Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
Which 3PL and fulfilment companies work well for D2C operations?
Members recommend several options depending on geography, channel mix, and budget: - **Diamond Logistics** — Consistently praised for service quality. Use Flexi-Hex packaging. Contact: Emma.Whitaker@diamondlogistics.co.uk. Portsmouth location reported working well; some members note they aren't the cheapest but deliver good value. - **Big Blue Logistics** — Recommended specifically for B2C. Raising Series A funding. Members suggest requesting an intro to the CEO. - **Future Pro Logistics** — Working well but noted as expensive. - **BWA** — Described as good and cheap. - **Robert Guy** (https://www.robertguy.co.uk) — London-based option suitable if geographically convenient, but storage costs are high. **To avoid:** - **Codestorm** — Multiple members report poor service and are actively looking to exit. The Dudley warehouse location was specifically called out as problematic; Portsmouth location performs better if you must use them. **Key caveat:** Members note that different 3PLs suit different business stages and channels. Geography matters significantly (London storage is premium; Portsmouth works well for others). Request introductions and site visits before committing, as location quality varies even within the same company.
What third-party logistics providers can handle Amazon FBA repacking, B2B sample distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment, and what are typical pricing benchmarks?
Members recommend keeping sample/e-commerce fulfillment separate from pallet logistics, and have shared detailed pricing from several 3PLs handling duty-paid stock. **Repacking & E-Commerce Fulfillment:** - **The PHL Group** — handles duty-paid stock only; one member uses them via Packfleet for London-based operations - **Delamode Logistics** (Braintree) — members recommend with offer to make introductions; potentially open to negotiated rates if volume brought collectively - **Fodafilment** (via Packfleet) — London-focused; note they handle cans, but structure adaptable - **SKU** — flagged by members as comparatively expensive; includes packaging in pick-and-pack pricing **Pricing Benchmarks (all figures ex VAT where noted, or as quoted):** - Pick & pack: £0.22–£0.82 per item or £1.21–£1.45 per case (second+ cases cheaper) - Storage: £3.10–£4.00 per pallet per week - Shipping (single bottle, 48–24hr): £2.71–£5.07 (Royal Mail 48hr cheapest at ~£2.71–£3.88; next-day freight ~£3.66) - One member (Codestorm, higher volume): process/picking £2.40 (up to 3 bottles), storage £4/pallet/week, single-parcel shipping £3.66 next-day or £2.71 RM 48hr - Canmaker pricing (non-acl, 12-pack cans): pallet storage £3.66/week, case pick-and-pack £1.45 first case / £1.21 additional, overnight delivery £4.78/parcel (4 cases fit in outer box) **Key Caveats:** Members note that many 3PLs require duty-paid stock only and pricing varies significantly by volume (1.5–4k orders/month cited as benchmark range). Bonded-delivery services are a separate question; DPD 24-hour options mentioned alongside Royal Mail. Packaging costs may or may not be included — confirm explicitly. One member suggested collective negotiation with Delamode if volume can be pooled.
What logistics and fulfillment providers do drinks brands use, and how do they compare?
Members use a range of 3PL and storage providers, with significant variation in service quality and suitability depending on business needs. **Established providers mentioned:** - **LCB** — solid performer with 5+ years of loyalty from members; reliable but expensive; occasional peaks lead to service gaps; portal is clunky and not user-friendly; very few damages reported (5 broken bottles over 5 years); works best for businesses ahead on stock with simple customer bases, struggles with agility and flexibility - **LAW** — currently used by some but members report serious issues: poor comms, delivery mistakes, and stock damage; disputes ongoing - **MCF** — praised as "great"; unclear whether they handle alcohol - **EHD** — described as "really good" - **Diamond Logistics** — strong reputation; noted strengths include reliability; weakness: doesn't integrate with NOTHS system; some members have moved away due to DPD pricing concerns - **We Are Fulfilment** — members report being "very happy" with them - **ShipBob** — shortlisted in recent 3PL tender processes - **Vibe 65** — shortlisted in recent 3PL tender processes - **Huboo** — mentioned as a consideration but no direct experience shared **Key caveats:** LCB can be overwhelmed during peak periods; LAW has communication and handling issues; Diamond's lack of NOTHS integration may be a blocker for some; system integrations and pricing should be verified for your specific needs.
What factors should I prioritise when choosing a fulfillment partner for growing e-commerce operations?
Selecting a fulfillment partner requires balancing multiple operational and commercial factors. Start by identifying your preferred courier partner and their pricing structure, as 3PL rates and storage fees vary significantly and can make or break the deal. **Key selection criteria:** - **Location** — aim for the Midlands area, where most major fulfillment hubs are concentrated, which typically improves service speed and reduces costs - **Courier partnerships** — confirm their rates with your preferred carriers (Royal Mail, DPD, etc.), as some 3PLs have better deals with certain couriers than others - **Storage and handling fees** — get clarity on per-unit storage costs and pick-and-pack pricing, which compound as you scale - **Manufacturing proximity** — factor in your own production location to minimise inbound logistics - **Amazon capabilities** — if selling on Amazon, verify they support FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) if you plan to expand there - **Trade fulfillment support** — confirm whether they handle B2B orders or non-standard packaging requirements **Example provider:** Members have used **Codestorm**, who offer good Royal Mail rates and support trade fulfillment, though their DPD pricing is not the most competitive. As always, get specific quotes from multiple providers and model the total cost (storage + shipping + pick-pack) against your expected growth, not just headline rates.
Which 3PL and logistics providers work best for small to medium trade deliveries of drinks products?
Members recommend a tiered approach based on order size and whether bonded warehouse capability is needed. **For pallets:** - **Pallet Online** — recommended for pallet deliveries and Amazon transfers - **LCB** — used for all trade stock by members requiring bonded warehouse facilities **For smaller case quantities (under 20 cases):** - **APC** — described as "the best of a bad bunch" for sub-20 case orders, though members have experienced some service issues **For mid-range trade orders (20+ cases):** - **Pallet Online** — handles deliveries over 20 cases and warehouse transfers **For non-bonded, smaller operators:** - **Startup Logistics** (www.startuplogistics.co.uk) — competitively priced; owner is founder of Snaffling Pig; handles clients including Double Dutch, Tenzing, and Camden Beer. Note: one member reported disorganisation; others found them reliable. - **FuturePro** — mentioned as alternative after moving away from Startup Logistics - **BoroughBox** — reliable but noted as "a bit pricey" - **BWA Logistics** — mentioned as option - **BlueCloud** — handles both D2C and trade; used for alcohol-free pallet loads to Far East **For direct collection from existing 3PLs:** Members using Codestorm for D2C noted it's unsuitable for case/pallet trade deliveries; they coordinate collection with Pallet Online for onward logistics. **Caveats:** APC and Startup Logistics both received mixed feedback on reliability/organisation; always get multiple quotes.
What UK warehouse and logistics providers are recommended for pallet/case delivery and non-alcoholic drinks products going into the trade?
Members recommend a mix of specialist logistics providers depending on product type and volume. For non-alcoholic drinks (mixers, softs) entering the trade, **Harrison Solway** is the go-to recommendation; they handle anything over a pallet and deliver to major drinks wholesalers and retailers. For larger volumes, members report that Seedlip uses **LCB**, which handles big shipments, with **Future Pro** handling smaller deliveries. **Seabrook** (based in Barking, near LCB) is also noted as popular in the London area for pallet and case work. For 3PL and storage solutions, **Copper Beech Trading** (near the M6 in a rural location but ~10 minutes to motorway access) offers dry goods storage and is described as reasonably priced. Members also recommend **Hound** as a newer option that understands specific fulfillment needs and came recommended with strong proposals. **GetYards** was mentioned as an alternative warehouse option. Members suggest checking directly with these providers about their specific coverage of main drinks wholesalers and retailers, as capabilities vary.
What warehouse and logistics partners can handle both D2C ecommerce fulfillment and POS ordering?
Members recommend a small number of established 3PLs that manage both direct-to-consumer and point-of-sale stock: - **PHL Group** (Welshpool) — multiple members use them for both D2C and merchandise/POS fulfilment. Contact: Laura at laurab@thephlgroup.co.uk. Note: they do not hold stock under bond. - **E2B Fulfilment** — recommended as an option. Contact: Steve.Wooldridge@e2bfulfilment.com. - **Kammac** — noted as exceptional based on prior experience in the drinks industry. Members did not raise specific concerns about these partners beyond clarifying that PHL Group does not offer bonded warehousing.
Which 3PL and fulfillment providers should we use for D2C and trade distribution?
Members evaluating 3PL providers are actively tendering and comparing options. The main providers in consideration are: - **FuturePro** — members currently using this provider note that aspects of service are good, but prices are reported as very high - **Diamond** — on members' tender lists - **Hutch** — a newer option being considered; members seeking feedback on experiences - **Fodabox** — current provider for some, but members report the service "isn't rocking our world" Members are actively running formal tenders to compare options and seeking peer feedback on experiences with these providers. The key tension appears to be balancing service quality against cost, with FuturePro delivering good service at premium pricing. No detailed performance data was shared in the discussion about the other providers.
Which 3PL providers should drinks brands use for trade fulfillment?
Members report mixed experiences with 3PLs for trade fulfillment. **Codestorm** handles D2C acceptably but has struggled with trade cases specifically. Members are exploring alternatives. **Haul and Store** has been recommended as a strong option for trade fulfillment; members have requested introductions. Ask about their shipping partnerships, as carrier rates and methods (DPD, Royal Mail) vary significantly between providers and can affect overall costs. **LCB** was mentioned as a possible alternative, though no detailed feedback was provided. Caveats: 3PLs often negotiate best rates only for larger or consistent volumes—smaller "one or two bit" orders may not qualify for preferential pricing. Consider your expected order frequency and size before committing.
What fulfillment and logistics providers do members recommend for DTC and B2B order fulfillment?
Members have recommended a handful of fulfillment partners, though availability and suitability depend on your order type and volume. - **Haul + Store** — described as spenny (expensive) but reliable and flexible - **Diamond Logistics** — recommended by a member with direct experience - **Tortuga-style providers** — suggested for case-based shipping (B2B bulk orders) Key note: Ask potential fulfillment partners early whether they handle DTC, B2B, or both—the logistics differ significantly. The community discussion suggests that fulfillment options can be limited and partners do sometimes fall through, so it's worth vetting multiple options and understanding their flexibility before committing.
What are the recommended 3PL providers that are bonded and have an environmental focus?
Members recommend a small number of proven 3PL partners that meet both bonded status and sustainability criteria. - **LAW Distribution** (Haydock) — described as very good and cost-effective; members can request contact details directly - **Diamond Logistics** — reported as reliable, uses Hexi Flex or pulp-based packaging materials for environmental focus Members emphasise asking directly for contact details when interested, as relationships are personal within the community.
Which 3PL providers offer competitive duty deferment terms for spirits at scale (30+ pallets monthly)?
Members recommend a small set of established 3PLs for duty deferment warehousing. Duty deferment terms can vary significantly between providers and time periods, so it's worth shopping around even with larger incumbents. **Recommended providers:** - **EHD London** — members report good service - **Law Distribution** — well-regarded; contact Stan Moyser. Note: one member reported they weren't being competitive on duty deferment rates at the time of discussion, so rates may fluctuate **Caveats:** Members note that duty deferment competitiveness varies over time and between accounts. Tenens and LCB are larger established players but members specifically asked for alternatives, suggesting price/terms pressure in the market. For 30+ pallets monthly, it's worth requesting duty deferment terms explicitly and comparing quotes across providers.