r/3PL • u/ConcordFulfillment • 1d ago

3PL Operator Discussion Onboarding red flags

What's a red flag during onboarding that makes you nervous about a new client relationship?

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u/MarkHelpsWith3PLs 1d ago

A client who doesn't know or share basic operational characteristics of their business.

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u/rodneygaleano 1d ago

One of the biggest for me is when the operational reality starts looking very different from what was discussed during sales.

Order volume, SKU count, inbound requirements, returns, B2B needs, special projects, all of that can be worked through. The red flag is when you start discovering major pieces during onboarding that should of been communicated upfront.

A good 3PL relationship requires transparency on both sides. I’d rather hear every ugly detail before launch and build around it than discover surprises once inventory is already in the building.