As brands grow, managing fulfilment in-house can get complicated. Direct-to-consumer sales are taking up a bigger share of global E-commerce, making reliable operations more important than ever. That’s where Evolve Fulfilment comes in! Our 30 years of experience help brands keep quality high while scaling smoothly. With our expertise and trusted infrastructure, we make growth easier and more reliable.
DTC fulfilment takes more effort to manage, but it allows brands to control every sales channel, own customer relationships, and improve profit margins. At Evolve Fulfilment, we specialise in supporting DTC brands with a customer-first delivery experience, scalable operations, and logistics solutions that directly impact DTC brand growth and DTC valuations.
What Is DTC Fulfilment in Logistics?
DTC fulfilment (Direct-to-consumer fulfilment) is the process of storing, picking, packing, shipping, and managing returns for products sold directly to customers. Unlike traditional retail fulfilment, there’s no middleman; every step of the journey reflects your brand’s standards and values.
With Evolve, DTC brands benefit from a scalable order fulfilment setup and fast and reliable shipping operations, ensuring every customer receives the premium service they expect. Our solutions focus on E-commerce fulfilment for DTC brands, helping you manage inventory and orders efficiently, whether you’re just starting or scaling globally.
DTC is the future of retail. It’s about creating a brand that resonates with consumers and building a direct relationship with them.” – Andy Dunn, co-founder of Bonobos.
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How DTC Fulfilment Works - Evolve’s Step-by-Step Process
When a customer places an order, our fulfilment systems at Evolve smoothly take over.
Step 1: Order Placement
The customer places an order on the brand’s website or E-commerce platform.
Step 2: Order Reception and Verification
The fulfilment system, either in-house or through a third-party logistics provider, receives the order. Inventory levels are checked in real time to confirm that the item is available.
Step 3: Picking and Packing
The ordered item is picked from storage and packed in accordance with the brand’s guidelines, including any inserts or branded packaging to enhance the unboxing experience.
Step 4: Shipping
The package is shipped using the selected carrier, and tracking information is generated and shared with the customer to provide delivery updates.
Step 5: Inventory and System Management
Inventory is updated across all sales channels. Warehouse management systems, shipping integrations, and tracking tools ensure that operations run smoothly.
Step 6: Scaling and Optimisation
The fulfilment process is designed to scale efficiently during high-demand periods, such as product launches, promotions, or peak seasons, ensuring orders are delivered on time without errors.
Why DTC Fulfilment Is Different From Traditional Fulfilment
| Aspect | Traditional Fulfilment | DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) Fulfilment |
|---|---|---|
| Order Size & Frequency | Large, bulk shipments; infrequent | Small, individual orders; frequent |
| Customer Interaction | Indirect through retailers | Direct interaction with the end customer |
| Shipping Speed & Expectations | Standard, cost-focused delivery | Fast, reliable delivery with tracking options |
| Packaging & Branding | Minimal or generic | Branded packaging, inserts, and unboxing experience |
| Returns & Refunds | Handled by retailers | Managed directly by the brand, impacting trust |
| Inventory & Technology | Basic warehouse management | Real-time inventory tracking across multiple channels |
At Evolve, we understand that DTC customers expect more than just delivery; they expect reliability, speed, and a seamless experience. Our fulfilment that supports brand growth ensures every order is an opportunity to reinforce trust, increase repeat purchases, and enhance your DTC business reputation.
Some brands also need to manage retail and wholesale shipments. Evolve provides Retail / B2B fulfilment with the same reliability and speed, so every channel delivers consistently.
Why Returns Matter More in DTC Fulfilment
Returns are inevitable, especially in sectors like fashion, beauty, or lifestyle. How a DTC brand handles returns can make or break the customer relationship.
Evolve provides streamlined returns management, including clear instructions, fast processing, and restocking services. A smooth returns process builds loyalty, reduces friction, and protects DTC valuations. Customers return with confidence, knowing that your brand values their experience.
Returns, custom packaging, and branded inserts are key to keeping customers loyal. Evolve’s value-added services help your brand create a memorable experience at every step. See our options.
Common DTC Fulfilment Challenges and How Evolve Solves Them
Many Direct-to-consumer fulfilment brands face challenges such as:
- Stockouts caused by poor inventory visibility
- Overselling across multiple channels
- Slow dispatch times during peak periods
- High shipping costs are cutting into margins
- Inconsistent delivery experiences
With Evolve, these issues are minimised through robust systems, scalable order fulfilment setups, and a team that prioritises fast and reliable shipping operations. Our technology and expertise ensure that growing DTC brands can scale without compromising customer experience.
When Should DTC Brands Outsource Fulfilment?
Outsourcing is ideal when order volumes increase, warehouse space is constrained, or operational costs rise. By partnering with Evolve, DTC brands gain access to our full infrastructure, technology, and shipping network, freeing teams to focus on marketing, product innovation, and customer engagement.
A partnership with Evolve helps you implement a DTC fulfilment strategy that supports DTC brand growth while keeping costs predictable and margins healthy.
How to Pick the Right DTC Fulfilment Partner
Price alone shouldn’t drive your choice. With Evolve Fulfilment, you get more than cost-effective logistics; you get a partner who truly understands DTC. Here’s how we excel across key dimensions:
System Capabilities (WMS/OMS)
Our advanced systems provide real-time inventory tracking, multi-channel synchronisation, auto-replenishment, SLA monitoring, smart warehouse allocation, and seamless API integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, TikTok, and more.
Multi-Warehouse Network
Evolve’s strategically located warehouses ensure coverage across major consumer regions. We offer 2–3-day delivery options where possible while keeping shipping costs competitive.
Shipping Speed & SLA
We prioritise same-day processing, accurate inventory management, and reliable order handling, even during peak periods. Our SLA policies and performance monitoring guarantee consistent service.
Flexibility: Kitting, Bundling, Custom Packaging
We offer fully flexible solutions, from multi-SKU bundles to custom boxes, stickers, and thank-you cards, helping your brand stand out with every delivery.
Peak Season Scaling
Evolve is built for scalability. During Black Friday, Christmas, and other high-demand periods, we maintain SLAs and ensure smooth fulfilment operations.
Full Cost Transparency
No hidden fees. Our pricing is clear and upfront, covering receiving, storage, packaging, and handling so that you can plan long-term without surprises.
Customer Support
Our dedicated support team provides fast response times, proactive issue resolution, and strict SLA compliance, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.
Master Your DTC Fulfilment Without the Hassle
Your customers expect speed, reliability, and consistency. Partnering with Evolve Fulfilment ensures your DTC brand delivers on these promises while scaling efficiently.
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your Direct-to-consumer fulfilment needs and explore how we can support your growth.