Article Takeaways
- Pick, pack and ship is the foundation of efficient eCommerce fulfilment
- The process includes three key steps: picking items, packing them securely, and shipping orders out accurately
- Different picking methods suit different business types, from skincare startups to fashion retailers
- Smart packing reduces waste, protects products, and lowers shipping costs
- Green Fulfilment uses recyclable materials, right-sized boxes, and paperless systems
- Shipping decisions impact cost, delivery speed, and customer satisfaction
- Working with a certified B Corp and 3PL provider helps you scale responsibly
What is Pick, Pack and Ship?
When someone places an order on your online store, there’s a lot that needs to happen behind the scenes to get that product into their hands quickly, correctly, and in good condition. That’s where pick, pack, and ship come in.
It’s a core part of the order fulfilment process and the backbone of eCommerce operations. When done well, it helps build trust, speed up delivery, and keep customers coming back. When done badly, it leads to mistakes, delays and a poor customer experience.
If you’re running a growing online business, understanding what pick, pack, and ship involves could be the difference between scaling smoothly or scrambling to keep up.
Pick, Pack and Ship: What It Means
Pick and pack services refer to the process of selecting items from your warehouse inventory (picking) and preparing them for shipment (packing). Once packed, the item moves to the shipping stage, where it’s labelled and dispatched to your customer.
It sounds straightforward. But the way you pick, pack, and ship has a huge impact on the speed, accuracy, and ultimately, the cost of your fulfilment.
How the Process Works Inside a Fulfilment Centre
The pick, pack and ship process happens in three clear stages, often with the help of barcode scanners, warehouse management systems, and experienced staff.
Step 1: Picking
Picking is the first stage of the pick, pack and ship process. It starts when a new order is received and a team member is tasked with locating the correct item or items from the warehouse shelves. This step relies on speed, accuracy, and an organised inventory system.
There are several picking methods that can be used, depending on the type of products, order volume, and warehouse layout:
- Piece picking involves selecting one order at a time, making it ideal for smaller businesses or those with highly varied products.
- Batch picking allows staff to pick multiple orders at once, especially if they contain the same items. This saves time and works well during busy periods or sales events.
- Zone picking assigns each picker to a specific area of the warehouse. Orders are passed along through zones until complete, which is a good fit for larger operations with a wide range of SKUs.
For example, an organic skincare brand shipping individual products directly to customers may use piece picking to ensure precision. A fashion eCommerce store preparing for a summer sale might turn to batch picking to handle volume efficiently, while a larger retailer managing hundreds of SKUs could benefit from zone picking to keep workflows running smoothly.
Step 2: Packing
Once the items have been picked, they move to the packing bench. This stage is focused on protecting the product, reducing waste, and ensuring everything is ready for a smooth delivery. It’s not just about putting things in a box, it’s about doing so in a way that’s cost-effective, brand-conscious, and environmentally responsible.
At Green Fulfilment, packing is done using eco-aware materials that reduce impact without compromising reliability. These include:
- Right-sized boxes to eliminate unnecessary space and lower shipping costs.
- Recyclable paper void fill to replace plastic bubble wrap and foam.
- Compostable mailers for smaller, non-fragile items like cosmetics or accessories.
- Paper tape instead of plastic tape, helping to keep packaging fully recyclable.
We also use digital packing slips to cut paper waste, and our system integrates directly with your sales channels so every order is confirmed, tracked, and updated in real time. Whether you’re shipping a delicate item or a high-volume batch, packing is handled with consistency and care.
Step 3: Shipping
The final stage is shipping, where packed orders are labelled, sorted, and dispatched. This step is where all the behind-the-scenes work becomes visible to your customer, so getting it right is key.
At Green Fulfilment, we work with low-emission courier services and use route optimisation tools to reduce fuel consumption, delivery delays, and costs. Our system matches the right carrier with each order based on location, size, and service level, helping to ensure fast and reliable delivery.
Shipping is more than just postage. It affects your delivery promise, your customer satisfaction score, and even your carbon footprint. That’s why we focus on smart, conscious shipping that supports both your business goals and environmental values. When the pick, pack and ship process ends with the right parcel in the right hands at the right time, it means your operations and your customer experience are working as they should.
Why It Matters in eCommerce
The way you pick, pack and ship directly affects customer satisfaction, cost control and business growth.
1. Fewer Mistakes, Happier Customers
If the wrong item gets sent out, or it arrives damaged or lateyou risk losing that customer for good. Accurate picking and proper packing prevent those issues from the start.
Returns due to fulfilment mistakes don’t just hurt your reputation. They cost time and money. Investing in a reliable system helps you avoid the hidden costs of preventable errors.
2. Speed Without Cutting Corners
Fast delivery is a big deal in eCommerce. But speed without accuracy leads to complaints, refunds, and extra handling.
The sweet spot is fast, reliable service that doesn’t rely on cutting corners or overworking your team. This is where strong systems and good people make all the difference.
3. Less Waste, Lower Costs
Choosing the right packaging and using smart picking methods can reduce your spend on materials, labour and shipping, especially at scale.
If you’re regularly shipping items with oversized boxes or unnecessary padding, that cost adds up. Green Fulfilment’s right-size boxing and recyclable packaging help reduce that waste.
What Does a Pick Packer Do?
In a warehouse setting, pick packers are the people who bring orders to life.
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
- Log into the system and pull up the day’s orders
- Scan barcodes and pick items from different zones
- Move them to the packing bench
- Pack them securely using the right materials
- Print and apply shipping labels
- Handover to the dispatch team
It sounds simple on paper, but it takes skill to stay accurate and efficient, especially when working at speed during busy seasons.
That’s why Green Fulfilment invests in people as well as technology. We’re proud of our low staff turnover and committed support team who help keep standards high.
Different Pick and Pack Models for Different Needs
Depending on your order volume and how you sell, the way you handle pick and pack may vary.
On-Demand Fulfilment
- Best for: Smaller or newer brands, unpredictable sales, and crowdfunded campaigns
- Why it works: Flexibility. You only pay for what you use, without locking yourself into fixed volumes.
Ideal for a new health and wellness brand launching a product with an uncertain order flow. On-demand helps them stay lean without overcommitting.
Batch Fulfilment
- Best for: Subscription box services or brands with regular repeat orders
- Why it works: Efficient. Orders with similar contents can be packed together, saving time and cost.
Think of a monthly organic tea subscription box. With predictable contents and timelines, batch picking helps streamline the packing process.
Multi-Channel Fulfilment
- Best for: Retailers selling on platforms like Shopify, Amazon and Etsy
- Why it works: Everything runs through one warehouse and inventory system, giving you consistency across channels.
A sustainable fashion brand with seasonal launches across their website and marketplaces would benefit here, especially when keeping SKUs and returns in sync.
Choosing a Pick and Pack Partner
Not every fulfilment provider is the same. If you’re outsourcing this part of your business, here’s what to look for:
- Accuracy and speed you can trust
- Real-time tracking and inventory visibility
- Packaging that’s recyclable, not wasteful
- A team that can grow with you
Many growing eCommerce brands choose to work with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider to streamline operations and focus on scaling, rather than managing fulfilment in-house. At Green Fulfilment, we support direct-to-consumer businesses who want all of that, without losing control of their brand values or their margin..
How Sustainable Pick and Pack Helps Your Business
It’s not just about doing the right thing. Greener practices can give your business a competitive edge. Using low-emission shipping and recyclable packaging isn’t just good for the environment, it also matters to your customers. Many are actively seeking out brands that align with their values, especially when it comes to sustainable fulfilment, how products are packed and delivered. From compostable mailers to right-sized boxes that avoid unnecessary waste, each packaging choice tells a story about your business.
But this goes beyond branding. Using less material and shipping lighter parcels can reduce costs over time. Preparing early for environmental regulations such as EPR laws means fewer surprises and a smoother path to scale. As a certified B Corp, Green Fulfilment meets high standards of social and environmental performance, and that’s something your customers can feel confident supporting. When sustainability is built into your fulfilment strategy, it supports growth that’s both smart and future-ready.
A Smarter Way to Pick, Pack and Ship
Pick, pack, and ship is more than third-party logistics warehouse jargon. It’s a key part of delivering the right customer experience, every time.
When done properly, it helps you scale smoothly, control your costs, and build brand trust. And when it’s done with a lighter impact on the planet? Even better.
If you’re looking for a fulfilment partner that gets both the logistics and the bigger picture, we’re here to help.
FAQS About Pick, Pack and Ship
What is the pick and pack process in simple terms?
It’s the process of selecting products from inventory, packaging them securely, and getting them ready for shipping.
How is pick and pack different from fulfilment?
Pick and pack is one part of the broader fulfilment process. Fulfilment includes everything from receiving stock to handling returns.
What do pick packers do all day?
They pick the right products, pack them safely, print shipping labels, and make sure every order leaves correctly.
Why outsource pick and pack to a fulfilment partner?
It saves you time and money, especially as you grow. Plus, you benefit from scalable systems, expert staff, and smart integrations.
Can a greener pick and pack process save money?
Yes. Efficient packaging means lower shipping fees, and less waste means fewer costs in the long run.