3PL vs Amazon FBA: Which Fulfillment Option is Right for Your Business?

When scaling an eCommerce brand, fulfillment can either fuel your growth or hold you back. Two of the most common solutions are third-party logistics (3PL) providers and Amazon FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon).

Both options handle warehousing, packing, and shipping, but they work very differently behind the scenes. So, how do you choose a 3PL vs Amazon FBA, and which option is best for your business?

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and key differences to help you decide and show you how SendIt can make fulfillment feel a whole lot simpler.

What Is a 3PL?

A third-party logistics provider (3PL) is an external company that handles your order fulfillment. This includes:

• Warehousing

• Inventory management

• Picking and packing

• Shipping and returns

The beauty of a 3PL is flexibility. You're not locked into a single marketplace. You can sell on Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, or even your own DTC site, and your 3PL keeps orders flowing smoothly.

Looking for a fulfillment partner that scales with you, not against you? Talk to SendIt about our tailored 3PL solutions.

What Is Amazon FBA?

Fulfilled by Amazon (FBA) lets sellers store their products in Amazon's warehouses. Amazon then picks, packs, and ships your orders, and even handles customer service.

It’s super convenient, especially for sellers focused primarily on Amazon. Plus, FBA products are Prime-eligible, which can boost conversions.

But that convenience comes with trade-offs.

3PL vs Amazon FBA: Key Differences

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you weigh the options:

Feature	3PL	Amazon FBA
Marketplace Flexibility	Multi-channel	Amazon only
Branding Control	Full control over packaging & experience	Amazon-branded packaging
Fees	Custom pricing based on volume & needs	Fixed Amazon fees (storage, fulfillment, returns)
Customer Experience	You own it	Amazon handles it
Returns & Support	Handled by your 3PL	Managed by Amazon
Inventory Limits	Flexible	Subject to FBA storage limits

Every business has unique needs. If you're building a brand beyond Amazon, a 3PL gives you more control and room to grow.

Pros and Cons: 3PL

Pros

• Custom packaging and brand experience

• Multi-channel fulfillment

• Flexible pricing and shipping options

• Scalable as you grow

Cons

• More responsibility for returns and support (unless your 3PL offers it)

• Slightly more setup effort upfront

Tip: A good 3PL doesn’t just ship boxes, they become a true partner. At SendIt, we work with brands to streamline everything from packing optimization to international freight.

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Pros and Cons: Amazon FBA

Pros

• Prime eligibility can drive more sales

• Fully automated fulfillment

• Amazon handles customer service and returns

Cons

• Limited branding/customization

• Risk of account suspensions or policy changes

• Expensive long-term storage fees

• Inventory restrictions during peak seasons

So, Which Should You Choose?

Ask yourself a few key questions:

• Are you selling exclusively on Amazon?

• Do you want to build a standalone brand?

• Do you need flexibility across platforms?

• How important is packaging and customer experience?

If you're all-in on Amazon and value hands-off logistics, FBA might be the simpler route, at least to start.

But if you're building a brand for the long haul, across multiple channels, and want a say in how your products are shipped and presented, a 3PL like SendIt gives you the control you need without the hassle.

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Why More Brands Are Choosing 3PL Over FBA

As eCommerce evolves, brands are getting smarter about fulfillment. Amazon FBA is great for short-term wins, but long-term success requires:

• Customer loyalty

• Memorable unboxing experiences

• Multi-channel resilience

That’s where 3PLs shine. And the right logistics partner will grow with you, not box you in (pun intended).

Need Help Making the Switch?

Whether you're moving off FBA, launching your own site, or just need faster, smarter shipping, SendIt’s got your back. We combine freight expertise with a modern 3PL model that puts your brand first.

• No bloated fees

• Custom solutions

• Real humans who care

Ready to scale smarter? Get in touch with SendIt and let's move your business forward.

FAQs

Is a 3PL better than Amazon FBA?

It depends on your goals. 3PLs offer more flexibility and branding control, while FBA is easier to start with if you sell only on Amazon.

Can I use both 3PL and FBA?

Yes! Many sellers use a hybrid approach, FBA for Amazon orders and a 3PL for other platforms or international shipping.

How do I choose the right 3PL?

Look for transparency, experience, tech integration, and clear communication. SendIt offers all that, plus a dedicated onboarding team to make the transition seamless.