There is no single price for a 3PL, because every seller ships different products at different volumes. What you can know ahead of time is what you will be charged for, and how to compare quotes fairly.
What you pay for
Most 3PL pricing comes down to a handful of fees:
- Receiving: checking in your inventory, usually per carton or per pallet that arrives.
- Storage: keeping your stock on a bin, shelf or pallet, billed on a regular schedule.
- Pick and pack: finding the items and packing the order, usually a price per order plus a charge for each additional item.
- Packaging: the poly bags, boxes, mailers or inserts used for each order.
- Shipping: the carrier postage for each package.
- Extras: things like kitting, returns handling or special projects.
Why prices differ
Two sellers can ask for the same service and get very different quotes. The usual reasons:
- The size and weight of your products.
- How many orders you ship, and how steady that number is.
- How many distinct items (SKUs) you carry.
- How many items go in a typical order.
- Where your packages are going.
- Special handling, such as kitting, labeling or fragile goods.
Fees to ask about
A low rate on one line can hide extra charges elsewhere. Ask about each of these before you sign:
- Setup or onboarding fees.
- Minimum monthly charges.
- Fees for stock that sits for a long time.
- Charges for connecting your sales platforms.
- Account management or software fees.
- Whether rates change in a busy season.
Ask for every fee in writing, so there are no surprises on your first invoice.
How to compare quotes
- Give every provider the same facts: orders per month, SKUs, product sizes and where you ship.
- Ask for an itemized quote, not a single total.
- Compare the full cost per order, not one rate.
- Ask what is not included.
How we price
Sonic Fulfillment builds each quote around your products and order volume. It lists the rate for receiving, storage, pick and pack, packaging and shipping, and your invoice uses the same lines. We do not publish prices because every customer is different. See how pricing works, or ask for a quote.