How to use a UK fulfilment centre with Shopify
A UK fulfilment centre, or 3PL, stores your stock and picks, packs and ships orders for you. It connects to Shopify so orders flow automatically and tracking comes back. It's usually worth it when packing takes up too much of your time, typically from a few hundred orders a month.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Quick summary
- 3PLs charge for storage, picking and postage.
- Orders and stock sync with Shopify.
- Worth it when packing limits your growth.
In this guide:
How it works
- Send stock to the fulfilment centre.
- Connect it to Shopify with its app.
- Orders are sent automatically for picking and packing.
- Tracking returns to Shopify and customers.
Costs to compare
- Storage per pallet or shelf
- Pick and pack fees per order
- Packaging
- Postage rates
- Setup and minimum fees
When to switch
When packing takes hours each day, or you need faster, more reliable dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
Should a small store use a 3PL?
Usually not until volume makes it worthwhile.
Can I use a 3PL and ship some orders myself?
Yes, with multiple locations in Shopify.
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