Welcome to this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast! Kevin catches up with Joe McIntyre, the general manager at Slotted, a newly launched platform designed to revolutionize how 3PL RFPs are managed. Slotted’s mission is to address long-standing pain points in the 3PL RFP process for brands and fulfillment providers by introducing a self-guided, neutral marketplace. With years of experience in logistics and consulting, Joe shares insights on the challenges brands and providers face, the transformative capabilities of Slotted, and how it aims to create a more efficient and equitable system.

Understanding the Complexities of the 3PL RFP Process

The RFP process is a cornerstone of finding the right fulfillment provider, but it’s rarely straightforward. Joe notes, “Every single company, every single brand, every single provider approaches it a little differently.” Whether it’s a one-sentence email asking for rates or a 50-page document outlining requirements, the disparity in approaches highlights the challenges brands and providers face.

Joe explains that experience is often the key to managing RFPs effectively: “You really only learn through experience, right? Bad experiences lead to more robust proposals over time.” Slotted helps by streamlining this learning curve, offering tools that guide brands through the process while ensuring fulfillment providers receive the detailed information they need to respond effectively.

How Slotted Simplifies the 3PL RFP Process

Slotted is a self-guided marketplace where both brands and fulfillment providers retain complete control over their experiences. Brands can search for providers using over 30 filters, from geography to specific services like EDI integration. Joe explains, “We’re not curating who can or can’t be on. If you have a warehouse, you can list yourself.” This neutrality ensures that search results align purely with the brand’s requirements.

What truly sets Slotted apart is its structured RFP tool. Joe highlights, “We force brands to provide the information fulfillment providers need, ensuring more informed and productive proposals.” By narrowing shortlists to a maximum of eight providers, Slotted reduces the burden of analysis, making the process more manageable for both sides.

Accountability and Transparency in a Competitive Marketplace

One of Slotted’s standout features is its built-in accountability. Joe emphasizes, “We want people with high intent. Brands must make a refundable deposit to ensure they follow through with the process.” This measure discourages ghosting and fosters respectful communication between brands and providers.

Additionally, Slotted’s unique fee structure avoids ongoing revenue-sharing models, allowing providers to retain more profit. Joe elaborates, “If a business grows beyond initial projections, we don’t take a percentage of that upside. Providers can confidently plan their costs upfront.”

Key Takeaways

• Slotted introduces a neutral, self-guided marketplace for 3PL RFPs.
• Brands can use over 30 filters to find fulfillment providers that meet their exact needs.
• Structured RFP tools guide brands, ensuring comprehensive proposals and reducing friction.
• Providers benefit from transparent costs and a streamlined process.
• Accountability features, like refundable deposits, create mutual respect and ensure follow-through.