Apparel fulfillment built for size, colour and returns
Deep SKU matrices, seasonal swings and return rates other categories never see — handled on one floor with 99.9% inventory accuracy and returns processed in-house.
What makes apparel fulfillment different?
Apparel multiplies SKUs: every style becomes a matrix of sizes and colours, and a single order may pull from several. Lateral Fulfillment tracks each variant at 99.9% inventory accuracy, picks from one pool across channels, and processes returns in the same building rather than routing them to a third party.
Why do returns decide apparel economics?
Apparel carries the highest return rate of any DTC category, and each return is opened, inspected and graded by hand. Running that labour in Tijuana lowers processing cost by up to 30%, which changes what is worth recovering instead of writing off.
What apparel brands need from a 3PL
Every variant tracked as its own SKU with bin-level locations, so picks stay accurate as the matrix grows.
Returns inspected, graded and restocked in the same facility, under disposition rules the brand sets.
Capacity flexes with the calendar; storage is billed by the footprint used, not a fixed commitment.
Folding, polybag or tissue standards applied per SKU, with branded inserts assembled during pack.
DTC, marketplace and wholesale ship from a single inventory pool, so stock is not stranded per channel.
Routing guides, EDI, compliant labelling and ASNs handled as part of the distribution program.
Frequently asked questions
How does Lateral Fulfillment handle size and colour variants?
Each variant is tracked as its own SKU with a bin-level location in the warehouse management system. Inventory accuracy runs at 99.9%, so a deep matrix does not degrade pick accuracy as the catalogue grows.
Are apparel returns processed in-house?
Yes. Returns arrive at the same Tijuana facility, are inspected and graded, and are restocked, repackaged or dispositioned under rules the brand defines. Restocked units count back into sellable inventory automatically.
Can Lateral Fulfillment handle seasonal peaks?
Yes. The facility carries surge capacity and a trained flexible workforce. Brands share a volume forecast ahead of the season and capacity is reserved in advance, with storage billed by the footprint actually used.
Does apparel ship from one inventory pool across channels?
Yes. DTC, marketplace and wholesale orders pick from the same pool, so inventory is not split or stranded by channel. Live counts sync back to each connected platform.
What packing standards can be applied?
Folding, polybag, tissue and insert standards are set per SKU during onboarding and applied on the pack line, so presentation is consistent rather than left to the packer.
How fast do apparel orders reach U.S. customers?
Most U.S. addresses receive orders in one to three days via daily linehaul to San Diego and injection into U.S. carrier networks. Western states are typically one to two days.
How much can an apparel brand save?
Up to 30% versus a comparable U.S. operation. For apparel the saving concentrates in pick-and-pack and returns labour, both of which are manual and volume-heavy.
Is there a minimum order volume?
No. There is no volume floor, and every engagement starts with a free cost analysis built on the brand’s real order data.
Ready to see your numbers?
No minimum order volume. No long-term lock-in. If we're not the right fit, we'll say so on the first call.
We reply within one business day.