What are picking and packing?

Picking: turn an order into the right physical items

Picking starts with an order that identifies the required SKU and quantity. The warehouse locates the relevant stock and collects the items, checking the reference and variant so that a similar-looking product is not substituted by mistake. Any agreed batch or expiry requirements form part of the operating instructions.

Reliable picking depends on receiving, identification and stock records being correct beforehand. If an item is unavailable, damaged or inconsistent with the record, the discrepancy needs to be resolved under the agreed process. It should not be hidden by silently changing the order.

Packing: check, protect and identify the shipment

Packing checks the selected references and quantities against the order, applies the agreed presentation and uses suitable packaging and protection for the product. The parcel is then closed and given the required logistics label, with the shipment information checked before it is handed over.

The packing service and packaging materials are separate considerations. ARGO HUB’s ordinary preparation includes conventional assembly of the available packaging, standard sealing and a logistics label. Materials may come from the ecommerce business, the carrier or ARGO HUB under terms agreed before the operation starts. Special protection or presentation must be described and assessed rather than assumed to be included.

How picking and packing relate to the rest of fulfilment

Storage keeps stock organised and available before an order is prepared. Inventory records connect that stock with receiving, picking, dispatch and returns so that the business can understand what is available and investigate discrepancies. Picking and packing act on that stock for a particular order; they do not replace inventory control.

Dispatch is the warehouse stage in which prepared shipments are organised and handed to the carrier under the agreed collection arrangements. Transport is the subsequent carriage and delivery service. ARGO HUB prepares orders for handover; it is not the carrier, and carrier shipping is excluded from the monthly fulfilment fee.

Work that may fall outside ordinary preparation

Examples include assembling product kits, repeated promotional customisation, product relabelling, complex protective packaging, reconditioning returns and retailer or marketplace preparation with specific labelling or pallet requirements. The relevant question is the work required by the product and order, not just whether it can physically fit in a box.

Recurring special work should form part of the agreed operating and economic profile. Extraordinary tasks should be quoted and authorised before they are carried out. Explain the required manipulations, materials and expected frequency when requesting a proposal.

For ARGO HUB, order remains the commercial unit: monthly capacity and counting conditions are defined in the proposal and contract. References to parcels describe the physical packing and dispatch process, not a universal rule that every parcel consumes an additional order from the plan.