Opening an online store is just the start. Your logistics need to keep up.
Matija Fontana, 3pl.hr
Our 3pl.hr team took part in the eCommerce EXPO in Zagreb, where we presented our fulfillment services and the logistics software we are developing. Events like this are a good opportunity to meet online store owners, exchange experiences and talk about the practical challenges of running a business.
When opening an online store, one part of the operation can easily get overlooked. A lot of attention goes into the product, website design, advertising and attracting customers. All of that matters. But you also need to know what happens when an order comes in.
Where is the stock? Does the availability shown online match what is actually on the shelf? Who will pick, check and pack the order? When will the parcel be dispatched, and who will handle a return?
These questions quickly become part of the daily workload.
I see opportunities in Croatia for well-run online stores and local products. Selling online allows even a small business to reach customers beyond its own town, and beyond Croatia. But customers expect us to deliver on our promises: the right product, properly packed and delivered within the agreed timeframe.
There is room for improvement. In the Croatian Bureau of Statistics’ 2025 survey, 30% of online shoppers reported that their delivery had been late. Whatever caused the delay, the customer associates that experience with the store they ordered from.
There is nothing wrong with packing orders yourself when you first start. It helps you understand your products, customers and the whole process. The problem comes when packing, searching for stock and checking shipments start taking up the time you need for sales and business development.
Imagine launching a successful promotion. Orders increase, but your space, team and way of working stay the same. That is when you find out whether your logistics can support your growth.
This is why I believe a logistics partner should be part of your planning from the beginning. Discuss the products you sell, the number of different items, your packaging requirements, expected order volumes and seasonal changes. A partner who understands your business can prepare alongside you.
We take care of the connected tasks, from warehousing and order picking to packing, dispatch and arranging delivery. Software, integrations and stock tracking are all part of that. Our clients need a clear view of what they have in stock and what is happening with their orders.
When choosing a partner, look at how the whole operation works. How will you exchange data? Who will respond when something goes wrong? How are returns handled? What happens when you announce a major promotion? Price matters, but you need to understand what it includes and how much work will still fall to you.
That is why much of our development focuses on software and improving processes. We want to reduce manual data entry, make our team’s work easier and lower the risk of mistakes. People remain essential. Someone needs to recognise a problem, take responsibility and resolve it.
My goal is for online store owners to plan their sales without worrying that every increase in orders will create another logistics problem. They should have a partner they can speak to openly and rely on.
If you are opening an online store, or your current logistics setup can no longer keep up, get in touch. We can look at what you need and how we can help.
The video shares a little of the atmosphere from our visit to the eCommerce EXPO. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, and to our team for their hard work.
