Amazon dominates global eCommerce, setting the standard for speed, convenience, and customer expectations. Yet that dominance also opens the door for independent brands to stand out. When every transaction on Amazon looks the same, the brands that build loyalty beyond the platform are the ones that win. You don’t have to sell on Amazon to […]
Brian Olson
Amazon vs. Retail: Where Should Product Startups Launch First?
When it comes to launching a new product, one of the biggest questions product startups face is: Should we launch on Amazon or in retail stores first? Both channels offer unique benefits and challenges but for many emerging brands, Amazon often provides a faster, more scalable path to market. We will break down the pros […]
The Hidden Costs of “Free” Shipping and How to Manage It Without Losing Profit
Shoppers love free shipping, but for brands it can quickly become one of the biggest threats to profit. What seems like a small perk to customers comes with a network of hidden costs that hit packaging, labor, carrier fees, and returns. To stay competitive, companies need to balance customer expectations with profitability, which means digging […]
The 12 Fulfillment Mistakes of Christmas (and How to Avoid Them)
It happens every year. The sleigh bells start ringing, orders start pouring in, and somewhere between gift wrapping and next-day shipping, fulfillment turns from festive to frantic. Even the most seasoned eCommerce teams can find themselves scrambling when peak season hits full swing. But the good news is every problem on this naughty list can […]
How Ecommerce Brands Can Prep for Big-Box Partnerships
Ecommerce brands are no longer confined to online-only growth. Securing shelf space at a big box retailer is a major milestone and a powerful step toward expansion. Retailers like Walmart, Target, Macy’s and Costco expect precision at scale. What works in a direct-to-consumer model often does not meet the standards of retail. To make the […]
The End of De Minimis Duty-Free Imports and What It Means for Ecommerce
For years, U.S. shoppers and ecommerce brands relied on the “de minimis” rule, which allowed low-value imports of $800 or less to enter the country duty-free with minimal customs paperwork. That approach has now ended. Effective August 29, 2025, the U.S. government ended de minimis duty-free treatment through an executive order. From that date, small […]
Packaging That Sells: How Unboxing Shapes Customer Loyalty
Ecommerce has changed the way customers connect with brands. Without in store displays or personal interactions, packaging becomes the first real touchpoint after the purchase. That moment when a customer opens a package sets the tone for how they perceive the brand as a whole. The unboxing experience is more than just tearing into cardboard. […]
Black Friday Prep Starts Early with This Fulfillment Checklist
Black Friday has evolved into more than just a one-day sales event. For ecommerce brands, it marks the kickoff to a multi-week revenue surge that defines the end-of-year performance. Waiting until October or even September to finalize logistics is a costly mistake. The brands that win Q4 are the ones that start building their fulfillment […]
What Core Services Should a 3PL Provide?
When businesses search for 3PL services, they are looking for reliability, speed, and cost efficiency. These expectations form the baseline of what third party logistics providers should deliver. From storage to shipping, the core functions of 3PL companies are designed to simplify supply chain management and help brands scale without operational drag. While most providers […]
What Sellers Need to Know About the Amazon FBA Prep Shift
Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon will no longer provide prep or labeling services for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) shipments in the United States. This includes all inventory going through FBA, whether it is sent directly or routed through services like Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), Amazon SEND, or the Supply Chain […]