Two components: a one-time build, and a monthly fee that keeps it running. The teardown comes first and is free, so you get a firm quote before committing to anything.
Less than a part-time ops hire, and it never calls in sick.
Mostly the number of systems involved and how messy the inputs are. A single-portal invoicing workflow sits at the low end. An order-entry workflow spanning a rep portal, inventory checks, Shopify, and a 3PL handoff sits higher. The teardown gives you a firm quote before anything is committed.
One job, end to end. For example: fulfilled Faire orders become drafted QuickBooks invoices. Or: rep portal orders get entered and handed to the warehouse. Additional workflows are scoped and priced separately, usually at a lower build cost since access is already wired up.
Access to the accounts the workflow touches (for example Faire, QuickBooks Online, Shopify, your EDI or rep portal), granted under credentials you control and can revoke. Plus a couple of recent orders to test against.
No long contract. The monthly management is month to month and you can cancel any time.
The workflow stops running, your access grants are removed, and your data stays in your accounts where it always lived. No hostage-taking.
Almost certainly. Handoffs are built around however your warehouse already receives orders: a WMS import, a portal, or a formatted email. Your 3PL does not need to change anything.
Six questions by email, a written breakdown back, and a quote if you want one. No call, no obligation.
Get a free teardown No call. The whole thing runs by email.