China Fulfillment Center Checklist: How to Choose the Right Partner for Scaling

Don't sign a fulfillment contract before you check these 8 things.
I've worked with sellers who scaled smoothly — and others who hit a wall fast.
The difference was almost always fulfillment.

Here's a practical china fulfillment center checklist for serious sellers.

Why This Checklist Matters

A fulfillment partner affects:
• Delivery speed
• Refund rate
• Customer trust
• Long-term margins

Choosing wrong costs more than switching ads.

1. Proven Experience With Your Business Model

Not every center understands dropshipping or DTC.

Ask if they support:
• Shopify stores
• Daily order fulfillment
• No-MOQ scaling

Experience beats promises.

2. Inventory Control & Accuracy

Poor inventory data kills campaigns.

Confirm they offer:
• Real-time stock updates
• SKU-level tracking
• Low-stock alerts

If numbers don't match reality, you lose sales.

3. Shipping Stability

Fast once is easy.
Stable every week is hard.

Check for:
• Dedicated DDP routes
• Customs clearance support
• Peak-season performance history

Consistency matters more than headline speed.

4. Clear SLA

Everything should be written.

Look for:
• Processing time guarantees
• Error responsibility
• Delay handling rules

If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist.

5. Scalability During Peak Seasons

Ask what happens during:
• Black Friday
• Christmas
• Chinese New Year

A good China fulfillment center prepares capacity early.

6. Returns & Exchange Handling

Returns are part of ecommerce.

Confirm:
• Return address options
• Inspection after return
• Restock or disposal rules

Messy returns create hidden losses.

7. Data Visibility & Reporting

You should see what they see.

Ask for:
• Order dashboards
• Shipping performance data
• Issue tracking

Transparency builds trust.

8. Long-Term Partnership Mindset

The best partners grow with you.

Signs of a good one:
• Proactive suggestions
• Cost optimization ideas
• Willingness to test solutions

You're not just outsourcing — you're building infrastructure.

FAQ

Q1: What is the average delivery time from a China fulfillment center?
Usually 3–10 business days depending on route and destination.

Q2: Can a China fulfillment center handle branded packaging?
Yes, most offer custom packaging with low or no MOQ.

Q3: Is it risky to use a China fulfillment center?
Only if you skip due diligence. A clear checklist reduces most risks.

Choosing a china fulfillment center is a business decision, not a shortcut.
This checklist helps you avoid painful mistakes and pick a partner that scales with you.

Ask better questions.
Protect your margins.
Build for growth.

📞Chat on WhatsApp

📩Email: zoye@fulfllment-cn.com

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