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Selling products online has become a major way to grow your business and reach a broader audience. E-commerce platforms like Amazon have made the transition to online stores simpler, but running an online store involves more than just selling products. You need adequate stock, proper packaging, and timely delivery. But where do you store all those products?

You don't need to buy a warehouse. Instead, you can rely on warehouse services or fulfillment centers. But what's the difference between them? Let's break it down so you can make the right decision for your business.

A warehouse is a large storage facility where products are kept long-term. It’s ideal for businesses that sell seasonal goods or products in bulk. Warehouses are often used by large-scale businesses, but small and mid-sized retailers can also lease space to store inventory. Warehouses are mostly for storage, not for individual order fulfillment.

A fulfillment center, also known as a distribution center, goes beyond storage. It handles the entire order process for retailers—from packaging and labeling to shipping. These centers are designed to fulfill customer orders quickly, making them perfect for e-commerce businesses that need to deliver smaller orders directly to consumers.

• Who They Serve
• Warehouse: Provides storage and delivery for large shipments.
• Fulfillment Center: Ideal for online retailers who need quick order processing and delivery.

• Warehouse: Best for businesses with large, long-term inventory needs.
• Fulfillment Center: Offers packaging, labeling, shipping, and customer support for individual orders.

• Warehouse: Scheduled, slower deliveries.
• Fulfillment Center: Quick, flexible delivery options, including same-day service.

If you only need storage for seasonal products, a warehouse is more cost-effective. But if you run an online store and need fast, reliable order fulfillment, a fulfillment center is your best bet. They handle everything from packing to shipping, so you can focus on growing your business.