In the age of proliferating virtual storefronts, the juxtaposition of ecommerce and logistics has led to the rise of ecommerce fulfillment companies. These entities form an integral part of the supply chain, bridging the gap between online shopping and tangible delivery, but their complexities are often overlooked by business owners. To shed light on this subject, here are twelve fundamental aspects that I wish I had known prior to engaging with an ecommerce fulfillment company.

• The Nature of Ecommerce Fulfillment: Essentially, ecommerce fulfillment companies take care of your inventory, pack and ship orders to your customers on your behalf. By outsourcing these tasks, businesses can focus on enhancing their product range, refining their marketing strategies, and delivering superior customer service, without juggling the logistical intricacies in-house.
• The Importance of Location: The physical location of the fulfillment company’s warehouses affects shipping costs and delivery time frames. Strategically located warehouses facilitate faster delivery, enhancing customer satisfaction and potentially boosting sales.
• The Pervasiveness of Technology: Advanced technology is necessary for efficient order processing, inventory tracking, and data analysis. The extent of a company's technological prowess directly impacts accuracy of orders and speed of delivery — key facets of consumer satisfaction in today's 'instant' culture.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Fulfillment companies need to have the capacity to handle an influx of orders during peak seasons, as well as the ability to scale back during slower periods. The elasticity of their operations can significantly impact your bottom line.
• The Game of Pricing: Pricing models vary among fulfillment companies. Some charge on a per-order basis, while others use a flat-rate system. It's paramount to understand the intricacies of these models, as they affect both your finances and the pricing strategy of your products.
• Return Handling: The way a company manages returns is crucial, given that return rates for online purchases tend to be higher than brick-and-mortar sales. Efficient management of returns can notably influence customer satisfaction and retention.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with your ecommerce platform ensures smooth data exchange. This means accurate order processing, real-time inventory updates, and better customer communication.
• Insurance and Liability: A comprehensive understanding of the company's insurance policies and liability limits is important, as it can protect you in case of inventory loss or damage.
• Experience and Reputation: The track record of a company in handling ecommerce fulfillment can give insights into their efficiency, customer service, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Inventory Control: A top-tier fulfillment company should provide real-time inventory tracking and notifications for low stock levels or high-selling items. Accurate inventory control can prevent stock-outs and overstocking, both detrimental to your cash flow and sales.
• Custom Packaging Options: Customization of packaging can elevate the unboxing experience for customers, and act as a marketing tool. Not all fulfillment companies offer this, and if it's important to your brand, it's worth investigating.
• Environmental Considerations: In the wake of growing environmental concerns, some companies are incorporating sustainable practices, like using eco-friendly packaging or optimizing routes for lower carbon emissions.

In retrospect, it is evident that hiring an ecommerce fulfillment company involves more than a cursory perusal of their offerings. It necessitates a deep dive into their operational mechanisms, technological capabilities, and their alignment with your business ethos. As with any strategic decision, a thorough understanding informed by these insights can empower you to select an ecommerce fulfillment partner that can truly bolster your business growth.