How to Switch 3PLs Without Disruption
The fear of a messy switch keeps a lot of brands stuck with a 3PL they have already outgrown. It should not. A well-run migration is sequenced so carefully that your customers never notice it happened. This is the exact playbook Freckl uses to move brands across without missed orders.
Switching Does Not Have To Be Risky
Most migration horror stories come from rushing: pulling stock before systems are ready, or flipping the switch with no test orders. Freckl treats migration as a planned project with clear stages, owners and checkpoints.
Because we run on No Lock-In Contract and No Exit Fee, we are realistic that trust has to be earned from day one, so the plan is built to prove reliability quickly rather than lock you in.
Pre-Migration Audit And Planning
We start by understanding your current setup: SKU count, order profile, integrations, packaging and any value-added requirements such as engraving or steaming. We map your existing provider's notice period and exit terms so the timing lines up, and agree the SLAs and reporting you will get from go-live. The output is a clear, dated migration plan everyone signs off before a single unit moves.
Integration And Data Migration
Your store connects to Freckl's system in minutes, whether you are on Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento or Amazon. We bring across your product data, barcodes and SKU structure cleanly so nothing is lost in translation, and configure shipping rules and carrier options up front. Getting the data right before stock arrives is what makes the later steps boring, which is exactly what you want in a migration.
Stock Transfer Sequencing
Stock is moved in a planned sequence rather than all at once where that reduces risk. Inbound units are checked against expected counts and barcode-scanned on receipt, so your opening stock figure at Freckl is accurate from the start. Any discrepancies against your old provider's records are flagged immediately, giving you a clean baseline instead of inheriting someone else's counting errors.
Parallel Run And Cutover
Before you rely on us fully, we run test orders end to end to confirm orders, tracking and inventory sync flow correctly. Where it makes sense, fulfilment can run in parallel during the changeover so there is always a safety net. Cutover, the moment live orders start routing to Freckl, only happens once the checks pass, so the switch is a controlled event rather than a leap of faith.
Go-Live And Stabilisation
Once live, your dedicated account manager watches the first days closely, with dispatch, accuracy and returns tracked against the agreed SLAs. Any early issues are caught and resolved fast, and we review performance with you so you can see the operation settling. Once your store is connected and stock is received, shipping can typically begin within as little as 24 hours.
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FAQs
1. Will I lose orders while switching to Freckl?
No. Migration is sequenced with planned stock transfer and test orders so cutover happens without missed orders.
2. How long does a 3PL migration take?
It depends on SKU count and your current provider, but the plan is staged to avoid disruption, and shipping can typically begin within as little as 24 hours once stock is received.
3. What if I am locked into my current provider?
We help you plan around notice periods and exit terms so the transition is timed correctly and you are not paying two providers longer than necessary.
4. Will my product and inventory data carry across cleanly?
Yes. Product data, barcodes and SKU structure are migrated and checked, and opening stock is barcode-scanned on receipt for an accurate starting count.
5. Do you charge to onboard or integrate?
No. Freckl does not charge onboarding, admin or integration fees.
6. What if it does not work out after we switch?
Freckl operates on No Lock-In Contract and No Exit Fee. If you decide to leave at any point, we pack and send your products back free of charge.
