3PL vs. Amazon FBA: What’s Right for Your Brand?
In the fast-moving world of e-commerce, how you fulfill orders is just as important as what you sell. Two of the most common fulfillment strategies are Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers and Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon).
But which one’s best for your brand? Let’s break it down.
What Is a 3PL?
A 3PL provider like Gnarlywood is an independent fulfillment partner that handles storage, picking, packing, and shipping for your products. Unlike Amazon, a 3PL gives you more control over your packaging, branding, and customer experience.
3PL Services Typically Include:
Warehousing and inventory management
DTC and wholesale order fulfillment
Custom packaging, inserts, and kitting
Returns and exchange handling
Multi-platform integration (Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, etc.)
What Is Amazon FBA?
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) means you send your products to Amazon’s warehouses, and they handle the rest—including Prime-eligible shipping, customer service, and returns.
It’s simple, scalable, and great for selling directly on Amazon—but it comes with tradeoffs.
Key Differences: 3PL vs. Amazon FBA
When to Consider Amazon FBA
✅ You only sell on Amazon
✅ You want fast, plug-and-play fulfillment
✅ Branding and customer touchpoints aren’t top priority
✅ You're launching quickly and want Prime visibility
When a 3PL Is the Better Fit
✅ You sell on multiple platforms
✅ You care deeply about brand control
✅ You want custom unboxing experiences
✅ You’re building a long-term, scalable business
✅ You need fulfillment flexibility and direct support
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. Many brands use FBA for Amazon orders and a 3PL like Gnarlywood for DTC and wholesale. This hybrid model gives you Prime exposure while still owning your customer experience outside Amazon.
What’s Right for You?
If you're just starting out and focused purely on Amazon, FBA might be a smart shortcut. But if you're building a long-term brand—and want flexibility, control, and customer connection—partnering with a 3PL like Gnarlywood gives you the edge.
Ready to Build a Smarter Fulfillment Strategy?
Let’s chat. Whether you’re outgrowing FBA, launching your first campaign, or just want a better way to scale—we’re here to help.
👉 Contact Gnarlywood to talk fulfillment that fits your brand.