How to Prepare Your Stock for a 3PL: Checklist

by Em Frost

The fastest, smoothest 3PL onboarding starts before your stock leaves your garage or current warehouse. Use this checklist to prepare your stock for a 3PL so it can be received, counted and ready to ship quickly, without surprises.

1. Clean up your product data

  • Give every product variant (each colour, size, flavour or shade) its own unique SKU
  • Use a consistent SKU format, for example PRODUCTNAME_COLOUR_SIZE
  • Make sure SKUs in Shopify match the SKUs on your products and your inventory list exactly
  • Remove old or duplicate SKUs you no longer sell

2. Barcode everything

Every SKU needs a scannable barcode so it can be checked on receipt and verified at picking. If your products aren’t barcoded, sort this out before you ship stock to the 3PL. It is far quicker than relabelling on arrival.

3. Prepare an accurate inventory list

Send your 3PL a list of every SKU, its barcode, description and the quantity being delivered. Include batch numbers and expiry dates for products that have them, such as skincare and TGA-listed supplements.

4. Tell your 3PL about bundles and kits

If you sell bundles, gift sets or kits, let your 3PL know during onboarding so they can be set up correctly in the warehouse system and in Shopify.

5. Pack and label cartons clearly

  • Keep one SKU per carton wherever possible
  • Label each carton with the SKU, description and quantity
  • Use sturdy cartons and don’t overload pallets
  • Include a packing list with each delivery

6. Book your delivery in advance

Book inbound deliveries with your 3PL before they arrive, sharing what’s coming and when. At Virago Logistics, deliveries are received Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm, by booking.

7. Send your packaging and inserts

Deliver your branded boxes, mailers, tissue, stickers, thank-you cards and samples along with your stock, with clear instructions on how each order should be packed.

8. Confirm your shipping settings

Make sure your Shopify checkout collects a phone number and complete addresses, and agree carrier and delivery options with your 3PL.

Checklist summary

  1. Unique SKUs for every variant
  2. Barcodes on every product
  3. Accurate inventory list (with batch and expiry where relevant)
  4. Bundles and kits flagged
  5. Cartons clearly labelled, one SKU per carton
  6. Delivery booked in advance
  7. Packaging, inserts and packing instructions supplied
  8. Shopify and shipping settings confirmed

Ready to hand over fulfilment? See how onboarding works at Virago Logistics, check the 3PL glossary for any unfamiliar terms, or get a quote from our Melbourne 3PL.

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