How Little Rick cut picking errors by 80% when switching US 3PL providers
80%
Reduction in picking issues since the switch
30%
Cut in competing UK fulfillment quote
About
Little Rick sells CBD drinks in the UK and THC-infused drinks in the US, with roughly half its business in each market. Its fulfillment needs span individual ecommerce parcels and wholesale shipments of multiple pallets. But fulfillment was creating two distinct challenges. In the US, inaccurate stock records and picking errors made it harder to trust inventory levels and commit to wholesale orders. In the UK, six years with the same provider had left the business questioning whether it was paying a competitive rate. Through Fulfilment.com, Little Rick compared three US providers and switched to a partner that reduced picking issues from around 5% of orders, to 1%. It also secured a 30% lower UK rate after its existing provider matched a competing quote.
Industry
Food & Drink Fulfilment
“I'd presell a wholesale order for two pallets of raspberry lemonade, and then I'm asked by the warehouse to fulfill it: we're out of raspberry."
Norman Kremer
,
Co-founder
Highlights
80% fewer picking issues since switching US providers
Inventory discrepancies now limited to around five items per SKU
Negotiated a 30% lower UK price by using a competing quote
Assessed the systems, shipping, location and support of three US 3PLs
Fulfillment handled for both single parcels and multi-pallet orders
When inaccurate stock put orders at risk
Little Rick's US fulfillment problems went beyond occasional picking mistakes. Its previous provider struggled to maintain accurate inventory records, leaving the team unsure what was actually available to sell.
That uncertainty could have real commercial consequences. Norman Kremer, the brand’s co-founder, recalled pre-selling two pallets of raspberry lemonade to a wholesaler, only to discover the product was out of stock when it was time to fulfill the order.
For a drinks brand managing multiple products and stock requirements, inaccurate records make it harder to plan production, confirm availability and fulfill wholesale commitments with confidence.
Little Rick needed a provider that could get the basics right: reliable stock records, fewer picking errors and a clear point of contact when something went wrong.
US stock uncertainty to 80% fewer picking issues
Through fulfilment.com, Little Rick assessed three potential US fulfillment partners. Due to previous experiences, and rather than just choosing on price alone, the brand considered warehouse location, inventory systems, shipping costs, batch tracking, and customer support.
It ultimately chose a smaller provider whose owner was directly involved in the operation, giving Little Rick a clear point of contact.
The results were immediately measurable: the share of orders affected by picking issues fell from around 5% to 1%; an 80% reduction. Inventory is also tracked more reliably, with end-of-period discrepancies now limited to around five items per SKU.
This now means the team has a more dependable view of available stock, and a stronger basis for planning production and committing to wholesale orders.
“We took one of the offers and I said, look, we're moving, we're saving like 30% here. It's a huge cost for us, we need to do that. And they came back and they matched it.”
Norman Kremer
,
Co-founder
30% off UK fulfilment without switching providers
In the UK, Little Rick has a completely different problem: knowing whether their current fulfilment costs were still competitive.
After around six years with the same provider, the brand wanted to benchmark its rates against the market. Through fulfilment.com, it compared a shortlist of alternative UK 3PL providers and received a competing quote around 30% lower than its existing rate.
Norman took that quote back to his current provider and explained that the business needed to reduce its fulfilment costs. The provider agreed to match the offer. It also shows why comparing providers is valuable even if you don't end up switching. A credible alternative can give you the evidence (and leverage) to negotiate a better deal with your existing partner.
“The inventory is spot-on now, so switching 3PLs has solved that issue.”
Norman Kremer
,
Co-founder
How we can help
Little Rick had two different problems in two different markets. In the US, switching providers reduced the share of orders affected by picking issues by 80%. In the UK, comparing alternatives secured a 30% lower rate without changing providers.
You don't always need to switch your 3PL to get a better result. But you do need to know what else is available. We help brands compare 200+ vetted fulfilment providers worldwide, matched to their products, order volumes, operational requirements and growth plans. So, if you’re looking to reduce fulfilment errors or find out whether you're overpaying, hit the get quotes button.
