“Pick and pack” is one of the most common terms in ecommerce logistics, but the exact service can vary between fulfilment providers. At its simplest, picking means locating the products required for an order, while packing means preparing those products for delivery.
For an ecommerce brand, however, a reliable pick-and-pack process involves much more than taking an item from a shelf and placing it in a box. Order data, SKU verification, packaging requirements, shipping labels and inventory updates all form part of the workflow.
So, what does pick and pack actually include?
Orders Enter the Warehouse System
The process starts when a customer places an order online. That information is normally transferred from the ecommerce platform to the warehouse management system.
The order should include the correct SKUs, quantities, delivery method and any relevant packing instructions. Accurate data at this stage is important because warehouse staff rely on the system to determine exactly what needs to be picked.
Brands comparing providers can look at how professional pick-and-pack services in Australia connect order processing with warehouse handling and dispatch.
Picking Requires Accurate SKU Identification
Once an order reaches the warehouse, staff locate the required stock.
Modern fulfilment operations commonly use barcode scanning or similar verification methods to confirm that the product being picked matches the SKU listed on the order.
This becomes particularly valuable for businesses selling:
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several sizes of the same product;
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multiple colours or styles;
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visually similar products;
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bundles or multi-item orders; and
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large numbers of SKUs.
Fashion and beauty businesses can face additional complexity because many products look almost identical but represent different variants.
Multi-item orders also require careful organisation so that products belonging to different customers are not accidentally mixed.
Packing Follows Brand Requirements
After products have been picked, they move to the packing area.
The packing process may involve choosing an appropriate satchel or carton, adding protective materials, folding garments, inserting promotional cards or samples, and applying shipping labels.
For brands where presentation contributes to the customer experience, packaging may be more detailed. Tissue paper, branded cards, customised packaging or carefully arranged products can all form part of documented packing instructions.
Pick and pack is therefore only one component of a broader operation. Freckl’s overview of fashion and beauty fulfilment services shows how order handling can also connect with receiving, warehousing, inventory management, returns and wholesale fulfilment.
Some Activities May Be Charged Separately
One mistake brands can make is assuming every packing task is included in a standard per-order fee.
Depending on the 3PL, additional charges may apply for:
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extra items within an order;
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custom cartons;
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kitting or bundling;
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gift wrapping;
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personalised packing;
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promotional inserts; or
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special project work.
Before choosing a fulfilment partner, brands should request pricing based on their actual order patterns rather than relying only on an advertised starting price.
A useful approach is to provide three sample orders: a simple single-item order, a typical multi-item order and a more complicated order involving special packaging. This makes it easier to understand how charges may change.
Dispatch Completes the Process
Once an order has been packed and checked, a shipping label is created.
The parcel is then assigned to the appropriate carrier service and included in the relevant collection or manifest.
Tracking information should normally return to the ecommerce platform so the customer can receive shipping updates.
This shows why pick and pack should not be viewed as an isolated warehouse activity. It connects order information, physical inventory, packaging, freight and customer communication.
How to Assess Pick-and-Pack Quality
Brands evaluating a 3PL should ask practical questions about how the warehouse operates.
Useful questions include:
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How are SKUs verified during picking?
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How are special packing instructions displayed to staff?
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What check takes place before an order is dispatched?
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How are picking or packing errors investigated?
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How are inventory records updated after dispatch?
Clear answers help reveal whether a fulfilment operation relies on documented systems or individual staff memory.
Conclusion
Pick and pack is the operational link between an ecommerce order and the parcel that ultimately reaches the customer.
A good process includes accurate order transfer, SKU verification, organised picking, appropriate packaging, quality checks and reliable shipping updates. Ecommerce brands should therefore evaluate the entire workflow rather than comparing providers only on a single pick-and-pack fee.
Understanding exactly what is included also makes it easier to compare 3PL quotes fairly and identify additional charges before fulfilment begins.
FAQs
1. Is packaging included in pick-and-pack fees?
It depends on the provider. Standard satchels or cartons may be included, charged separately or supplied by the brand. Custom packaging usually needs separate pricing.
2. What is an additional-item pick fee?
Some 3PLs charge one rate for the first product in an order and another fee for each additional item. The extra fee reflects the additional picking and verification required.
3. Can branded inserts be included during packing?
Yes. Promotional cards, samples, tissue paper and branded inserts can often be added when the provider supports customised packing requirements.
4. Why is barcode scanning useful in pick and pack?
Barcode scanning helps confirm that the physical product matches the SKU in the system. It is especially useful when products have similar packaging or multiple variants.
5. Does pick and pack include freight charges?
Usually, pick and pack covers warehouse handling rather than the carrier’s delivery charge. A 3PL may arrange shipping and include freight on the same invoice, but the costs are generally calculated separately.
