Shipping and Logistics Archives

Kickstarter Order Fulfillment: The Complete 2025 Guide

Imagine you’ve just had a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign. Funding goal crushed, you did it! But now comes the hard part: Kickstarter order fulfillment; processing and shipping all those Kickstarter orders. Getting all those promised rewards into backers’ hands, on time and intact, is often more daunting than raising the money. It can truly make or break your project’s reputation by meeting backer expectations and ensuring timely deliveries.

Why Fulfillment Can Make or Break Your Kickstarter Campaign

Delivering on your promises is what turns a funded project into a success story. Backers might love your idea, but they’ll judge you by whether you ship their Kickstarter rewards as promised. And many creators struggle here. Roughly 1 in 10 Kickstarter campaigns never deliver the product at all, and among the biggest projects, about 84% ship later than promised. In other words, if you don’t nail your fulfillment process, you risk burning backers’ goodwill even after a great campaign. The entire process of fulfillment, from storage and packaging to shipping and delivery, can be complex and requires careful attention to detail.

Why do creators stumble with order fulfillment? It’s usually because fulfillment is a whole project of its own. Common pitfalls include:

Bad Planning & Budgeting: Underestimating shipping costs and logistics. Many creators set aside too little money for postage, packaging, and international fees, or don’t anticipate the number of orders in each country. The costs involved, especially for international shipping, customs, and importation, can add up quickly. When reality exceeds expectations, delays and budget overruns hit hard.
DIY Overload: Trying to fulfill hundreds or thousands of orders by yourself. Creators who insist on boxing and shipping everything solo often face exhaustion, slow deliveries, and mistakes. Past a certain volume, doing it all alone just doesn’t scale; using fulfillment services or fulfillment partners can help avoid burnout and improve efficiency.
No International Strategy: Shipping to international backers without a plan for customs and duties. Without thorough research and preparation (or help from regional partners), you risk packages getting stuck in customs or paying sky-high rates for overseas delivery.
Poor Communication: Going silent when fulfillment problems arise. If you don’t keep backers informed about delays or issues, small hiccups turn into big frustrations. Transparent, frequent updates are crucial to maintain trust, and working with the right partner can help maintain communication and avoid surprises.

The good news? With some foresight, you can avoid these pitfalls. It starts with planning your fulfillment early, conducting thorough research, and being ready with the right resources to avoid surprises by preparing early and choosing reliable partners.

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Phase 1: Pre-fulfillment Planning

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out how you’ll ship rewards. Plan your fulfillment strategy as you plan your campaign.

Budget Smartly: Before launch, research shipping options and get cost estimates for various regions. Consider which shipping countries you will support and whether to limit fulfillment to your own country to simplify logistics and reduce costs. Weigh your prototype (with packaging) to calculate accurate postage. Include a healthy buffer in your funding goal for fulfillment expenses; it’s better to raise a little extra than to come up short. When budgeting, account for any setup fees that fulfillment services may charge. Setting realistic shipping fees for backers (or incorporating shipping into pledge levels and reward tiers properly) will prevent surprises later. Plan for handling pre-orders in addition to regular campaign rewards, as this impacts fulfillment planning. Integrating shopping carts with your fulfillment system can streamline order processing and inventory management.

Vet Your Partners Early: Line up reliable manufacturing and shipping partners well before your campaign ends. Whether you plan to fulfill in-house or use a Kickstarter fulfillment partner, start conversations early. Look for partners with experience in the Kickstarter fulfillment process and strong inventory management capabilities. If you’re considering a specialized crowdfunding fulfillment service or 3PL, reach out for quotes and ask about their experience with Kickstarter projects. Early vetting prevents scrambling for a solution after you’ve collected backer money.

Set Realistic Timelines: Be conservative with your promised delivery dates. It’s tempting to say rewards will ship immediately after the campaign, but unexpected delays in production, freight, or customs are common. Build in buffer time. Backers will be much happier if you deliver early than if you announce delays later. Map out each step of the Kickstarter fulfillment process (manufacturing, quality check, freight to warehouse, packaging, shipping) and give yourself some cushion at each stage when you communicate timelines. Make sure to provide up to date information to backers about fulfillment progress.

Phase 2: DIY Fulfillment vs. Fulfillment Partner

Next, decide how you’ll handle the actual shipping of rewards: do it yourself or outsource to a fulfillment service?

Doing It Yourself (DIY): Fulfilling orders on your own can work well for a small campaign. If you have a manageable number of backers (say a few hundred or less) and the time and resources to pack boxes, print shipping labels, and handle post office runs, DIY gives you full control. It can be cost-effective too, you’re not paying service fees to a third party. However, be realistic about the workload. Hundreds of packages can consume weeks of your time. Make sure you have space to store inventory, and perhaps enlist friends or family to help pack. DIY fulfillment is perfectly fine for a successful Kickstarter with modest order counts, but it becomes a strain as volume grows.

Using a Fulfillment Partner: If your campaign has thousands of backers or you’re shipping worldwide, a professional fulfillment partner; more accurately described as a service provider (often a 3PL, third-party logistics company); is worth considering. These service providers handle comprehensive Kickstarter fulfillment work, including storing your inventory in fulfillment centers, picking, packing, and shipping rewards to your backers. 3PLs are experts at fulfilling Kickstarter orders efficiently, managing the entire shipping lifecycle from inventory management to order tracking.

Kickstarter use does not involve a specific shipping company; creators are responsible for selecting their own fulfillment partners or shipping services. The benefits of using multiple warehouses and fulfillment centers are especially important for international campaigns, as they help optimize shipping speed and reduce customs costs. Choosing the right shipping methods is also crucial to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery to your backers.

The obvious downside is cost; you’ll pay for their service, but the upsides include speed, accuracy, and scalability. Good fulfillment companies have systems to handle large volumes efficiently, access to discounted shipping rates, and experience with customs and international shipping. They can often get rewards to your backers faster (and with fewer errors) than you could on your own. For example, if you suddenly have to ship 5,000 packages, a fulfillment partner can accomplish that in days, whereas it might take you weeks. The rule of thumb: if fulfilling orders starts to look like a full-time job, bring in the pros. Just do your homework and choose a partner with Kickstarter fulfillment experience and solid references.

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Phase 3: International Shipping & Backer Management

Shipping rewards globally is a common source of stress for Kickstarter creators. International backers are awesome, but getting a package to a backer in Brazil or Germany isn’t as simple as a domestic shipment. Global shipping introduces additional challenges, such as navigating customs, managing logistics, and ensuring timely delivery across borders. Here’s how to tackle it:

Plan for Customs and Duties: Research the countries where you have backers and understand their import rules. When handling international orders, it’s important to select your shipping countries strategically to streamline costs and avoid customs issues. You may need to fill out customs forms declaring the value and contents of each reward shipment. Decide whether you’ll send packages Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU), meaning the backer pays any import taxes on arrival, or Delivery Duty Paid (DDP), meaning you collect money upfront and pay the duties so the package arrives with no surprise fees. Many creators choose DDU to keep things simple, but if you do, be sure to warn backers that they’re responsible for any VAT or customs charges. Transparency here will save you many angry emails later.

Consider Local Fulfillment Hubs: If you have a large cluster of backers in a particular region (say Europe or Asia), it might actually be more efficient to bulk ship all those rewards to a local partner and fulfill from within that region. For example, you could send one big shipment to an EU warehouse and have packages forwarded to individual backers from there. This way, those backers get their rewards faster and with lower local postage, and they’re less likely to be charged additional taxes (since intra-EU shipments might avoid certain duties). This approach requires coordination, but it can dramatically improve the experience for international backers and potentially save money on international shipping rates. If you’re considering expanding your reach in the U.S., national fulfillment services can offer similar efficiencies by leveraging a nationwide network of warehouses.

Packaging and Regulations: Different countries have different rules. Some items might face restrictions (for instance, battery-powered devices, food items, liquids, etc.). Work with your shipping partner or do research to ensure your rewards aren’t violating any prohibitions in the destination countries. Also, invest in sturdy custom packaging for international shipments. Branded and personalized packaging not only enhances your brand but also protects fragile items during transit. Managing your supply chain efficiently is crucial for international fulfillment, ensuring your products are manufactured, stored, and shipped in compliance with all regulations. The last thing you want is your product arriving broken after an overseas journey.

Keep Backers Informed: Communication is even more crucial with international backers, because their deliveries take longer and involve more uncertainty. To meet the expectations of most backers, provide tracking numbers for international packages whenever possible. Services like USPS First Class International don’t always offer full tracking, so consider using postal options that do, or regional couriers, even if they cost a bit more. Let backers know when their reward has shipped and give an expected range for delivery (often 2 – 4 weeks for international shipments). Encouraging patience while providing transparency is key.

Phase 4: Keeping Backers Happy Through Fulfillment

Throughout the fulfillment process, remember that your backers are your early supporters and fans. Customer satisfaction should be a key goal at every stage. How you treat them now is crucial for your brand’s long-term reputation. Some tips to keep backers happy (even if you hit a few bumps on the road):

Regular Updates: Don’t go dark after the campaign. Continue to post Kickstarter updates or emails detailing progress, “We received the first batch from the factory,” “All rewards are now packed and awaiting pickup,” etc. Even if nothing has changed, a brief “we’re still on track” update every few weeks reassures backers that you haven’t forgotten them. Lack of information is what breeds frustration.

Honesty About Delays: If you encounter a delay (big or small), inform your backers as soon as you can. Whether it’s a manufacturing issue or shipping vessel stuck at port, share the facts. Backers are usually very understanding about delays when they hear directly and promptly from the creator. What causes anger is silence or vague excuses. It can be tough to admit to problems, but owning it and explaining how you’re addressing it will earn you far more respect.

Customer Service Mindset: Treat every backer inquiry as you would a customer support request. During fulfillment, you’ll get messages: an address needs changing, a package didn’t arrive, a reward came with a defect, etc. Aim to respond quickly and helpfully. For missing or damaged rewards, send replacements if you can (build a small surplus into your production for this). The tone you set in these interactions matters. Satisfied backers are essential for your brand’s reputation and future success. A backer who has an issue resolved promptly can turn into your biggest cheerleader (“they really care!”) whereas an ignored email can turn someone into an unhappy commenter on your project page.

Provide Tracking and Follow-Through: Whenever possible, send out tracking information to backers for their shipments. Many pledge management platforms allow automated emails with tracking numbers. This not only reduces “where is my reward?” questions, but it gives backers peace of mind. Ensuring timely delivery should be a priority; if a tracking shows a package stuck or lost, be proactive, reach out to the carrier or consider re-sending the item. It’s extra effort, but remember, these people believed in you enough to fund you; delivering their reward safely is the least you can do.

Good communication and attentive service throughout fulfillment are the foundation for successful Kickstarter fulfillment. By prioritizing your backers’ experience, you build trust and set your project up for long-term success.

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Conclusion / Next Steps

Successfully fulfilling a Kickstarter campaign in 2025 is all about preparation, communication, and choosing the right partners. The same principles apply to all crowdfunding campaigns, whether on Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or other platforms. By baking in a fulfillment plan from the beginning, budgeting properly, and deciding whether to go DIY or use a fulfillment company, you set a strong foundation. From there, focus on international shipping logistics for global backers and maintain great communication throughout.

At the end of the day, smooth Kickstarter fulfillment is a win-win: your backers get what they were promised (and hopefully become repeat customers or brand ambassadors), and you get to cap off your successful campaign with delivered rewards and valuable experience for your next launch. Yes, it’s a daunting task, but if a creator approaches fulfillment with the same passion and thoroughness that they did the campaign itself, it can actually become another opportunity to impress and delight backers.

So plan ahead, take care of the details, and don’t be afraid to ask for help (whether from a 3PL or the Kickstarter community’s advice). With the right approach, you’ll turn your crowdfunding campaign into a fulfillment success story, and that’s the best possible start for whatever you do next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kickstarter order fulfillment?

It’s the process of storing, packing, labeling, and shipping Kickstarter rewards so backers receive what was promised.

How do I handle international shipping?

Use customs forms, clear communication about duties, and consider local fulfillment hubs to reduce costs and delays.

Should I fulfill orders myself or hire a company?

DIY works for small campaigns. Large or global campaigns usually need a fulfillment partner for speed and accuracy.

How can I keep shipping costs low?

Compare carriers early, optimize packaging, use flat-rate or bulk shipping options, partner with services that offer discounts, and consider the best way to ship heavy items to cut costs and maximize profit.

What if my rewards are delayed?

Tell backers quickly, explain why, give a new timeline, and keep them updated until rewards ship.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Jeremy Stewart leads customer success at Cahoot, helping merchants achieve high-performance logistics through smart technology and process optimization. With a background in both ecommerce operations and client services, Jeremy ensures that every merchant using Cahoot gets measurable results—whether they’re scaling from one warehouse to many or managing complex returns.

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LTL vs FTL: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Freight Shipping Method

Choosing between LTL vs FTL shipping is a common dilemma in logistics. Selecting the right freight shipment method is crucial, as it impacts costs, delivery speed, and overall supply chain efficiency. Should you ship your goods as less than truckload (LTL) or spring for a full truckload (FTL)? The decision isn’t always straightforward, each freight shipping method has its own benefits and drawbacks. But making the right choice can lead to big cost savings, faster delivery times, and fewer headaches in your supply chain.

What Are LTL and FTL in Freight Shipping?

LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping is for shipments that don’t fill a full truck. In LTL, your freight shares trailer space with other shippers’ freight, and you’re charged only for the portion of the truck you use. Shipments are considered LTL based on their volume or pallet count, and a shipment that does not fill a full truck is classified as an LTL shipment. LTL carriers combine multiple shippers’ freight, meaning multiple shippers share the same trailer for cost efficiency. LTL consolidates multiple smaller shipments and partial loads to optimize available space and reduce shipping costs. LTL carriers combine multiple shipments on one truck, which means your freight will likely make multiple stops or transfers through hub terminals on the way to its destination. This is ideal for a smaller shipment (a handful of pallets) where using a whole truck would be wasteful. LTL lets you pay for just what you need.

FTL (Full Truckload) shipping is when one shipper uses an entire truck for a single shipment. FTL provides dedicated space for a single shipper, utilizing all available space in the trailer exclusively for your freight. An FTL shipment is ideal for large, time-sensitive, or high-value freight. The trailer is fully dedicated to your freight and goes straight from pickup to final destination with no extra stops. FTL is usually chosen for large shipments (enough to fill most or all of a trailer) or for time-sensitive deliveries that need the quickest route. Because your freight isn’t handled or transferred along the way, there’s less risk of damage and generally faster transit times with FTL. Truckload freight refers to both FTL and LTL, and choosing between FTL and LTL depends on your shipment size and logistics needs.

LTL and FTL are the two main options for freight shipping, and selecting the right one depends on your specific requirements.

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Key Differences Between LTL and FTL

Both LTL and FTL will get your goods from point A to point B, but they do it in different ways. Here are the major differences to consider:

Cost: LTL shipping is usually the lower cost option for smaller loads because you pay only for the portion of trailer space you use. FTL costs more since you’re paying for the entire truck, but it becomes more cost-effective as your shipment size approaches a full truckload (the bigger your load, the better value FTL gets per unit of freight). Shipping rates for LTL are often more economical for smaller loads due to shared costs, while in FTL, the shipper pays for exclusive use of the truck, which provides direct service and faster delivery.
Transit Time: FTL shipments are generally faster. The truck goes directly from origin to destination with no extra stops. LTL shipments are slower because the truck makes multiple stops or transfers to accommodate other freight, which can add a few days to delivery time. FTL offers more predictable delivery dates and delivery timelines, making it ideal for time-sensitive shipments, while LTL delivery windows are more estimated and flexible.
Handling & Risk: LTL involves more handling; your goods might be loaded and unloaded multiple times at various terminals. More touches mean a higher chance of damage or loss, so packaging needs to be very secure. FTL, by contrast, involves less handling (once your freight is loaded, it stays on that same truck until delivery), so the risk of damage is lower.
Shipment Size: LTL handles shipments that only use part of a trailer, whereas FTL is meant for shipments large enough to fill most or all of a trailer. There are no hard and fast rules for when to choose LTL or FTL; sometimes consolidating your freight into one FTL shipment is more efficient, especially for large or time-sensitive loads.

These differences mean that neither option is “better” in an absolute sense, it depends on your specific shipping needs. Next, we’ll look at when it makes sense to choose LTL and when FTL might be the better fit.

When to Use LTL Shipping

LTL freight is best when your shipment is relatively small and time is not ultra-critical. LTL often involves multiple LTL deliveries, which can require careful coordination to manage several smaller shipments efficiently. If you’re shipping only a few pallets and can allow a longer transit time (LTL may take a bit longer due to stops), then LTL will provide significant cost savings over paying for a whole truck. To minimize damage during the LTL shipping process, it is important to ensure that your goods are properly packaged.

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When to Use FTL Shipping

FTL freight is best suited for transporting large quantities of goods, making it ideal for large shipments or situations requiring speed and special care. If you have enough freight to fill most of a trailer (for example, approaching 10 or more pallets), it’s usually more practical to book a full truckload. FTL freight shipping is preferred by businesses that need speed, efficiency, and direct delivery for bigger loads, as it allows the entire truck to be dedicated to a single shipment.

FTL is also the right choice when you need a faster, direct delivery or when shipping high-value or fragile goods that you prefer not to mix with other shipments. A dedicated FTL truck gives you that exclusive space, less handling, and more control over timing.

Conclusion

Deciding between LTL and FTL comes down to balancing cost, speed, and shipment size. If you have smaller shipments and want to save on shipping costs, LTL freight is a flexible solution, you’ll trade off a bit of transit time for cost efficiency. If you need faster delivery, have a large load, or want minimal handling, FTL is worth the higher price for the dedicated service.

Many businesses actually use a mix of both LTL and FTL, depending on the situation. For example, we at Cahoot often remind businesses to evaluate each shipment’s urgency, size, and value case by case. Sometimes it even makes sense to consolidate multiple LTL shipments into one FTL if that provides better efficiency. The goal is to get your freight to its destination on time at a reasonable cost, whether that means LTL, FTL, or a combination.

By understanding the differences and strategic trade-offs of LTL vs FTL, you can make smarter shipping decisions that improve your supply chain efficiency and keep costs under control. In other words, use whichever truckload shipping approach best meets your needs, so your freight arrives safely, on schedule, and at a cost that makes sense for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between LTL and FTL?

LTL shares truck space with other shipments; FTL dedicates the whole truck to one shipment.

How do I choose between LTL and FTL?

Pick LTL for smaller, less urgent shipments; choose FTL for large, time-sensitive, or fragile loads.

How many pallets count as LTL vs FTL?

Up to about 6 – 10 pallets is typically LTL; beyond that, FTL or partial truckload makes more sense.

Which is cheaper, LTL or FTL?

LTL is cheaper for small loads. Once your shipment nearly fills a truck, FTL is usually more cost-efficient.

Do I need to know the freight class?

Yes for LTL, since pricing depends on freight class. FTL doesn’t use it the same way.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

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Tariffs Are About to Hit Your Ecommerce Business Hard

Key Takeaways
What Just Changed, and When Exactly?
Why This Feels Like a Total Ambush
Why It’s Bigger Than Ecommerce
Real-World Example: The Etsy Seller Nightmare
Real Costs of Making Things in the U.S.
Backlog, Delays & the Holiday Spiral
The July Ecommerce Spike, Front-Loaded Inventory or Prime Day?
Holding Costs Hit Hard
Putting This in Perspective
What Ecommerce Operators Must Do Now (Seriously)
Bonus Insight: SMBs vs. Giants
Frequently Asked Questions

Brace yourself. Today, August 29, 2025, the U.S. scraps the de minimis exemption, meaning even tiny low-cost international packages will now face tariffs. Yeah, that includes your $20 gadget or your $50 pair of drop-shipped sneakers, and it’s going to hurt.

Brace yourself. Effective today, August 29, 2025, the U.S. scraps the de minimis exemption, meaning even tiny low-cost international packages will now face tariffs. Yeah, that includes your $20 gadget or your $50 pair of drop-shipped sneakers, and it’s going to hurt. Not just ecommerce merchants, either. This is effectively a consumption tax hitting millions of households, retailers, and supply chains all at once, and it will ripple across the broader U.S. economy.

Key Takeaways

Aug 29 launches tariffs on all low-value imports. No more duty exemption.
Global postal avenues are paused. Customs is flooded. Delays are coming.
Small merchants are squeezed. Bigger ones shored up with U.S. stock.
Inventory strategies need an overhaul: storage, pricing, sourcing, and communications.
Ecommerce penetration is weak. Margins are under attack. Adapt, or risk going under.

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What Just Changed, and When Exactly?

Starting today, Friday, August 29, 2025, any international shipment heading into the U.S. (nope, not just leaving origin), regardless of how cheap, will be slapped with new costs. You’re looking at 10% – 50% duties, or an $80 – $200 flat handling fee per package. That’s a massive operational change.

Timing-wise? It doesn’t matter if a package leaves just before midnight UTC; you’re still on the hook once it arrives or is processed on/after Aug 29. Customs doesn’t care about your origin timezone; they use U.S. entry or postmark dates.

Why This Feels Like a Total Ambush

OK, the Trump administration has been choreographing this move for many months now (and it started with President Biden in Q4 2024). But it’s also been postponed and postponed. So, everyone has been in “wait and see” mode. Now, mail services worldwide have freaked out. Postal carriers in Mexico, the EU, India, Australia, and more have halted or paused shipments to the U.S. due to confusion and a lack of tools for tariff collection. That’s not a minor blip; that’s a supply chain scream. Shouldn’t the infrastructure be in place long before the new legislation goes into effect?

And it’s not just online sellers who get squeezed. When customs systems clog up, that affects everyone: apparel retailers waiting on seasonal imports, tool distributors holding back orders, and even general merchandisers like Walmart or Target. Add it up and you’ve got a new inflation driver at the exact wrong time; households already pinched by high grocery and rent costs are now staring down higher prices on imports across the board.

Why It’s Bigger Than Ecommerce

It’s tempting to frame this as an ecommerce headache. It isn’t. It’s a systemic shock that touches the entire economy.

Supply chains clog up → Customs delays don’t care if it’s an Etsy pin or 10,000 drills headed to Home Depot. Backups hit everyone.
Inflation pressure rises → Tariffs are a tax. Higher landed costs mean higher shelf prices. Even if sellers eat some of it, retailers eventually pass it on, right into household budgets already stretched by food and rent inflation.
Retail + logistics ripple → Apparel, electronics, packaged goods, any category that leaned on cheap overseas fulfillment just lost competitiveness. Logistics providers get caught in the crossfire, rerouting shipments and charging more.
Macro slowdown risk → Stanford economists warn these tariffs will directly feed inflation, dragging down consumer confidence and GDP. That’s why Etsy and eBay shares tanked the moment the news broke. Investors know it’s not just about small packages; it’s about overall spending.

So when you see tariffs called a “new inflation driver,” don’t file it under “ecommerce news.” This is a broad economic headwind. Ecommerce just happens to be the first and most visible test case.

Real-World Example: The Etsy Seller Nightmare

Take a small Etsy artist selling enamel pins made overseas. Last week, a $15 order meant low shipping costs, zero customs, and a happy customer. Starting next week? The same $15 pin could hit $45 after tariffs, or get buried in customs for days. Many international sellers are shutting off U.S. listings entirely, just until clarity returns.

And it’s not just pins. The same math applies to low-value, high-volume imports like nail art kits, USB cables, or cheap toys. Tariffs don’t discriminate by category; they crush unit economics whenever a flat $80 – $200 fee gets applied to something that used to move freely.

Meanwhile, big dogs like Shein and Temu have been stockpiling U.S.-based inventory for weeks, preparing for this cyclone.

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Real Costs of Making Things in the U.S.

Let’s zoom in and do quick math for some known commodities. These aren’t exact price tags but directional benchmarks that show the gap between import cost and known domestic production:

Item	Imported Cost	Estimated Domestic Cost
Mid-weight hoodie	~$25	~$50–$70
Hand-held power tool	~$40	~$75–$100
External SSD, 1 TB	~$80	~$120–$150

The signal here is clear: domestic manufacturing is usually 2 – 3x more expensive once you add labor, compliance, and overhead. Yes, you can avoid tariffs by making things in the U.S., but you’ll pay more upfront. Sellers face trade-offs: raise prices, squeeze margins, or rethink their product strategy entirely.

Think of it as a proxy for category pressure:

Apparel → doubling costs devastates fast-fashion models.
Tools → U.S.-made brands already command a premium; imports compete aggressively for a reason.
Electronics → domestic production is scarce, so the gap highlights dependence on Asia.

The broader point: this isn’t just about “cheap junk.” It’s about core consumer categories: clothes, tools, computing gear, all facing pricing pressure at once.

You lose price edge, fast. U.S.-made quality might justify higher prices, but forget about competing in cost-sensitive categories like fashion, gadgets, or lifestyle gear.

Backlog, Delays & the Holiday Spiral

Customs is backed up. Delays of days or even weeks are likely. You may hear horror stories: “Your package got destroyed, no notification.” It’s not entirely apocryphal. With new rules and overwhelmed operations, no-shows (auto rejections, destroyed parcels) and zero follow-up are real concerns. Some carriers already operate that way.

Now imagine this creeps into the 2025 holiday season. Brands that didn’t front-load inventory by late summer are going to find empty virtual shelves and customer churn.

The July Ecommerce Spike, Front-Loaded Inventory or Prime Day?

July’s blistering sales? Maybe not entirely Prime Day hype. Anecdotally, a bunch of merchants ordered inventory early to dodge this tariff tsunami. So yes, July looks great, but many were just building stock coverage. That likely bumps Q4 cost‐of‐goods significantly and ties up cash for longer. Holding fees, insurance, longer fulfillment cycles… it all adds up.

Holding Costs Hit Hard

If you’re holding inventory earlier, expect your cost structure to morph. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s eating at your margins:

Storage fees (AKA “why am I paying more for shelf space?”)
Capital tied up (less liquidity)
Handling & restock labor
Insurance + spoilage/obsolescence (trends shift faster now)
Inventory management complexity (new SKUs, forecasting shifts)
Risk of returns/refunds stretched over holiday returns windows

Those skinny margins, beloved by fast-fashion and gadget dropshippers? They might vanish this season.

Putting This in Perspective

Online sales are not booming. Ecommerce penetration has sunk back to about 10% of retail, pre-COVID levels. Discretionary purchases are flattening thanks to inflation. That candy bar that used to be $1 is now nearly $2.50. Same size. This change is just more pressure in a season where consumers are already cutting back.

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What Ecommerce Operators Must Do Now (Seriously)

Time to get your house in order. If you’re not already doing these, desperation may be coming:

1. Stock smarter: Factor in tariffs, delays, insurance, and storage. Build extended-lead-time buffers now.

2. Diversify sourcing: Nearshore, U.S. manufacturing, or multi-origin shipping. Don’t rely on one geography.

3. Update pricing transparently: Communicate customs fees to customers. No surprises = less churn.

4. Negotiate with carriers: Who can pre-clear customs, who can absorb duties, and who won’t? Don’t assume everyone’s the same.

5. Leverage warehousing: Hybrid models: overseas for baseline, U.S. warehouses for flexibility and safety stock.

6. Focus on community & retention: When acquisition costs rise, existing customers matter more. Think retention-driven, not growth-at-all-costs.

7. Keep margins visible: Use cash-first accounting. Know your true landed cost after fees, storage, and burn rates.

Bonus Insight: SMBs vs. Giants

Small margins and thin buffers mean many SMB stores in low-price tiers might not survive. At the same time, this plays directly into Cahoot’s DNA, and we help shift from fragility to resilience. If you’re watching costs inch tighter, it’s time to lean on the systems, automation, and planning muscle we built with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the de minimis exemption end?

August 29, 2025, any international parcel processed or shipped on/after this date gets taxed.

What are the new 2025 tariff ranges?

10% – 50% of the value, or $80 – $200 flat fee for six months.

Can small sellers cancel U.S. shipping temporarily?

Yes, many are pausing until clarity returns. But remember that’s also lost revenue.

Is this just a shock or a lasting change?

Likely lasting. Reinstating de minimis would require substantial political pressure.

How should merchants communicate cost changes?

Be transparent. Use simple tooltips (“international duties may apply”) and clear shipping pages.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Turn Returns Into New Revenue

Convert returns into second-chance sales and new customers, right from your store.

Last-Mile Delivery: Parcel Lockers Versus Home Delivery Cost Reality

Introduction to Last-Mile Deliveries
The Delivery Process
Last-Mile Logistics and Fulfillment Centers
Why Lockers Change The Last-Mile Delivery Challenges Route Math
What The Data Says So Far
The Hidden Costs You Still Need To Count
A Simple Cost Framework You Can Use
Role of Technology in the Last-Mile
Where Lockers Win
Where Home Delivery Still Makes Sense
The US Adoption Curve In 2025
How I Would Pilot This In Ninety Days
Customer Messaging That Works
The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions

The last mile is where good margin goes to die, as it’s notorious for its high costs. The growth of online shopping has dramatically increased demand for efficient last-mile delivery and raised customer expectations. Today, customers expect real-time tracking, fast delivery, and transparency throughout the last-mile delivery process. The last-mile, also known as the final mile, is the last segment of the delivery process from a local hub to the customer’s doorstep. Consumers increasingly demand fast delivery options, often expecting them to be free, which adds further pressure to optimize this stage. This surge has brought last-mile delivery challenges and the last-mile delivery problem to the forefront, highlighting the complexity and expense of this stage.

The last-mile delivery problem refers to the high cost and inefficiency associated with the final stage of delivery, making it the most expensive and time-consuming part of the shipping process. One van, scattered addresses, traffic, missed deliveries, theft. Parcel lockers promise a different math. Fewer stops, denser drops, better first attempt success. The question is not whether lockers are cool. It is whether lockers beat home delivery on cost and customer experience for your network, especially considering last-mile shipping as the most expensive and complex part of the delivery process, and the importance of managing the entire shipping process, particularly the last-mile, to meet customer expectations and control costs.

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Introduction to Last-Mile Deliveries

Last-mile deliveries represent the crucial final step in the delivery process, where packages make their journey from a transportation hub or distribution center to the customer’s final destination, often their home or office. This phase of the mile delivery process is where customer satisfaction is truly won or lost, as it’s the most visible part of the supply chain for end recipients. With the explosion of online shopping and the growing demand for same-day delivery, the pressure on businesses to perfect their last-mile delivery process has never been higher. The last mile is often the most complex and expensive segment, requiring careful coordination to meet tight delivery windows and high customer expectations. As companies strive to deliver faster and more reliably, optimizing the last-mile has become a top priority for anyone looking to stay competitive in the world of day delivery and ecommerce.

The Delivery Process

The delivery process for last-mile deliveries involves a series of coordinated steps designed to get packages from the distribution center to the customer’s door as efficiently as possible. It typically starts when a parcel arrives at a local transportation hub or distribution center, where it is sorted and assigned to a delivery driver. The driver then follows a carefully planned delivery route, aiming to reach each final destination in a timely manner. The last-mile delivery process is often complicated by factors such as traffic congestion in urban areas and long distances between stops in rural areas. To tackle these challenges, delivery companies are increasingly relying on advanced route planning and real-time driver tracking to optimize delivery routes, minimize delays, and ensure successful final delivery. These tools help delivery drivers navigate the complexities of the final mile delivery process, improving both efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Last-Mile Logistics and Fulfillment Centers

Last-mile logistics relies heavily on the strategic placement and operation of fulfillment centers. These centers act as the backbone of the delivery process, serving as hubs where packages are stored, sorted, and dispatched for final delivery. The proximity of fulfillment centers to customers is a key factor in reducing delivery times and costs, making it possible to offer rapid order fulfillment and next-day delivery options. By investing in fulfillment centers closer to high-density customer areas, businesses can streamline their final mile logistics, cut down on transportation expenses, and boost customer satisfaction. Additionally, the integration of automated sorting systems and real-time inventory management within these centers enhances the overall logistics process, ensuring a smoother, more reliable customer experience from order to doorstep.

Why Lockers Change The Last-Mile Delivery Challenges Route Math

Home delivery pushes a driver to dozens of unique addresses. Each stop consumes time, parking, and handling, and in congested urban areas, navigating traffic can take just as much time as covering longer rural routes. By leveraging route planning and optimizing delivery routes, especially when considering vehicle capacity, companies can significantly improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Optimizing route distance is crucial, as it helps reduce costs and improve efficiency by ensuring drivers take the most effective paths. Lockers flip the density. A driver injects hundreds of parcels into a handful of locker banks, then customers pull on their schedule. Having a well-managed fleet of delivery vehicles is essential for efficient locker deliveries, ensuring packages are handled and tracked properly throughout the process. Studies suggest that replacing a slice of doorstep deliveries with out-of-home options can trim delivery costs and emissions by enabling more efficient routes for drivers. Fewer miles, fewer door knocks, fewer second attempts.

What The Data Says So Far

Analyses from the postal and parcel industry show that centralized delivery points cost less than door service on a per point basis. European operators with mature locker networks report strong unit economics as scale increases. Environmental data from operators shows lower emissions per package when customers collect from lockers instead of waiting at home. Parcels placed in lockers or hubs typically await delivery, either for customer pickup or for the final leg to the recipient, highlighting the efficiency of this model. Add in the US reality of porch theft, and the risk-adjusted math leans even harder toward out-of-home in many neighborhoods.

The Hidden Costs You Still Need To Count

Lockers are not free. Someone pays for land rights, electricity, maintenance, and software. In addition, some networks may require additional warehouse space to support rapid delivery and efficient locker replenishment, especially when implementing micro warehousing strategies. If your network is sparse, you force long customer trips, which hurts adoption. If your mix is heavy or oversized, lockers are a poor fit (pun intended). If you serve rural areas, a locker node may be miles away. The economic win depends on route density, locker utilization, and customer behavior in your footprint. Optimizing your locker network can help control costs in last-mile delivery by improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenses.

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A Simple Cost Framework You Can Use

Start with your current last-mile cost per stop and stops per hour. Understanding the last-mile delivery process is essential for accurate cost modeling, as it involves key steps that impact efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall expenses. Model a locker route where a driver hits five banks and injects, say, eighty parcels per bank. Back out the time you save from no second attempts and fewer address problems. Add a share of locker operating cost per parcel. Utilizing a comprehensive mile delivery solution, technology platforms that offer route planning, dispatching, real-time tracking, communication, and analytics can further streamline last-mile delivery and reduce expenses. Then overlay risk: porch theft claims, fraud, and carrier re-deliveries fall when lockers are used. Even a small drop in loss rate can tilt the equation.

Role of Technology in the Last-Mile

Technology is rapidly transforming the landscape of last-mile deliveries, offering innovative solutions to some of the most persistent last-mile delivery challenges. From drone delivery and robotic delivery to the deployment of autonomous vehicles, new technologies are helping delivery services reduce costs, speed up the final mile delivery process, and meet rising customer expectations. Digital platforms and mobile apps now provide real-time tracking, allowing customers to follow their packages every step of the way and receive timely updates. Behind the scenes, artificial intelligence and machine learning are optimizing route planning, predicting delivery volumes, and identifying potential bottlenecks before they become problems. As the postal and parcel industry continues to evolve, these technological advancements are enabling logistics providers to deliver a superior customer experience, streamline operations, and stay ahead in the competitive world of last-mile delivery services.

Where Lockers Win

Dense urban and suburban clusters with high parcel volume, where lockers enhance last-mile services by improving delivery efficiency and customer convenience, especially when delivering parcels quickly and securely.
Buildings or campuses where deliveries pile up and space is tight.
High theft zones where customers value secure pickup.
Merchants with flexible customers who prefer 24/7 pickup to missed deliveries.

Where Home Delivery Still Makes Sense

Rural routes with low locker density.
Heavy or oversized items that exceed locker dimensions.
Customers who need doorstep delivery for accessibility reasons, where delivery personnel-based assignment ensures packages are brought directly to the door.
Retail promises that bundle installation or a signature.

The US Adoption Curve In 2025

Europe sprinted ahead with national locker networks. The US is catching up. Delivery companies, along with private carriers, large retailers, and universities, are scaling out of home options and reporting better experiences in high-volume sites. Many businesses are also leveraging third-party logistics providers to efficiently expand locker and out-of-home delivery options, helping them optimize delivery processes and meet consumer expectations. Even without nationwide parity, a hybrid model is workable right now. Offer lockers where you have coverage, keep home delivery where you do not, and let customers choose based on convenience.

How I Would Pilot This In Ninety Days

Pick two metro zips with high parcel density and porch theft issues.
Route five to ten percent of eligible orders to lockers by default, with an opt-out.
Measure first attempt success, total route time, loss claims, customer satisfaction, and the ability to track packages.
Open one more cluster each month if the unit economics hold.

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Customer Messaging That Works

Effective customer communication is essential for setting and managing customer expectations for locker pickup. Tell the truth. Lockers reduce missed deliveries and package theft. Pickup windows are flexible. If you can add two bonus points, adoption jumps: real-time codes that are easy to find in email and SMS, and clean directions in the locker notification. Incorporating a real-time feedback loop allows customers to provide immediate feedback and receive updates during the locker pickup process, further enhancing the experience. Customers forgive one extra errand if the experience is fast and safe.

The Bottom Line

Parcel lockers are not a silver bullet, but as one of the last-mile innovations, they are a real lever for improving cost and efficiency. If your routes are dense and your theft claims are painful, lockers can shave cost per parcel and smooth operations. Keep home delivery where it belongs, add lockers where they make sense, and your last-mile gets cheaper and calmer at the same time. By utilizing your own fleet for deliveries, you gain greater control and flexibility over your logistics, including the ability to extend delivery hours. Implementing in-house delivery services allows you to directly manage your delivery operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. These last-mile innovations play a crucial role in optimizing supply chain management and improving overall order fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Delivery Lockers Always Cost Less Than Home Delivery?

Not always. The win depends on route density, utilization, and the share of second attempts and theft in your area. Model both and compare.

What Share Of Orders Should I Route To Delivery Lockers?

Start small, around ten percent of eligible orders in dense zips, then scale based on adoption and unit economics.

Do Delivery Lockers Improve Customer Satisfaction?

Usually, yes, in theft-prone or apartment-heavy areas. Clear notifications and easy codes matter. If the locker is far away, satisfaction drops.

Can Delivery Lockers Reduce Emissions?

Yes, in many scenarios. Consolidated drops cut miles and idling time, and some operators publish lower emissions per parcel for locker pickup compared to home delivery.

What About Delivery Locker Accessibility And Oversized Parcels?

Keep home delivery available for accessibility needs and large items. Lockers are a complement, not a replacement.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Turn Returns Into New Revenue

Convert returns into second-chance sales and new customers, right from your store.

Shipping Direct From China: Pros And Cons of Models Like Portless

What Direct From China Actually Means
The Real Benefits In 2025
The Pitfalls Everyone Underestimates
When Direct From China Makes Sense
When You Should Avoid It
A Simple Model To Pressure Test The Idea
Buying From Manufacturers Without Getting Burned
Returns And Customer Care
What I Would Do Before Flipping The Switch
How Portless-Style Models Work, And Why 2025 Changed the Game
The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions

Direct from China sounds like cheat codes. Inventory sits at the China factory, orders flow, parcels fly, and you pocket the cash before you pay duties. In a soft demand cycle, that cash-flow relief is real. But in 2025, the rules changed. Tariffs moved, the de minimis door is closed, and customer expectations got even sharper. I want to lay out where the direct from China model shines, where it hurts, and how to run the numbers before you commit.

What Direct From China Actually Means

At a simple level, you store finished products inside China, then ship parcels directly to end customers when they buy. No US warehouse, less capital tied up, fewer bulk shipments. Most brands ride a network of special lines that consolidate in China, inject into local postal networks on arrival, and deliver with full tracking. For lightweight items and steady demand, it can be a smart bridge between prototype and scale.

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The Real Benefits In 2025

1. Cash flow and lower working capital: You pay import taxes against revenue that has already been cleared, rather than prepaying duties on bulk containers. That can be the difference between testing ten products and testing two.

2. Faster product iteration: When manufacturers can ship samples and micro batches quickly, product teams learn faster. You avoid months of wrong inventory sitting in a US warehouse.

3. Flex on assortment: If the factory can kitting-pack on demand and hold multiple main products, you can widen the choice without buying deep. That matters when quality, color, and size curves are still unknown.

4. Potentially competitive transit times: Special line carriers like YunExpress or 4PX can hit 6 – 12 days to the US with trackable milestones. Not Prime-fast, but fast enough for certain categories if expectations are set.

The Pitfalls Everyone Underestimates

1. Tariffs, duties, and the end of de minimis: As of late August 2025, low-value shipments no longer slide through the US under the $800 de minimis treatment. That means most parcels face duties and fuller customs handling. If your pricing assumes duty-free delivery, your margin math is off. Some marketplaces will also treat you like a full importer, with extra data and security requirements.

2. Delivery experience and returns: Even good special lines are not domestic carriers. Weather holds, customs inspections, and routing shifts happen. Returns get expensive and slow when the origin is China. For apparel and accessories, that is a churn magnet.

3. Quality control without a US backstop: Product quality must be locked at the factory. If you discover a defect pattern in the wild, you eat replacements and international shipping. Vet your manufacturers, run pre-shipment inspection, and keep signed samples. Poor vendor management equals public one-star reviews.

4. Compliance and paperwork risk: Incorrect declared values, missing test reports, or flimsy certifications will jam parcels at the border and trigger audits. If you sell anything with batteries, skincare actives, magnets, or electronics, be extra careful. The cost is not just duties; it is time and trust.

5. IP and data exposure: When your suppliers or trading companies also serve other websites and buyers, opacity creeps in. You want clear contracts, controlled packaging files, and watermarking on pre-release assets. Keep sensitive information on company systems, not shared chat apps.

When Direct From China Makes Sense

Small and light products that fit under key postal thresholds.
Predictable quality with low return rates.
Clear HS codes, clean certifications, and no hazmat.
Customers are willing to accept 6 – 12-day delivery with honest ETAs.
A brand in test-and-learn mode that values cash conservation over fastest speed.

When You Should Avoid It

High-return categories like apparel with tricky fit or color variance.
Regulated categories that draw extra inspection.
Anything where product quality needs rework, steaming, or special packaging inspections.
Premium brands that rely on two-day promises as part of their brand identity.

A Simple Model To Pressure Test The Idea

Pull a one-page table for your top five SKUs. For each, estimate: unit cost ex-factory, packing, special-line shipping, new duty rate, customs fees, and a realistic returns rate. Add a buffer for loss and non-delivery. Compare against US-based fulfillment: inbound ocean or air, drayage, duty on bulk import, warehouse storage, pick and pack, domestic label, and expected return cost. Whichever total cost per delivered order looks lower at your current order volume, that is your baseline. Then add two sensitivity tests: duty plus five points and transit plus four days. If your margin collapses on those, think twice.

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Buying From Manufacturers Without Getting Burned

Choose suppliers with clean third-party audits and consistent certifications.
Pay for pre-shipment inspection and carton drop tests.
Start with small bulk orders to validate actual defect rates before flipping to full direct from China.
On custom packaging, confirm materials and print proofs with the factory, then lock revisions in writing.
Keep key contracts clear on ownership of molds, brand assets, and tooling.

Returns And Customer Care

Two tactics help. First, route returns to a domestic partner that can triage, refurbish, and reship, so customers do not wait months for exchanges. Second, publish an accurate delivery window at checkout, not a best-case. If you are targeting 7 – 12 days, say 8 – 14 and beat it. Your return rate will thank you.

What I Would Do Before Flipping The Switch

Map your HS codes and confirm duty exposure for each SKU.
Run a four-week live pilot on a subset of traffic and measure conversion, delivery time, and refund rate.
Build an exception playbook. Who handles lost parcels, re-labels, or address issues?
Decide your future state. Many brands blend models: direct from China for long tail SKUs and testing, US warehouse for heroes. That hybrid often wins.

How Portless-Style Models Work, And Why 2025 Changed the Game

Portless and similar platforms pitch a turnkey promise: skip the US warehouse entirely, tap into a China-based network of factories and forwarders, and let them handle order routing and fulfillment to global customers. It’s an evolution of the factory-to-door model layered with software that syncs with your store, automates label creation, and consolidates shipments into fast cross-border lanes.

Why sellers loved it: The model eliminated bulk import headaches, cut upfront inventory costs, and gave smaller brands access to reliable shipping lanes without building their own infrastructure. For many, it was the fastest way to test new products, manage long-tail SKUs, and keep cash liquid.

But the landscape shifted in 2025.

De Minimis Crackdown: With the US closing the $800 de minimis loophole, Portless-style models now face the same duty requirements as bulk importers. These costs erode the pricing advantage and introduce customs complexity that such platforms used to shield sellers from.
Data Transparency Requirements: Marketplaces and regulators now demand full product-level data (materials, certifications, HS codes) before entry. Platforms relying on minimal compliance paperwork are scrambling to upgrade.
Competitive Pressure: As more players adopt this model, differentiation shrinks. Portless itself competes not just with peers like Floship or ShipAnt, but also with traditional 3PLs that have added China-direct options under a hybrid approach.
Customer Experience Risks: While tech-driven platforms offer visibility, they’re still subject to cross-border realities, customs holds, weather delays, and return complexity. With rising consumer expectations, “almost Prime” isn’t enough for many categories.

For brands, this means due diligence is non-negotiable. Evaluate not just rates and transit times, but how your provider is adapting to new regulatory and market pressures. The Portless model can still deliver value, but only if paired with solid compliance, quality controls, and a backup plan for domestic fulfillment.

For platforms like Portless, BoxC, and the like, the message is clear: adapt or lose ground. Sellers will demand end-to-end transparency, multi-country node options, and automated duty/tax calculation baked into the experience. Those who can’t provide it risk being replaced by hybrid providers that combine offshore flexibility with domestic speed.

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The Bottom Line

Direct from China is not a fad; it is a tool. A tool that works best for light products with clean compliance and patient customers. Cash flow improves, assortment expands, and learning accelerates. But tariffs are real, returns are painful, and one weak link in quality or paperwork can erase the savings. Treat this like a finance project, not a vibe, and it can be a competitive edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Changed About De Minimis And Why Does It Matter?

The US suspended the duty-free treatment for low-value shipments, so most small parcels now face duties and fuller customs processing. If your pricing relied on duty-free entry, your margin will shrink unless you adjust prices or shipping strategy.

How Fast Is Direct From China?

Most special lines deliver in roughly 6 to 12 days with tracking. Plan for longer windows if you sell during peak periods or route through congested gateways.

What Products Fit This Model Best?

Light, durable goods with low return risk. Think accessories, small electronics with clean certifications, or non-fitted home goods. Apparel with high return rates is usually a bad fit.

Can I Mix China Direct With A US 3PL?

Yes. Many brands use factory-to-door for long tail and keep top sellers in US warehouses for two-day promises and easy returns. That hybrid balances cash flow and customer experience.

How Do I Control Quality Without A US Backstop?

Pay for pre-shipment inspections, hold signed golden samples, and run acceptance testing per lot. If you see defect rates creeping up, stop shipments, investigate at the factory, and revert to US fulfillment for affected SKUs.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Turn Returns Into New Revenue

Convert returns into second-chance sales and new customers, right from your store.

Shipping Rate Negotiation: Small Businesses Winning Better Rates in 2025Strategy, Cahoot, Shipping and Logistics,

I’ve been talking to small business owners lately, brands pushing $200K/year in shipping, and guess what? They’re getting discounts once reserved for Amazon-level volume. Yep, FedEx and UPS are wooing smaller shippers these days, because parcel volumes are dropping and carriers need your business. That means you can play a smarter game: negotiate shipping rates with data, with options, with confidence, not by chance. Freight rate negotiation is now a strategic process accessible even to smaller shippers, allowing them to secure more favorable rates through preparation and informed discussions.

Let’s dig into how shipping rate negotiation really works. This is not your grandpa’s negotiation; data, technology, market leverage, and clear processes are your weapons. These tools give small businesses a competitive edge in negotiations. And I’ll show you how to use them.

Before we dive in, remember: having a clear shipping strategy is essential to maximizing your negotiation outcomes.

Why Now Is A Sweet Spot for Negotiation

Here’s a little nugget from the Wall Street Journal: FedEx and UPS are now offering meaningful discounts, even to shippers with under $500K in annual spend, because parcel volume has dipped, and they want to woo volume with rates, not rocket fuel. In fact, they dropped ground parcel prices by 2.5% in the latest quarter, thanks to lighter packages and aggressive targeting of small businesses. The main focus of these negotiations is the freight rate, which determines your overall shipping costs.

This matters because you’re not too small anymore. If you can articulate your shipping profile, volume, box size, lane mix, and distance traveled, you’re at the negotiation table. Carriers consider various factors such as volume, box size, and distance traveled when determining your eligibility and leverage. And they’re listening. That’s your edge.

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The Data Strategy That Will Win You Rates

You can’t negotiate what you can’t measure. That means build a shipping profile:

Monthly and seasonal volumes
Average weights, dimensions
Delivery zones (local vs residential vs international)
Service mix (Ground, Express)
Historical surcharges exposure
Detailed data on shipments and costs
Historical rates for similar shipments

Providers like TransImpact and Cahoot help you package that data in tables and visuals that carriers understand instantly. These platforms also provide insights into your shipping patterns and costs.

Armed with that, you’re not guessing; you’re showing them they’ll win by giving you better terms, especially when you include carrier performance metrics to strengthen your negotiation position.

Secrets for Smarter Negotiation (Not Just Talking)

When negotiating shipping contracts, understanding what negotiation takes, such as thorough preparation, leveraging accurate data, and understanding carrier priorities, can make a significant difference in your outcomes.

1. Benchmark your rates – See what peers are paying. Use industry groups or public references to position your ask (“My competitor in XYZ is getting 8% off freight, can you match?”). Focus your negotiation efforts on key spend areas to maximize impact.

2. Understand carrier cost logic – Fuel surcharges, DIM weight, remote zones. Knowing these gives you angles to push: “If you waive DIM on a 12-inch item, I can drop 5% overall spend.”

3. Negotiate accessorials separately – Detention fees, address correction, liftgate. Carriers love bundling; you should unbundle.

4. Use multi-carrier leverage – If USPS is cheaper for your light parcels, say so. Let UPS/FedEx know; they don’t like losing lanes to postal networks. Negotiating rates with multiple carriers can help you secure lower rates (more favorable rates) for your shipments.

5. Watch contract terms – Commit to a carrier for a volume guarantee in exchange for a better base rate or waived surcharges. Be crystal clear on the term, volume, and exit right. Negotiate for more favorable terms, including payment terms, service agreements, and volume discounts as part of your long-term agreements.

Always aim for the best possible terms and seek rate reductions where possible to optimize your shipping costs.

Ongoing Tactics That Multiply the Savings

Rate shop regularly – Rates shift weekly. Monitor and push adjustments mid-contract. Compare multiple carriers and different carriers to secure more competitive rates, leading to significant savings.
Invoice audits = hidden gold – Use tools or 3PL data to catch surcharges, billing errors, and renegotiate or reclaim them. Auditing shipping invoices helps reduce costs and control shipping expenses.
Test regional or hybrid carriers – They often undercut national carriers, especially for local or B-city lanes. A/B test them quietly, and consider different transportation modes for a cost-effective way to optimize operating costs.
Cheaper packaging saves percentage points – Cut DIM weight with smarter materials and save postage with no change to shipping speed.

These ongoing tactics drive cost savings (significant savings) over time. Leveraging technology and process improvements can also streamline operations and enhance shipping operations for even greater efficiency.

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When to Walk Away

If your baseline margin is too thin, even a “discounted” rate still kills profit; it’s fine to say no. Your goal isn’t just “save on shipping,” it’s “protect the margin.” Be ready to walk. This can put you in a stronger position during negotiations, especially if you have a deep understanding of your shipping needs and costs before making the decision to walk away. It refocuses carriers on your value, not desperation.

What To Do First Thing Monday

Pull your last 6 months of shipping data and sketch a profile to identify opportunities for negotiation and cost reduction.
Use rate-shopping software or Cahoot-like platforms to auto-compare.
Email your carrier account manager: “Let’s review my T1 rates. I’m seeing aggressive pricing in the market for small shippers.”
Ask for accessorial waiver proposals or season-based incentives.
Audit your last month of bills for unexpected surcharges or weight adjustments.

Bottom Line

Your shipping rate negotiation isn’t about volume; it’s about value. You bring well-packaged data, clear lane logic, and a willingness to shift to whichever carrier rewards you with better terms. The playing field is tilted your way right now. Use it; these strategies set you up for successful negotiations and better outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the single most important prep for negotiating shipping rates?

Build a shipping profile that outlines your volume, zones, surcharge history, and service mix. Data is your ticket to credibility at the negotiation table.

Can really small businesses get discounts too?

Yes. Carriers like FedEx and UPS are offering discounts to smaller shippers (<$500K spend) right now; they need the volume, you need the edge.

Should I commit to one carrier long-term for better rates?

Only if you’re confident you hit forecasted volume and get a rate break or surcharge waiver. Make the terms explicit: volume thresholds, penalties, and exit clauses. While committing to a single carrier can simplify operations and potentially secure better rates, relying solely on a single carrier may reduce your flexibility and negotiation power compared to a multi-carrier approach.

How often should I renegotiate?

Every quarter, if possible. Rates and surcharges move fast. Quarterly check-ins and invoice audits help you catch leaks and push for adjustments mid-cycle.

What’s better: deepest rate or multi-carrier flexibility?

Start with the deepest rate per lane, but build flexibility. Always seek the best rate for each shipment to ensure cost-effectiveness. Carriers love loyalty, but over-dependence locks you in. Rate shop dynamically to maximize savings.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Turn Returns Into New Revenue

Convert returns into second-chance sales and new customers, right from your store.

Freight Fraud: Why Logistics Professionals Need to Stay Vigilant

The Freight Industry’s New Risk Math
How The Most Common Scams Really Work (And Where Teams Trip)
What I’d Implement Tomorrow If I Owned Your Brokerage (Or Fleet)
Why The Fraud Curve Keeps Rising (And How To Bend It)
Tools And Practices I Trust (And How I Deploy Them)
What To Update In Your Contracts
The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions

Freight fraud isn’t one scam; it’s a whole category of criminal business models feeding on a hyper-competitive, digitized freight industry. I’m talking identity theft of legitimate carriers, double brokering that ends in non-payment, fake profiles on load boards, and cargo theft that disappears shipments and dollars annually. If you touch loads, broker, carrier, or shipper, you’re in the blast radius.

I run logistics with a simple rule: assume bad actors are probing your systems every week. Not because you’re special, but because the freight industry itself is a target-rich environment. Fragmented systems, undertrained teams, pressure to cover loads now, and lots of sensitive information moving through email. That’s catnip for fraudsters.

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The Freight Industry’s New Risk Math

Everyone feels the squeeze: rates down, fuel up, customers impatient. Hyper-competition creates more opportunities for shortcuts. Shortcuts create more openings for fraud. The logistics industry isn’t dealing with one-off incidents anymore; we’re living with a persistent threat where sophisticated schemes evolve faster than most companies update their practices.

Let’s call it what it is: freight fraud costs are rising, and the fraudsters are getting bolder. Double brokering, payment fraud, cargo theft, and identity theft now show up in various forms, compromised login credentials, spoofed emails, sold or stolen MC numbers, counterfeit COIs, cloned carrier websites, and even deepfaked voices on “verification” calls. The logistics sector’s old playbook, trust the paperwork, move the load, no longer maps to reality.

How The Most Common Scams Really Work (And Where Teams Trip)

1. Double brokering that turns into non-payment

A re-broker posts a fake or hijacked load, books a real carrier, and either never pays the carrier or swaps in a ghost carrier midstream. You’ll see mismatched domains, urgent tone, vague driver information, and last-minute banking changes. Freight brokers fall when the verification process is rushed or when one person is allowed to override policy “this one time.”

2. Carrier identity theft and fake profiles

Fraudsters impersonate legitimate carriers, sometimes with real DOT/MC details and a cloned website. They’ll provide doctored insurance and driver info, then vanish after pickup. Tell-tale signs: phone numbers that don’t match official listings, Gmail addresses on “legitimate carriers,” and COIs that don’t verify with the insurer.

3. Cargo theft with clean paperwork

Organized groups use social engineering to become the real broker on paper, then redirect a shipment to a shell yard. Legitimate carriers get stuck in the middle, shippers blame “the broker,” and recovery becomes a long shot. Metals, consumer electronics, food and beverage, apparel, high-value, easy-to-fence categories are red hot again.

4. Payment fraud that drains financial stability

BEC-style email compromises reroute payments. Fraudsters slip into threads, swap ACH details, and collect. If your AP team isn’t verifying identities with out-of-band call-backs, your “real broker” might be paying the wrong account for months.

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What I’d Implement Tomorrow If I Owned Your Brokerage (Or Fleet)

This isn’t theory. It’s a practical verification process that protects operations without killing speed. Train employees; write it down; audit it monthly.

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1. Identity and intent verification (every new partner, every time)

Verify carrier identity from official sources, not the email signature. Use FMCSA SAFER, the carrier’s own website, and insurer call-backs to numbers you locate, not numbers they provide.
Require real-time photo ID for the driver and dispatcher on video. Keep the call recording with the load file.
Confirm COI straight with the insurance agent, not a PDF attachment. No exceptions.
If the email domain is generic (Gmail, Yahoo), treat it as high risk even if everything “checks out.”

2. Dedicate one person to kill switches

No last-minute banking or payment changes without an out-of-band phone verification to a known number on file.
Suspend credit immediately if a partner refuses insurance verification or won’t do a quick video handshake.
Lock payment terms until a first successful shipment clears without incident.

3. Secure your systems like you secure your yard

MFA everywhere: TMS, load boards, factoring portals, email, cloud storage. If a login doesn’t support MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), replace it.
Restrict who can view full load details. Use role-based access so a compromised seat can’t harvest your entire book.
Monitor for exposed credentials. If a password shows up in a breach, rotate immediately and re-train the user.
Backstop with an allowlist of company-approved tools. No rogue spreadsheets with driver information on personal devices.

4. Tighten the load board workflow

Build a “trust tier” for carriers, legitimate carriers you’ve vetted get first look at freight. New or unverified carriers go through the long-form checklist every time.
Use watchlists and industry networks to screen for known bad actors. Share your own intel back to the network.
Hide certain sensitive information in initial posts. Reveal pickup location and shipper name only after verification.

5. Pick up security measures at the dock

Two-factor pickup: photo ID matches the driver’s info on file, and the truck’s plate matches what dispatch provided earlier.
Geofence the pickup and capture a geo-tagged arrival photo in your app.
Use one-time PINs at handoff. Record BOL photos and seal numbers in the app; require the driver to sign digitally.
Train warehouse staff on scripts and escalation. If anything smells wrong, the shipment waits. Period.

6. Payment controls that actually prevent loss

Micro-deposit verification for new bank accounts and changes to vendor records.
Segregate duties: the person who verifies bank changes is not the person who releases payments.
Factor with visibility. If you factor, require that your factor run separate fraud checks on re-brokers and carriers.

7. Tabletop drills and train employees quarterly

Run 60-minute fraud drills every quarter: fake COI, spoofed phone, urgent re-route request. Measure time-to-catch.
Post a one-page “what to do if you suspect fraud” near every ops seat and warehouse desk.
Celebrate the catches; don’t shame false positives. The goal is culture: stay vigilant.

Why The Fraud Curve Keeps Rising (And How To Bend It)

First, the logistics industry has gone fully digital, but most companies still work like it’s 2015. Multiple sites, remote teams, and outsourced partners create more seams for fraudsters to pry open. Second, identity makes or breaks almost every scheme. If you get good at verifying identities, people, companies, and vehicles, you defang most fraudulent activities before they start. Third, speed pressure. When the supply chain is tight and customer SLAs are aggressive, a fake “carrier with a truck nearby” looks like a gift. That urgency is the weapon.

The counterplay isn’t fancy. It’s repeatable verification, security measures that are boring on purpose, and an operations culture that rewards caution. Industry networks help too. When brokers and carriers share signals, bad phone numbers, fake profiles, and stolen driver information, the whole community gets harder to crack. I’ll always choose a slightly slower start to a shipment over paying for a stolen load later.

Tools And Practices I Trust (And How I Deploy Them)

Identity-centric platforms: Tools that cross-check DOT/MC, insurance, safety, equipment, and contact footprints help spot anomalies fast. Use them to flag identity theft and double brokering in real time.
Risk dashboards: Cargo theft heat maps and alerts inform pickup scheduling, route choices, and parking policies. Think night pickups, high-value corridors, and urban pinch points.
Device-based tracking: For sensitive shipments, add a breadcrumb, IoT trackers that phone home if a seal breaks or a trailer detours.
Payment monitoring: Set rules that flag payments to newly created vendors or accounts changed this week.
Annual security reviews: Audit your verification process, contracts, and training every year; refresh your playbook as schemes evolve.

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What To Update In Your Contracts

Clear language that prohibits re-brokering without written consent; define “unlawful brokerage” and spell out remedies.
Explicit requirements for driver verification, equipment photos, and geofenced check-ins at pickup and drop.
COI verification requirements (direct with insurer) and minimum limits by commodity.
A right to withhold payment pending investigation if identity or paperwork is suspect.
Data handling and privacy clauses so sensitive information isn’t scattered across freelancers and random portals.

The Bottom Line

Freight fraud is a logistics industry problem, not a single-department issue. If you’re a broker, you’re steering risk on every tender. If you’re a carrier, you’re a target for identity theft and non-payment. If you’re a shipper, your supply chain and financial stability ride on how well your partners verify identities and protect shipments. This isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being professional.

One last thing. None of this works if leadership treats fraud like an ops headache. It’s a business risk. Train employees; fund the tools; make “verify first” the default. You’ll protect your carriers and your shippers, because you’ll show up as the real broker, the one that pays, the one that ships, the one that protects the load.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the single fastest way to cut freight fraud risk this quarter?

Put a hard stop on any banking change, COI swap, or pickup reroute without an out-of-band call-back to a known number on file. One policy change, massive impact.

How do I verify a legitimate carrier without slowing down?

Use a verification workflow: FMCSA/SAFER check, direct insurer call-back, video handshake with the dispatcher, and a quick driver ID match. Do it once, then tier your partners so legitimate carriers move fast on future loads.

What should warehouse staff look for at pickup?

License plate and driver ID must match your file; seal and BOL photos captured in your app; one-time PIN used at handoff; no “my boss said change the address” moves. If something feels off, the shipment does not leave.

Are load boards still safe to use?

Yes, with guardrails. Hide sensitive information up front, screen carriers through your identity tools, and use watchlists to spot re-brokers and fake profiles. Treat open boards as top-of-funnel, not as your verification system.

How do I keep my team from falling victim to BEC and payment fraud?

MFA on email and finance systems; train AP to validate account changes with voice verification to a known number; run monthly reports of “new vendor, new bank” and review them. No screenshots as proof. Only call-backs.

What freight tools or networks should I use or join?

Join the industry networks that share fraud intel and theft alerts; use risk dashboards for route and parking decisions; consider identity-centric platforms for real-time verification. The mix matters less than the habit of checking.

What should my customers hear from me about freight security?

Explain your verification process, your preventative measures, and how you protect sensitive information. It builds trust, and it wins freight.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

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Your Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) Eligibility Depends On Your Carrier’s OTD Performance

Introduction to Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime
Enrollment and Eligibility
What Changed in Amazon SFP
The Carrier OTD Problem
Why Sellers Can’t Just “Pick a Better Carrier”
The Imbalance of Risk in SFP
Merchant Fulfilled Network: The Backbone of SFP
Strategies to Survive Carrier OTD Dependence
Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Beyond Amazon
Final Thoughts: The OTD Sword Hanging Over Sellers
Frequently Asked Questions

Amazon has a cruel irony baked into Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP). You can follow every rule, hit every ship-by deadline, and still lose your Prime badge. Why? Because SFP doesn’t ultimately measure you, it measures whether your carrier delivered on time. And if they don’t, you pay the price.

Amazon fulfillment includes both Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP), with SFP serving as an alternative to using Amazon’s fulfillment centers for order processing and shipping.

To understand how Seller Fulfilled Prime works, it’s important to know that Amazon sellers can choose between FBA and SFP, and third-party Amazon sellers play a key role in both programs. In SFP, sellers ship Prime orders directly from their own warehouse, provided they meet Amazon’s strict criteria for fast and reliable delivery.

Unlike Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), where Amazon handles the entire fulfillment process, FBA sellers send inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers, where Amazon manages storage, picking, packing, and shipping. In SFP, the seller manages the fulfillment process themselves. This means that your performance metrics are directly tied to how well you and your chosen carrier execute each step.

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Introduction to Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime

Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime (SFP) empowers third-party sellers to offer Prime shipping benefits directly from their own warehouses, without relying on Amazon’s fulfillment centers. By joining the seller fulfilled prime program, sellers can display the coveted Prime badge on their listings, signaling fast and free shipping to millions of Prime customers. This not only boosts visibility but also helps sellers gain access to Amazon’s loyal customer base and expand their sales channels.

To qualify for Amazon Seller Fulfilled Prime, sellers must meet strict criteria that reflect Prime customers’ expectations, such as rapid shipping, high order accuracy, and exceptional customer satisfaction. SFP sellers are responsible for managing their own fulfillment process, including inventory management and shipping, to ensure every Prime order meets Amazon’s high standards. Sellers who successfully complete the SFP trial period and maintain Prime status can enjoy increased sales, improved customer trust, and a stronger presence in the competitive Amazon marketplace. For many online businesses, Seller Fulfilled Prime offers a unique opportunity to control their fulfillment process while reaping the benefits of the Prime program.

Enrollment and Eligibility

Enrolling in the Seller Fulfilled Prime program requires careful preparation and a commitment to meeting Amazon’s demanding standards. To get started, sellers must have a professional selling account and a default shipping address within the United States. Once these prerequisites are met, sellers can configure their shipping settings in Seller Central to enable Prime shipping and ensure their offers reflect Prime customers’ expectations for speed and reliability.

During the SFP Trial Period, sellers must demonstrate their ability to consistently meet Amazon’s minimum performance requirements, including on-time delivery, valid tracking, and fast shipping speeds. Maintaining a high level of customer service and meeting Prime requirements is essential for keeping Prime status and avoiding removal from the program. Sellers should regularly review their shipping settings and monitor performance metrics to ensure they continue to meet the standards of the Seller Fulfilled Prime Program. By understanding and preparing for these requirements, sellers can position themselves for success and provide an outstanding experience to Prime customers.

What Changed in Amazon SFP

Amazon recently tightened the screws on SFP with updated rules:

93.5% weekly On-Time Delivery Rate (OTD) across all SFP orders
100 minimum shipments per month to even qualify
Strict one- and two-day delivery promises across 48 states
Minimum Product Detail Page Views by product size tier
≤ 0.5% Pre-fulfillment Cancellation Rate tracking Seller-cancelled orders

These rules represent the minimum performance requirements that sellers must meet and maintain to qualify for and retain the Prime badge. Maintaining prime status once eligibility is achieved is essential to ensuring you keep the Prime badge and all the associated benefits for your Prime listings.

If you fall short, even by a sliver, your Prime badge disappears until you claw back up. If you do not meet the requirements, the Prime badge displayed on your Prime listings and Prime items will be removed, significantly impacting your product visibility and sales. It’s no longer about doing “most” things right. It’s about perfection. But here’s the twist: perfection isn’t even in your hands.

The Carrier OTD Problem

Carriers control the final leg of delivery, and Amazon grades you on their performance. SFP sellers must ensure fast shipping speed and nationwide delivery coverage to meet Amazon’s requirements, which adds significant logistical complexity. You can hand off a package on time, scan it into the network, and still get burned if the carrier misses its truck cutoff, misroutes at a sortation center, or has a weather delay.

For sellers, this feels rigged. You’re being measured on someone else’s reliability. And unlike FBA, where Amazon absorbs the risk, (and doesn’t ding itself for late deliveries), SFP makes your business hostage to the carrier’s OTD. Many sellers use Amazon Buy Shipping services to purchase shipping labels, manage shipments, and track deliveries through Amazon’s approved carrier network, but you are still responsible for the final delivery metrics.

Imagine running 1,000 SFP shipments in a month. You hit 100% On-time Shipment. But UPS or FedEx delivers 60 late. That’s a 93.9% OTD, barely scraping the requirement. If they miss 70? You’re at 93.0%. Badge gone. Sales crater.

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Why Sellers Can’t Just “Pick a Better Carrier”

Some might say: use better carriers. But Amazon’s OTD system doesn’t care about nuance. Even the best carriers have bad weeks. Peak season surges, labor strikes, and regional weather, these events sink OTD performance fast.

Carriers are incentivized to protect their own high-volume clients, not your handful of SFP parcels. And regional carriers often can’t cover Amazon’s two-day footprint. To participate in SFP, you must assign your SKUs to a prime shipping template within Seller Central, which enables your products for Prime shipping. That leaves you with UPS, FedEx, or USPS, and each has blind spots Amazon Shipping is rolling out as a 4th option in many regions, but it has its own limitations.

A flexible prime strategy is essential to adapt to carrier performance and ongoing delivery challenges.

The Imbalance of Risk in SFP

Amazon frames SFP as freedom: control your inventory, keep FBA fees at bay, win the Buy Box. SFP also allows sellers to manage their own storage space, potentially reducing overhead costs compared to FBA. But the risk transfer is brutal. You carry the cost of fast shipping and the accountability for late deliveries you didn’t cause. These fast shipping costs can significantly impact your profit margins, making it vital to carefully calculate all expenses to ensure your business remains profitable.

This is why SFP feels unsustainable for many sellers. You’re punished for variables beyond your control, while Amazon shields itself from customer disappointment by pointing to you.

Merchant Fulfilled Network: The Backbone of SFP

The Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) serves as the foundation of the Seller Fulfilled Prime program, allowing sellers to fulfill Prime orders directly from their own warehouse while maintaining control over the entire fulfillment process. Through MFN, sellers can leverage Amazon’s shipping services, such as Amazon Buy Shipping, to purchase shipping labels, track shipments, and ensure fast and free shipping for Prime customers. Sellers who want to fulfill orders from channels other than Amazon can consider Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF), which allows the use of Amazon logistics across diverse ecommerce platforms.

Participating in the merchant fulfilled network requires robust inventory management, reliable fulfillment capacity, and a commitment to meeting Amazon’s strict performance standards. Sellers must carefully manage shipping costs, maintain inventory visibility, and ensure their fulfillment process can handle the demands of Prime orders. By optimizing their fulfillment operations and leveraging the flexibility of MFN, sellers can expand their online business, fulfill orders efficiently, and maintain a competitive edge in the Prime program. However, success in SFP depends on the ability to balance fulfillment costs, meet customer expectations, and consistently deliver a Prime-worthy experience.

Strategies to Survive Carrier OTD Dependence

So how do you navigate this trap? There are a few imperfect strategies. First, evaluate different fulfillment options, such as SFP, FBA, and third-party logistics providers, to determine which best optimizes your delivery performance and meets Amazon’s requirements. Having a clear prime strategy is essential for optimizing your participation in Seller Fulfilled Prime, as it allows for continuous adjustments to meet Amazon’s evolving standards.

Spread Volume Across Carriers: Don’t let a single carrier’s bad week wipe out your badge. Split shipments where it makes sense.
Build Weekly Monitoring, Not Monthly: Amazon now enforces OTD weekly. Track performance in real-time, not at the end of the month.
Negotiate Carrier SLAs (Good Luck): Some enterprise-level sellers can hold carriers to OTD service guarantees. But for most, leverage is thin.
Use Third-Party Tools and Networks: Automated routing, peer-to-peer fulfillment, or SFP-optimized 3PLs can spread risk across regions and carriers. Selecting a reliable fulfillment partner is crucial to consistently meet Amazon’s strict delivery standards and maintain Prime eligibility.
Maintain FBA as a Safety Valve: For high-stakes SKUs, keep backup inventory in FBA. Effective inventory management is essential when balancing stock between FBA and SFP to ensure Prime eligibility and avoid stockouts. Planning for seasonal demand is also critical to ensure product availability during peak periods and to optimize storage and shipping costs. Losing Prime visibility can crush sales overnight.

Participating in Seller Fulfilled Prime allows you to create seller fulfilled prime offers, giving you the advantage of maintaining the Prime Badge and offering fast, free shipping while managing your own fulfillment. As an SFP seller, you are responsible for meeting strict performance requirements, but you also gain greater control over your fulfillment process and can benefit from increased competitiveness in the marketplace.

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Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Beyond Amazon

This isn’t just about SFP. It’s a warning shot for ecommerce operators everywhere. As marketplaces push more accountability onto sellers, the margin for error shrinks. These challenges are highly relevant for anyone running an online business, especially third-party Amazon sellers, as fulfillment and logistics are critical to supporting growth and customer satisfaction.

The lesson: logistics performance is becoming a brand asset. Customers don’t see UPS or FedEx on the box. They see you. And if their package is late, they’ll blame you, not the carrier, not Amazon. Effectively managing customer service inquiries is also essential to maintain customer satisfaction and control over the sales process.

In other words: the weakest link in your supply chain isn’t optional. It’s existential. The competitive landscape for ecommerce is becoming more challenging as marketplaces continue to raise performance expectations.

Final Thoughts: The OTD Sword Hanging Over Sellers

Amazon has built SFP into an almost impossible standard. Sellers who want the Prime badge must first complete a Prime trial period, a 30-day window where they must meet strict Prime performance and shipping requirements to qualify for SFP. Even after qualifying, maintaining prime status is an ongoing challenge, as sellers must consistently adhere to Amazon’s high standards and performance metrics to retain the Prime badge. That’s not partnership, it’s risk transfer disguised as opportunity.

So the real question for sellers isn’t: can you hit the SFP metrics? It’s: can your carrier? And if not, what’s your Plan B when Amazon yanks your badge?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the On-Time Delivery Rate (OTD) for SFP?

Amazon requires a 93.5% weekly OTD for all SFP shipments. Sellers must also maintain a low cancellation rate, specifically less than 0.5%, as high cancellation rates can jeopardize their Prime badge. This means carriers must successfully deliver nearly every package on time for sellers to keep their Prime badge.

How does Amazon calculate OTD for SFP?

Amazon tracks the promised delivery date vs. the carrier’s actual delivery scan. Even if you ship on time, the score reflects the carrier’s performance, not yours.

Can weather or carrier errors still hurt my SFP metrics?

Yes. Amazon doesn’t adjust for weather delays, misrouted packages, or carrier staffing shortages. Sellers are penalized for factors outside their control. Though more recently, Amazon announced that it, in its sole discretion, would exempt late deliveries due to weather conditions where they can verify that weather impacted carrier networks in a region. No Support Ticket necessary. But we’ve yet to see this in practice.

What happens if I miss the SFP OTD requirement?

If your OTD falls below the threshold, Amazon suspends your Prime badge. This usually results in an immediate drop in Buy Box wins and sales volume. Sellers must start over in the SFP Trial if they wish to re-attempt eligibility.

How can sellers protect themselves from OTD failures?

Options include diversifying carriers, tracking OTD performance weekly, using 3PLs with multi-carrier capacity, and keeping FBA inventory as a fallback for critical products.

Sellers should regularly monitor their performance metrics and manage SFP settings within Seller Central. Amazon Seller Central provides the most up-to-date information on SFP requirements and performance. To ensure you meet Prime delivery promises, configure shipping settings in Seller Central according to Amazon’s guidelines. Regularly reviewing and updating your shipping settings is essential to maintain Prime eligibility and optimize delivery performance.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Turn Returns Into New Revenue

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USPS Harmonized Tariff Code Requirement Starts September 2025

Starting September 1, 2025, every U.S. exporter must include a harmonized tariff code (HTS code) or Schedule B number on USPS international shipments. For years, merchants could get away with vague product descriptions, but now the Harmonized System (HS) is the law of the land. This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape, it’s a restructuring of how international trade data flows through customs, taxes, and shipping.

The System Behind the Codes

At its core, the HS code system is a global classification system governed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The first six digits are universal across all countries. Beyond that, nations tack on their own rules:

The U.S. uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for imports.
The Census Bureau oversees Schedule B codes for U.S. exports.

The result? Your ten-digit codes must match precisely, or your traded products get flagged. Misclassification leads to delays, penalties, or worse, lost shipments.

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Why USPS Is Forcing the Issue

Other carriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) have long required these codes, but USPS gave merchants a free pass. That ends in 2025. Why? Two reasons:

Data accuracy: Governments want to tighten control over tariff rates, duties, and economic statistics.
Trade enforcement: From precious metals to musical instruments, if the right code isn’t on the box, customs will block it.

This shift means even small businesses and Etsy sellers must learn the difference between a “scarf” and “silk scarf” in the eyes of the harmonized system.

How to Classify Products Without Losing Your Mind

Here’s the brutal truth: figuring out the particular product classification isn’t straightforward. For example:

A wooden chair: one code.
A plastic chair: a totally different code.
A musical instrument case: not the same as the instrument itself.

The general rules of interpretation guide classification, but they’re dense. Many merchants rely on customs brokers or US International Trade Commission lookup tools. The Census Bureau’s Schedule B search is another option, but it requires patience.

What Happens if You Get It Wrong

Misclassifying products is expensive. You risk:

Delayed shipments stuck in customs limbo.
Fines and back duties when audits uncover mistakes.
Angry customers when orders don’t arrive.

In a world of instant shipping, one wrong tariff code can tank a brand’s reputation overnight.

The Big Picture: Tariffs as Trade Weapons

This isn’t just about compliance. It’s about global trade politics. Tariffs have become the new sanctions, and the U.S. government wants airtight data to enforce them. When the next round of temporary legislation or retaliatory duties hits, officials will lean on the harmonized tariff schedule to target industries. That means your shipment classification isn’t just paperwork, it’s part of trade policy itself.

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Preparing Now: Practical Steps for Businesses

If you export anything, start now:

Identify codes: Use the Census Bureau or a customs broker to nail down the correct HS code.
Update systems: Make sure your ecommerce platform or shipping software captures the digits long field USPS will require.
Train your team: Teach staff how to spot when a new product needs a new code.
Audit your catalog: Don’t wait until September 2025, clean up your classifications today.

Businesses that get ahead will breeze through customs. Those that don’t will face a pile of returned shipments, taxes, and unhappy buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the harmonized tariff code?

It’s a global classification system run by the World Customs Organization that standardizes product categories for international trade. The first six digits are universal, but each country adds its own rules.

What’s the difference between HTS codes and Schedule B numbers?

Both come from the same HS system. HTS codes apply to imports, while Schedule B codes apply to U.S. exports and are overseen by the Census Bureau.

How long are HTS codes and Schedule B numbers?

Typically ten digits long in the U.S. The first two digits identify the broad product group, with more digits narrowing down to the particular product.

Do I need a tariff code for every product I export?

Yes. Every traded product must be linked to the right code. Even small differences in material or design may change classification.

What happens if I ship without the correct HTS code?

Your shipment can be delayed, rejected, or fined. Customs agencies use these codes to determine tariff rates, duties, and taxes. USPS will no longer accept vague descriptions without a tariff code starting September 2025.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

Turn Returns Into New Revenue

Convert returns into second-chance sales and new customers, right from your store.

Amazon Demand-Side Platform (DSP): The Future of Streaming TV and Digital Ads

I didn’t expect to wake up one day and think, “Wow, Amazon’s DSP is about to rewrite the ad playbook.” But here we are. As part of the broader Amazon Advertising ecosystem, Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP) is pulling ahead in a big way. Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform offers advanced, data-driven capabilities for targeted advertising, accessible to all advertisers. Amazon DSP stands out in the digital advertising landscape for its integration with Amazon’s data and its unique ability to reach audiences both on and off Amazon platforms.

Snapshot For Busy Brands

Amazon DSP ads aren’t just another channel; they’re a full-stack programmatic hub that lets you buy ad inventory across multiple platforms, including Amazon-owned properties and beyond. Think Prime Video, Fire TV, Amazon owned sites, Amazon owned websites, third party websites, audio, mobile apps, even CTV via Roku, as well as Amazon devices, all with Amazon’s data-rich targeting under the hood.

Amazon DSP offers a variety of ad formats and ad types, such as display, video, and audio ads, to reach customers at different stages of the journey. The platform provides access to premium ad placements and valuable ad space within a digital marketplace, maximizing your campaign’s reach and effectiveness. And ad spend on this thing is exploding.

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Why Amazon’s DSP Is Surging

Let’s talk numbers: Amazon’s Q2 2025 advertising revenue hit $15.7 billion, a 22 percent year-over-year jump, far outpacing its core retail growth. Ad campaigns run through Amazon DSP have significantly contributed to this increase in ad revenue. Executives specifically credited DSP improvements and a new Roku-connected TV deal as major catalysts, noting measurable gains in campaign performance through enhanced targeting and reporting.

Early signs already show advertisers are doubling down. Prime Video ad buys made via DSP rose from 26 percent in Q3 2024 to 36 percent in Q4, and by late 2024, Amazon DSP accounted for 32 percent of all Amazon ad spend. Setting an appropriate marketing budget is crucial for Amazon DSP campaigns, as a minimum spend is often required to fully leverage its capabilities. For advertisers, new to brand sales have become a key metric when evaluating the impact of Prime Video ad buys through Amazon DSP.

Let me put it bluntly: Amazon is turning DSP into its playbook, for video, audio, programmatic display, streaming TV ads, you name it. Amazon DSP campaigns are now central to this shift. It’s cheaper on fees. It leans on unmatched first-party data. And it’s becoming the default for advertisers who want those data-driven, performance-rich hooks.

How Amazon DSP Works, And Where Your Ads Can Show Up

At its core, Amazon DSP is a tool for buying ad inventory through programmatic real-time bidding (RTB), same as other DSPs. This is a form of programmatic advertising that leverages ad exchanges and ad servers to automate and optimize the process of buying and selling digital ads. But it’s the panoramic advantage that matters:

You can target based on Amazon’s shopper behaviors, purchase history, browsing intent, and even the detailed aisles they’ve wandered through. Amazon DSP enables advertisers to reach target audiences, relevant audiences, and existing audiences using advanced ad tech for precise segmentation and campaign optimization.
Your ads appear across Amazon’s ecosystem, Prime Video, product detail pages, Fire TV, mobile browsers, and now across the open web via Amazon Publisher Services and other ad exchanges. This includes Amazon DSP inventory and a variety of ad products such as online video ads, audio ads, and sponsored display ads. Ad placements can be purchased through private marketplace deals and real-time bidding, allowing you to purchase ads and purchase ad inventory efficiently.
The recent Roku integration means you can now reach over 80 million U.S. households using connected TVs via Roku and Fire TV, falling into Amazon’s DSP matrix. Available inventory also includes video content, audio ads, Amazon Music, IMDb TV, and STV ads, expanding your reach across streaming and audio platforms.

You can measure ad effectiveness using metrics like detail page view rate (DPVR), which shows how well your ads drive users to a product detail page or your own website via web browsers. Sponsored display, sponsored display ads, sponsored brands, and sponsored ads are also available within Amazon’s ecosystem, providing additional options for campaign strategy.

Bonus: Amazon’s Multi-Touch Attribution, just deployed, blends A/B tests with machine learning so you can see exactly which ad touchpoint nudged a shopper. That’s next-level measurement. Amazon Marketing Cloud and Amazon’s store provide advanced analytics, reporting, and shopping data to further inform your campaign decisions.

Whether your goal is to sell products or convert shoppers, Amazon DSP leverages purchase intent to help you reach the right ads at the right time. You can choose between managed service, where Amazon or a partner manages your campaigns, or self service, which allows you to control and optimize campaigns independently.

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Good News, Bad News, For Competitors

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Trade Desk (a big independent DSP) just took a historic 38 – 40 percent stock dip. Analysts were scared, this isn’t just earnings jitters, this is Amazon eating into CTV ad budgets, margins, and mindshare. Compared to other demand side platforms in the digital advertising space, The Trade Desk stands out for its independence and broad inventory access, but Amazon DSP’s unique integration and data advantages are shifting the landscape.

MoffettNathanson lowered TTD’s stock rating, explicitly citing Amazon DSP’s rise and the way it locks brands into its system, “the Amazon shadow… front and center.”

But, to be fair, Trade Desk hasn’t folded. Advertisers still lean on TTD for cross-channel reach, outside Amazon’s walled gardens. DSP budgets are often additive, not always siphoned off. And deep reporting and independence still matter, even as these shifts reshape the broader digital advertising ecosystem.

What This Means For Ecommerce And Retail Media Teams

Here’s where I make it practical:

Amazon DSP can transform your overall advertising strategy by enabling advanced targeting, measurement, and optimization across a wide range of ad products and inventory sources.

1. If you’re already advertising on Amazon, add DSP now. It’s where off-search, high-intent Amazon audiences live, and you can leverage a variety of ad products to reach and convert shoppers.

2. Want to run streaming TV ads? Amazon DSP with Roku gets you into lean-back moments, impressions that weren’t accessible a year ago. Choose the right ad types, ad formats, and ad placements to optimize your ad campaigns and reach your audience at every stage of the customer journey.

3. Lean on first-party data. DSP is built to use Amazon’s shopper behavior to laser-target people before they search for your next product. Use this data to deliver the right ads to the right audience, target purchase intent, and ultimately sell products more effectively.

4. Measure smarter. Use the new Multi-Touch Attribution to see what actually influenced the conversion, not just clicks. Track campaign performance closely to optimize results and enhance your advertising strategy.

5. Still value open-web reach? Bucket part of your budget away from DSP to independent DSPs like Trade Desk, but be smart about the split and performance layering.

Why This Matters

Amazon’s stacking ad inventory across its own sites, streaming platforms, and broad third-party placements is redefining where marketers spend digital ad dollars. Amazon is consolidating ad space and ad placements across its digital marketplace, streamlining how advertisers access and manage inventory. This shift is also impacting ad revenue for brands and agencies, as the new buying environment changes how returns are measured and optimized. For ecommerce brands, that means controlled shopping-inspired ad journeys. Agencies? It’s a giant shift in media buying workflows, with ad tech integration and a growing variety of ad products now available to support campaign management and targeting.

Whether DSP ends up dominating or just co-dominating, one thing’s clear: if you don’t fit into Amazon’s programmatic picture, you’re invisible to a growing share of the market.

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Final Thoughts

I’ve been watching Amazon’s DSP evolve for years, but this moment feels different. With recent gains in inventory access, better measurement tools, and sky-high ad growth, it’s no longer a fringe play; it’s core infrastructure for streaming TV ads, video, audio, and beyond.

Marketers who tap into DSP now, leveraging Amazon’s reach and data, while still balancing open-web strategies, are the ones reshaping how commerce and advertising converge in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Amazon DSP differ from traditional Amazon ads?

Amazon DSP buys ad inventory via programmatic RTB (Real-Time Bidding) across Amazon’s ecosystem, and beyond, using audience data tied to real shopper behaviors.

Can I run streaming TV ads through Amazon DSP?

Yes. With partnerships like Roku and Fire TV, DSP now includes CTV placements across major streaming platforms.

What makes Amazon DSP competitive versus other DSPs?

Its access to first-party shopper data, exclusive inventory, competitive pricing, and enhanced attribution (like Multi-Touch Attribution) give it a performance edge.

Is The Trade Desk sinking because of Amazon DSP?

Trade Desk took a significant hit, analysts flagged Amazon DSP as a key threat. But many advertisers still value Trade Desk’s open-web reach and neutrality.

How should I allocate ad budget between Amazon DSP and independent DSPs?

Lean into DSP for Amazon-owned and streaming inventory, while reserving part of your budget for independent DSPs to maintain open-web presence and measurement balance.

Written By:

Jeremy Stewart

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