result, become an even more trusted advisor.
“Agencies that want to get directly involved in fulfilment can do so with very little up-front investment. This can be achieved by utilising Network Manager to build a 4PL. While those that want to take a hands-off approach can refer clients to the Extensiv Fulfillment Marketplace. Either way, it is a win-win for solution providers and their customers.”
Earlier in the year, Extensiv launched Extensiv Hub. The solution is a unified omnichannel fulfilment platform that centralises information for brands and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). It is designed to help both to scale with a single technology platform throughout their growth journey.
Enterprise Times: What this means for business.
As consumer expectations have continued to rise, online merchants are faced with a dizzying array of fulfilment options. Furthermore, there is a diverse array of products being delivered today. From simple iPhone cases to bulky furniture and even hazardous materials like lithium batteries. This means a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work. As a result, businesses need fulfilment solutions that provide flexibility, in terms of product types and shipping options.
Extensiv says eCommerce agencies can be confident that their customer will end up with the right fulfilment solution. This can be achieved without having to hire expensive in-house expertise.
For some brands, the right solution may be a fully outsourced strategy powered by one of the many 3PLs or fourth-party logistics (4PLs) providers available in the Fulfillment Marketplace. For others, it will mean utilising Extensiv’s modern fulfilment software, including inventory management, order management and warehouse management.
Extensiv’s new programme is designed to enable Agencies and System Integrators to find the right fulfilment solutions for their customers. The fulfilment options may range from simple “Find a 3PL” to a private label 4PL Network using Extensiv Network Manager.
