RAPID FULFILLMENT · COST GUIDE
Know what each shipped order really costs.
Compare fulfillment providers using the same products, order mix and shipping requirements. A low pick fee tells you little until you know what the rest of the quote includes.
How much does ecommerce fulfillment cost?
Fulfillment cost depends on the work and space your account uses: receiving, storage, order handling, additional picks, packaging, carrier shipping, returns and any account or special-project charges. Monthly minimums and setup fees can also affect the amount paid. There is no reliable universal price per order without defining the order profile and included services.
For Rapid pricing, request a written quote for your operation. The example below is educational and is not Rapid's rate card.
The line items to compare
| Category | Ask how it is measured | What to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving | Per carton, pallet, unit or labor hour | Counting, inspection, labeling and discrepancy work. |
| Storage | Per bin, shelf, pallet or volume of space | Billing period, occupancy rules and specialty storage. |
| Pick and pack | Per order and/or item | First-item allowance and the definition of an additional pick. |
| Packaging | Per mailer, box or material used | Standard materials, protective materials and branded stock. |
| Shipping | Per package and selected service | Packed weight, dimensions, destination and applicable surcharges. |
| Returns | Per return, item or labor hour | Inspection, recording, holding and merchant-approved disposition. |
| Account and technology | Recurring or one-time | Software, integrations, support and minimum-spend treatment. |
| Special projects | Per unit, kit or labor hour | Kitting, relabeling, rework and nonstandard packing. |
A worked example: hypothetical, not Rapid pricing
Assume a business ships 1,000 orders in one month. For illustration only, its quote charges $2.40 per order for base handling, averages $0.50 per order for extra picks, $0.70 for packaging and $5.80 for postage. Monthly receiving, storage and account charges total $600.
| Illustrative cost | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Base handling: 1,000 × $2.40 | $2,400 |
| Extra picks: 1,000 × $0.50 average | $500 |
| Packaging: 1,000 × $0.70 | $700 |
| Postage: 1,000 × $5.80 average | $5,800 |
| Receiving, storage and account charges | $600 |
| Total included expenses | $10,000 |
| Included cost per shipped order | $10.00 |
The calculation excludes product cost, inbound transportation, one-time setup, returns, taxes, insurance, special projects and any additional carrier adjustments. These exclusions must be added where applicable. The result is neither a market average nor a savings promise.
Use this comparison worksheet
For each provider, fill in the same order assumptions. Compare both the first month and a representative ongoing month.
- Define volume and mix: shipped orders, average items per order, single-item percentage, bundle percentage and seasonal peaks.
- Define the package: actual packed weight and dimensions for your common order types.
- Define destinations: use a representative destination distribution and the same shipping service expectation.
- Define inventory: SKU count, stock quantities, storage requirements and typical inbound shipments.
- Add all charges: variable order costs, receiving, storage, account costs, expected returns and approved special work.
- Apply minimums correctly: ask whether a minimum replaces a shortfall in qualifying fees or is charged in addition. Do not automatically add both.
- Separate setup: show onboarding costs separately or disclose the period over which you allocate them.
Why a multi-bottle order can change the result
Three bottles can require additional picking, a larger box, more protective material and a different shipping weight. A preassembled three-bottle kit may have a different labor structure, but it also introduces assembly and component-planning costs. Compare the same physical order—not one provider's single-bottle example with another provider's bundle.
Questions that prevent quote surprises
Does “fulfillment fee” include postage?
It depends on the quote. Require an explicit list of included services. Some proposals separate warehouse charges and shipping; others bundle particular services.
How should I compare storage charges?
Use the same quantity and dimensions of inventory, the same time period and the same storage requirements. A low price per bin may not be lower if more bins are needed.
What if my order volume changes?
Request scenarios for a lower-volume month and a peak month. Confirm tier thresholds, minimums and any capacity or special-labor arrangements.
Should I choose the lowest total quote?
Compare the service scope as well as the amount: handling requirements, inventory records, integration behavior, issue resolution and agreed shipping processes. A price only describes the services and assumptions behind it.
Can Rapid quote supplements and skincare?
Yes. Review our supplement fulfillment and beauty fulfillment services, then send the product and order details for a tailored review.
Get a quote based on your business.
Send your website, monthly order estimate, SKU count, average items per order, product dimensions and main shipping destinations. Include any subscriptions, kits or specialty handling.
Request your fulfillment quoteExplore more: Ecommerce fulfillment · Fulfillment costs · Switching 3PL providers
