Are you thinking about using ‘Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT)’ but want to understand how it compares to a professional 3PL and ecommerce fulfilment partner like Flight Logistics Group Ltd (Flight)? We asked AI to analyse both fulfilment options — here’s how they stack up side by side.
1. Control over packaging and brand experience
Fulfilled by TikTok (FBT): Offers minimal control. Sellers must send inventory to TikTok’s warehouse, where TikTok manages picking, packing, and dispatch. This limits your ability to customise packaging, add branded inserts, or use premium materials.
Flight Logistics Group (Flight): Provides a high level of control and flexibility. We offer branded packaging, bespoke fulfilment setups, and careful presentation aligned with your brand identity. Our warehousing and ecommerce fulfilment services emphasise secure storage, professional inventory management, and brand consistency.
2. Dedicated support and human contact
FBT: Customer support is often automated and generic, with limited ability to speak to a real person or escalate issues quickly.
Flight: Offers dedicated account management and real human support. You’ll have direct access to our CRM and Account Management team at our Wokingham and Heathrow offices. We pride ourselves on responsive, personal service that understands our client’s bespoke needs.
3. Flexibility across sales channels
FBT: Locks your stock into the TikTok Shop ecosystem, preventing you from using the same inventory for other channels like Shopify, Amazon, or your UK website.
Flight: Enables full multi-channel fulfilment, ecommerce, B2B, promotional campaigns, and direct mail. You maintain control and flexibility to sell across platforms without being restricted to one channel.
4. Quality of service and damage prevention
FBT: Uses standardised packaging and large-scale fulfilment, which can increase the risk of damage and reduce the unboxing experience for your customers.
Flight: Focuses on premium handling and protection. Our specialist division ShipArt™ designs bespoke crates for art logistics, proof of our meticulous attention to detail. The same care applies to ecommerce orders, ensuring a high-quality, brand-consistent customer experience.
5. Support for international shipping and customs
FBT: Offers fulfilment within its platform but provides little flexibility or transparency around international shipping, customs clearance, or export documentation.
Flight: Delivers end-to-end logistics expertise, including global distribution, freight forwarding, and customs compliance. Our fulfilment network supports brands selling internationally, giving you a reliable partner for growth.
6. Scalability and customised workflows
FBT: Works best for standard SKUs and straightforward orders but struggles with unique, high-value, or non-standard inventory.
Flight: With 30+ years of experience, we’ve evolved from courier services into a full 3PL provider. We manage complex ecommerce operations, bespoke packaging, and even inventory without predetermined SKUs, perfect for growing or niche brands.
7. Brand identity and sustainability credentials
FBT: Uses generic packaging and provides limited opportunities to express your brand values or sustainability commitments.
Flight: Supports your ESG goals. We have multiple environmental and social initiatives including the plantation of 100 new trees every month through our partnership with Forests Without Frontiers, and include electric vehicles in our fleet for local deliveries. Our fulfilment solutions can be tailored to align with your sustainability and brand objectives.
8. Vendor dependency and business risk
FBT: Ties your fulfilment process directly to the TikTok platform. Any policy, pricing, or carrier changes can disrupt your business and limit your freedom to pivot.
Flight: Operates independently of any sales platform. You keep full control over your ecommerce strategy, logistics setup, and stock, avoiding platform dependency and ensuring long-term stability.
9. Returns handling and cross-channel stock management
FBT: Returns processes are often limited and can create stock silos, with delays in restocking and poor inventory visibility.
Flight: Offers integrated returns processing and inventory visibility across all channels. Our systems support real-time stock management for multi-channel sellers, from e-commerce brands to niche product businesses like pet care or collectables.
10. Costs and hidden fees
FBT: May seem cost-effective initially, but hidden fees for storage, returns, or penalties often appear. You also lose flexibility to choose cheaper or greener shipping options.
Flight: Offers transparent, tailored pricing. You choose the services you need, maintain control over packaging and carriers, and gain a trusted partner invested in your success, not just a platform fulfilment extension.
Conclusion: Why brands choose Flight Logistics Group over platform fulfilment
While ‘Fulfilled by TikTok’ may be convenient for beginners, established or scaling brands benefit far more from a dedicated fulfilment partner like Flight Logistics Group. You’ll gain flexibility, transparency, and brand control, all essential for long-term ecommerce success.
Learn more about our tailored ecommerce fulfilment services and discover how Flight Logistics can help your brand grow efficiently and sustainably: www.flightlg.com/ecommerce
