eCommerce Agency with Fulfillment Services in Switzerland: 2026 Guide

By September 2026, Swiss companies will often need to manage multiple sales channels and cross-border workflows. Each channel may have its own catalog, ordering rules, customer data, and returns process.

When systems remain separate, teams have to re-enter orders or reconcile multiple files. A change in inventory may then reach the store or a marketplace too late, leading to stockouts, overselling, and the display of items that are no longer actually available  (source: Tellestia article). The same SKU may also appear as available on one channel while it is already reserved on another.

Integration combines ecommerce with physical operations. Once an order is confirmed, it is sent to the warehouse system, inventory levels are updated, the package is prepared, and the shipping status is sent back to the sales channel.

Emaloja is the digital agency of the RDV SA Group, which owns STAR Logistique, a Geneva-based transportation and logistics company. Emaloja also draws on STAR Logistique’s more than 38 years of expertise.​

The purpose of this guide is to evaluate an integrated model based on specific responsibilities, data, and operations. This method allows for the comparison of concrete scope rather than general promises.

​ Ecommerce fulfillment covers the operations between the confirmation of an order and its delivery. It includes, in particular, the receipt of goods, storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns processing.

An integrated agency links these operations to the website and other sales channels. It manages the transfer of sales data to the warehouse management system and then the return of logistics status updates to the online store.

A WMS, or warehouse management system, is software that manages inventory and logistics operations. In particular, it records incoming shipments, storage locations, inventory movements, orders to be prepared, and returns.

Emaloja handles store setup, inventory management, fulfillment, and international shipping. Its scope covers B2B and B2C companies operating in Switzerland, France, and the European Union.

The difference between a standalone agency, a logistics provider, and an integrated model

A standalone ecommerce agency typically focuses on the website, the product catalog, the shopping experience, and sales channels. Integration with an external warehouse is possible, but its scope must be defined within the project.

A fulfillment provider, also known as a 3PL (third-party logistics provider), primarily handles the physical fulfillment process. It receives goods, stores them, prepares orders, and organizes shipments according to its contract.

The integrated model links the creation or management of the sales channel to warehouse operations. The same system can then track an order from the moment it is placed in the store through to any potential return.

Covered operations, from order to return

The scope begins before the first shipment. The partner must define product data, inventory rules, shipping methods, and the statuses transmitted between systems.

At the warehouse, operations include receiving, inspection, putaway, and inventory movements. After an order is validated, the WMS organizes the picking process, followed by packing.

Read the article on the difference between picking and packing by Mecalux.​

Shipping includes carrier assignment, labeling, package handoff, and tracking information transmission. For returns, the specifications must detail receiving, inspection, the decision to restock, and updating the sales channel.

First, choose the fulfillment model. This choice determines the responsibilities, the integrations to be built, and the data your teams will be able to track.

The end-to-end process can be described as follows:

1. Configure the sales channel and processing rules. The catalog, product data, shipping methods, and inventory rules are prepared prior to launch. Emaloja creates customized websites using WordPress and WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, or Odoo as part of its ecommerce solutions.​
2. Receive and store the merchandise. The warehouse identifies the products, verifies quantities, and assigns them to storage locations.
3. Synchronize the order with inventory. The sales channel transmits the confirmed order to the WMS, which reserves the relevant items.
4. Prepare and ship the package. The operator picks the products, packs them, and hands the shipment over to the designated carrier.
5. Track the delivery and process returns. Status updates are sent to the relevant systems, and inventory is adjusted after a returned product is inspected.

Each step must be included in the specifications. These specify the triggering events, the data exchanged, the checks performed, and the responsibilities of each party involved.

2. Receiving, Inspecting, and Storing Goods

The receiving process compares the delivered products with the expected information. The process must specify how to handle quantity discrepancies, unknown SKUs, damaged packaging, and products requiring special inspection.

After validation, the WMS assigns a storage location to the goods. The storage strategy depends on the items’ format, their turnover rate, their handling constraints, and the rules defined for the project.

Emaloja provides secure storage,​ real-time inventory management, and cross-docking. Cross-docking allows goods to be routed directly to shipping without extended storage, when the anticipated flow permits it.

The specifications must also describe inventory counts and discrepancy management. These rules determine how physical inventory is reconciled with online inventory.

3. Synchronize Orders and Inventory in Real Time

An order placed on an ecommerce site or marketplace is immediately processed in Emaloja’s WMS. The system reserves the items and sends the picking order to the warehouse.

Emaloja’s WMS brings together order, inventory, and returns management in a single digital interface. This centralized management eliminates the need to track each channel in a separate file.

Synchronization must also account for exceptions. A cancellation, a blocked order, a missing item, or a partial return must result in a status that is clear to the teams involved.

Before launch, test each scenario with small-scale real orders. Also verify the priority rules when the same inventory supplies multiple channels.

4. Prepare, Pack, and Ship Orders

​ Picking involves retrieving the items associated with an order. The WMS guides this operation based on the recorded locations and quantities.

​ Packing includes the final inspection, selecting the packaging, adding the necessary documents, and sealing the package. The specifications must detail the requirements specific to the products, the brand, and the destination.

Shipping then assigns the package to a carrier. The rules to be formalized include covered destinations, accepted formats, documents to be provided, and conditions for handing over the package to the carrier.

Preparation times, order cutoff times, and service commitments must be included in the contract. They cannot be assumed simply because of the existence of technical integration.

5. Track the delivery, process returns, and update inventory

Tracking begins when the shipping department receives a usable reference number. The sales channel must be able to display a consistent status without requiring the team to manually reconcile the carrier’s data.

A return follows a process determined by its reason and the condition of the product. The warehouse can inspect the item, record any discrepancies, restock it if it meets the established criteria, or route it for further processing.

The inventory is updated after the logistics decision is made. This process prevents a returned item from being made available before it has been physically inspected.

Your teams must be able to view at a minimum:

• inventory availability;
• order status;
• shipping status;
• received returns and their processing decisions;
• inventory discrepancies.

​ Multichannel distribution increases the number of events that affect inventory. A sale on a marketplace must reduce availability on other channels according to agreed-upon rules.

Synchronization must be tested before going live. An active interface does not guarantee that cancellations, partial orders, refunds, or returns are processed correctly.

Integrations to verify before launch

Start by making a list of systems and data flows. Identify the online store, marketplaces, WMS, internal management tool, payment solutions, and shipping services involved.

For each integration, verify:

• the creation and updating of products;
• the transmission of orders and order changes;
• the reservation and release of inventory;
• the reporting of shipping tracking information;
• the recording of returns and refunds;
• the handling of errors and rejected data.

Emaloja supports integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. The project must specify which system holds the reference data for products, prices, customers, and inventory.

Shopify, WooCommerce and marketplaces cater to distinct business models. Validate the data flows necessary for your business rather than requesting the same configuration for all channels.

The case of Swiss marketplaces and Galaxus

Emaloja integrates and manages products on Swiss marketplaces, particularly through integration with Swiss marketplaces such as Galaxus. The WMS supports this integration to centralize inventory and returns management.

A marketplace project must define the accepted product catalog, required attributes, and inventory rules. It is also necessary to define the price source, order processing, and tracking updates.

Returns require special attention. The process must specify where the customer returns the product, who performs the inspection, and how the decision is communicated back to the marketplace.

Compliance and site maintenance

Emaloja ensures compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Swiss data protection laws within the scope of its projects. The company also provides ongoing maintenance and security for the site.

The contract must assign responsibilities related to updates, access, and monitoring. It must also explain how a technical change is tested before it goes into production.

A useful integration is measured by the synchronized operations it performs and the exceptions it handles. The mere presence of a connector does not indicate either data quality or operational scope.

Switzerland lies outside the European Union’s customs territory. A flow between Switzerland, France, and another EU country may therefore involve a combination of storage, importation, customs clearance, tax obligations, transportation, and cross-border returns.

These elements must be examined separately. The storage location alone does not determine customs or tax responsibilities.

A network tailored to cross-border trade

Emaloja operates a network of warehouses in Switzerland and France. This network allows us to determine the optimal location for inventory based on the markets served and the planned route for the goods.

Emaloja provides ecommerce logistics and fulfillment services for online stores, marketplaces, and cross-border operations in Europe. The regions covered include Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.

Before selecting a storage facility, map out the products’ origins and customer destinations. Factor in restocking flows, transfers between warehouses, and the designated address for returns.

Customs and tax considerations

​ Emaloja’s cross-border services include customs clearance, tax representation, and commercial domiciliation. Their application depends on the chosen structure, the goods, and the countries involved.

The project must confirm:

• the applicable Incoterms;
• the party responsible for the import;
• the handling of duties and taxes;
• the documents required for each shipment;
• the need for tax representation;
• responsibilities in the event of a hold or missing information.

Customs clearance times depend on the shipment type and the specific case. Ask how document discrepancies are reported and who is responsible for correcting them.

Have the logistics plan reviewed and approved by the appropriate legal, tax, and customs specialists before launch. The logistics provider can carry out the planned operations, while regulatory responsibility must remain clearly assigned.

Delivery and return requirements to specify

The quote must specify the final carrier, the tracking method, the service areas, and the rules applicable to oversized packages. Also ask which delivery times and cutoff times are contractually binding.

For cross-border returns, clarify the return address and the documents provided to the customer. The contract must specify who bears the costs, who performs the inspection, and where the compliant product is restocked.

Emaloja emphasizes sustainable practices and route optimization to reduce its carbon footprint. If this criterion is part of your request for proposals, ask about the methods used and the data available for your shipment volume.

A useful comparison is based on a common framework. Prepare an identical checklist for all candidates to distinguish between included services, options, and items still to be confirmed.

Operational services to compare

For warehouse operations, compare:

• inspections performed upon receipt;
• available storage methods;
• picking and packing rules;
• standard or custom packaging;
• transportation and tracking services;
• handling of returns and discrepancies.

Consider the specific requirements of your products. Emaloja specializes in handling textiles, luxury goods, watches, and sporting goods. The company also offers specialized logistics for luxury goods and hazardous materials.

For regulated goods, inquire about applicable certifications, procedures, and restrictions. Cold chain requirements must also be confirmed in the contract.

Technology, capacity, and management criteria

Technology must support planned operations. Verify the connected channels, synchronization frequency, available statuses, and the procedure followed when a message fails.

Next, evaluate the following criteria:

• Technology: WMS, integrations, security, error logging, and access management;
• Capacity: product types, space, fluctuations in activity, and operational limits;
• Geography: warehouses, destinations, cross-border imports, and returns;
• Governance: points of contact, reporting, incident management, and decision-making processes;
• Pricing: fixed, variable, and one-time costs, as well as exception fees.

Ask the service provider to confirm its capabilities, any minimum volume requirements, lead times, and performance commitments. A sales presentation does not replace the terms set forth in the quote and the contract.

Questions to ask before signing

Use these questions during the bidding process:

• What operations are included in the proposed scope?
• Which sales channels are connected?
• What data is available in real time?
• Where is inventory held?
• Who manages returns and decides when to restock?
• Who handles cross-border formalities?
• What service levels and cutoff times are contractually guaranteed?
• Which fees vary based on volume, product, or destination?
• How are testing, inventory transfer, and launch handled?

Request a written response for each point. Then compare proposals based on identical scopes to avoid comparing prices or incomplete services.

The cost of fulfillment depends on the product catalog, inventory, orders, packaging, destinations, and returns. A single price point does not allow you to assess the cost of a complete solution.

A useful quote breaks down costs into fixed, variable, and one-time expenses. It also specifies billing units, any thresholds, exceptions, and operational responsibilities.

Items to include in the calculation

The quote must itemize receiving, storage, preparation, packaging, transportation, and returns. Integrations, cross-border services, account management, and special services must be listed separately.

Volume and product catalog assumptions

The service provider needs consistent assumptions to tailor its proposal. Provide typical volumes and periods of variation, without limiting the demand to an annual average.

Describe the product catalog, including information that affects operations:

• number of active SKUs;
• item dimensions and weights;
• typical composition of orders;
• fragile, valuable, or regulated products;
• storage duration and conditions;
• countries of origin and destinations;
• packaging and return policies.

Also specify the initial inventory to be transferred and the method by which restocks will arrive. This information helps distinguish routine operations from exceptional events.

Signs of a comparable quote

A comparable quote clearly states what is included and excluded. It links each line item to a billing unit or a triggering event.

Verify that the following elements are included:

• assumptions used for the calculation;
• distinction between fixed, variable, and one-time costs;
• thresholds and exception fees;
• technical services and maintenance;
• customs and tax responsibilities;
• start-up procedures and associated costs;
• contract term and revision conditions.

Request a customized quote based on a defined scope. Provide the same data to each service provider to obtain actionable responses.

The choice of an integrated model depends on the workflows your company needs to execute and track:

• Define the support model and the division of responsibilities;
• Identify the online store, marketplaces, and other sales channels;
• define the scope of WMS integration and the data available in real time;
• describe the scope of fulfillment, from receipt to returns; 
• organize storage, customs, and shipping workflows between Switzerland, France, and the European Union;
• compare quotes based on the same assumptions, units, and exceptions.

Emaloja integrates website creation, marketplace integration, inventory management, warehousing, and delivery into a single operational workflow.

Provide Emaloja with details about your sales channels, products, volumes, destinations, and cross-border needs so we can assess the appropriate technical and logistical scope.