BigCommerce 3PL Fulfillment Services
Running a growing BigCommerce store can make in-house fulfillment harder to manage as order volume increases. Inventory, picking, packing, shipping, and returns can quickly require more space, labor, and coordination. A BigCommerce 3PL can take over these day-to-day logistics tasks while keeping orders connected to your online store.
With the right setup, order information can move from BigCommerce to the fulfillment center for processing. Inventory updates and shipment tracking can also be sent back to the store as orders move through fulfillment. This gives businesses better visibility into stock levels, order activity, and shipping status.
Speed Commerce supports BigCommerce sellers with warehousing, inventory management, pick and pack, shipping, returns, and integration support. These services can help businesses handle higher order volumes without building a larger warehouse operation internally. Fulfillment support can also adapt as product catalogs, sales channels, and customer demand change.
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Table of Contents
- What Is BigCommerce?
- How Does BigCommerce Work?
- Why BigCommerce Stands Out for Growing eCommerce Businesses
- What Is BigCommerce Fulfillment?
- How BigCommerce Fulfillment Works
- Managing BigCommerce Inventory With a Fulfillment Center
- Connecting BigCommerce With a 3PL
- Benefits of Working With a BigCommerce 3PL
- BigCommerce Fulfillment Services
- Challenges in BigCommerce Fulfillment
- What to Consider When Choosing a BigCommerce 3PL
- Learn More About BigCommerce Fulfillment
- Speed Commerce Order Fulfillment Integration for BigCommerce
What Is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is an eCommerce platform that helps businesses build and manage online stores without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Merchants can use it to manage products, process orders, accept payments, and operate their storefront from one platform.
The platform supports both direct-to-consumer and B2B selling across a wide range of industries. Its tools can accommodate growing catalogs, higher order volumes, multiple sales channels, and different customer types as a business expands.
BigCommerce can also connect with third-party systems such as payment providers, shipping tools, inventory software, and third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Integrating with a 3PL such as Speed Commerce can help automate the flow of orders, inventory updates, fulfillment activity, and shipment tracking between the online store and fulfillment center.
Speed Commerce: Your BigCommerce Fulfillment Partner
REQUEST A QUOTEHow Does BigCommerce Work?
BigCommerce brings storefront management, product listings, payments, orders, and other eCommerce functions into one platform. Merchants can manage the customer-facing store while connecting outside systems for fulfillment, shipping, inventory, and other operational needs. This setup can help keep store activity and backend processes connected as order volume grows.
Step 1. Storefront Setup
Merchants create and customize their online storefront, including product listings, descriptions, pricing, images, and navigation. Store settings and catalog information can be managed through the BigCommerce control panel. Businesses can also organize categories, update product details, and adjust storefront content as their catalog changes.
Step 2. Order Placement
When a customer places an order, BigCommerce records details such as the products purchased, quantities, payment information, and selected shipping method. The order is then added to the merchant’s order management system for processing. Customer and shipping information can also be passed to connected systems that support fulfillment.
Step 3. Order Management
BigCommerce organizes incoming orders so merchants can review order status, customer information, inventory activity, and fulfillment details. Connected systems can also use this order data to coordinate the next steps in the fulfillment process. Merchants can monitor order progress and address issues before products are shipped.
Step 4. Payment Processing
BigCommerce supports integrations with payment gateways that allow customers to complete transactions through the online store. Payment and order information is recorded so merchants can confirm transaction status before fulfillment moves forward. Different payment methods can be connected depending on the merchant’s store setup and customer needs.
Step 5. Order Fulfillment
Once an order is ready for fulfillment, the merchant can process it internally or send it to a third-party logistics (3PL) provider such as Speed Commerce. With an integration in place, order details can move from BigCommerce to the fulfillment center for picking, packing, and shipping. Inventory records can also be updated as products are allocated and shipped.
Step 6. Shipping and Tracking
After the order is packed, it is handed to the selected carrier for delivery. Tracking information can then be sent back to BigCommerce and shared with the customer so they can follow the shipment. Shipment status updates can also help merchants monitor delivery progress and respond to customer questions.
Why BigCommerce Stands Out for Growing eCommerce Businesses
BigCommerce supports businesses at different stages of growth, from smaller online stores to larger enterprise operations. Its platform includes tools for managing product catalogs, customer orders, payments, and sales activity within one system.
Businesses with higher order volumes can use BigCommerce to manage larger catalogs and expand into additional markets or sales channels. Store settings, product data, pricing, and customer information can also be managed as business requirements change.
BigCommerce also provides an open API structure that allows merchants to connect the platform with third-party applications and business systems. These integrations can include inventory software, payment providers, marketing tools, shipping platforms, and third-party logistics providers such as Speed Commerce.
Enterprise features include built-in SEO tools, multi-channel selling capabilities, analytics, and support for more complex eCommerce operations. These functions can help businesses manage growing sales activity while keeping storefront, order, and backend systems connected.
Take Your BigCommerce Store to the Next Level
GET IN TOUCHWhat Is BigCommerce Fulfillment?
BigCommerce fulfillment is the process of receiving, processing, packing, shipping, and tracking orders placed through a BigCommerce store. It also includes inventory updates, returns, and the coordination required to move an order from checkout to final delivery.
When a customer completes a purchase, order details such as the products, quantities, shipping address, and selected delivery method can move into the merchant’s fulfillment workflow. Businesses that manage fulfillment internally must maintain inventory, warehouse space, labor, packaging materials, carrier relationships, and shipping processes as order volume changes.
A third-party logistics (3PL) provider can take over these warehouse and fulfillment functions for a BigCommerce merchant. With a BigCommerce 3PL integration, orders can flow from the store to the fulfillment center for picking and packing, while inventory levels, shipment status, and tracking information can be sent back to BigCommerce.
BigCommerce fulfillment can also support businesses selling through multiple channels. A connected 3PL can help coordinate inventory and orders from an online store, marketplaces, retail channels, and other sales platforms within the same fulfillment operation. This gives merchants a more practical way to manage growth without building and staffing their own warehouse network.
How BigCommerce Fulfillment Works
Connecting BigCommerce with Speed Commerce creates a direct flow between the online store and the fulfillment operation. Product, order, inventory, and shipment information can move between the two systems so merchants spend less time transferring fulfillment data manually.
Connect Your BigCommerce Store
The process begins by connecting your BigCommerce store with Speed Commerce and importing the products that will be fulfilled. Product information, stock keeping units (SKUs), and other relevant data can then be mapped between the systems. This establishes the connection needed for future orders to move into the fulfillment workflow.
Send Inventory to the Fulfillment Center
Once the integration is configured, inventory is sent to the designated Speed Commerce fulfillment center. Incoming products are received, counted, and entered into the warehouse inventory system before being placed into storage. Stock information can then be maintained as products are received, allocated to orders, shipped, or returned.
Process and Fulfill Orders
When a customer places an order through BigCommerce, the order details can be sent to Speed Commerce for fulfillment. Warehouse teams pick the correct products, verify the order, and pack the shipment according to the merchant’s requirements. This removes the need for the seller to manually forward each BigCommerce order to the warehouse.
Ship Orders and Update Tracking
Completed orders are prepared for carrier pickup using the appropriate shipping service. Once a shipment is processed, tracking information can be sent back to BigCommerce and made available to the merchant and customer. Inventory records can also be updated as orders leave the fulfillment center, helping the store maintain a current view of available stock.
Managing BigCommerce Inventory With a Fulfillment Center
BigCommerce merchants can send inventory to a fulfillment center in different ways depending on how their supply chain is set up. Products may first be received and inspected by the merchant before being forwarded to the warehouse, or manufacturers and suppliers can ship inventory directly to the fulfillment center. The right approach can depend on factors such as product inspection needs, supplier relationships, inbound freight costs, and how quickly inventory needs to become available for customer orders.
Once inventory reaches the fulfillment center, products can be received, counted, stored, and connected to the merchant’s BigCommerce catalog. Inventory levels can then be updated as products are received, allocated, shipped, returned, or adjusted. This helps merchants maintain better visibility into available stock without managing the physical warehouse themselves.
Outsourced fulfillment can also make it easier to support catalog growth and higher order volumes. New products can be sent to the warehouse and added to the fulfillment workflow without requiring the merchant to expand internal storage space or hire additional warehouse staff. A third-party logistics (3PL) provider may also have access to negotiated carrier rates based on its shipping volume, which can help merchants evaluate lower-cost delivery options or support free-shipping strategies when the economics make sense.
Returns can be routed back to the fulfillment center instead of the merchant’s own location. Warehouse teams can inspect returned products, update inventory records, and follow the merchant’s instructions for restocking, holding, or disposing of items. For BigCommerce businesses with higher return activity, including apparel and other consumer product categories, this can reduce the amount of reverse logistics handled internally.
Connecting BigCommerce With a 3PL
A BigCommerce 3PL integration connects the online store with the fulfillment provider’s warehouse and order management systems. Once the connection is configured, product information, orders, inventory data, and shipment updates can move between the two platforms without requiring merchants to manually re-enter the same information. This helps keep the storefront and warehouse working from the same order and inventory data.
When a customer places an order through BigCommerce, the order details can be sent directly to the fulfillment center for processing. Warehouse teams can then pick, pack, and prepare the shipment based on the products, quantities, shipping address, and selected delivery method. As orders are processed, inventory quantities can be updated so merchants have a clearer view of available stock.
Shipment information can also flow back to BigCommerce once an order leaves the warehouse. Tracking numbers and order status updates can then be shared with the merchant and customer through the store. This reduces manual coordination between the eCommerce platform, warehouse, and shipping process while giving businesses better visibility into fulfillment activity.
Speed Commerce can connect with BigCommerce to support order fulfillment, inventory management, shipping, tracking, and returns. After the store is connected and inventory is received, Speed Commerce can manage the warehouse operations behind each order while the merchant continues running the storefront. The integration can also support growing order volumes and expanding product catalogs without requiring businesses to manage fulfillment systems separately.
Put BigCommerce to Work for Your Business
REQUEST A QUOTEBenefits of Working With a BigCommerce 3PL
Partnering with a BigCommerce 3PL can reduce the operational workload of storing inventory, processing orders, shipping products, and handling returns. A connected fulfillment setup can also give merchants more visibility into inventory and order activity as sales volume grows.
1. More Organized Order Fulfillment
A BigCommerce 3PL can manage receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and returns in a single fulfillment operation. Orders placed through BigCommerce can flow directly to the warehouse once the systems are connected, reducing the need for manual order entry. Inventory and shipment updates can then move back to the store as orders are processed, helping merchants keep fulfillment activity easier to track.
2. Access to Lower Shipping Rates
3PL providers typically ship larger volumes across multiple clients, which can give them access to negotiated carrier rates. BigCommerce merchants may be able to use these rates instead of relying solely on shipping agreements arranged independently. Lower transportation costs can also give businesses more room to test shipping promotions, adjust delivery options, or reduce fulfillment expenses.
3. Flexible Warehouse Capacity
Inventory needs can change as a BigCommerce store adds products, enters new markets, or prepares for seasonal demand. Working with a 3PL allows merchants to use warehouse space and fulfillment resources without operating a larger facility themselves. This can be especially useful during product launches, holiday peaks, promotional campaigns, or periods of rapid catalog growth.
4. More Consistent Order Processing and Delivery
Customers expect the correct products to arrive in good condition and within the stated delivery window. Defined warehouse procedures for picking, packing, order verification, and shipping can help reduce fulfillment errors and prevent avoidable delays. Tracking information can also be returned to BigCommerce so customers and support teams can follow shipment progress after an order leaves the warehouse.
5. Better Inventory Visibility
Connecting BigCommerce with a 3PL’s inventory or warehouse management system can give merchants a clearer view of stock levels and product movement. Inventory records can be updated as products are received, allocated to orders, shipped, returned, or adjusted. This visibility can support replenishment planning, reduce overselling, and help businesses prepare for upcoming promotions or periods of higher demand.
BigCommerce Fulfillment Services
A BigCommerce 3PL can manage much of the physical work that begins after a customer places an order. Depending on the merchant’s needs, fulfillment can cover inventory storage, order processing, packaging, shipping, kitting, tracking, and returns while connected systems keep BigCommerce updated.
Inventory Management
Inventory management helps merchants track stock quantities as products are received, allocated to orders, shipped, returned, or adjusted. When the fulfillment system is connected with BigCommerce, inventory updates can flow back to the store and provide a clearer view of available products. This can help reduce overselling and support better replenishment planning.
Warehousing
A 3PL can store products in fulfillment centers instead of requiring merchants to maintain their own warehouse space. Inventory can be organized according to product size, SKU, handling requirements, and order activity. Businesses can also plan warehouse placement around where their customers are located and how orders are distributed.
Pick and Pack
When an order enters the fulfillment system, warehouse teams locate the correct products and prepare them for shipment. Picking procedures can account for product variations, quantities, bundles, and other order details received from BigCommerce. Packing materials and carton sizes can then be selected based on the products being shipped.
Custom Packaging
Merchants may want orders packed with branded boxes, mailers, tissue, inserts, promotional materials, or other presentation elements. These requirements can be incorporated into the packing workflow when the necessary materials and instructions are provided. Custom packaging can also support product launches, gifting programs, and other campaigns where presentation plays a larger role.
Kitting and Assembly
Kitting can combine individual SKUs into subscription boxes, gift sets, promotional bundles, starter kits, or other multi-item products. Warehouse teams can assemble these configurations according to predetermined instructions while tracking the components used. This gives BigCommerce merchants another way to sell grouped products without assembling every kit internally.
Shipping and Tracking
Once an order is packed, the shipment can be prepared for the selected carrier and delivery service. Tracking information can then be sent back to BigCommerce so merchants and customers can follow the order after carrier pickup. Shipping data also gives businesses greater visibility into fulfillment activity across their store.
Returns Management
Returns can be routed back to the fulfillment center rather than the merchant’s office or internal facility. Products can be inspected according to established return criteria, and inventory records can be updated based on whether an item is restocked, held, or handled another way. Speed Commerce can manage this reverse logistics process alongside outbound BigCommerce fulfillment.
Challenges in BigCommerce Fulfillment
| Fulfillment Challenge | What Can Happen | How a 3PL Can Help |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory Management | Tracking inventory manually or across disconnected systems can lead to inaccurate stock counts, overselling, or products showing as unavailable when inventory is still on hand. These issues can become harder to manage as the catalog expands across more SKUs and sales channels. | A connected 3PL can update inventory as products are received, allocated, shipped, returned, or adjusted. This gives BigCommerce merchants clearer visibility into available stock and can support more accurate replenishment planning. |
| Shipping Costs | Smaller in-house operations may have less negotiating power with parcel carriers, particularly when monthly shipment volume is limited. Packaging choices, dimensional weight, delivery zones, and expedited services can also increase transportation costs. | 3PL providers typically ship larger combined volumes across their customer base and may have access to negotiated carrier rates. They can also help merchants compare available services based on package size, destination, and delivery requirements. |
| Order Processing During Peak Periods | Promotions, holidays, product launches, and sudden increases in demand can place additional pressure on internal fulfillment teams. Limited labor or warehouse capacity can cause orders to remain unprocessed longer than expected. | Outsourced fulfillment gives merchants access to established warehouse staff, systems, and processing capacity. Speed Commerce can support changing order volumes without requiring the merchant to build additional warehouse infrastructure internally. |
| Returns Management | Returns require receiving space, inspections, inventory updates, refund coordination, and decisions about whether products can be restocked. Businesses with frequent returns can quickly accumulate additional warehouse and administrative work. | Returned products can be routed directly to the fulfillment center for inspection and processing according to the merchant’s return rules. Inventory records can then be updated based on the condition and disposition of each item. |
| Scaling Fulfillment Operations | Business growth can require more storage space, warehouse employees, equipment, packaging supplies, and shipping resources. Expanding these functions internally can involve significant fixed costs and ongoing management. | A 3PL allows merchants to expand fulfillment capacity without operating a larger warehouse themselves. Storage and processing resources can adjust as inventory levels, order volume, and product catalogs change. |
What to Consider When Choosing a BigCommerce 3PL
A BigCommerce 3PL should fit your store setup, order volume, shipping needs, product requirements, and plans for growth. The right provider should also be able to connect with your platform, manage inventory accurately, and support day-to-day fulfillment without creating extra manual work. Warehouse locations, returns processing, account support, and available capacity can all affect how well the partnership works over time. Reviewing these areas early can help you compare providers based on operational fit rather than price alone.
BigCommerce Integration
The 3PL should connect directly with BigCommerce so orders, inventory updates, shipment status, and tracking information can move between systems. A reliable integration can reduce manual data entry and help keep storefront and warehouse activity aligned. It can also make it easier to monitor fulfillment without switching between disconnected systems.
Warehouse Locations
Consider where the provider’s fulfillment centers are located in relation to your customer base. Warehousing inventory closer to major customer regions can help reduce transit times and may lower shipping costs for certain orders. Location strategy can also become more useful as a business expands into new markets.
eCommerce Fulfillment Experience
Look at the provider’s background with eCommerce businesses, platform integrations, and changing order volumes. Reviews, case studies, and onboarding discussions can help you evaluate how the 3PL handles order accuracy, peak periods, customer support, and day-to-day fulfillment issues. Experience with businesses similar to yours can also make onboarding and process planning more straightforward.
Capacity for Growth
Your fulfillment requirements can change as you add products, enter new markets, or receive more orders. The 3PL should have enough warehouse space, labor, and processing capacity to support seasonal peaks, product launches, and long-term growth without requiring major changes to your fulfillment setup. It should also be able to adjust as inventory levels and order patterns change over time.
Returns Management
Ask how returned products are received, inspected, restocked, held, or otherwise processed. Inventory records should also be updated after returns so available stock remains accurate in BigCommerce. A clearly defined returns process can reduce the amount of reverse logistics work handled by your internal team.
Work With a BigCommerce 3PL
contact usLearn More About BigCommerce Fulfillment
Q: Does BigCommerce integrate with QuickBooks?
A: Yes. BigCommerce can integrate with QuickBooks Online to sync data such as orders, products, customers, taxes, discounts, refunds, and shipping charges. Merchants can also schedule automatic syncs after the integration is configured, reducing the need to transfer transaction data manually. This can make accounting records easier to maintain as order volume increases.
Q: Can Drupal and BigCommerce be integrated for eCommerce websites?
A: Yes. Drupal and BigCommerce can be connected so Drupal manages website content while BigCommerce handles functions such as product listings, orders, checkout, and payments. This setup allows businesses to combine Drupal’s content management capabilities with BigCommerce’s eCommerce features. Additional systems, including fulfillment and inventory platforms, can also be connected as the store’s operational needs expand.
Q: Why outsource BigCommerce shipping and fulfillment to Speed Commerce?
A: Speed Commerce can manage warehousing, inventory, pick and pack, shipping, tracking, and returns for BigCommerce merchants. Connecting the store with the fulfillment operation allows order and inventory information to move between systems with less manual work. Merchants can then spend less time managing warehouse tasks and more time on merchandising, marketing, customer service, and growth. Fulfillment capacity can also adjust as product catalogs and order volumes change.
Q: What services are available for Drupal and BigCommerce integration?
A: Drupal and BigCommerce integrations can support the synchronization of product catalogs, storefront content, customer information, and checkout activity depending on how the systems are configured. Fulfillment services can then extend that setup to inventory management, order processing, shipping, tracking, and returns. This creates a connection between the customer-facing website, eCommerce platform, and warehouse operation. Businesses should review their technical requirements before implementation to determine which systems and data need to be connected.
Q: What companies provide Drupal and BigCommerce integration services?
A: Businesses can work with developers or technology providers that specialize in Drupal and BigCommerce integrations. The original setup may involve companies such as Acro Media or Commerce Guys for website and platform integration, while Speed Commerce can support the fulfillment side of a connected BigCommerce operation. The right provider depends on whether the business needs development work, eCommerce configuration, logistics support, or a combination of services. Reviewing platform expertise and integration requirements can help narrow the options.
Q: Can a BigCommerce store provide free shipping?
A: Yes. BigCommerce merchants can configure free shipping as part of their store’s shipping strategy, including rules tied to order value or other conditions. Working with a fulfillment provider may also help businesses access different carrier rates and distribution options when evaluating shipping costs. Inventory placement closer to customers can reduce transit distance for certain orders. Merchants should compare fulfillment and transportation costs before deciding when free shipping makes financial sense.
Q: Does BigCommerce calculate shipping costs?
A: BigCommerce can support real-time shipping quotes as well as predefined options such as flat-rate or free shipping. Shipping calculations can consider details such as package weight, dimensions, origin, destination, and the selected carrier service. Merchants can also configure handling charges or other shipping rules based on their store setup. These options give businesses more control over how delivery costs are presented during checkout.
Q: How do returns work with BigCommerce?
A: Returns can be managed through the merchant’s established return process and coordinated with a fulfillment provider when fulfillment is outsourced. With Speed Commerce, returned products can be routed to the warehouse for inspection and handled according to the merchant’s instructions. Depending on the product condition, an item may be restocked, held for review, returned to the merchant, or handled another way. Inventory records can then be updated to reflect the final disposition of the returned product.
Q: Does Speed Commerce work with BigCommerce stores that also sell on Amazon?
A: Speed Commerce can support fulfillment for businesses that use BigCommerce alongside other connected sales channels. Orders from different channels can be coordinated through the fulfillment operation when the necessary integrations are configured. This can help merchants manage shared inventory and order activity without maintaining completely separate warehouse operations. Businesses should review their specific BigCommerce and Amazon setup with Speed Commerce before onboarding.
Q: Does Speed Commerce integrate with BigCommerce?
A: Yes. Speed Commerce can connect with BigCommerce so store orders can move into the fulfillment workflow for processing. Once an order is received, warehouse teams can pick, pack, and prepare the shipment according to the merchant’s requirements. Shipment and tracking information can then be returned to the connected store as the order progresses. The integration can also support inventory updates so merchants have better visibility into available stock.
Speed Commerce Order Fulfillment Integration for BigCommerce
Speed Commerce connects with BigCommerce to help merchants manage order fulfillment without relying on manual transfers between the store and warehouse. Once the integration is set up, order details can move directly into the fulfillment workflow while inventory and shipment information can be updated as orders are processed.
BigCommerce merchants can use Speed Commerce for warehousing, inventory management, pick and pack, shipping, tracking, returns, and other fulfillment needs. Businesses can also work with fulfillment locations such as the Los Angeles 3PL facility when that location fits their inventory and customer distribution needs.
As order volume, product catalogs, or sales channels expand, Speed Commerce can provide the warehouse capacity and operational support needed to manage those changes. Connecting BigCommerce with a 3PL also gives merchants a more direct way to coordinate storefront activity with inventory and fulfillment operations.
Ready to outsource your BigCommerce fulfillment? Contact Speed Commerce to discuss your store setup, order volume, inventory requirements, and shipping needs.
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The process of managing and delivering orders placed through BigCommerce stores.
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Third-Party Logistics (3PL)
Outsourcing logistics and supply chain management activities to a provider.
Commerce Cloud
A cloud-based eCommerce platform that helps businesses manage online sales, product catalogs, and customer experiences.
