Frequently asked questions

E-commerce logistics, simply explained.

Everything a growing e-commerce brand needs to know before choosing a specialist logistics provider: outsourcing, pricing, integration, transport, returns, and international. Clear answers from Futurlog, e-commerce logistics partner in France & Europe.

Outsourced e-commerce logistics

What is an e-commerce logistics provider (3PL)?
An e-commerce logistics provider, also known as a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics), handles storage, order preparation, shipping, transport, and returns management on behalf of a brand. Futurlog goes further: it is a 4PL (Fourth-Party Logistics) specialist in e-commerce that orchestrates and manages an entire network of 3PLs (warehouses in France and Europe) through its proprietary technology (WMS, OMS, connectors). This makes Futurlog highly agile: brands access the right capacity in the right location without changing provider, with strong growth potential as the network expands in line with brand growth.
Why outsource your e-commerce logistics?
Outsourcing transforms fixed costs (warehouse, team, tools) into variable costs paid on actual usage, absorbs activity peaks without recruiting, accelerates delivery times, and professionalises the customer experience. For a growing brand, delegating to a specialist provider frees up time and cash while securing execution quality at every stage.
When should you outsource your logistics?
When logistics starts to slow your growth: rising volumes, preparation errors, lack of space, lengthening lead times, or time spent on shipping at the expense of marketing and product. For ambitious brands, it also means acting before logistics becomes a constraint: it is better to outsource while things are running smoothly than to wait until it starts limiting growth. Futurlog supports brands processing a few hundred orders per month as well as those handling tens of thousands, all on the same platform.
Does Futurlog support startups and small brands?
Yes. Futurlog offers a plan tailored to early-stage brands where you only pay when you sell, with no large upfront investment. The same platform then supports the brand throughout its growth, with no need to change provider at each new stage.

Pricing & business model

How does Futurlog's pricing work?
Futurlog applies transparent pay-as-you-go pricing: invoiced at the end of each month based on your actual activity (per order, per item, per occupied storage slot, and per transport). No rigid fixed fee. A monthly minimum of 500 € covers account management, and the rate card is tiered: the higher the volume, the lower the unit cost.
How much does outsourced e-commerce logistics cost?
The cost depends on order volume, number of items, storage occupied, and transport. Rather than a single rate, Futurlog builds a tailored offer invoiced on actual usage, with a monthly minimum of 500 €. For an accurate estimate, request a quote: an expert analyses your activity and responds within 24 hours.
Are there hidden fees or a long-term commitment?
No. The model is built on transparency: you pay for what you consume, with no opaque fixed fees. The quote request is free and without obligation, and the offer is built to match your actual activity.

Integration & technology

How long does onboarding with Futurlog take?
Allow approximately 7 days for a complete go-live, through to the shipping of your first order: connecting your sales channels via FuturConnect, configuring preparation and packaging procedures, then receiving your stock. A dedicated account manager supports you from day one.
Does Futurlog integrate with my CMS and marketplaces?
Yes. Through FuturConnect, Futurlog connects to the main CMS platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, etc.) and marketplaces (Amazon, Zalando, Bol.com, TikTok Shop, VEEPEE, etc.) as well as custom APIs. The goal: 100% of your channels served from a single stock, with no duplication or migration.
Can you sell across multiple channels from a single stock (omnichannel)?
Yes, this is the core of Futurlog's omnichannel approach. Your own website (DTC), marketplaces, B2B, and retail are all served from a single stock, eliminating stockouts, overstocking, and inventory duplication. You manage everything in MyFuturlog.
How do I monitor my logistics activity on a daily basis?
From MyFuturlog, Futurlog's OMS: real-time stock, orders, preparation, shipments, invoicing, and a simulator. You retain full visibility and reliable data to support your decisions.

Transport, delivery & returns

How does Futurlog optimise transport costs?
Via AI, Best Price, which compares carriers in real time based on destination, weight, volume, number of parcels, and service level, then automatically selects the most advantageous option. Rates are also pooled thanks to aggregated volumes. This optimisation is free and never imposed.
Does Futurlog manage e-commerce returns?
Yes. Self-service returns portal with prepaid label, quality control, and automatic restocking. Structured returns management reduces costs, accelerates refunds, and improves retention; one client case saved the equivalent of a full-time position.
How does Futurlog improve the post-purchase customer experience?
Futurlog manages the entire post-purchase journey: same-day shipping where possible, branded delivery tracking, tracking emails, returns portal, and custom packaging. Mastering the post-purchase experience turns logistics into a competitive advantage and a driver of repeat purchases.

Sectors & international

Which e-commerce sectors does Futurlog serve?
Futurlog supports brands in textiles, fashion & accessories, beauty & cosmetics, food supplements & food, toys & childcare, consumer electronics, eco-friendly & organic, subscription boxes & influencer brands, as well as pharmaceutical and omnichannel operators. Each sector benefits from tailored procedures (batches, expiry dates, fragile goods, kitting, etc.).
Can Futurlog ship internationally?
Yes. With its network of warehouses in France and Europe, Futurlog handles domestic and international shipping, including customs requirements and the selection of carriers suited to each destination. Having a European logistics hub is becoming a key advantage, particularly given the evolution of 2026 tax regulations.
Where are Futurlog's warehouses located?
Futurlog operates a network of warehouses in France and Europe, designed to bring stock closer to end customers, reduce lead times and transport costs, and support brands' international expansion.

Why choose Futurlog

How do you choose a good e-commerce logistics provider?
Check for: e-commerce specialisation, pricing transparency (pay-as-you-go rather than opaque fixed fees), technology and integration capability with your channels, transport quality and lead times, returns management, dedicated human support, and the ability to scale with your growth. Futurlog meets all these criteria: e-commerce specialist, competitive, human-centred, and tailored.
What makes Futurlog different from other providers?
Four key points: 100% proprietary technology (WMS FuturWare, OMS MyFuturlog, connectors FuturConnect) with no vendor dependency; transparent and tiered pay-as-you-go pricing; human support with a dedicated account manager from day one; and a proven ability to scale (up to x100 volume without changing provider or system). Futurlog is a growth partner, not a simple executor.
What is the difference between Futurlog and Amazon FBA?
Amazon FBA is optimised for selling on Amazon and imposes its own rules, packaging, and customer relationship. Futurlog is an independent, omnichannel provider: you retain full control of your brand, the post-purchase experience (branded packaging and tracking), all your sales channels, and transparent pricing. A relevant alternative for brands that want to grow without depending on a single platform.
How do I request a logistics quote from Futurlog?
Fill in the quote request form. An expert analyses your activity (volumes, channels, sector) and gets back to you within 24 hours with a personalised offer, free of charge and without obligation.

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