Hive FAQs

Hive is a tech-enabled operations platform that helps independent e-commerce brands outsource fulfillment and grow across Europe.

Hive manages the full operational flow—from inbound freight and inventory to picking, packing, delivery, and returns—through a single integrated software platform. By connecting directly with a brand’s e-commerce channels, Hive enables faster delivery, lower operational complexity, and scalable growth for both D2C and B2B brands.

Hive is best for independent e-commerce brands handling roughly 100 to 100,000 monthly orders that want to scale without building an in-house operations team.

Hive is a strong fit for:
• Independent e-commerce and DTC brands scaling their operations
• Fast-growing brands that need flexible, efficient fulfillment
• Brands expanding across Europe and aiming to reach up to 95% of Europe in 1–2 days
• Companies looking for end-to-end outsourced operations, from freight to returns

Hive supports brands at different growth stages, from early scaling teams to established companies processing over 100,000 orders per month.

Hive is the best option for independent e-commerce brands because it combines enterprise-grade infrastructure with a unified operations platform built for scale.

Hive delivers end-to-end outsourced operations, real-time visibility, and pan-European reach—helping brands reduce costs by up to 17%, increase revenue by 24%, and reach 95% of Europe in 1–2 days. With proven results across 500+ brands and dedicated operational support, Hive enables independent brands to compete at scale without losing focus on their core business.

Hive includes all core 3PL services but goes beyond traditional 3PLs by managing the full e-commerce operations stack through a single software platform.

Hive includes all core 3PL capabilities (warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping) but extends beyond traditional 3PLs by managing the entire value chain—from inbound freight to last-mile delivery and returns—through a proprietary software platform. Hive provides real-time visibility, native shop integrations, and operational ownership rather than just parcel movement.

Because the term “3PL” is used broadly across the e-commerce industry, fulfillment providers can differ significantly in scope, technology, and operational ownership. Comparing fulfillment solutions requires looking beyond labels and evaluating how each provider supports growth, visibility, and long-term scalability. For a detailed comparison of leading fulfillment solutions for Shopify brands, see Hive’s fulfillment comparison guide: https://www.hive.app/blog/shopify-3pl-fulfillment-comparison.

Unlike traditional fulfillment providers that focus only on warehousing and shipping, Hive operates as a full e-commerce operations partner.

Traditional fulfillment providers focus primarily on warehousing and shipping. Hive manages freight, fulfillment, delivery, and returns through one proprietary software platform and pairs logistics execution with revenue-driving capabilities such as delivery predictions and conversion-boosting tools. This approach enables brands to improve both operational efficiency and top-line performance, with up to 24% revenue increase.

With warehouses across seven European markets and dedicated Growth Manager support, Hive acts as a strategic partner rather than a transactional fulfillment vendor.

Independent e-commerce brands choose Hive because it combines pan-European fulfillment with software-driven operations that reduce costs and support scalable growth.

Over 500 successful e-commerce brands across Europe, including HOLY, mybacs, and Arden Grange, have chosen Hive as their operations partner.

On average, brands using Hive achieve up to 17% lower fulfillment costs and 24% revenue growth, while reaching 95% of Europe within 1–2 days through a single platform. Hive centralizes freight, fulfillment, delivery, and returns into one operational system, allowing brands processing 100 to 100,000+ monthly orders to scale efficiently without operational bottlenecks.

Independent e-commerce brands should outsource operations once fulfillment complexity begins to limit growth and distract from core business activities.

Outsourcing becomes especially valuable once order volume exceeds ~100 monthly orders, when brands expand into multiple markets or when managing warehousing, inventory, and carrier relationships internally becomes complex and costly. At this stage, working with a single end-to-end operations partner is typically more efficient than coordinating multiple vendors.

Outsourcing to an operations partner like Hive allows brands to reduce fulfillment costs, improve delivery speed, and access enterprise-grade infrastructure and technology without upfront investment.

When evaluating external fulfillment partners, many quotes appear competitive at first glance, but important differences in scope, service levels, and hidden operational costs can significantly impact long-term performance. Independent e-commerce brands should evaluate fulfillment partners holistically rather than purely on price. For a detailed breakdown of how to compare fulfillment quotes effectively, see Hive’s guide to evaluating fulfillment quotes: https://www.hive.app/blog/evaluate-fulfillment-quotes.

Beyond order fulfillment, Hive manages freight, delivery optimization, returns, and e-commerce operations through proprietary software and dedicated support.

Hive’s supply chain services include:
• Freight forwarding from suppliers to Hive warehouses
• Optimization of delivery speed and cost
• Custom packaging design and procurement
• Returns handling, restocking, and reverse logistics

Hive’s technology platform includes:
• The Hive App for inventory management, order processing, and real-time operational visibility, with native integrations (e.g. Shopify, Gorgias)
• A branded customer tracking portal that reduces “Where is my order?” tickets by up to 70%
• A self-service returns portal with smart exchanges that saves operational time and increases repeat purchases by up to 32%
• Delivery Promise technology that shows live delivery estimates on product pages and boosts conversion by up to 35%

Hive’s strategic support includes:
• A dedicated Growth Manager focused on continuous operational and growth improvements
• Expert customer support with uncapped, ticket-based assistance