E-fulfilment: what is it and what to look out for?

Everyone knows what e-commerce is by now, but what about e-fulfilment? We explain below what this term means and what the points of interest are.

What does e-fulfilment mean?

E-fulfilment is a term that is popping up more and more often these days. It refers to the handling of the entire logistics process from placing an order in a webshop to delivery to the customer, and often also the handling of returns.

What does an e-fulfilment partner do?

This e-fulfilment can be outsourced by the owner of a webshop to a specialised company. This specialised company, usually a logistics service provider offering these services, then handles the entire logistics process: accepting deliveries, registering and storing stock, taking orders, order pickin, packing, shipping, handling returns.

As a webshop owner, are you thinking of going into business with an e-fulfilment provider?

If so, here are some points of interest:

When choosing an e-fulfilment partner, you can choose one that matches your niche and your needs. Different providers specialise in a certain sector or certain goods, such as fashion, direct mail or chilled products, for example.

If your logistics partner is also responsible for processing returns and refunds, you should state this clearly in your returns policy so that it is clear to customers.

In case of cross-border shipping, especially outside the European Union, you should choose a partner that has good contacts with customs and a thorough knowledge of the relevant regulations.

Finally, and here you can of course use our services, it is extremely important to have a clear and good contract with your e-fulfilment partner. It is essential to have a solid and clear contract containing provisions on, among other things, a description of the services and responsibilities of the e-fulfilment partner including the service level, the fees including provisions relating to an increase in the costs of the services, the duration of the contract, insurance, damages and liability, and so on.

If you have any questions about legally structuring your cooperation with an e-fulfilment partner, you can certainly contact us, especially our experts within the Commercial Law team.