How to handle e-shop logistics? Own warehouse or outsourcing?
10. 7. 2025
Do you have an e-shop that's starting to grow out of control? Starting a business is great news, but now you're faced with the question: Can I still handle logistics myself, or should I outsource it to someone else?
In-house Logistics or Outsourcing?
We’ve prepared a comparison table to help you evaluate which logistics tasks your e-shop needs to handle on its own versus what can be taken care of by a logistics partner.
| Own Logistics | Outsourcing/Fulfillment |
Warehouse rental | I pay for the entire rented warehouse area | I only pay for the area I currently use |
Warehousing and goods control | I handle everything in my own warehouse | Based on the notification, the logistics partner ensures control and warehousing |
Employee wages | I pay monthly wages regardless of the number of orders, sick leave, vacations, etc. | I only pay for work on shipments |
Packaging material | I buy in advance myself | I pay back only for what was used |
Transport | I have separate contracts with carriers | I use the bulk purchase of the logistics partner |
During peak season | I have to temporarily hire more people, provide equipment, space, etc. | everything is provided by the logistics partner |
Cash on delivery and complaint processing | I have to handle it myself | handled by the logistics partner |
Handling equipment | I have to buy or rent expensive handling equipment, racks, scanners, printers, etc. | provided by the logistics partner |
Information technology | I need to have and maintain my own warehouse system | provided by the logistics partner |
What about the costs?
When comparing which logistics model to choose, price will undoubtedly play a key role. In general, you can expect similar costs for warehousing, packaging materials, transport, and labor whether you manage logistics in-house or outsource it. The difference lies in the fact that with outsourcing, you don't have to deal with seasonal peaks or unexpected fluctuations in demand caused, for example, by a pandemic. You’re free to focus on marketing, sales, and growing your business.
Fixed vs. Variable Costs
It's important to understand where you can save money by outsourcing logistics. If you operate your own warehouse, you pay for rent, utilities, employee wages, and other expenses related to day-to-day logistics operations. These are fixed costs, regardless of how many shipments you send in a given period. With outsourcing, on the other hand, you only pay for the work done on your shipments and the space you use during that time.
Investment
Another key difference is the need for investment when managing your own warehouse. You’ll need to purchase shelving, computers, scanners, forklifts, and other equipment. When outsourcing, you simply pay for the use of this equipment—you don’t need to worry about acquiring it yourself.
Outsourcing on the Rise
As a long-term provider of logistics for e-shops, we've recently seen a significant increase in demand for our services. That’s why we’ve expanded our warehouse capacity in Prague – Horní Počernice. We now operate a total space of 13,000 m². In addition to Prague, we also have fulfillment centers in Týniště nad Orlicí and Bratislava. More than 200 e-shops currently rely on our fulfillment services.
