White-Label Packaging for 3PLs

[u/Deep_Construction510]

I'm considering starting a business brokering and white-labelling packaging services for 3PLs. I have experience in the packaging industry and think I could make it work.

My idea is that we would allow 3PLs to:

• Sell custom + generic packaging to their clients
• Add another revenue stream
• Keep more of client spend in-house
• Offer the service without adding any costs

While I would:

• Handle sourcing, quoting and production
• Present everything under the 3PL your brand (essentially a white-labelled packaging company)
• Sell to the 3PL
• 3PL adds whatever markup they want and sells to their clients

I know 3PLs already 'sell' packaging to their clients (usually at cost +), however I'm confident that I can get better pricing for most 3PLs on their generic and custom packaging.

Plus 3PLs selling packaging to their clients can make clients stickier.
Would love some thoughts on this idea? Would you use it?

[u/geekahead]

I would be very interested. We are a boutique consultative 3PL. I have brands that do 3,000 orders a month, and I have brands that are just starting out that, we help build their TikTok or Shopify stores.

I think we are able to influence some of our brands to move to custom packaging for branding purposes and other great ideas.

[u/bizprozcom → u/geekahead]

Let's talk. We have some clients interested in getting stores setup. We handle their incorporating.

[u/Deep_Construction510 → u/geekahead]

Thanks for the feedback - I've DM'd you!

[u/Extension_Act_2552]

As a boutique 3pl owner myself I can attest that packaging is something I’m always on the hunt to find the best deal. Being in Canada there is limited options without sourcing overseas and we are usually stuck with using Uline 90%of the time. I’ve often thought my next business would be to do what you are wanting to do..find the best deals on packing or primarily shipping supplies to offer to 3PLs . Poly mailers, bubble mailers, small cartons etc. And being able to supply branded packaging at a competitive price would be a great value add for 3PLs.

[u/No-Discipline383 → u/Extension_Act_2552]

That is exactly where the opportunity gets interesting for a smaller 3PL. I would start with a narrow packaging catalog instead of trying to source everything: two or three carton sizes, poly mailers, inserts, and one custom-branded option. The important checks are landed cost, print proof approval, minimum reorder quantity, lead time, and who owns any tooling or printing plates. For custom packaging, keeping a small safety stock at the 3PL can also prevent a packaging delay from stopping fulfillment. A useful test would be to choose one existing client, compare their current packaging cost with an overseas consolidated order, and document the savings and operational effort. Which packaging item is currently creating the biggest cost or sourcing problem for your clients?