The drinks industry is booming — from artisan coffee roasters to craft breweries and wellness drink makers. But with growth comes a challenge: ensuring that every order gets to the customer quickly, safely, and in perfect condition.
This is where pick, pack and despatch services play a crucial role. For beverage brands, choosing the right partner isn’t just about convenience — it can directly impact product quality, customer satisfaction, and your reputation.
Let’s explore what these services involve, what makes them different for drinks businesses, and how to pick a provider that will support your growth.
What Does Pick, Pack and Despatch Mean?
“Pick, pack and despatch” describes the three main steps of order fulfilment:
Pick – Locating the ordered product in storage and taking it from the shelf or pallet.
Pack – Packaging the product securely, using suitable materials for its size, shape, and fragility.
Despatch – Arranging delivery with a courier or shipping partner, and ensuring it’s sent to the right customer address.
For a drinks business, each of these steps comes with its own considerations — such as handling heavy boxes, using protective packaging for glass bottles, and complying with shipping regulations for alcohol.
Why Beverage Brands Need Specialised Fulfilment
Not all fulfilment centres are equipped to deal with drinks. Beverages can be heavy, fragile, perishable, or temperature-sensitive, and this makes their storage and transport more complex.
A specialised pick, pack and despatch service for drinks businesses will understand:
Fragile packaging needs – Glass bottles and cans need extra padding to prevent breakage.
Weight management – Drinks are heavier than many other products, affecting how orders are packed and shipped.
Compliance requirements – Alcohol and certain drinks may have age-restriction rules or labelling laws.
Storage conditions – Some beverages require climate control to maintain freshness.
These factors can significantly affect costs, customer experience, and even product safety.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Service
When selecting a fulfilment partner, keep these essential points in mind:
1. Experience with Beverages
Ask if they’ve handled drinks before. A provider that works with beverage brands will have tried-and-tested methods for packing, shipping, and storing them.
They should also understand seasonal demand spikes — such as holiday gifting or summer drink launches — and be ready to scale up.
2. Packaging Options
Good packaging protects the product and reinforces your brand. Check if the service offers:
Protective inserts for bottles and cans
Branded boxes or tape
Eco-friendly packaging materials
These small touches can make a big difference to how your customers perceive your brand.
3. Speed and Accuracy
Fast shipping is a must in the e-commerce age. Your provider should have efficient picking and packing processes, plus partnerships with reliable couriers.
Accuracy is just as important. Incorrect orders can lead to refunds, replacements, and bad reviews.
4. Inventory Management
Choose a service with a robust stock tracking system. This ensures you always know:
How much stock you have
What’s selling fastest
When it’s time to reorder
Real-time data can help you avoid both stockouts and overstocking.
5. Returns Handling
Even with the best systems, returns will happen. Whether it’s a damaged shipment or a customer change of mind, your partner should have a clear returns process that protects both your stock and your brand reputation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing based on price alone – A cheaper service without proper packaging could cost more in breakages and refunds.
Ignoring scalability – Make sure your partner can grow with you. Sudden order increases shouldn’t cause delays.
Overlooking customer service – You need a responsive contact who can address issues quickly.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best — the right service will save you money and headaches in the long run.
How to Start the Selection Process
Make a shortlist of fulfilment companies with beverage experience.
Ask for references from similar brands.
Visit their facility if possible — see how stock is stored and packed.
Request a trial run with a small batch of orders to test speed, accuracy, and packaging quality.
This process can take time, but it’s worth it to ensure you find a reliable, long-term partner.
Final Thoughts
In the drinks industry, every detail matters — from the freshness of the product to the way it’s presented when it arrives. Your pick, pack and despatch service is more than just a logistics provider; it’s an extension of your brand.
Choosing the right one will ensure your customers get their drinks on time, in perfect condition, and ready to enjoy. That leads to repeat orders, positive reviews, and a reputation you can be proud of.
If you’re ready to explore professional pick, pack and despatch for your drinks business, reach out to TASS Hertford. We work with beverage brands of all sizes to streamline fulfilment, reduce stress, and keep your customers happy. Visit www.tasshertford.co.uk to find out more.
