What does a fulfilment service provider actually do?

If you run an e-commerce brand selling direct-to-consumer and/ or through retailers, you are probably already working with a fulfilment service provider, but if you are just
curious about outsourcing your business in the future to scale up without the stress, or want to peek behind the curtain to see what goes into getting products from your online store to your customer’s doorstep – we have the answers.

What is a fulfilment service provider?

A fulfilment service provider is a specialist partner that takes over vital (and often complex) operations in your supply chain. Think of it as an extension of your team — one that handles receiving, storing, picking, packing and shipping your products to customers both in the UK and around the world. Rather than juggling warehousing, tape guns, shipping labels, multiple carriers and order tracking, you hand these challenges to experts dedicated to making sure orders arrive fast, accurately, and safely.

Fulfilment: What happens day-to-day

There are a number of stages to ensure every package gets out the door promptly and correctly.

Key tasks include:

Receiving stock: Accepting deliveries from manufacturers or suppliers, checking for accuracy and recording items into an inventory system.
Warehousing: Storing products securely in a way that makes them easy to locate and pick. Prolog’s team, for example, uses a cloud-based Warehouse Management System so your inventory levels are tracked in real time.
Picking and packing: When a customer places an order, warehouse staff locate (pick) the right items, then package them safely and attractively — whether that’s a single product, a bundle, or an assembled subscription box.
Shipping: Arranging timely collection and delivery with couriers or postal services to ensure every parcel arrives quickly and with full tracking available.
Returns management: Handling items that come back from customers with streamlined inspections, restocking, or arranging refunds to safeguard your margins.

The Prolog team also manages special requests such as personalisation (custom packaging, embroidery, or print), kitting for promotional boxes, and even re-labelling or quality control when issues arise.

How does a fulfilment centre work?

A fulfilment centre is the hub where all these activities take place. At Prolog, these are purpose-built warehouses fitted out with advanced technology and skilled staff.

Here’s how the process unfolds after your products arrive:

Goods-in: Stock is checked for quality, counted in, and stored in an organised manner.
Inventory management: Every item is tracked using powerful software, so you always know what’s available and where.
Order processing: Once a customer order lands (from any platform — your website, Amazon, TikTok, etc.), it’s instantly picked up by the system.
Picking and packing: Items are picked accurately, then packed to match your brand (eco-friendly, gift-ready, or minimalist, as you wish).
Shipping: The order is labelled, handed to a trusted carrier, and sent on its way — often with live tracking integrated.
Returns and customer care: If anything comes back, the centre team inspects, processes, and updates your system.

Fulfilment centres like Prolog’s are designed to flex effortlessly with demand. Whether you’re selling trainers, beauty products, electronics, or running a monthly subscription box, processes ensure every order is treated with care, no matter how big the spike in sales.

The big picture: Why fulfilment services matter

Reliable fulfilment is more than just putting products in boxes. It’s about building customer trust through fast dispatch, consistent communication, and hassle-free returns — all backed up by technology that gives you transparency and control.

For many brands, working with a fulfilment specialist (like Prolog) means:

Space and resources to support growth, even during seasonal peaks.
Expert advice to optimise costs and streamline workflows.
Seamless connections with global delivery networks for international reach.

You are freeing up your team to focus on marketing, product innovation, and customer care, knowing that your logistics are running like clockwork.

Bringing it all together

Partnering with a reliable fulfilment provider enables businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and capitalise on the growth opportunities presented by social commerce.

An experienced logistics partner will provide brands with specialised expertise in warehousing, inventory management, and shipping logistics. This expertise is invaluable for businesses navigating the complexities of fulfilling orders across multiple sales channels, including social media platforms.

At Prolog, we work with B2B and DTC brands, providing them with a tailored and scalable omnichannel fulfilment solution that allows them to deliver their goods reliably and efficiently, maintaining high service levels, fostering customer loyalty and positive brand reputation. We provide our clients with a flexible solution that can expand seamlessly, handling high-demand periods with flexible staffing and shipping solutions, and scalable warehouse capacity to accommodate high-demand periods such as seasonal releases, limited-edition launches, and demand spikes caused by viral products. Without the ability to flex operations efficiently, brands risk stockouts and delivery delays.

Outsourcing your logistics to a fulfilment service provider is a strategic step that can unlock scale, agility, and happier customers. From real-time inventory tracking to specialist services like subscription box fulfilment, Prolog provides a backbone for ambitious brands aiming for flawless delivery experiences.

Prolog is here to help make that journey simple, scalable, and stress-free.