Choosing a 3PL is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an e-commerce brand. It shapes your customer experience, your margins, your operations, your sanity — all of it. And when you choose the right partner, everything gets lighter, smoother and oddly… calmer.

Here’s what to look for when you want a 3PL that genuinely sets your brand up for growth.

A great 3PL starts with the fundamentals: the right location, the right capacity, and the right speed. They’re positioned where your customers are, their warehouse has room to support your growth, and they have the processes in place to keep orders moving quickly and accurately. You feel it straight away — the sense that they’re organised, intentional and ready to scale with you.

They also have solid tech. Not “tech for the brochure,” but tech that actually works. Real-time inventory. Clean Shopify integration. Smooth pick-and-pack workflows. Clear reporting. Scan-based accuracy. You can log in anytime and see exactly what’s happening. It makes decision-making easier, planning smarter, and your operations more predictable.

Communication is another big green flag. The right 3PL is responsive, proactive and genuinely supportive. They keep you in the loop without you having to chase. They’re calm during peak periods, clear when something needs attention, and collaborative when you’re planning something new. It feels like having an extra member of your team — one who understands your customers as well as you do.

Transparency in pricing also matters. A strong 3PL will explain their fees clearly and happily. Storage, picks, packaging, receiving, returns — everything is straightforward, consistent and easy to forecast. You should feel confident, not confused.

And honestly, nothing replaces visiting a warehouse. Seeing the space, meeting the team, watching orders being packed — that’s where everything clicks. When a 3PL is proud to show you how they work, it tells you everything about their culture. You’ll see tidy aisles, well-labelled stock, thoughtful systems, and staff who know what they’re doing. It gives you an immediate sense of trust.

Another great sign is when they work with brands similar to yours. They understand your industry, your packaging quirks, your SKU complexity, your customer expectations. This experience translates directly into efficiency and fewer surprises.

It also helps when they share your values. Care, accuracy, accountability, communication, consistency — these are the things that make a warehouse more than a warehouse. You want a partner who understands that every parcel is a customer waiting on something they’ve been excited about. A partner who treats your brand with pride.

And the last piece is intuition. You’ll know when a 3PL feels right. You’ll feel supported, not sold to. You’ll feel like they’re invested in your growth. You’ll feel like you’re building something together, not outsourcing a task.

Because the right 3PL isn’t just a provider. It’s a growth partner. One that clears space on your plate so you can focus on product, brand, marketing and everything you actually love doing.

If you ever want help evaluating what to look for, or you’re ready for a fulfilment partner that works like an extension of your business, Virago Logistics is always here to help — proudly Melbourne-based, proudly boutique-feel, and proudly built by e-commerce founders.