If you’re planning a global Kickstarter, you probably already know that international fulfillment is complicated. It’s no overstatement to say it can quickly become the most complex part of your campaign.

I sat in on a panel at GAMA 2025 called International Fulfillment and Logistics, featuring experienced partners from across the world: Matt Goldrick (Quartermaster Logistics, USA), Chris Matthews (ZATU, UK), Floris Toorenberg (Meeples Group, EU), and Paul Johnson (Aetherworks, Australia & New Zealand).

Together, they broke down what creators need to know about shipping products to backers in different regions, including tax registration, customs, biosecurity, and the paperwork that can make or break your campaign.

This post contains 8 of my favorite takeaways from that panel. Here, you’ll find practical advice drawn from years of experience handling Kickstarter campaigns large and small.

If you’re new to international fulfillment for Kickstarter, or just want to avoid costly mistakes, this is a great place to start.

1. You might end up working with multiple order fulfillment companies.

If you’re shipping a Kickstarter campaign worldwide, don’t expect a single fulfillment partner to handle everything. As Matt Goldrick from Quartermaster Logistics (QML) explained, even large, experienced U.S. companies outsource international fulfillment.

QML doesn’t handle UK, EU, or Australian fulfillment directly — instead, they rely on trusted regional partners: ZATU (UK), Meeples Group (EU), and Aetherworks (Australia and New Zealand). At Fulfillrite, we operate the same way, sometimes even sharing our clients with some of the companies mentioned in this post.

Each region has unique rules, import processes, and tax requirements. For example, what’s legal and simple in Australia might be a bureaucratic nightmare in the EU. Even two countries in Europe may require different paperwork. “It’s not just the EU,” said Floris from Meeples Group. “Norway and Switzerland aren’t part of it. You’ll need to know the difference or you’ll get double-taxed.”

Trying to manage each region on your own is technically possible, but time-consuming and risky. “You can work with all of us individually,” said Matt, “but then you’re managing four sets of taxes, four sets of paperwork.”

For most creators, it’s smarter to work with a central partner who coordinates across trusted local experts. These teams know the terrain — literally and figuratively — and can save you from expensive mistakes.

2. The UK has unique rules. If you ship there, you need someone who knows them.

Shipping within the UK is fast, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. As Chris Matthews from ZATU put it, “You can ship around the UK in one to two days max. Couriers are fairly reliable, and there’s no volumetric pricing — only actual weight matters.” You can even use large letter sizing for small items like spare parts or mini-expansions, which keeps postage costs low.

But creators still run into trouble. Why? “Speed issues are usually from lack of preparation,” Chris explained. “If your fulfillment partner doesn’t have your product data or SKU list in advance, things fall apart.” He also warned that some UK partners are slow to adopt new tech. “Ask them what tools they use. Can you see live updates? Do they have service-level agreements?”

Import rules are another sticking point. “Do not use your fulfillment partner as the importer of record,” Chris stressed. “It’s illegal.” You must register for a UK VAT number and an EORI number — even if you’re only selling one game. Both are easy to get, or you can hire a VAT agent to handle it for you.

Lastly, don’t reuse barcodes across different language versions of your game. “Same barcode on the English, German, and French versions? That’s a recipe for mistakes.”

3. The European Union has even more complex rules than the UK.

Shipping into the EU comes with a whole new set of challenges. As Floris from Meeples Group explained, many creators mistakenly assume the EU and UK work the same way — but they don’t. “The UK is not the EU. Norway and Switzerland aren’t either. They all have different rules, and if you don’t understand that, you’ll pay double tax or get stopped at customs.”

Like the UK, selling in the EU requires a VAT number and an EORI number. The EORI application is simple — just a 10-minute online form. You’ll also need to appoint a GPSR representative, which is essentially a local point of contact in case there’s a product issue. “It’s not about who’s at fault,” Floris clarified. “It’s about who can be reached in Europe if something goes wrong.”

Another key point: barcode hygiene. Make sure every SKU has a unique barcode — and don’t reuse the same code across language editions or product variants. Fulfillment centers need to identify items clearly and quickly.

Above all, zoom out. “Think about the big picture,” said Floris. “What’s your post-campaign strategy? Retail? DTC? Your fulfillment plan should support that long-term model, not just ship a few boxes.”

4. Australia & New Zealand: easy to ship in terms of tax, tough in terms of biosecurity.

Shipping to Australia and New Zealand is more straightforward than most people think — at least on the tax side. “You don’t need to register for VAT in Australia unless you’re doing over $100,000 AUD in sales,” said Paul Johnson of Aetherworks. “We can act as the importer of record and settle the GST on your behalf.” That alone simplifies the process for most Kickstarter creators.

But what Australia lacks in tax red tape, it makes up for in strict biosecurity. “Between September and April, anything coming from the Northern Hemisphere may need to be fumigated,” Paul said. “Books and games are low-risk, but it still helps to pre-treat the container.”

Creators must also include a timber declaration — pallets must be heat-treated or plastic. If not, the shipment can be held at port, and you’ll start paying demurrage fees: hundreds of dollars per day while customs sits on your container.

Other watchouts: lithium batteries, aerosols, and other “dangerous goods” are expensive to ship and best avoided.

And don’t forget geography. “Australia is big,” Paul warned. “Getting something from Sydney to Perth is like going from New York to San Francisco. Plan accordingly.”

5. Paperwork is the real work.

Shipping games internationally isn’t just about packing boxes—it’s about paperwork. All four panelists made it clear: documentation is what actually moves product through customs. “I’ve got great people in the warehouse to put tape on boxes,” said Paul Johnson from Aetherworks. “That’s not the hard part. This is the hard part.”

Every shipment should include a commercial invoice—not based on your retail price, but the cost of manufacture. Customs wants to know what the goods are actually worth, not what you’re selling them for. You’ll also need a packing declaration that details what’s inside each box and how many units.

If you’re manufacturing in China and shipping to Australia, a Certificate of Origin can help you take advantage of trade agreements like CHAFTA (China–Australia Free Trade Agreement), which can waive duties.

Beyond that, you’ll need the proper registrations: VAT numbers for the UK and EU, EORI numbers for importing, and a GPSR representative for Europe. Don’t forget scannable barcodes, either. “You don’t need a UPC unless you’re going into retail,” said Matt Goldrick. “But you do need a unique barcode that matches what’s in the system. That’s how pickers know what to pack.”

6. Avoiding common mistakes is half the battle.

Plenty of crowdfunding creators learn these lessons the hard way. The panelists shared a long list of common pitfalls that can derail fulfillment—or worse, cause customs to hold your shipment and charge you thousands in fees.

One of the biggest? Waiting too long to set up paperwork. VAT registration, EORI numbers, and GPSR reps all take time. “We’ve all had the Hail Mary container,” said Matt. “A call out of nowhere, saying ‘I think I shipped you a container six weeks ago—can you help?’ That’s when it’s too late.”

Another major issue is barcode confusion. “People put the same barcode on the English, German, and French versions,” said Chris from ZATU. “Then the warehouse can’t tell them apart.” That leads to mix-ups, delays, and angry backers.

Failing to plan for damage and overage is another risk. Paul from Aetherworks recommends always sending at least 5% extra stock. “Sometimes a forklift goes through the middle of a pallet. It happens. Better to be ready.”

And while some creators try to manage multiple fulfillment centers themselves, the overhead quickly adds up. Without a coordinator like QML or Fulfillrite, you’ll spend more time tracking tax filings than running your business.

7. You probably shouldn’t do DIY VAT registration.

You can register for VAT yourself—but should you? That depends on your time, comfort with bureaucracy, and risk tolerance.

In the UK and EU, VAT registration is legally required to sell to customers in those regions. “It doesn’t matter if you sell one game or a thousand,” Chris said. “If you don’t have a VAT number, it’s illegal.” You’ll also need an EORI number to import goods and a GPSR representative in the EU.

VAT registration is free if you do it yourself, and the process usually involves filling out a few forms online. But it’s easy to make mistakes. Some creators hire VAT agents to handle registration and quarterly filings for a flat fee—Chris mentioned his company charges around £400 for registration.

“It’s not that hard, but there’s a time cost,” said Floris. “If you like handling logistics and forms, go for it. But if your strength is creative work, it’s worth paying someone to do it right.”

A good fulfillment partner may even include EORI assistance as part of their onboarding process. Either way, get started early so your paperwork is ready before your games hit port.

8. Know when to consolidate and when to segment freight.

If you’re running a smaller campaign, you might assume international fulfillment is out of reach. Not true. The panelists emphasized that networks like Quartermaster Logistics can help creators of all sizes take advantage of consolidated shipping and regional fulfillment.

Paul Johnson explained that Aetherworks is part of Australia’s Trusted Traders Program, which allows them to consolidate goods from multiple creators into a single pallet. “I can have 10, 20, even 30 suppliers on one consolidated run,” he said. That way, you don’t have to ship a full container on your own just to reach Australian backers affordably.

This same principle applies in the EU and UK, where partners like Meeples Group and ZATU can integrate smaller shipments into broader fulfillment pipelines.

Of course, some campaigns are big enough to ship directly to each region. But if you’re under that threshold, the smarter move may be to work with a central partner like QML who routes inventory to regional experts.

“Find a company that can build your infrastructure,” said Floris. “It doesn’t matter if you’re sending 1,000 games or three per month. The network is already there—you just need to plug in.”

Final Thoughts

Kickstarter fulfillment doesn’t mean you have to become a freight expert or tax consultant. It does mean you need the right partners and a plan that goes beyond your campaign’s delivery date.

What stood out most from this panel wasn’t the complexity—it was the clarity these experts offered. The systems are in place. The networks are built. The biggest risk isn’t ignorance—it’s silence. Start conversations early. Ask questions. Double-check your assumptions.

You can’t eliminate every surprise, but you can avoid most disasters by treating fulfillment like the business function it is. That’s not glamorous, but it’s how campaigns turn into companies—and how creators stay in the game long after the first project ships.

You’re ready to launch your Kickstarter campaign any day now. But you’re worried about taxes and VAT, customs, duties, and tariffs.

How are you going to handle that for your Kickstarter?

Customs & VAT may seem very complicated, and we won’t lie to you — they are. But with a little bit of planning, you can handle your Kickstarter backers’ customs with ease. In this article, we will discuss four ways you can do so.

Please note: we are writing this article assuming that you’re doing business in the US. If you’re not, though, most of the advice in this article still applies.

How Customs & VAT Work

The whole idea behind customs is to allow different countries to control the flow of goods in and out of their borders. Customs agencies are responsible for making sure that every business shipping goods into the country is following the law and paying the right taxes.

Customs duties — often referred to as tariffs — are taxes imposed when goods cross international borders. These taxes are based on tariff codes, which correspond to the type of item being exported or imported. VAT, or value-added tax, is a tax that countries apply based on a percentage of the item’s sale price.

To simplify: many times, when your Kickstarter backer in a foreign country imports your item, someone will have to pay for customs duties and/or VAT.

Customs and VAT don’t apply to everything. Many countries do not have VAT at all, so that often does not apply. Customs duties only apply if the imported good’s value exceeds the importing country’s “customs de minimis value.” (A similar principle applies to VAT). But beyond that, you may owe customs.

Note: the U.S. de minimis threshold is currently $800, but proposed policy changes could lower it for goods from certain countries.

Lastly, you might be saying “how do tax authorities know what an item is worth?” Simply put, you – the sender – tell them. The value you tell them is the declared value.

4 Ways Your Kickstarter Can Handle Customs & VAT

In this section, we’re going to talk about four ways you can handle customs and VAT for your Kickstarter campaign. You can generalize these lessons to business as a whole, though, even if you aren’t using crowdfunding.

To help us give you the best possible advice, we’ve reached out to Robert Ruutsalo, Chief Revenue Officer at EAS. In their own words, EAS is “your trusted partner for European tax compliance.” When it comes to customs and VAT matters, including IOSS and UK VAT, they’re the best people we know to answer.

With that context in mind, let’s talk about four ways you can handle these tiresome taxes.

1. Use the IOSS/UK VAT Scheme (EU & UK Only)

Up until 2021, there were basically three ways to handle customs and VAT for Kickstarter. You could make backers pay for fees, store inventory in other countries, or use delivery duty paid (DDP) shipping.

The Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) was rolled out to simplify and expedite customs clearance. In Ruutsalo’s words, “for shipments to the EU, the IOSS is a cost-effective way for  Kickstarter creators to manage VAT for goods valued at €150 [about $165 USD] or less. This allows creators to collect VAT at the point of sale, simplifying customs and ensuring that backers receive their rewards without additional customs fees upon delivery.” [Emphasis ours.]

Ruutsalo goes on to clarify that “it’s important to note that IOSS applies only to EU countries, but a similar VAT system is in place for shipments to the UK, where you can collect and remit VAT for low-value goods in the same manner. For US merchants with many backers in Europe, using IOSS for the EU and UK VAT registration can significantly streamline customs clearance and reduce the chance of delays.”

You may wonder where it makes the most sense to use IOSS for Kickstarter. In response to that question, Ruutsalo states that “IOSS is ideal for campaigns with smaller items and a significant number of EU backers. Compared to other methods, it offers a cheaper and faster way to handle customs for low value shipments, reducing the complexity of dealing with multiple tax authorities.” [Emphasis ours.]

It should be noted, however, that IOSS is complex to understand. If you want to take advantage of it, your best bet is to work with a professional such as EAS.

2. Make Backers Pay For Fees

You have another option when it comes to customs and VAT, and it’s deceptively simple. Do nothing.

The benefit of this method is clear: it’s very easy. Even Kickstarter itself does not require Kickstarter creators to specify how customs will be handled. They merely recommend it.

Kickstarter creators are not obligated to go out of their way to ensure that backers don’t pay customs. In fact, if your item is really low in value, it may fall under the customs de minimis of most countries, making it not worthwhile to try to create a “customs-friendly” campaign. What’s more, many international backers are accustomed to paying for customs and VAT for Kickstarter campaigns that they receive.

It’s not hard to imagine the problems you might encounter if you do take this path, though. In Ruutsalo’s words, “this option pushes the responsibility of paying customs duties and taxes to the backers, which can lead to a negative experience if they are surprised by additional fees upon delivery.”

Put another way, it might make people mad!

But Ruutsalo doesn’t dismiss this path entirely, saying that “this option may work for smaller campaigns or those that do not expect to have significant international backers.” But he cautions that “it can be risky in terms of customer satisfaction for larger campaigns.”

3. Store Inventory in Multiple Countries

“Customs-friendly” is a phrase you will see a lot of on Kickstarter if you look. You can often find variants of it such as “EU-friendly,” “UK-friendly,” “Canada-friendly,” and “Australia-friendly.” This is generally understood to mean one of the following:

1. Goods are shipped from within a country or region, avoiding import fees and taxes.
2. Goods are below the customs de minimis value.
3. The import fees are handled on behalf of the backer. (This is a definition we have added on our own, based on our understanding of backers’ underlying needs.)

So with this in mind, it makes sense that if your Kickstarter rewards exceed the customs and/or VAT de minimis values of the countries you plan to ship to, that you must split your inventory between warehouses in different regions in the world. Many board game Kickstarters, for example, have a warehouse in the US, one in the EU, one in Australia, one in Canada, and so on.

This approach has a number of benefits. Backers receive their rewards pretty quickly after shipping since the warehouse is in their country. What’s more, they never see Kickstarter-related customs or VAT fees.

But there are some downsides to be aware of too:

1. You have to coordinate multiple freight shipments to different warehouses in different countries, which can become complex. For smaller campaigns, this can be prohibitively expensive.
2. When each of those freight shipments docks, you have to pay customs. Granted, the customs fees will be levied on the wholesale value of the goods and not the retail value, but this can still add up depending on how many countries you ship to.
3. It’s complex. The more warehouses you’re working with, the more room there is for errors, customer service issues, delays, and unexpected bills.

“It’s a complex and expensive solution that may not make sense for smaller campaigns, especially when the high upfront costs outweigh the benefits,” says Ruutsalo.

4. Use Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) Shipping

There is one last way you can handle customs & VAT for your Kickstarter campaign. It’s tempting to think that if you are unable to split your inventory between different warehouses or if you don’t want to deal with IOSS, that you are out of luck when it comes to customs & VAT. You may think that you have to default to Method #2.

We’re here to tell you that there is a viable middle ground. You can house your inventory in the US, ship internationally, and avoid having your backers pay customs & VAT. The trick is that you must use “delivery duty paid” shipping.

“In DDP shipping,” says Ruutsalo, “the creator covers all customs duties and taxes upfront, ensuring that backers receive their packages without any surprise fees. This approach creates a seamless experience for backers but is more expensive than IOSS/UK VAT, for shipments to the EU or UK under €150. DDP involves paying duties and taxes on all  orders, which can significantly increase costs for creators, particularly for high-volume campaigns.”

“For US merchants shipping to Europe, IOSS/UK VAT is the more affordable solution for low-value goods, as it eliminates customs fees for backers while keeping costs lower than DDP. DDP is more suitable for high-value items or campaigns where maintaining a premium backer experience is essential, but it should be used cautiously as it can cut into profit margins.”

Our experience lines up well with Ruutsalo’s. We’ve found that DDP shipping is generally more expensive than using IOSS/UK VAT, though some prefer to go that route due to either high-value goods or a strong preference to not deal with IOSS, either directly or through a third party.

How Can I Make Kickstarter Customs Clearance Easier?

Seeing how much of a hassle it can be to handle customs clearance and VAT, you may wonder what you can do to cut down on the difficulty.

In response to that Ruutsalo says “the single most effective way to make customs clearance easier is to provide accurate and complete documentation upfront. This includes correctly filled-out commercial  invoices, precise product descriptions, appropriate HS codes, and clear shipping labels. These details ensure that customs officials can process shipments swiftly, reducing the risk of delays or additional fees.” [Emphasis ours.]

He goes on to state that for the EU and UK, using IOSS dramatically streamlines the process. That’s because IOSS allows you to use a single VAT identification number of all EU countries, which makes cross-border compliance easier. The same basic principle applies to UK VAT, even though it is outside of the EU.

How Do You Find a Good Customs Broker?

If you’re like a lot of creators, the idea of dealing with international trade at all is migraine-inducing. So you may want to hire a customs broker just to avoid the trouble altogether.

If you choose to do that, there are a few things you need to know. To quote Ruutsalo, “finding a reliable customs broker is crucial for smooth international shipping, but it’s  important to note that for EU and UK shipments using IOSS and UK VAT, a customs broker is not required for goods valued at €150 or less. These schemes simplify the process, allowing you to manage VAT and customs clearance without needing a third-party broker.” So first, make sure you need one!

If you determine that you need a broker, Ruutsalo suggests focusing on these three factors:

• Experience and Specialization: You want a broker who is experienced with both eCommerce and crowdfunding.

• Global Reach: Your broker needs to have a strong network in key shipping regions like the US, EU, UK, and beyond.

• Clear Communication: Their pricing needs to be sensible, have no hidden fees, and they should keep you informed of the status of your shipments and any regulatory changes that might impact deliverability.

Should you find yourself needing a customs broker, looking for someone who checks these boxes will help you feel confident that you’ve made the right call.

Final Thoughts

Handling customs and VAT might feel scary, especially if it’s your first Kickstarter campaign. But if you approach the right way, you can prevent a lot of issues and streamline the process.

There are a lot of ways you can handle customs and VAT. You can use IOSS, make backers pay fees, store inventory in multiple countries, or opt for DDP shipping.

Each method has its pros and cons. Choose the one that fits your campaign best. As long as you plan well, customs won’t be an obstacle to your Kickstarter’s success.

FAQ

What are customs?

Customs are fees charged by a government when goods are imported or exported. These charges are applied to ensure goods meet legal requirements and can include taxes or duties.

What is VAT (value-added tax)?

VAT is a tax added to a product at every step of production or sale. The final buyer usually pays it, while businesses collect it for the government.

What is the IOSS?

The IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) is an EU system for managing VAT on low-value imports. It allows sellers to collect VAT at the point of sale, making it easier for goods under €150 to clear customs and avoid extra charges on delivery.

What are tariff codes or HS codes?

Tariff or HS codes are numbers used to classify products in international trade. They help apply correct taxes, track shipments, and ensure compliance with trade laws.

Launching a successful Kickstarter campaign is a ton of fun! But it also requires a lot of planning in order to do it properly. Kickstarter reward fulfillment is notoriously tricky and there are a lot of things that go into it.

In this article, we’re going to share everything we think you need to know about Kickstarter fulfillment. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to fulfill a crowdfunding campaign.

That means you can find information on:

• Forecasting backer demand
• Finding a manufacturer
• Creating a shipping timetable
• Booking freight
• Lining up order fulfillment
• Handling returns and complaints, and
• A hard-to-categorize tips and tricks that are generally helpful to know

We hope you find these tips helpful for your next campaign!

Part 1: Plan for demand

Accurate demand planning helps avoid shortages and overproduction. That’s easier said than done with Kickstarter, of course, because you don’t know how much you will raise!

But if you can get an at least moderately reliable estimate, you can plan the rest of your campaign accordingly. Here are some tips on how you can do that.

#1: Check other campaigns to see how much funding is reasonable for your product type

Look at data from similar Kickstarter campaigns as well as your own audience size to forecast demand. Consider the product type, target audience, and funding goals.

When you look at enough campaigns, you will understand what the best-case scenario is, as well as what a typical success story looks like. Collecting this information will give you a rough estimate of how many potential backers you could see.

This will help you know what general direction you need to go with production, should you fund. For example, if a typical campaign in your niche has about 1,500 backers, you probably need a manufacturing run of about 2,000 units. But if a typical campaign has more like 5,000 backers, you would need to be ready for a much larger run size.

The same principle applies to freight, order fulfillment, and other parts of the shipping process.

#2: Estimate how much funding you will raise based on your audience size and reward price

Estimate backer numbers based on your mailing list. For example, if you have 5,000 people on your list and expect 4% to back you, that’s 200 backers. Account for a 30-40% Kickstarter boost and adjust your projections to include these potential backers.

You can then take your estimated backer figure and multiply that by the price of your main reward. If the results of the previous calculation suggested you would have about 500 backers at $50 each, as an example, you could then expect to raise around $25,000.

#3: Plan for multiple scenarios

Sometimes Kickstarter campaigns raise way more than expected. And sometimes they raise a lot less!

Even though you need to have an idea of what the average outcome will be for your campaign, it’s a good idea to plan for both low funding and high funding scenarios. That way, you can handle manufacturing, freight, and shipping even if your funding estimate is way off.

#4: Order extras, but not too much

If you have 1,500 backers, you will need more than 1,500 units. Some will be defective and some will be lost in the mail. You may also end up selling more units via late pledges if you use a pledge manager as well.

At a minimum, you should order 20% more stock than you need to fulfill your campaign. If you plan on selling via eCommerce or traditional retail after the fact, you will need even more stock than that.

Naturally, you won’t want to go too overboard. Ordering too much stock is expensive and then you have to store it somewhere. But while having too much stock is bad, running out is much worse!

Part 2: Find a manufacturer

Finding the right manufacturer for your campaign is incredibly important. It requires a lot of research and due diligence.

Here are a few tips on how you can do this properly.

#5: Vet multiple manufacturers and choose the best one

Finding the right manufacturer is not a fast process – you need to vet several before committing. Start by scouring platforms like Alibaba and ThomasNet. These sites will help you get in touch with potential manufacturers.

When you narrow down your list of manufacturers to contact, you need to vet them. Check their references. Request samples to assess product quality. If a sample looks shoddy, the final product might be even worse.

Make sure the manufacturer has experience in your specific product category. Needless to say, a manufacturer specializing in electronics might not be the best for your fashion line. Experience ensures they understand the nuances of your product, leading to higher quality and fewer production issues.

And remember, communication is key. Choose a manufacturer that communicates clearly and promptly. Misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes and delays.

#6: Identify reliable suppliers for stretch goals, packaging, and other non-core items

If you need stretch goals, custom packaging, or non-core items like custom stickers and T-shirts, make sure you account for that as well. The manufacturer of your core reward, deservedly, will get most of your attention. But don’t forget how important these other pieces are as well – you don’t want to send an amazing product in the mail with cheap extras!

#7: Secure backup options

Have a primary and backup manufacturer to avoid delays. This gives you alternatives if your main manufacturer has problems. That way, even if things go wrong, you can keep your production schedule and campaign momentum on track.

Part 3: Make a timetable

You need to be able to provide a good estimate of how long it will take to ship rewards. Otherwise, what will you tell your backers?

Every step, from payment to shipping, needs a clear schedule with buffer time for unexpected delays. Here is what you need to consider.

#8: Plan for payment processing

Allow two weeks for Kickstarter funds to clear after your campaign ends. Remember, Kickstarter takes a 5% cut, credit card companies take another 3%, and expect a 1-3% failed transaction rate. Remember: you probably can’t start manufacturing until the funds clear.

#9: Make time for manufacturing

Add a 25-30% buffer to your manufacturer’s estimated production time. This covers unexpected delays and keeps you on track. Clear communication with your manufacturer is crucial to manage timelines effectively.

#10: Plan around freight shipping

Work with a reputable logistics provider for timely transportation. Add buffer time for unexpected delays like bad weather or disruptions. Sometimes, freight shipping is delayed for completely unforeseeable reasons, so be sure to pad any estimates you receive to account for that as well.

#11: Don’t forget about clearing customs

Factor in time for customs clearance in destination countries. Customs processes can vary, so research the specific requirements for your product. This helps avoid delays and ensures smooth international shipping.

When in doubt, assume that customs clearance will take at least two weeks. For certain product categories, this can take much longer.

Be aware that tariff rates may change quickly, especially in 2025 with many countries adjusting import taxes. Check your product’s HS code classification and estimate tariff costs early so you don’t get surprised after your goods ship.

#12: Line up order fulfillment

Make sure you account for time spent receiving, unpacking, and preparing products for shipping. If using a fulfillment center, make sure they are prepared to handle your inventory.

How long this will take will depend heavily on how many orders you need to ship. Ask your fulfillment center(s) for estimates if you are working with them.

If you are shipping on your own, plan on sending out about 100 orders per full workday.

Part 4: Book freight

Booking freight for your Kickstarter project isn’t just about getting products from point A to point B. It’s about timing, cost, and efficiency.

Here’s what you need to consider.

#13: Choose freight options

First, decide between a freight broker or a freight marketplace based on your needs. Then, consider sea, air, and rail shipping options, balancing cost and speed. This choice impacts your shipping efficiency and costs, so choose wisely.

#14: Understand incoterms

Next, familiarize yourself with incoterms. These terms define seller and buyer responsibilities in the shipping process. Choosing the right terms minimizes risks and ensures smooth customs clearance.

Put plainly, incoterms tell you who does what when it comes to freight shipping.

Please note that tariffs are separate from shipping fees but can heavily impact your total landed cost. When booking freight, double-check how your incoterms handle customs duties — especially if you are responsible for paying tariffs. Plan for tariff costs early to avoid unexpected cash flow problems during delivery.

#15: Prepare documentation

Make sure all necessary customs forms and invoices are ready. Accurate documentation helps avoid delays and complications during transit. Work closely with your logistics provider to keep all paperwork in order.

#16: Track shipments

Use your logistics provider’s tracking system to monitor shipments. Stay informed about your shipments’ progress and be prepared to address any unforeseen challenges. You may not be able to do anything with this information, but it will likely settle your nerves while you wait.

Part 5: Find a fulfillment center

Choosing the right fulfillment strategy is really important to shipping a Kickstarter on-time. Self-fulfillment offers control but doesn’t scale well with larger campaigns.

For larger campaigns, hiring a fulfillment center helps with efficient processing and shipping. But if you choose to work with one or more fulfillment centers, you need to make sure they have experience in crowdfunding.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to fulfillment.

#17: Consider self-fulfillment

Self-fulfillment is great for less than 250 orders, giving you direct control over quality control when it comes to shipping. If you choose to do this, purchase supplies in bulk and use a label printer to save on costs.

With low order volume, this is usually the cheapest and easiest solution. But it doesn’t scale well for thousands of orders and it also doesn’t work very well if you need to send a lot of international shipments. Be aware of these issues should you choose to ship your own orders.

#18: Hire a fulfillment center

If you don’t want to ship on your own, you can hire a fulfillment center. With large order volumes, fulfillment centers are much more efficient. They handle the picking, packing, and shipping for you so you can save your time.

If you have a lot of international shipments or you’re shipping at least 500 orders, at least consider reaching out to a fulfillment center to learn more. Just make sure they specialize in crowdfunding fulfillment because it is a niche service!

Part 6: Prep for international shipping

International shipping is tricky and expensive. But Kickstarter campaigns are usually international events, so you need to plan for it all the same.

Here are a few things that you will need to consider.

#19: Ship internationally from your own country

If your order volume is low, shipping directly from your home country is a straightforward option. However, be aware that customers might need to pay VAT and customs fees. This method is simple but may not be cost-effective for larger campaigns.

#20: Use delivery duty paid (DDP)

DDP shipping can enhance the backer experience because you pay duties and taxes on their behalf. This method is a good way to offer “EU-friendly” or “Australia-friendly” shipping even if you’re not working with fulfillment centers in those regions.

This can be a good way to simplify international logistics for your campaign. But you should know – this is really expensive and if you have hundreds of orders to ship to those regions, then you need a better solution!

#21: Partner with international fulfillment centers

For high order volumes, partner with fulfillment centers in target regions. This reduces shipping costs and improves delivery times.

Managing multiple centers requires efficient coordination and logistics planning, it’s true. But if you are shipping thousands of orders and they’re spread out across the globe, this is probably the best way to do it.

Part 7: Prep for returns & complaints

Some of your rewards will get lost or broken in the mail. And some backers will simply be unhappy, despite your best efforts to satisfy them.

You need to have a plan to handle returns and complaints. Here are a few things to consider.

#22: Establish a return policy

Clearly define acceptable reasons and time frames for returns. Communicate this policy on your campaign page and with backers. A well-defined return policy helps manage expectations and handle returns smoothly.

#23: Efficiently process returns

Efficient processing of returns will keep backers happy. Make sure it is easy for them to get in touch with you if something goes wrong. Then make sure you have stock to send out as a replacement, if that is necessary and appropriate.

#24: Address backer complaints

Set up dedicated channels for backers to voice their concerns. Respond promptly and transparently to complaints. Demonstrating empathy and responsiveness builds trust and ensures a positive experience for backers.

Part 8: Collect addresses for your Kickstarter campaign

Choosing the right method to collect addresses is an important part of handling fulfillment. Options include using Kickstarter’s built-in survey tool or a pledge manager, either shortly after the campaign or right before fulfillment.

If you’re looking up “how to fulfill a crowdfunding campaign”, then here are some things you should know about this part of the process.

#25: Choose to use a pledge manager or Kickstarter’s built-in survey tool

There are two ways you can collect addresses. You can either use a pledge manager like BackerKit or you can use Kickstarter’s built-in survey tool.

Kickstarter surveys can only be sent one time. So if you send it too early and collect address information, people may forget to update it when they change addresses. Kickstarters take a long time to manufacture and fulfill, so this problem can cost you a lot of money.

Similarly, if you choose not to use a pledge manager, then you will need to collect shipping fees upfront via Kickstarter pledges. That means you need to be able to accurately estimate shipping costs at the time of the campaign. Plus, you will pay Kickstarter’s 5% fee on any shipping fees collected.

Even with these issues, it might still be worthwhile to use Kickstarter to collect address information. After all, using a pledge manager means you and your backers need to use separate software. Depending on the nature of your campaign, that might not be something you want to do.

#26: Decide when to collect shipping addresses and charge for shipping accordingly

Whether you use Kickstarter’s built-in survey tool or a pledge manager, it’s best practice to collect addresses late. That way, people won’t send in their address, move, and forget to tell you. This cuts down on lost shipments and the costs associated with that.

#27: If using a pledge manager, upsell and cross-sell

If you do happen to use a pledge manager, you should know that you can upsell and cross-sell in the pledge manager. Even if you don’t have other products to ship, you can still ask people if they want to increase the quantity of items they are buying. It’s an easy way to increase your sales revenue.

Part 9: Understand Kickstarter funds release and fees

When you successfully fund, you don’t walk away with 100% of the funds the minute you fund. Here is some of the fine print information you should know about before you launch.

#28: Know when Kickstarter releases funds

Kickstarter releases funds about 14 days after the campaign ends. This delay allows for transaction processing and addressing potential issues, ensuring all funds are finalized before release.

#29: Account for Kickstarter and payment processing fees

Kickstarter takes a 5% fee, plus 3-5% for payment processing. Handle shipping separately, such as through a pledge manager like BackerKit, to save on fees. Understanding how these fees work can help you plan your budget and manage campaign finances effectively.

Final Thoughts

Kickstarter is an amazing way to raise funds for new products. It’s one of the best ways to build up a community and see how far your product ideas can go.

Kickstarter reward fulfillment can be tricky. There’s no denying that. But if you know how the basic processes work, then it’s fair to say that you know how to fulfill a crowdfunding campaign!

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to confidently launch.

How do you know when you need help with order fulfillment? It’s not an easy call. But deciding when to outsource order fulfillment is absolutely critical if you want to grow your business and keep it running efficiently.

As your business scales, shipping physical products becomes increasingly difficult. So does handling the logistics in-house. This can quickly become overwhelming and expensive.

Order fulfillment partners can help streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Knowing the signs that indicate the need for outsourced order fulfillment will help you make an informed decision when the time comes.

6 Signs Your Business Needs to Outsource Fulfillment

Outsourcing fulfillment can significantly benefit your business. But knowing when it’s time to do this isn’t easy.

Below, you will find a list of signs that your business needs to outsource fulfillment. If you say “yes” to any of these, it’s probably time.

#1: Your customer base is growing faster than you can keep up.

As your order volume increases, it becomes harder and harder to keep up with demand. But once you are set up with an order fulfillment partner, a surge in the size of your customer base doesn’t have to mean hours spent packing boxes in your home office.

Order fulfillment companies can easily handle large volumes of orders. That way, they all go out in the mail on time and to the right address, keeping your customers happy and loyal.

#2: You are unable to quickly and accurately ship orders to customers.

If you can’t ship orders out on-time or to the right address, then you need help. If you even suspect that your order fulfillment process is becoming slow or inaccurate, it’s time to consider outsourcing.

Delays and mistakes can frustrate customers and damage your reputation. Fulfillment companies specialize in quick and precise order processing, helping you maintain high service standards and customer satisfaction.

#3: Your staff are overworked.

When your employees are overwhelmed with fulfillment tasks, their productivity in other areas can suffer. This overload can lead to burnout and decreased morale.

Outsourcing fulfillment can free up your team to focus on core business activities, improving overall efficiency and job satisfaction.

#4: Your business feels overly complicated.

As your business grows, it becomes more complex. This increased complexity can weigh heavily on your mind and you may feel like you can never reach the end of your to-do list!

There are a lot of aspects of in-house fulfillment that can be hard to manage. If you have a lot of SKUs, ship internationally, or have special packaging requirements, this can all add to the complexity.

A dedicated fulfillment partner can handle these complexities for you. That way, you can concentrate once again on strategic growth and business development.

#5: Shipping costs are adding up.

Postage and supplies are expensive. Shipping costs can eat into your profits, especially in eCommerce.

Fulfillment companies almost always get bulk shipping discounts because of the sheer order volume they handle. The same is true of supplies like boxes and other packing materials.

But fulfillment companies are also very competitive, and cannot simply pocket the savings for themselves. They often split the difference with their clients.

By outsourcing, you can take advantage of these cost savings, improving your bottom line and offering competitive shipping rates to your customers.

#6: You are running out of storage space.

If you run out of space to store your own items, you need help. Storing products in-house can clutter your workspace and limit your operational capacity. When you outsource to an order fulfillment center, they handle the inventory management for you and that can free up a lot of space.

How Order Fulfillment Services Are Priced

Order fulfillment pricing can seem complicated. That’s because order fulfillment services are priced based on several factors.

These factors include account or storage fees, the number of packages shipped, postage, supplies, and pick and pack fees. Understanding how fulfillment pricing works will help you estimate fulfillment costs and decide whether or not outsourcing fulfillment is financially sensible.

Order fulfillment pricing can generally be understood by using the following formula:

Fulfillment Cost = Account/Storage Fees + (Packages Shipped * (Postage + Supplies + Pick and Pack Fee))

In the following sections, we break this down further.

#1: Account/Storage Fees

Account and storage fees are the baseline costs for holding your inventory. These fees cover the space your products occupy in the fulfillment center. They vary based primarily on the amount of space required. However, for some special cases like hazardous or refrigerated materials, there may be additional upcharges.

#2: Packages Shipped

When it comes to calculating order fulfillment costs, the number of packages shipped is the most important factor. The more you ship, the more postage and supplies you need. Plus, fulfillment centers charge a fee for each package they handle. So as they handle more packages, you pay more of these fees as well.

In short, the more you ship, the more you pay.

#3: Postage

Postage costs are the fees associated with shipping your items to customers. Fulfillment centers often negotiate bulk postage rates, which can be significantly lower than standard retail rates.

Like with retail postage, the most important factors here are the size and weight of the package to be shipped, as well as the destination.

Heavy and large items shipped long distances cost more. Smaller, lighter items shipped short distances cost less.

#4: Supplies

Supplies costs cover the materials needed for packing and shipping, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and tape. Basic materials are typically included in the pick and pack fee (discussed below), but special packaging requirements may incur additional charges.

#5: Pick and Pack Fee

The pick and pack fee is the cost of retrieving items from storage, packing them, and preparing them for shipment. This fee covers labor and basic materials for each order processed. Think of this as the cost to have a human being put your items into a box and get them in the mail on your behalf.

How Outsourcing Fulfillment Can Save You Money

Saving time and running your business more efficiently are good enough reasons to outsource fulfillment on their own. However, outsourcing fulfillment can – in some scenarios – save your business a lot of money.

These cost savings come from bulk postage rates, reduced supply costs, and better labor allocation. Understanding where these cost savings come from is worth it, since they can help you see whether or not outsourcing fulfillment will be financially beneficial rather than merely an operational necessity.

#1: Fulfillment centers get bulk discounts on postage and supplies.

Fulfillment centers usually have lower postage rates because they ship so many packages. Carriers are more willing to cut them a price break. The same principle applies to supplies, which are purchased in massive bulk quantities.

Because the fulfillment industry is competitive, these savings are passed on to you, which can reduce your shipping and material expenses. Over time, these savings can really add up!

#2: Order fulfillment companies have staff that dedicate 100% of their time to shipping.

Outsourcing fulfillment allows you to reallocate labor to more valuable tasks. Employees can focus on revenue-generating activities instead of packing and shipping orders. This improved labor efficiency can lead to higher productivity and profitability.

#3: You can cut down on training and overtime costs related to shipping.

Fulfillment centers handle all aspects of order processing, reducing the need for overtime and extensive training. That means if you or your staff are doing overtime shipping packages, you can stop!

Cutting down on overtime, or even time spent training employees on how to ship, can save a lot of money. This isn’t just because it helps keep wages in check, but it also helps smooth out your workflows.

#4: You no longer have to purchase your own supplies.

Outsourcing eliminates the need for purchasing packing supplies like bubble wrap, boxes, and tape. These costs are largely covered by the fulfillment center and included in the pick and pack fee. This reduces your overall expenses and simplifies budgeting.

#5: You may be able to reduce storage costs.

Storing inventory in a fulfillment center can be more cost-effective than renting additional space. You avoid the expense of storage units and the hassle of managing inventory on-site. This can free up valuable workspace and reduce overall costs.

#6: Order fulfillment partners are generally more efficient.

Outsourcing streamlines your operations, making them more efficient. With professionals handling fulfillment, you reduce errors and improve workflow. This allows you to focus on core business activities instead of shipping.

#7: More consistent shipping experiences can reduce customer turnover.

According to eCommerce delivery platform, FarEye, 85% of customers will not shop again with retailers after negative shipping experiences. This is really bad, since acquiring new customers is far more expensive than retaining them.

Fulfillment centers ensure faster, more reliable shipping, improving customer satisfaction and retention. This reduces refund requests and increases repeat business.

#8: More consistent shipping experiences can improve customer retention.

Reliable fulfillment improves customer satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. Happy customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and recommend your store to others, boosting your revenue and growing your customer base.

How to Choose an Order Fulfillment Company

Deciding to outsource fulfillment is one thing. Choosing the right company is another.

In order to pick the right one, you will need to consider a number of factors. Among them, include your average item weight and size, shipping volume, number of SKUs, and the location of your customer base. You will also need to make sure that any fulfillment company you choose to work with provides good quality service.

Note: if you import goods internationally, rising tariffs in 2025 could also impact your landed costs before goods even reach the warehouse. It’s smart to factor in total landed costs when budgeting for fulfillment.

Here is a quick guide to help you make the right choice.

#1: Consider the weight and size of your items.

The weight and size of your products significantly impact shipping costs and handling requirements. Select a fulfillment company with experience in your industry.

For example, if you sell small, lightweight items, choose a provider experienced in handling such products. Likewise, if your items are large and heavy, find a partner experienced in managing big and bulky shipments. That way, you can choose a fulfillment partner that provides cost-effective shipping tailored to your needs.

#2: Estimate shipping volume.

Understanding your shipping volume helps in selecting a fulfillment partner that can scale with your business. If you have a low order volume, choose a company with no minimum requirements, allowing you to pay only for the services you need.

For businesses with high order volumes, select a provider capable of managing huge quantities of orders. That way, you can rest easy knowing they can handle your peak times and have capacity for future growth.

#3: Count the number of SKUs you plan to ship.

The number of SKUs you have affects the complexity of inventory management. Choose a fulfillment company capable of handling your SKU count efficiently. If you have a high number of SKUs, find a provider with a flexible system that can manage diverse inventory without additional costs.

This ensures accurate order fulfillment and streamlined operations, preventing issues such as stockouts or mispicks.

#4: Consider where your customers are located.

Customer location is very important when choosing a fulfillment company. Make sure you choose a fulfillment company that has a location which can cost-efficiently ship to most of your customers within a short period of time. This will have a dramatic impact on postage costs, which is almost certainly going to make up the largest percentage of overall shipping costs.

#5: Carefully vet fulfillment centers for service quality and fit.

Vetting fulfillment centers ensures you choose the right partner. Start by researching online reviews on platforms like Google and Trustpilot to make sure their client base is happy.

Request quotes to understand their pricing structure. Make sure they are good communicators and that you feel like you can trust them. Check for hidden fees or long-term contracts that may not suit your business.

Finally, test their software for ease of use and functionality. Software is going to be the primary way you interact with the company, so make sure you like what you see.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to work with an order fulfillment partner for the first time can be scary. But once you start shipping a lot of orders on a regular basis, it’s something you will want to think about.

The right order fulfillment company can really help you streamline operations and save money. That can put your company on the path to long-term growth for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is order fulfillment important?

Well-managed order fulfillment means that customers will receive their products on time and in good condition. This directly impacts customer satisfaction and brand reputation, not to mention customer retention. Efficient order fulfillment can reduce operational costs, minimize errors, and improve inventory management, leading to better overall business performance and profitability.

Should I use a fulfillment company?

Using a fulfillment company can streamline operations, reduce shipping costs, and improve delivery times. Outsourcing fulfillment allows businesses to focus on core activities like marketing and product development.

Manufacturing is at the heart of many businesses. Whether you’re making kitschy Etsy crafts or Silicon Valley high tech devices, the manufacturing process will be a huge part of your success. It is, after all, where your products are turned into physical reality. This is true whether you’re making something with massive machinery or with your own two hands.

Even as early as the manufacturing stage, you need to be thinking about logistics. You can optimize and tweak the supply chain after a product is created, it’s true. Yet there are few opportunities where simple smart decisions can make such a massive impact quite like what we’re about to talk about.

Reducing Item Weight

Nothing tips the scales on price like weight. At least, this is true for the supply chain process. Whether you transport cargo by air, sea, rail, or road, you will be billed by weight. Not all means of transportation are equal when it comes to price, time, or quality of service, but this rule remains the same.

Once your inventory arrives at a warehouse, you’re not out of the woods. Not by a long shot! Indeed, whether you store goods in your own warehouse or use a third-party service like Fulfillrite, order fulfillment costs are driven by weight as well. When you send goods through a carrier like UPS, USPS, FedEx, or DHL, they will always ask you the same question. “How much does it weigh?” Weight will drive cost there, too.

At the manufacturing level, you have the ability to dramatically cut costs. The difference between a 4.5-pound product and a 5-pound product is huge. For bulk shipments in freight, you can pay a lot less because your 5,000-unit shipment of products weighs 10% less than it otherwise would have. Once it’s time to fill orders, you’ll save once more on postage costs.

In short, even at the manufacturing stage, you need to ask yourself: “how do I make this shipment as light as possible?”

Reducing Item Size

Packing cargo for transportation is a giant game of Jenga. Individual items are packaged after manufacturing, usually in boxes. Those boxes are then put into master containers. The master containers are then loaded into standard-sized shipping containers. We’re referring to the big 20-foot metal containers, as well as containers better suited for different modes of transport. The larger your product is in terms of volume, the more containers you will use, and the higher your bill will be.

Again, it doesn’t stop there. Carriers like UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL are also playing cargo Jenga. The more room you take up on their trucks and planes, the higher the postage costs will be. This is unavoidable no matter how you choose to fulfill orders.

Once again, subtle differences made at the manufacturing level can go a long way. A product whose longest dimension is 7 inches will cost more to ship than a product whose longest dimension is 5 inches. Some people even design products around the size of USPS flat rate mailer boxes. That’s how big of a factor physical size is when shipping.

Cost-Efficient Transportation Tips

One of the biggest trade-offs in supply chain management is time vs. cost. You can air ship goods from anywhere in the world far faster than sea shipping, but it costs a lot more. Likewise, sea shipping can take two months or more, but the cost is very low compared to everything else.

Why does this matter when manufacturing goods? It’s simple: where you manufacture goods determines transportation cost. Many businesses like to use landed cost to evaluate different manufacturing and shipment solutions. The landed cost includes the original price of the product, transportation fees (both inland and ocean), customs, duties, taxes, new 2025 tariffs, insurance, currency conversion, crating, handling, and payment fees.

Tariffs, especially those recently expanded in 2025 on key imports from China, can drastically raise landed costs. Be sure to research whether your product category—such as electronics, EV-related parts, or metal components—is affected. If it is, consider sourcing from alternative countries or reshoring production when feasible.

Or, put more plainly, it may be cheaper to have goods manufactured near you. The labor costs may be higher, but you avoid excessive transportation fees and customs.

The ways to transport goods are as follows, from cheapest and slowest to the most expensive and fastest:

• Sea shipping
• Rail shipping
• Truck shipping (less-than-truckload or full truckload)
• Air shipping

Which transportation method or methods you choose for your business depends on how long you can wait, how far your goods have to go, and what you’re willing to spend. Imagining the entire process of shipping from start to finish may decide where manufacturing takes place.

Regulations, Compliance, and Customs

Nothing can break an otherwise efficient supply chain quite like exports and imports. Let’s be completely clear about this: if you are not following all laws and regulations for your industry, your shipments will be delayed. At the manufacturing stage, the single best thing you can do from a logistics standpoint is to obey the law.

It sounds unbelievably obvious when stated like that, but the implications are more complicated. If you’re not sure where to start, find out the tariff code for your product. Then figure out applicable regulations from there.

Another piece of the puzzle that can derail an otherwise cost-efficient supply chain would be customs fees. Based on your tariff code, customs fees or taxes may be levied upon your inventory. You have to pay those fees one way or another. Sometimes your supplier will pick up the tab and then bill you for it later. Other times, you have to pay a freight forwarder or a customs broker. It depends on the specifics of your situation.

In 2025, tariff rates on goods from some countries—especially China—have increased significantly in certain categories. Reviewing updated Harmonized System (HS) codes and cross-checking against current tariff schedules is critical before choosing a supplier.

The point is that customs fees need to be baked into your cost estimates. It may even make it more sensible to commence manufacturing within the borders of your own country. As tariff structures shift, manufacturers in countries like Vietnam, Mexico, and India have become more attractive for U.S. importers. Consider whether diversifying suppliers could reduce your customs burden.

Labeling for Warehouse Use

Scannable bar codes are the backbone of order fulfillment. There’s a reason why nearly every product you purchase has one of these labels on them. Items must be uniquely identified, and bar codes – which are nothing more than a series of numbers represented by bars and spaces – help all sorts of companies do this. These companies range from distributors to retailers to order fulfillment services like Fulfillrite.

Each individual item must have a scannable bar code. That means you need to buy a bar code from either the GS1 or a reputable bar code reseller. Your packaging or, in some cases, the item itself needs to include the bar code. The bar code must also be large enough to be useable, which is at least 1.175 inches wide and 0.816 inches tall (for the commonly used UPC-A codes).

Why is this relevant during manufacturing? The reason is simple: it’s far easier to get this right early than to pay a company to apply labels later. At Fulfillrite, for example, we charge $0.39 per item to affix labels. This can be a lifesaver if you’ve made a critical mistake, but it can add up quickly. It’s an expense most business owners would rather avoid.

Outsourcing Fulfillment to a Third Party

Fulfillrite is an order fulfillment company. We warehouse your inventory, fill orders, and generally make your day better. In fact, we had a whole post recently that explains how we and our peers can make running your business a lot easier.

If you decide to take the plunge and use Fulfillrite or a similar company’s fulfillment services, you naturally want to get the best bang for your buck. How can you do that? Turns out there are a lot of ways, many of which happen at the manufacturing level.

As we had mentioned above, you want to make your items as small and lightweight as possible. Naturally, you’ll also want to apply bar codes correctly. Avoid using hazardous materials, if at all possible.

This last point is especially valuable: if items are sold as a set, manufacture them as a set in a single box. It is possible for a fulfillment company to bundle common items into a single package to send to a customer. This is called kitting and the process is labor-intensive. If you manufacture sets of items to be stored in a single box, you’re basically kitting items without having a fulfillment company do the kitting for you. It’s not always feasible, but when it is, it’s a big money saver.

Final Thoughts on Manufacturing & Logistics

Even at the earliest stages of making a product, you need to be thinking about logistics. All products which are created must be stored, transported, and sent to customers. A little bit of forethought can make this process smooth and cost-effective.

This won’t just save you money on the margins. An effective supply chain, especially one backed up by companies like Fulfillrite, can become a major competitive advantage for your business. Keep your items light, compact, legal, labeled, and ready to ship. You’ll be glad you did!

Listed from cheapest & slowest, to most expensive and fastest:

• Sea shipping
• Rail shipping
• Truck shipping (less-than-truckload or full truckload)
• Air shipping

Nothing beats making your ideas tangible. Creating a product prototype is how you do that. This is the process that turns concepts into realities.

When you have a prototype, you can test, refine, and perfect your design before mass production. But it’s not always a straight path to get there. You need to plan, research, and adapt as you learn new information.

Many aspiring inventors rush through the prototyping phase. They might overlook important details or skip critical tests, only to end up paying for it later. A well-thought-out prototype, on the other hand, can save time, money, and headaches later.

In this guide, we’re going to talk about how you can prototype your product in five simple steps. Along the way, we’re going to share thoughts from industry experts who’ve been through the process.

How Product Manufacturing Works

Before you start working on a prototype, it helps to know what goes into product manufacturing. It starts, of course, with an idea. You come up with a clear concept and then you make a prototype.

Prototyping means creating detailed specifications, including those around materials, dimensions, and functionality. Depending on what you’re making, you might end up using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Once the design is finalized, you’ll need to choose a manufacturer, assuming this isn’t something you can make in-house. Manufacturers vary in terms of capabilities, quality standards, and costs. So if you want great results, you’ll be doing a lot of research.

Your design might require special processes, like injection molding, CNC machining, or 3D printing. But that will all depend on what you’re making.

Once you find a few manufacturers you like, then you request quotes. Once you review those, you settle one you like best and then start production. This might involve doing a small test run to make sure everything goes OK. If the sample run turns out well, you can move on to full-scale production.

Bearing all that in mind, we’ll now share advice from experts on common mistakes to avoid during the prototyping and manufacturing processes.

5 Tips Before You Start Manufacturing

When you start having product manufactured for you, it can be stressful, even if you know what you’re doing. But with some forethought, you can avoid common issues.

1. Know your customers.

Jason Wingate, CEO of Emerald Ocean Ltd., illustrates this especially well in a story he shared with us. He says, “a few years ago we released the Rotary Thread tool, a thread filing tool that was revolutionary and nothing was like it on the market. It could file threads quicker and faster than anything. We sold (and still sell) to Lowe’s and Home Depot in the USA, and Canadian Tire in Canada.”

“But sales were not as good as we expected. Why? Because the customers of most retail chains don’t need a thread filing tool most of the time. If a nut or bolt comes loose, they just buy a new one for a few cents.”

Wingate’s team was ultimately able to pivot into a much more profitable niche with time. But he stresses the importance of knowing your customer before total commitment to a certain course of action. “If the customer doesn’t have a problem or need your product – you need to reflect on that and find out what they do need and how your product fits.”

2. Start small and iterate quickly.

You’re not going to get everything right the first time. Multiple sources stated this to us, perhaps best said by Jorge Argota, a marketing consultant with a background in product development.

Argota says it’s best to “start small with your prototypes to keep costs down and iterate quickly based on feedback. Engage potential users early in the process to make sure the product meets their needs. Keep detailed records of all changes and decisions during the prototyping phase, it will help you in future development.”

He also emphasizes that it’s important to be flexible with your design, and to adapt to challenges or new opportunities as they come.

On a related note, Ryan McDonald, COO of Resell Calendar, states that it’s important to not “forget packaging and branding during the prototyping process. Early consideration of these elements can significantly impact the perceived value of your product. At Resell Calendar, we’ve found that your product’s resale value is much improved by appealing, well-designed packaging.”

3. Don’t underestimate the costs.

One unfortunately common issue that product creators run into is underestimating costs. It’s easy to overlook certain expenses, especially when they’re not obvious. But hidden or not, costs associated with material testing, design revisions, and multiple iterations add up. So does gaining access to specialized tools or machinery, like plastic molds.

When asked about mistakes best avoided, Argota said that “I underestimated costs early on, didn’t vet some manufacturers well enough and sometimes rushed through the prototyping phase without enough testing.”

The learning curve is formidable and making mistakes is common. But nevertheless, Argota emphasizes that “miscommunication about product specs led to some costly mistakes.  Looking back better planning and clearer communication would have saved a lot of trouble.”

When in doubt, assume manufacturing – including prototyping – will cost more than you think.

4. Don’t hurry the process.

Another tempting mistake is to rush through the prototyping process. But ironically, this can end up wasting more time, in addition to leading to costly mistakes. When you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to skip steps like testing, refinement of the design, and gathering feedback.

“Anyone beginning their own product prototype should never hurry the process,” says McDonald. “Spend time evaluating your prototypes in real-world conditions. Don’t be afraid to iterate, as every version should improve upon the last. Keep your target market in mind throughout the process. In the end, the product must fulfill the needs and wants of your customers.”

5. Consider hiring a broker.

You don’t necessarily have to manufacture your own products. In fact, you have the option to hire a broker to assist.

When asked what he would do differently, Wingate stated that “if I could change anything – first I would get a good broker. Without one we were just going back and forth ourselves looking up and trying to evaluate manufacturers, but a good broker will have that knowledge and possibly existing relationships already.”

5 Steps To Create A Product Prototype

It’s premature to start prototyping before you understand the underlying logic of manufacturing and prototyping. Having covered that in the previous sections, we can now provide a list five steps that you can follow to get started with prototyping.

1. Create the best prototype you can alone.

Everyone we talked to, independently of one another, agreed that it was vitally important to have a clear vision of what you want to make. One great way to do that is to make the best prototype you can on your own. This isn’t a substitute for a sample run, but rather a way to clarify your thinking.

McDonald says, “we’ve found that having a clear vision is crucial when prototyping products. First, we create detailed sketches and 3D renderings of our product ideas. This visualizes the end result, allowing us to identify potential issues early on. After that, we create physical prototypes. For smaller items, we use 3D printing, and for larger ones, we work with local craftsmen.”

Argota has a similar process, saying that he and his team would create “a basic version of the product using basic materials to test the idea. Depending on the product complexity and requirements, I used 3D printing, CNC machining, or even handcrafting. This stage [involved] a lot of iterative testing and gathering feedback to refine both design and functionality.”

Even Wingate, who advocates for working with a broker says that “while I don’t usually prototype the products myself – the general way is that we try to see if we can ‘throw it together’ as a prototype in-house using CAD drawings and, if possible, a 3D printer (of course – this depends on what you’re trying to create).”

2. Find a similar product.

Once you have a sense of what your product will look like, try to find similar ones. Buy them, if need be. You want to analyze similar products and try to understand how they are made.

If you’re not sure how a product is being made, you can try looking for “making of” or “X being manufactured” videos on YouTube. You might also have some luck looking for how to blogs or even searching for patents.

Even if you are unable to tell how specific products are made, finding similar ones will allow you to describe what you want to a manufacturer. They may be able to reverse engineer a product that already exists.

Sometimes, you can even find the manufacturer of products you like. That gives you chance to reach out to a company whose work you’re already familiar with.

3. Shop for materials.

Once you have similar products in hand, start researching material options through manufacturers’ catalogs, sourcing platforms like Alibaba and ThomasNet, and by consulting with industry experts if needed.

As you research, keep in mind that tariffs on imports — especially from China — have risen sharply in 2025. It’s wise to check tariff classifications (HS codes) for your intended materials and consider alternate sources, like Mexico, India, or Vietnam, if costs are too high.

The specifics of your material research process will differ greatly depending on the nature of the product you are manufacturing, but the basic information provided above is useful in most cases.

For example, if you know you need transparent plastic, you can figure out a more specific name using this method. The screenshot below shows you what happens when you look for “transparent plastic” on Alibaba. You have options ranging from food-grade R-PET plastic to cast acrylic to polycarbonate…the list goes on.

When asked about best practices on material selection, McDonald says that “we consider cost, durability, and user experience. To evaluate performance and quality, we often order samples from several suppliers. For electronics, we prioritize components that satisfy industry standards and have a track record of reliability. Regarding clothing and accessories, we pay close attention to materials that provide longevity as well as comfort.”

Argota has a similar method, saying that in his prior career, “material selection was driven by durability, cost, availability and how well the material suited the product’s purpose. I did some initial research by consulting with material experts and engineers and factored in sustainability if that was a priority. Prototyping with different materials helped me make a more informed decision.”

Wingate emphasized the importance of “research, research, research.” And indeed, his emphasis is well placed, since material requirements vary widely based on product, price, market, your target audience, and a variety of other factors.

4. Look for a manufacturer.

When the situation calls for it, it’s a great idea to make your own prototype. But your own in-house prototype is no replacement for a true sample of a manufacturer’s work. So it is very important to note that prototyping will also involve finding a manufacturing partner.

This can be an in-depth process. According to Argota, “finding the right manufacturer required researching companies that specialized in my type of product. I used online directories, attended industry trade shows and reached out to my contacts for referrals. I made sure to evaluate each manufacturer’s capabilities, quality standards, communication style and reliability before making a decision.”

McDonald says that his team has “had success with platforms like Alibaba and GlobalSources. These platforms let us connect with many different manufacturers and evaluate their capacity and cost performance. Whenever possible, we also go to trade events since they offer great chances to meet manufacturers personally and see their work firsthand.”

To add to the above, we believe it is best practice to contact multiple manufacturers so that you can compare quotes. Alternatively, you can consider Wingate’s advice to hire a broker.

And again, it bears repeating: rising tariffs on Chinese goods in 2025 have also made it increasingly important to explore manufacturers in regions with lower import duties. Some creators are shifting to Mexico, Southeast Asia, or even U.S.-based options for smaller production runs.

5. Request quotes.

Once you have a clear idea of what you need to manufacture and what materials you need to use to make it, then you can request quotes. You want multiple quotes from multiple manufacturers so you can compare them and make a smart decision.

“To get quotes I reached out to several manufacturers with detailed specifications of the product, including drawings or CAD files, material requirements and expected quantities,” says Argota. “Comparing these quotes helped me understand the market rates and negotiate better terms. Having all the info ready upfront made the process smoother.”

This isn’t a process you can shortcut. As McDonald states, “though it can take time, the quote request procedure is necessary to get the best value. Usually, we reach out to various manufacturers with detailed product specifications. We request quotations breaking out labor, material, and any additional fees.”

This thorough approach has a lot of benefits. “This lets us compare offerings more easily. We also consider production capacity, quality control measures, and communication responsiveness as the lowest bid as not necessarily the best choice.”

If this process intimidates you, take heart. According to Wingate, “quoting isn’t too hard.” He further states that “you’ll get feedback and pricing from a variety of suppliers, and if you did your research (or had your broker do it for you), you can select from there.”

Final Thoughts

Making a great product prototype requires patience, planning, and willingness to adapt. The goal here isn’t just to bring an idea to life, but to refine an idea until it’s the perfect fit for your customers. If you follow the steps in this article, you’ll be well on your way to doing exactly that.

Don’t rush the process and don’t underestimate its complexities. Doing that can lead to delays and extra expenses. Take your time and do things right. Test, gather feedback, and improve at every stage. If you go through this process and you’re careful and attentive to detail, you won’t just make your idea tangible – you’ll make a really good product that people desperately want to buy.

Shipping your own orders gets old fast. But finding the right eCommerce fulfillment partner to take care of it is a tough decision and one you want to make properly.

Picking the right eCommerce order fulfillment partner (3PL) can save you time, money, and energy. That way, you can focus on growing your business because you’re not the one putting every box in the mail.

But if you pick the wrong one, shipments might get lost and customers might get angry. You might end up paying bills and not entirely understanding why.

It’s complicated. So to help you pick the right eCommerce fulfillment partner – and tell when it’s the right time to be thinking about this in the first place – we’ve put together this guide.

Step 1: Make sure you need eCommerce order fulfillment.

Before hunting for an eCommerce fulfillment partner, make sure your business genuinely needs one. Hiring help with fulfillment can streamline your operations by cutting down on the time spent shipping orders. But it’s also one of the most important business decisions you will make, and it’s not something you want to do lightly or at the wrong time.

Here are six surefire signs you need help. Even a single yes means it’s time to consider hiring an order fulfillment center.

#1: Your customer base is growing faster than you can keep up.

A rapidly growing customer base is a fantastic problem, but it’s still a problem! Having too many customers can overwhelm your ability to fulfill orders.

To scale your business effectively, you must manage increased demand without sacrificing quality. Third-party logistics (3PL) companies can help by taking over the fulfillment process. This will allow you to focus on other growth areas.

According to Chris Matthews from Zatu Fulfilment in the UK, “as your orders start to increase, you may find more and more of the time that should be spent on growing your business is taken up with shipping out orders. You may be finding that your inbox is swamped with shipping queries and return requests. These are signs it is time to speak with a 3PL.”

#2: Order fulfillment is becoming slow or inaccurate.

When order volumes spike unexpectedly, delays and mistakes often follow. Slow or inaccurate fulfillment frustrates customers and tarnishes your reputation.

Partnering with a 3PL can ensure orders go out on-time, intact, and to the right addresses. That helps cut down on customer complaints and boosts repeat business.

#3: Your employees are working too much.

Overworking employees to meet order fulfillment demands is unsustainable, increasing labor costs and leading to burnout, which negatively affects productivity and morale. Outsourcing to a 3PL can relieve this pressure, providing additional resources to handle peak times without overburdening your team.

#4: Your business is becoming really complex.

As your business grows, so does its complexity. Managing multiple sales channels, inventory locations, and shipping options can become overwhelming. A 3PL partner can streamline these operations, offering integrated solutions to keep everything running smoothly.

#5: Shipping is chipping away at your profits.

High shipping costs can eat into your profits and deter customers. A 3PL can leverage its network and negotiating power to secure better shipping rates, reducing costs and improving your bottom line.

As of April 2025 especially, be mindful that tariffs and customs duties can drive up landed costs. Fulfillment partners who can assist with customs paperwork or who are located near major ports of entry may help reduce these costs.

#6: You have run out of space.

Running out of storage space can limit your growth potential. Partnering with a 3PL provides access to their warehousing facilities, allowing you to scale without investing in additional infrastructure.

That means you don’t have to spend money paying for a storage unit!

Step 2: Decide how many warehouses you need.

Deciding you need a 3PL in the first place is an important step. The next important step before even making calls is to decide how much help you need.

If your store barely exceeds 100 orders per month, one warehouse might suffice for a lean, straightforward operation. No need to overcomplicate things by building a much larger network.

Centralizing inventory in one location simplifies bulk shipping and reduces costs. When issues come up with order fulfillment, that also means you have a single point of contact.

However, if you’re handling a high volume of orders, you might need multiple warehouses. That could mean having several within a country or even warehouses spread across the globe. The key is to make sure you have enough order volume at each location to justify the cost.

Having too few warehouses can slow shipping and hike costs, especially for long-distance or international deliveries. But the opposite is true as well. Too many warehouses can lead to soaring freight, storage, and overhead expenses.

You need to do a meticulous cost-benefit analysis before you sign any papers. If multiple warehouses are necessary, you have two options: either find a fulfillment partner with multiple suitable locations or partner with several fulfillment centers. In the latter case, managing all warehouses and inventory efficiently requires robust inventory management software like NetSuite, ChannelApe, Skubana, or QuickBooks Commerce.

“Look at where your target audience is and cater to their needs,” says Chris Matthews with Zatu Fulfillment. “If you are finding you have a high cart abandonment rate for one region compared to another, chances are they are looking for region friendly shipping options. In an age of next day shipping, customers don’t want to have to wait for orders to be processed and sent across the Atlantic.”

Step 3: Review service offerings.

Before reaching out to warehouses, you need to figure out what services you need. Sure, there are plenty of fulfillment partners for small, lightweight, eCommerce items.

However, if your inventory includes hazardous materials, fragile goods, perishables, or items needing refrigeration, you’ll need to dig deeper. For stores with a high SKU-to-order ratio, such as apparel companies with diverse sizes and colors, a specialized partner can make a world of difference.

Look for fulfillment partners adept in handling your particular type of products.

Also, think about value-added services. Many fulfillment partners offer extras like kitting and assembly, customization and personalization, and even refurbishment services. If these are crucial to your business model, be sure your chosen partner can meet these needs.

Some fulfillment partners even specialize in simplifying international returns, which can help reduce costs and friction if you sell heavily into the EU, UK, or Australia.

Step 4: Carefully narrow down your choices.

Please Note: The information in this section comes directly from Will Schneider at Warehousing & Fulfillment. He runs a company that specializes in matching fulfillment centers, like ours, with sellers who need help shipping.

What you read in this section was previously part of a guest post, which we’ve bundled into this post for your convenience.

Make no mistake about it – your choice of order fulfillment provider is a make-or-break decision.

Unfortunately, most companies make a huge mistake when vetting fulfillment providers: they put the emphasis on product and service specialization, technology integrations, and location rather than some of the more important selection criteria.

This is an understandable first instinct, as it’s certainly important to make sure a fulfillment company will be able to perform the required tasks in a suitable location.

However, not only do most fulfillment companies in the current landscape perform a comprehensive set of services and integrate with numerous technology platforms, but there are also some more critical things that need to be investigated to make the right choice. Simply put, these more common selection criteria are not always reliable indicators of the order fulfillment provider that best fits your business needs.

Of course, investigating compatibility in terms of product and service specialization, technology capabilities, and location are not without value. But more pertinent factors foretell whether a fulfillment company is worth the cost. Here is a comprehensive list of things to look for in a 3PL provider.

Key Factor #1: The Right Quality of Service

A high-performing fulfillment provider is easy to identify if you know a few things to look for. The following key concepts will point you in the right direction and help you eliminate the wrong companies from your shortlist.

Guaranteed Performance with Accountability

A 3PL company must be able to operate at a high level, and when they do make mistakes, they must take accountability for errors. Unfortunately, many companies will tell you anything you want to hear – assuring you that they will perform high-quality work and rarely ever drop the ball.

But how do you know if their promises will be kept?

The easiest way to gauge whether a fulfillment provider is trustworthy is to go straight to their contract or agreement. Reliable companies have SLAs (service level agreements) and are willing to include performance guarantees in their contractual agreements with customers. Unreliable companies who don’t take ownership of mistakes will have agreements that “pass the buck” and avoid any penalties for lack of performance.

3PLs that provide performance guarantees will include the following in their contracts:

• Specific performance guarantees that they will meet, including the timeframe to receive goods into their warehouse, inventory accuracy, order accuracy, and sometimes even shipping accuracy.
• Remedies for lack of performance, such as reimbursement for mis-shipments and lost inventory over an acceptable level, will be noted as well.

Performance is the foundation of a healthy 3PL relationship, and the right 3PL will have a pathway to measuring and being accountable for performance. Any service you consider should guarantee performance rates through a contractual agreement.

Key Factor #2: Regular and Consistent KPI Measurement

The fulfillment provider should measure Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – and this is non-negotiable. KPIs track progress against specific targets set by your contract. KPIs often concern quality, costs, speed, efficiency, resource utilization, or personnel compliance.

It’s one thing to list KPIs in the agreement, but it’s altogether different to have codified processes and technologies that enable the measurement of them. A reliable fulfillment company will have documented processes and procedures for every task performed in the warehouse, and online reports will be available to view results on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

Take inventory management, for example. Operating with a low percentage of inventory loss (lost or damaged product) requires:

• Having a thorough receiving process to ensure products are counted correctly, entered in the system correctly, and placed in the proper area within the warehouse
• Performing routine inventory counts, whether cycle counts or yearly counts, to ensure no mistakes are uncovered
• Executing a near flawless order picking strategy, so that incorrect items or quantities aren’t picked
• Providing a robust set of reports for staff, management, and customers to view in real-time

All these things combined will result in a low level of errors. It won’t guarantee perfection, as no fulfillment company is perfect, but it will ensure proper levels of performance.

So how do you know if a provider meets the mark in this area? Simple…ask for the processes and procedures manual and/or ask for a demo of their technology system and reporting. If a company doesn’t have these key components, you may want to drop them from your short list of options.

One other important note about KPIs – the best order fulfillment providers hold regular meetings with your business about KPIs. A reliable line of communication ensures that fulfillment companies are accountable for results and that they are being proactive instead of reactive. High-performing fulfillment providers will have monthly meetings or at least quarterly meetings to discuss performance.

Key Factor #3: Positive and Truthful Customer Reviews

The hallmark of quality service is positive feedback. Search for reviews and ratings of the fulfillment provider on the internet – this will give you a glimpse into their performance.

The overall quality of the reviews is more telling than the number. Pay attention to what clients say about the order fulfillment company. Then pretend you’re the client. Would you be satisfied with its performance? Do its practices encourage customers to shop for your product again? Or do its practices deter customers?

Key Factor #4: A Culture of Honesty and Integrity

A quality 3PL provider emphasizes its honest business practices. You can gain tremendous insights into an operation by the types of deals they strike and the transparency of their overall operations and relationships.

Be Wary of Back-Door Deals and Middlemen

The fulfillment provider should dissuade back-door deals that negatively impact your pricing – and they should champion your best interest. Without these measures, the relationship is built on a foundation of secrecy and lack of transparency, and you may pay more for your fulfillment services than needed.

Sometimes, providers strike deals with brokers or middlemen to increase their earnings. It’s not to say that every brokered deal is inherently bad, but they are extremely challenging and oftentimes harmful to you, the client. Unfortunately, by inserting another party, these providers most likely add an additional layer of costs to your business.

There are a few matchmaking services that are legit, matching you to the best fulfillment companies and only charging a small fee for the connection that does not in any way impact your pricing. But unfortunately, most lead generation companies, ‘top list’ websites, brokers, or fulfillment marketplaces take a cut of the deal anytime they refer your business to the fulfillment company. When commissions are involved, it’s far too easy to “play favorites” and pass deals to the companies that pay the highest dollar for referrals. This leads to extremely biased matches and should be avoided.

At the end of the day – be careful who you trust. Your fulfillment provider should be completely open with you about the structure of your deal. After all, if they can’t be honest with you about this important component, can you trust them fully with your inventory?

Key Factor #5: Best Match for Size of Operations

Another relevant factor is the size of the order fulfillment service. In many cases: small 3PL providers best match with smaller businesses, and larger 3PL providers best align with larger companies. A single provider usually cannot serve all business sizes equally.

The search engines make this type of analysis extremely difficult, because most of the top results are filled with larger 3PL providers. If you find yourself in the boat of startup operations and/or lower order volumes, keep searching past the first few pages of results and keep an open mind for single-location and smaller fulfillment providers, as they will likely offer the best overall pricing and terms.

Other Factors That are Important to You

Based on personal preferences, other factors may rank high to you. These factors are not the same for every business.

Perhaps it’s important to you that the fulfillment provider is close in physical proximity to your business. In that case, make it a priority to evaluate fulfillment companies on their locations. It might make economic sense to choose the fulfillment provider nearest to you.

In another example, you could prioritize the “personal fit” of the staff at the fulfillment facility. If you want to feel at ease around the personnel, choose the facility with that in mind.

Other businesses prefer a facility that matches their company style. Perhaps an eco-friendly business seeks facilities that reduce their carbon footprint or use recycled material.

Therefore, prioritize any important “other” factors that are most important to you before conducting your search.

Step 5: Request quotes.

Once you’ve shortlisted a few promising fulfillment partners, it’s time to request quotes. This part is simple.

But how these companies handle pricing? Not so much.

There are four main fee types:

1. Pick-and-pack
2. Postage
3. Account and storage
4. Value-added services

Pick-and-pack covers warehouse labor, while postage depends on package weight, destination, and speed. Both are applied on a per-order basis.

Then there’s account fees and storage fees. Account fees vary widely by company but are usually low. Storage fees depend on your inventory volume.

Value-added services like kitting, assembly, and refurbishment are typically priced on a per-project basis. This is because there is a lot of manual labor involved.

When reviewing quotes, forecast your sales volume and potential need for value-added services.

Use the quotes to estimate your total cost. The cheapest option isn’t always best, but the overall cost should be competitive.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an eCommerce fulfillment partner is a strategic move. If you pick the right one, you can more efficiently fill orders and keep customers happy. You’ll save a ton of time and possibly some money too.

It’s not an easy decision to make and it’s one you need to be careful about. You need to consider service quality, reviews, communication, transparency, and a number of other factors. But if you do your due diligence, you can find the right partner.

Having a good relationship with a 3PL makes it much easier to run an order-based business. That’s why so many companies call their 3PLs an “eCommerce fulfillment partner.” Because that’s what they are – key partners in keeping the business running!

International eCommerce is an exciting opportunity for businesses to reach customers around the world. But how do you provide high-quality shipping service to the world at large?

You need to build a fulfillment network. This is especially true given recent changes to global trade policy and U.S. tariffs.

Making a fulfillment network requires connecting multiple regional or national 3PLs (third-party logistics providers) through software. Doing this properly can make a big difference to backend store operations. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to start!

To help you get started, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you build a top-notch fulfillment network.

Why Establish a Fulfillment Network?

A fulfillment network is a system of logistics providers that handle storage, packing, and shipping of products. As mentioned earlier, 3PL providers are crucial in eCommerce since they can take care of these logistics functions without the eCommerce store owner’s constant input.

A single fulfillment center is a partner. Multiple fulfillment centers working together is a network. Having a network helps businesses scale operations and make sure products reach customers efficiently.

When set up properly, a multi-location fulfillment network offers four key advantages:

1. Faster Delivery Times: Localized 3PLs can ship products quickly to nearby customers. For instance, if you have a 3PL in Germany, your customers in Europe will receive their orders much faster.
2. Reduced Shipping Costs: Strategically placed 3PLs minimize shipping distances and costs. This means if you have a 3PL in the US and another in Australia, you can serve customers in those regions without paying exorbitant shipping fees.
3. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster deliveries and lower shipping costs make customers happy. When customers get their orders on time and don’t have to pay high shipping fees, they are more likely to shop with you again.
4. Trade Policy Benefits: With warehouses in multiple countries, you may be able to avoid or reduce customs duties by shipping from within a given trade zone. This can help you reduce your exposure to tariffs and lower your overall landed costs.

Put more simply, if you have the right warehouses in the right locations, you can ship your orders to far more places for much cheaper.

The 2 Parts of a Fulfillment Network

To create a successful international fulfillment network, you need to focus on two main components. The first component are 3PLs, who will handle the physical act of shipping. The second component is software, which will send each order to the right 3PL.

#1: Regional/National 3PLs

To build a fulfillment network, you need different 3PLs to act as nodes.

When selecting 3PLs, consider factors such as:

• Location: Choose 3PLs that are strategically located to cover your key markets. For example, if you sell a lot in Asia, you could have a 3PL in Hong Kong or Singapore.
• Reliability: Partner with 3PLs known for their reliability and good track record. Check reviews and ask for references.
• Cost: Make sure the 3PLs offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
• Services Offered: Look for 3PLs that provide a range of services, from storage and packing to shipping and returns management.

You want to be strategic with where 3PLs are located. For instance, a US-based eCommerce business might work with 3PLs in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami to cover the entire country with cost-efficient two-day shipping.

#2: Fulfillment Software

Having different 3PLs is a huge part of building a fulfillment network. But when the orders come in, someone – or something – needs to divide up the work. Software can do that for you.

Here is what you would need to consider when choosing software:

• Order Routing: The software should automatically route orders to the nearest 3PL to the customer. For example, if a customer in the UK places an order, the software should route it to your UK 3PL.
• Inventory Management: Keep track of stock levels across all your 3PLs. This will help you avoid stockouts and overstocking.
• Real-Time Tracking: Provide customers with real-time tracking of their orders. Nervous customers like to check their order status. Being transparent with them will help build trust.

The right fulfillment software, such as Orderhive or Cin7, to name some examples, can help streamline operations. When set up correctly, this can seamlessly divide up orders, sending them to the warehouses best equipped to handle them.

How To Build Your International Fulfillment Network in 5 Steps

Building an efficient international fulfillment network is obviously a large project. But you can still break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Here are five straightforward steps you can follow to get started.

#1: Research and Select Regional/National 3PLs

Start by identifying potential 3PL partners in the regions you want to serve. Research companies that have a good reputation and offer the services you need, such as storage, packing, and shipping. Look for companies that are known for reliability and efficiency.

• Evaluate Capabilities: Make sure the 3PLs can handle your product types and volumes. For example, if you sell electronics, ensure the 3PL has experience in handling and shipping such items.
• Negotiate Contracts: Once you find suitable 3PLs, negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs). Clear SLAs help set expectations and ensure that both parties understand performance standards.

Choosing the right 3PLs helps you lay a strong foundation for your fulfillment network. No matter how well you set up your software, if something goes wrong with the physical shipping process, the result is the same: late packages that cost too much to ship!

#2: Choose the Right Fulfillment Software

Next, you need to select order routing software that can manage your network efficiently. Explore popular options like Salesforce, ShipStation, NetSuite, and others.

A few factors you will need to consider include:

• Compatibility: Ensure the software works well with your existing systems. That includes your eCommerce platform and other existing inventory software you use.
• Scalability: Choose software that can grow with your business. As your order volume increases, the software should be able to handle the extra load without slowing down.
• Ease of Use: The software should be user-friendly for your team, making it easy to manage orders and track shipments.

#3: Integrate 3PLs with Your Fulfillment Software

Set up integrations between your 3PLs and your order routing software. You want seamless data exchange. That’s how you make sure orders get processed smoothly.

Set up the software to route orders based on factors like location, stock levels, and shipping costs. For example, an order from a customer in France should be routed to your European 3PL, while an order from Australia should go to your Australian 3PL.

Once you do this, you can use the software to automate and streamline your fulfillment process. This reduces errors and speeds up deliveries.

#4: Test the Network

This is not a flashy tip, but it’s expensive to ignore it! Before launching your network fully, you need to test it carefully.

Steps in the testing process include:

• Simulate Orders: Create test orders in your system to simulate actual customer purchases. Test various scenarios, such as different regions and shipping methods. You want to make sure the network can handle all possibilities.
• Run Pilot Programs: Start with a small group of real orders to gauge performance. Watch key metrics like delivery times, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Collect Data: Gather data from test and pilot orders to identify any issues or bottlenecks. Use this information to refine your network before a full rollout.

During your testing process, you might find out, for example, that orders to Asia are taking too long. This could lead you to choose a different 3PL in that region or adjust your order routing rules.

#5: Launch and Monitor the Network

After testing, you can roll out the fulfillment network. For best results, gradually scale up operations to include all regions and handle more orders. You want to make sure all 3PLs and software are fully integrated and operational.

Again, you will need to use your fulfillment software to track performance metrics like delivery times and order accuracy. This is, ultimately, about making sure items get to the right people in the right place, on-time and intact.

Keep an eye on this data and that will help you track trends and see what can be improved. Keep tweaking order routing rules and stay in touch with your 3PL partners. Optimization and communication go a long way!

Common Fulfillment Network Challenges

Building and maintaining an international fulfillment network can be quite challenging. But if you’re smart about how you approach it on a strategic level, your main concern will be handling day-to-day operational issues.

Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them.

#1: Complex Logistics Coordination

Managing multiple 3PLs across various regions can get complicated. Each 3PL might have different systems and processes, making coordination a headache.

Using centralized fulfillment software as we’ve stated earlier will help you coordinate logistics seamlessly. The main thing you need to do once selecting and rolling out good software is to regularly test and monitor it.

With enough order volume, small quirks in routing can lead to big additional expenses in postage. It’s worth making a habit of routinely monitoring your order routing software to make sure it’s working well.

#2: Customs and Regulatory Compliance

Different countries have varied customs regulations and compliance requirements. This can be a hassle to navigate, especially if you’re shipping to multiple countries.

Work with 3PLs that know how to handle international shipping and customs. They can keep your company compliant and help you avoid costly delays.

#3: Cost Management

Shipping internationally can be expensive, with fluctuating costs due to factors like fuel prices, tariffs, and currency exchange rates. To keep shipping costs down, make sure your order routing is optimized to choose the most cost-effective route. This is one of the biggest things you will want to get right.

Plus, once you consider the recent U.S. tariff increases in 2025, it’s more important than ever to monitor landed costs. That is, the total cost of getting a product to the customer, including duties and customs fees. If you’re shipping internationally, use HS code optimization and work closely with customs brokers to keep costs down.

Once you have enough leverage, it might also be smart to negotiate favorable rates with the 3PLs in your network. If you ship enough orders with them, they will likely want to keep you as a client and may be more flexible. Those price breaks can add up!

#4: Inventory Management

Keeping track of inventory across multiple locations can be tough. You need to know exactly what’s in stock at each 3PL to avoid stockouts and overstocking.

To that end, the best thing you can do is make sure your order routing software also has robust inventory management functions. This is something worth vetting before you commit wholeheartedly to using a system as a core piece of your fulfillment network.

#5: Technology Integration

Fulfillment networks are built on computer networks. That means keeping up a smooth data exchange between your system and your 3PLs. But ask any IT person you know, and they’ll tell you – different systems don’t always communicate well with each other.

From time to time, run and test and make sure all your 3PL integrations are working properly. The last thing you want to see is orders going out late because of some obscure technical hiccup. Much better to be proactive here!

#6: Customer Satisfaction

You know what it’s like to get a package late! As you can imagine, any delays and errors in fulfillment can negatively impact customer satisfaction. Customers expect fast and accurate deliveries, and any glitch can make them mad.

Use your fulfillment software to track how long orders take to be processed and delivered. If you see delays, look into the problem and address the root cause, such as switching to a faster 3PL or improving your order processing system.

#7: Trade Policy Changes

International trade policies can shift rapidly, impacting duties, tariffs, and shipping regulations. The U.S. tariff increases in 2025 are a perfect example of how sudden changes can raise costs and complicate fulfillment logistics.

To protect your business, stay informed about major trade developments and maintain flexibility in your fulfillment network. Working with multiple 3PLs in different regions gives you more options if tariffs or regulations make one shipping route less viable.

Depending on how big your business is, you might also want to consider diversifying suppliers and fulfillment partners across multiple countries. This can be a good way to hedge against future trade disruptions.

Final Thoughts

For large eCommerce shops, having a well-connected fulfillment network is incredibly important. Having the right software and the right 3PLs is what makes it possible to ship across the world quickly and cost-effectively.

If you set up your fulfillment network properly, you can keep customers happy and expand your global reach. All while keeping costs down too!

Yes, setting up a fulfillment network is a huge task. But if you break it down into its two main parts – picking the right software and picking the right warehouses, it’s a lot easier to understand.

Don’t let the complexity scare you. There are a lot of good software options and a lot of good 3PLs in the world. If you find the right ones to work with, you can get a fulfillment network built out in record time.

Freight shipping makes global commerce possible. Take away the trains and trucks and cargo ships and our modern economy would simply stop. Freight is how goods move from factories to customers, bridging continents and oceans.

But not all shipping methods are created equal. For many businesses, the choice comes down to sea or air.

Sea shipping is the backbone of global trade, moving enormous quantities of goods at low costs. Air shipping, on the other hand, offers speed but comes with a much higher price tag. Understanding why sea shipping is cheaper than air shipping can save businesses thousands, if not more.

It’s not just about size, though size matters. Ships can carry far more cargo than planes, but the real savings come from efficiency, infrastructure, and fuel costs. All these factors work together to keep sea shipping affordable, even though it takes longer.

The question then becomes: when does air shipping make sense? And how do businesses balance cost and speed in their supply chains?

These are the trade-offs that smart companies navigate every day. Here’s what you need to know.

Sea shipping is cheaper than air shipping

For the vast majority of freight shipments, sea shipping is cheaper than air shipping. And it’s not close at all.

We like to use Freightos to compare freight shipping rates, since their software provides instant quotes. To illustrate the price gap between sea shipping and air shipping, we’ve run a few quotes for this article.

If you were to ship 5 pallets (48” x 40” x 60”), each weighing 1,000 pounds from a factory in Shanghai to our warehouse in Lakewood, New Jersey, you would have a lot of shipping options.

Among them, the lowest priced carrier on their portal would charge $3,011 to do that. It would ship by sea and the process would take 4-5 weeks, port-to-port. Freightos estimates the actual delivery time would take between 40-48 days, which is about 6-7 weeks.

On the flip side, the cheapest available air shipping could be done in 8-9 days port-to-port, 13-16 days, at a price of $14,110. That’s about 32 days or 4.5 weeks faster, but at almost five times the cost!

Not pictured, the fastest quote we saw would take only 1-3 days to ship total, but at a cost of $28,830. That’s about 7 weeks faster, but at about 10 times the price.

If you try different shipment sizes, you will see very similar results across the board. Air shipping is consistently much faster, but far more expensive. So it’s worth exploring why that is the case, and why you might choose air over sea or vice versa.

Note: These quotes were accurate on October 16, 2024, but freight rates fluctuate due to fuel prices, congestion, and trade policy. Always check current rates with your freight forwarder or platform like Freightos before making a decision.

Why is sea shipping cheaper than air shipping?

Sea shipping is cheaper than air shipping for one simple reason: efficiency. Ships can carry far more cargo than planes. This reduces the cost per unit, allowing companies to save big on shipping.

This effect is so pronounced that business owners outside of the logistics industry are well aware of its impact. “Ships can carry far more volume per journey compared to airplanes,” says Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of Online Games. “Plus, fuel is definitely a smaller part of a ship’s operating cost than for planes.”

Planes use an enormous amount of fuel to fly and customers – the folks who need freight shipped – end up paying for the cost. Ships are slower, but burn a lot less relative to the cargo they carry, thanks to the ocean doing much of the work.

Infrastructure also plays a role here. Airports are expensive to build and maintain. Ports aren’t cheap either, of course, but they have been in use for centuries and handle far large volumes of goods.

When you think about cargo capacity, fuel, and infrastructure combined, it’s not hard to understand why sea shipping is cheaper than air shipping. The mind-boggling part is how big the difference in cost is!

Even recent U.S. tariff policies are not enough to dethrone sea shipping as the less expensive option. Sea freight is still more affordable per unit, though it should be noted that tariff hikes can create unexpected cost spikes, especially for high-volume or high-value goods.

Why would you choose air shipping over sea shipping?

Even though it’s more expensive, air shipping definitely has its benefits. Dane Nk, Founder of That VideoGame Blog gives a great example from his experience.

“All in all, from what I’ve come to observe in the last few years, air shipping typically makes more sense than sea shipping under specific instances where every second counts. For example, when it comes to tech, sending out and shipping products like smartphones close to their release date is necessary to maintaining market relevance and consumer satisfaction.”

He goes on to add that “for perishable goods like medical supplies, air freight has the necessary speed to make sure such products arrive in optimal condition ᅳ preserving their value and efficacy.”

“Despite its higher cost though, air shipping gives its consumers unmatched speed and reliability for urgent or high-value shipments, making it the go-to choice when the cost of delayed delivery far exceeds the expense of faster transportation.”

Sea shipping typically takes weeks, and there is no way around this. When speed really matters, air shipping is truly the only acceptable option for long-haul freight shipping.

What other kinds of freight shipping are there?

Aside from sea and air, there are two other major types of freight shipping: road and rail. Both have their strengths, depending on the distance and the type of goods being moved. Road shipping is flexible. Trucks can go nearly anywhere, making them perfect for that last mile.

Rail shipping, on the other hand, is ideal for heavy or bulky items. Trains can carry large amounts of cargo over long distances. It’s slower than road transport, but the cost per unit is much lower, especially when moving goods in bulk.

Rail transport is like the ground equivalent of sea shipping, with road transport being the ground equivalent of air shipping. (This metaphor has limits, of course, since you’d hardly expect a plane to land at a warehouse, although perhaps our competitors disagree!)

That said, for shorter distances, road freight is hard to beat. Trucks can pick up and drop off at specific locations, offering door-to-door service. This makes them perfect for regional deliveries and eCommerce.

Rail is more limited in its reach. You need access to a rail network, and that’s not always available. But where it works, it’s cost-effective, especially when transporting goods over landlocked areas.

Another option, and one which is very common in freight shipping, is intermodal shipping. Intermodal shipping means combining several types of freight. Goods might move by truck to a rail terminal, then continue by rail, and finally be delivered by truck. This is kind of like the freight equivalent of booking a flight, taking a shuttle, and then renting a car if you need to travel out of town.

What is the best way to keep freight shipping costs low?

The best way to keep freight shipping costs low is to plan ahead. When you have time on your side, you can choose more affordable options, like sea or rail. Faster shipping, like air freight, always costs more. The situation you really want to avoid is shipping something by air that can be shipped by sea because you’re under a time crunch.

“In our operations, while we mainly deal with digital products, we sometimes need to ship physical merchandise or marketing materials,” says Cristian-Ovidiu. “We generally stick to sea freight to keep costs down unless we’re under a tight deadline or dealing with items that need quicker handling. Then air freight becomes worth the expense.”

Planning in advance alone is the largest lever you have for lowering costs. But if you’re looking for a bit more advice, here are a few other things you can do.

• Design with shipping in mind. Before you start manufacturing, think about ways you can make your products as light and small as possible. This will help you cut down on freight and order fulfillment costs, and might save some money during the manufacturing process as well.
• Consolidate shipments when you can. Instead of sending multiple small packages, wait until you have enough to fill a container or truck. Shipping in bulk brings the cost per item down.
• Pick partners carefully. A good freight forwarder can negotiate better rates and find the most efficient routes. They’ll also handle the paperwork—including paperwork related to tariffs—which can help you avoid costly mistakes.
• Packaging matters too. Use the smallest, lightest packaging that still protects your goods. Excessive packaging takes up space, and in shipping, space is money.

Again, planning freight shipping in advance is, by far, typically the most impactful step you can take. But these other four tips can also save you considerable sums of money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

In freight shipping, time and money rarely move in the same direction. Sea shipping wins on cost, giving businesses the ability to move huge volumes of goods at a fraction of the price of air. But when speed is critical, air shipping can be worth every extra dollar.

Choosing the right shipping method depends on your needs. If your products can wait a few extra weeks, sea freight is your best bet. It keeps costs low, which can help boost profit margins or keep prices competitive.

On the flip side, for urgent shipments or high-value goods, air shipping is the answer. The speed it provides ensures you don’t lose out on sales or quality, especially for perishable goods or time-sensitive products.

Ultimately, smart planning is the key to managing freight costs. When you understand the strengths of each shipping method, you can strike the perfect balance between speed and savings.

Finding the right manufacturer is absolutely critical if you want to bring your dream product to life. A good manufacturer can make your vision a reality, ensuring high quality and timely delivery. But if you choose poorly, you could face delays, cost overruns, and subpar products.

This guide will help you navigate the process of finding the ideal manufacturing partner. In it, we will cover:

• Basic manufacturing information you need to know
• Common problems and how to avoid them
• Methods to find manufacturers
• More websites for further research

With this information, we hope to help you find the perfect manufacturer for your loftiest ambitions!

Manufacturing Basics: 6 Concepts You Must Understand

Manufacturing is about transforming raw materials into finished products. Conceptually, it’s simple. Practically, it’s complicated.

Here are six things you need to understand before you go down the manufacturing rabbit hole online.

#1: Manufacturing in a Nutshell

Manufacturing is what transforms raw materials into finished products. It includes multiple stages: planning, designing, prototyping, production, and quality control.

• Planning sets the groundwork by defining what needs to be made and how.
• Designing turns ideas into detailed plans.
• Prototyping tests these designs to catch any issues early.
• Production is where the real making happens, turning designs into actual products.
• Quality control ensures everything meets the required standards.

Each stage must be managed well to produce a final product that meets all specifications and quality standards.

#2: Different Types of Manufacturing

Manufacturing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are different methods depending on what you need.

Batch production is for smaller quantities, making it flexible and adaptable. It’s great if you need limited runs or want to test a new product without a huge commitment.

Mass production is for large volumes. It’s cost-effective but requires significant setup, making it ideal for products with high demand.

Bespoke manufacturing is for custom items. It allows for high customization, perfect for unique or specialized products.

Choosing the right method depends on your product’s needs, balancing flexibility, cost, and volume.

#3: The Importance of Design for Manufacturing (DFM)

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is about making products easy and cost-effective to produce. It’s crucial to consider DFM from the start to avoid problems later.

If you ignore DFM, you might face higher costs and production challenges. DFM principles focus on simplifying designs, using standard materials, and minimizing parts.

A simpler design means fewer things can go wrong, making production smoother and cheaper. Standard materials are easier to source and often cheaper. Fewer parts mean less assembly time and fewer points of failure.

It’s really important to think about DFM early on. Of all the possible levers you have to keep costs low and production simple, DFM is probably the strongest one.

Don’t skip this!

#4: Why Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) Matter

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) is the smallest quantity a manufacturer will produce in one order. Knowing your product’s MOQ is crucial for budgeting and planning.

High MOQs can mean higher upfront costs, which can be a challenge, especially for startups or small businesses. With Kickstarter campaigns in particular, the cost to produce an MOQ is extra important. That’s because a lot of crowdfunding campaigns are held in order to raise funds for production, whose cost is directly influenced by MOQ.

Sometimes, you can negotiate with manufacturers to lower the MOQ or get more flexible terms. Always consider MOQ when planning your production runs to ensure you can meet these requirements.

Proper understanding and planning around MOQ can make a big difference in managing costs and ensuring your production is viable.

#5: How To Request Quotes

Requesting a quote from a manufacturer is a key step in starting a business relationship. To get accurate quotes, you need to be clear and detailed about your product specifications.

In all likelihood, you will already be talking to manufacturers before requesting a quote. After all, you will need to have information about the MOQ, sampling, and turnaround time first. You’ll also need to finalize the specs, and manufacturers will likely have feedback for you to make sure your desired products can be made.

Ultimately, you will need detailed drawings, material specifications, and an understanding of any special requirements your product might have. When you have that, then it’s time to request a quote.

You will need to request quotes from multiple manufacturers so that you can compare prices. This will let you evaluate potential deals from different manufacturers.

This is not a process you want to rush. Thoroughness matters a lot!

#6: Quality Assurance & Packaging

Quality assurance makes sure your product meets all necessary standards before it goes into mass production. Always order samples from your manufacturer and inspect them critically.

This helps catch any issues early. Quality control involves regular inspections, testing, and making sure everything adheres to set standards throughout production.

Packaging is another big part of manufacturing and quality assurance. It often goes overlooked.

Your packaging needs to protect your product during shipping and handling. But you also can’t forget it’s also part of the overall customer experience in terms of branding and marketing.

A great packaging design can enhance the unboxing experience, making it memorable and shareable on social media. Think about durability, branding, and how the packaging reflects your product’s identity. Work closely with your manufacturer to ensure they understand and can meet your packaging requirements.

Proper packaging not only keeps your product safe but also boosts customer satisfaction and can influence their decision to buy from you again. So, prioritize quality assurance and packaging to make a lasting impression on your customers.

Common Problems in Manufacturing

Manufacturing can be tricky, with lots of potential pitfalls. In the sections that follow, we talk about some common problems. As we go over them, we’ll talk about how you can sidestep them to keep your production running smoothly.

#1: Poor communication and misaligned expectations

Clear communication with your manufacturer is absolutely crucial. Misunderstandings about design details and expectations can lead to big issues.

For example, imagine expecting a shiny silver finish on your product, only to receive a dull matte gray instead!

To avoid this, make sure every single specification is documented in detail and agreed upon by both parties. Use clear drawings, precise measurements, and unambiguous descriptions.

Regular updates and open lines of communication help ensure everyone is on the same page. Misaligned expectations can derail your project, so take the time to clarify and confirm every detail.

#2: Delays and unexpected costs

Delays and cost overruns are all too common in manufacturing. They can throw your entire plan off track. To tackle this, always add a cushion to your budget and timeline.

Expect the unexpected and be prepared for it. Create a contingency plan to handle surprises without panicking. Regular communication with your manufacturer is key here too.

This is especially true if you’re manufacturing overseas. Tariff hikes can drastically increase landed costs without much notice—another reason to build in extra margin and keep a close eye on trade policy updates.

Stay updated on the progress and any potential issues that could cause delays or extra costs. While you can never eliminate the possibility of unexpected costs, you can at least reduce the odds that they break your business by following tip #1.

#3: Late design changes

Changing your design mid-production is a recipe for disaster. It can lead to significant delays, increased costs, and even quality issues.

The best way to avoid this problem is to finalize your design before starting production. Once you’ve started, stick to the agreed design. Of course, some changes might be necessary, but try to limit them and understand the potential consequences.

Having a solid design from the start helps so much here. It will let you avoid last-minute changes, which will lead to a smoother production process and a higher quality end product.

#4: Poor quality control

Quality control is a critical aspect of manufacturing. A single bad batch of products can seriously damage your reputation and customer trust.

Conduct quality checks at every stage of production to maintain high standards. Regular inspections, thorough testing, and clear quality standards are essential. Don’t just assume everything will be fine—actively verify it.

#5: Poor logistics planning

Without good logistics planning, you can face major headaches. Imagine your products stuck in customs for weeks or customers getting their orders late.

To avoid these problems, plan your freight, customs, and fulfillment costs and times well in advance. Efficient logistics can reduce delays, lower costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

When choosing a manufacturer, consider all aspects of shipping and delivery. Think about the transportation method, packaging, storage, and handling. Also, be mindful of international shipping laws and customs regulations if you’re manufacturing overseas.

Any way you look at it, proper logistics planning can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

And don’t forget tariffs. In 2025, many product categories face new or increased duties, especially for imports from China and Southeast Asia. Make sure you calculate landed costs early and consult with a customs broker before choosing a factory.

#6: Payment issues

Payment issues can cause significant disruptions. Manufacturers often require a deposit before they start production, and clear agreements on payments can prevent disputes later. Consider using escrow services for added security.

Define payment terms, conditions, and milestones clearly in your contract to avoid misunderstandings and ensure timely payments. For instance, you might agree to pay a certain percentage upfront, another portion upon completion of a milestone, and the final amount upon delivery.

Regularly review and reconcile payments to avoid any discrepancies. Keeping on top of payments helps maintain a good relationship with your manufacturer and ensures a smooth production process.

Evaluating manufacturer capabilities

When evaluating manufacturers, consider their capabilities, costs, location, and reputation. Make sure they can produce your product as you imagine it and meet your quality standards.

Visit facilities, if possible, to see their operations firsthand. Look for manufacturers with experience in your industry and good reviews from other clients.

Methods to Find Manufacturers

Finding the right manufacturer requires thorough research and patience. Start by searching online, visiting trade shows, and tapping into industry networks.

Websites like Alibaba, ThomasNet, and industry forums are great resources. Don’t rush this process—take your time to gather information and compare options.

Build a list of potential manufacturers and narrow it down based on your criteria. Look at factors like their production capacity, lead times, quality control measures, and pricing.

Reach out to them with detailed RFQs and evaluate their responses. The right manufacturing partner will align with your needs and help you bring your product to life successfully.

Bear in mind that as the world leans more toward tariff-driven policy, you need to consider that as part of your cost as well. As Jehann Biggs, President of In2Green says, “some product lines are more sensitive to tariffs than others, especially those made from more expensive materials or complicated supply chains.”

Again – we can’t emphasize this enough – don’t rush! Patience is your friend here.

Finding a Manufacturer – 14 Sites You Can Use

When it comes time to find a manufacturer, you will need to do a lot of industry-specific research to find the right one. We highly recommend that you read more information relevant to your industry before starting a business relationship with a manufacturer.

That said, we’ve compiled a list of manufacturing websites that you can use to start finding manufacturers. Our original sources are Shopify and Small Biz Trends.

1. ThomasNet
2. Maker’s Row
3. MFG
4. Kompass
5. Shopify Dropshipping
6. Alibaba
7. AliExpress
8. IndiaMart
9. Sourcify
10. Core77 Design Firm Directory
11. Industrial Designers Society of America
12. Upwork
13. JobShop.com
14. IndustryNet

Final Thoughts

Finding the right manufacturer can be the key to turning your dream product into a reality. Remember, thorough research and clear communication are your best tools.

Be patient and meticulous in your search, and don’t rush into decisions. A good manufacturing partner will align with your needs and contribute significantly to your product’s success.

Shipping isn’t just a business process in eCommerce. Doing it well means pleasing customers, retaining them, and maxing out your long-term profitability. Failing to provide a good customer experience, on the other hand, is a surefire way to shorten the lifespan of any eCommerce business.

There is plenty of evidence to back up these assertions too. Almost 70% of shoppers are less likely to shop with a retailer if purchases are not delivered within 2 days of the date promised. Nearly two-thirds have canceled purchases because of excessive shipping fees. Another 74% of shoppers have said free shipping is one of the most important factors at checkout.

The message is loud and clear: provide a great shipping experience or else.

But how do you do that?

One useful frame for answering that question is to consider common mistakes that other eCommerce sellers make. Once you know what they are, you can take steps to avoid making them yourself.

In this post, we’ll talk about seven common mistakes that eCommerce sellers make in order fulfillment. Problems can take hold anywhere from inventory management to customer communication, so there are plenty of ways to improve. This post will give you actionable strategies that you can apply to step up your eCommerce order fulfillment experience.

What happens when shipping goes wrong?

Shipping in general is difficult, and international shipping doubly so. But if you know what can go wrong and how to prevent it, you’ll save a lot of money on shipping because of all the problems that don’t happen.

If you ask any eCommerce pro for a shipping horror story, they’ll be able to give you one. And much like tough guys comparing scars, they’ll have fun telling you too.

Dan Jones, Founder of Terrarium Tribe, shared a particularly harrowing tale with us, saying, “we ship live moss that’s in a dried/dormant state. It’s meant to be a lot less sensitive to different temperatures and environmental conditions this way, and to be fair, it is. But during the heat waves this summer, we certainly found the limit of that resilience. One week, we shipped out a few orders of fresh green moss to Texas, and those customers each received a package of brown, dry husks. Thankfully, it’s a straightforward fix now with the inclusion of cold packs, but the weather is getting increasingly difficult to manage.”

Lou Haverty, Owner of Tank Retailer also shared an unusual horror story as well. In his telling, “the order was for a high cost item and my customer actually passed away after the product was delivered to his house. A few weeks later I received a call from his widow to see if it would be possible to return the product after the return window had expired. Given the circumstances, I made an exception and we were able to return the product.”

The point of sharing these stories is twofold. First, any eCommerce operation that ships orders, domestic or international, needs to be able to prevent as many issues as possible in order to save money. But also, it should be noted that sometimes unpredictable events — like accepting a return from a customer’s window — happen as well so processes need to be flexible enough to accommodate these issues as they arise.

What metrics do you use to monitor order fulfillment?

If you want to keep order fulfillment costs in check, you need to know what kind of data to pay attention to. Ed Rakovsky, CEO of Superior Seating, chooses to monitor “production lead time, order accuracy, customer satisfaction, and on-time delivery rates.” This is a good all-purpose collection of metrics that any firm can use.

Dan Jones from Terrarium Tribe has a more in-depth process that might be suitable for different types of businesses. He says that “with shipping live bugs, there are a few key metrics that really influence the chances of them arriving safely and healthily. Shipping speed is number one, so we track the advertised shipping rate chosen (e.g., Priority 2-day) and the actual date the package was delivered. That way, we can keep track of the reliability and performance of the different carriers.”

He goes on to state that “we keep track of any dead-on-arrivals (DOAs) so we can track the performance of our own processes and see whether they were clearly down to carrier error or if there’s any way for us to improve.”

This more in-depth approach, though it sounds highly specific to Jones’ line of work, can be generalized to other kinds of products that are perishable such as food or even temperature-sensitive, such as cosmetics.

Mistake 1: Sending shipments to the wrong address.

One of the easiest ways to save money on shipping is to make sure you always send to the correct address. This is trickier to do than you might think since every country has different standards for postal addresses and people often make mistakes when providing their information.

Renante Altar, Project Manager of Creloaded, suggests using address validation software to cut down on incorrect shipments. “These programs help check that the addresses are right, and they keep track of every order,” says Altar. “This cuts down on mistakes and makes everything faster.”

Because of the nature of his business, which involves shipping large, heavy items, Haverty says that “I always contact the customer to confirm the shipment address and whether they need a liftgate. The biggest risk is if you ship an expensive product blindly to an address without confirming the customer can handle the delivery.”

Regardless of what you ship, you need some system in place to check addresses before you print postage or arrange shipping.

Mistake 2: Stocking out or overstocking.

Inventory issues will crush online stores, whether that means having too many items or not enough. You need some way to make sure that you have enough inventory available for shipping, but not so much that it’s sitting around and costing money to store.

Renante, from his experience managing an eCommerce blog, says that “companies use systems to watch their stock all the time. These systems tell them when to order more products or when to slow down because they have too much. This helps them avoid running out of items or having too many that no one buys.”

This applies not only to finished products, but raw materials as well. Rakovsky says that “since most of our products are custom-made, stockouts are rare. However, for certain materials, we use a just-in-time inventory system and demand forecasting to avoid overstocking while ensuring material availability.”

Tariffs have added fresh urgency to this as well. Amra Beganovich, founder of Colorful Socks, emphasizes how inventory strategy must adapt in a high-tariff environment: “We’ve had to shift to nearshoring and dual-sourcing to manage rising costs. Stockpiling impacted SKUs ahead of tariff hikes has helped us avoid sudden price spikes and delivery disruptions.”

Here are some specific tips you can follow to resolve common inventory issues:

• Use an inventory management system with real-time tracking to monitor stock levels.
• Establish good demand planning processes. Analyze past sales data for trends and stay tuned to market shifts and consumer behaviors.
• Keep an open line of communication with suppliers to understand lead times and potential supply chain disruptions before they become an issue.
• Conduct regular inventory audits to identify discrepancies and issues like theft or damage.
• Diversify your inventory to reduce risks associated with demand fluctuations for certain products. In other words, make sure your business isn’t dependent upon the sales of a single hot commodity.

Managing your inventory comes down to balancing stock levels with market demands. The process takes some trial and error, but once you get it right, it can really help you grow your business, manage your expenses, and keep stock levels where they need to be.

Mistake 3: Inefficient picking and packing.

Picking and packing is the process of retrieving items from storage and prepping them for shipping. It’s not a hard thing to do well if you have processes to support you (or a fulfillment partner to do the work on your behalf), but you do have to be organized and careful because it’s easy to make mistakes.

Delays or errors in these processes can lead to customer dissatisfaction and increased returns. That means that streamlining these operations is essential for quick, accurate order fulfillment.

• Optimize your warehouse layout: Arrange products strategically for easy access and group similar items together.
• Implement barcode scanning technology to speed up the process and ensure accuracy in picking and packing.
• Adopt batch picking methods for fulfilling multiple orders simultaneously, particularly for similar orders.
• Regularly train and update your warehouse staff on best practices and new technologies.
• Alternatively, choose an order fulfillment partner to take care of these processes for you if you don’t want to do them in-house.

Again picking and packing isn’t hard, but it does require an eye for detail. If you’re already tired or spread thin, it’s easy to mess up, so it’s important to have systems and processes to make it as easy as possible. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce errors and delays, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Mistake 4: Underestimating shipping times, delays, and costs.

Shipping challenges like delays and high costs can significantly impact customer satisfaction and profitability. This is especially true once your orders leave your warehouse and are taken care of by carriers such as the US Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

Though you cede direct control over your orders when carriers take custody of them, your customers will still hold you responsible. Any delays or carrier issues will require your management. Being proactive is best here, so consider how these efficient shipping strategies can help you maintain your competitive edge.

• Diversify your shipping carriers to avoid dependency on a single carrier’s delays and rate hikes.
• Negotiate better rates with carriers using your regular shipping volume as leverage.
• Use regional carriers for shorter routes to reduce costs.
• Incorporate real-time tracking systems to keep both you and your customers informed about shipments.
• Explore using fulfillment centers closer to major customer bases to reduce shipping distances, costs, and delivery times.

Again, the key here is picking the right partners and making sure they work with you on favorable terms. If you try not to depend too much on any individual carrier, that will go a long way toward mitigating shipping issues.

Mistake 5: Mishandling returns.

For shippers of all kinds, returns are also a frequent source of unnecessary expenses. The trick is that you need to be able to balance customer experience and ease of making a return with cost.

“When it comes to returns, having a simple and clear return policy is really important,” says Renante. “Businesses [should] make it easy for customers to send items back if they need to. This keeps the customers happy and helps the business keep [accurate stock levels].”

To give a more concrete example, Haverty states that, “we offer a 30 day return window for all customer sales. If the customer decides to return the product during that window the customer also has to pay return shipping unless there is a defect with the product.”

Even businesses that create bespoke products need to consider returns as well. To quote Rakovsky, “given that many of our products are custom-built, we handle returns on a case-by-case basis. We aim to resolve any issues quickly, ensuring customer satisfaction while adhering to our return policies for custom itemfs.”

This is supported by a larger body of evidence too. “Over 60% of individuals will examine the return policy before purchasing” according to Ecommerce Fastlane. This means providing a good returns experience will help tremendously with assuring customer loyalty. Unfortunately, it’s very easy to think about returns only as an afterthought.

Here are some tips on how to avoid making that mistake:

• Ensure your returns policy is clear, concise, and easily accessible to set proper customer expectations.
• Include specific details in your policy about the time frame for returns, accepted item conditions, and the refund process.
• Consider offering free returns, balancing customer loyalty benefits with financial implications.
• Implement a straightforward online system for initiating returns to simplify the process.
• Process returns and refunds promptly to avoid customer frustration.
• Analyze returned items for recurring issues to improve product quality and description accuracy.
• Try to minimize returns by providing clear product descriptions, detailed images from multiple angles, and – where applicable – accurate sizing charts.

Focus on establishing a clear and efficient returns process. This will allow your business to maintain a great customer experience even when the product doesn’t work out, which can help you build that much-desired loyal customer base.

Mistake 6: Underestimating the importance of customer communication.

Poor communication, like delayed responses or inadequate order updates, will make customers angry and sully your brand. Conversely, proactive and transparent communication will keep customers informed and satisfied. Below is a list of tips on how to do that.

• Send order confirmations immediately and provide regular shipping updates, including information about any delays or issues.
• Use automated systems for sending order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery notifications.
• Ensure easy access to human customer service representatives for personal queries or concerns. Chatbots and voice response phone systems can help reduce inquiry volume on your reps, but it still needs to be easy to talk to a person.
• Encourage customer feedback post-delivery to show that their opinions are valued and to gather insights for service improvement.
• Respond promptly and effectively to customer queries or complaints to demonstrate your commitment to customer service.

Every time someone receives an email, talks to your service reps, or checks your online system, you have a chance to build trust and loyalty. Use every chance you get.

Mistake 7: Not using common-sense technology and automation.

In eCommerce, technology and automation are essential for staying competitive and minimizing errors in fulfillment processes. Manual handling in areas like inventory management and shipping is error-prone. While nothing can replace the human touch, automation can significantly reduce mistakes and streamline operations, making it a necessity for efficient and accurate order processing.

• Implement an automated inventory management system for real-time stock level tracking and to prevent overselling. There’s no reason to track inventory in spreadsheets.
• Use automated picking and packing solutions, like barcode scanners and RFID systems, to speed up fulfillment and minimize errors.
• Integrate your eCommerce platform with fulfillment systems to ensure a seamless flow of information and reduce processing time and input errors.

Smartly deployed technology will reduce the likelihood of errors and improve overall operational performance. That will help you keep your costs down and service quality high.

Final Thoughts

Order fulfillment is a huge part of eCommerce, not to mention unavoidable. Do it poorly, and your store won’t last long. Do it well, however, and you can retain customers, increase your profitability, and build a brand that lasts.

The seven common mistakes we’ve discussed—ranging from inadequate inventory management to neglecting the power of data and analytics—show areas where a little attention and strategy can have a dramatic impact.

Ultimately, if you care about your customers and remain proactive and adaptable, you can easily avoid these mistakes. In doing so, you can build an efficient, thriving eCommerce store for years to come.

Launching a Kickstarter campaign takes a lot of planning, especially with shipping. Many creators get excited about their product and forget about the tricky and pricey shipping process. This can cause big problems.

Estimating and managing shipping costs is mission critical for your project’s success. This guide breaks down the four main factors affecting your Kickstarter shipping costs. We also share strategies to keep these costs low. That way, you can keep your campaign successful from start to finish.

The 4 Main Factors In Kickstarter Shipping Costs

You can’t ship a Kickstarter if you don’t understand the costs that go into fulfilling one. There are four primary costs every creator needs to consider: freight, customs, postage, and fulfillment.

1. Freight Costs: These are the costs of moving your product from the manufacturing facility to your location or a fulfillment center. Factors like size, weight, and location affect these costs.
2. Customs Costs: These costs come from importing goods from overseas. They depend on your product’s HS code, its value, and the import regulations of the destination country.
3. Postage Costs: This is the cost of mailing rewards to your backers. These costs vary based on the size, weight, and destination of the product.
4. Fulfillment Costs: These include expenses for packaging, handling, and managing logistics. The complexity of your rewards, the number of backers, and your fulfillment process all impact these costs.

Once you understand these four factors, you can better estimate your total shipping costs and plan accordingly to avoid surprises.

Calculating Kickstarter Shipping Costs in 4 Steps

#1: Calculating freight costs.

Calculating freight costs means figuring out how much it will cost to ship your items. This depends on how much your shipment weighs, its size, how far it has to go, and the type of transport you choose.

Bigger and heavier shipments cost more. So does shipping longer distances or using air freight. To get an accurate estimate, contact different freight companies with details about your shipment’s weight, size, and destination.

Collecting multiple quotes helps you find the best deal. Online tools like Freightos let you enter shipment details to compare costs quickly.

Accurate info and careful planning are key to getting reliable freight cost estimates. This helps you manage your budget and avoid surprise expenses.

#2: Calculating customs costs.

Calculating customs costs involves a few steps. First, find your product’s harmonized system (HS) code, which is an international standard that categorizes goods for customs. This code helps you find the duty rates for the countries you’re shipping to.

Next, research the duty rates based on your HS code and the destination country. Keep in mind that 2025 tariff increases may impact your estimates.

To estimate customs costs, multiply the shipment’s value (including manufacturing and freight costs) by the duty rate.

Customs costs can also include extra fees like taxes and handling charges. Decide if your backers will pay these fees directly or if you’ll cover them, which might be more customer-friendly but more expensive for you.

Accurate calculations help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure smoother shipping.

#3: Calculating postage costs.

Postage costs depend on your product’s weight, dimensions, packaging, and destination. Start by weighing and measuring your product, including its packaging.

Shipping zones are important since postal services use them to set postage rates. Use online postage calculators like EasyShip by entering your product’s weight, dimensions, and destinations to get cost estimates.

Since backers may be from different regions, create a weighted average based on estimated locations for a more accurate overall postage cost.

Regularly update these estimates as you get more backer info. This helps you manage your campaign’s budget better.

#4: Calculating fulfillment costs.

Calculating fulfillment costs depends on whether you handle it yourself or use a fulfillment center. If you self-ship, make sure you order enough packaging materials like boxes, labels, and supplies. It’s also smart to buy in bulk from suppliers like ULINE to save money.

If you use a fulfillment center, ask for detailed quotes that include setup fees, storage fees, pick-and-pack fees, and postage rates. Provide detailed info to get accurate quotes and compare multiple centers to find the best rates and services.

When you understand how these costs work, it’s a lot easier to set a budget and avoid surprises. Then once you can make sensible calculations around fulfillment costs, your odds of smoothly shipping your Kickstarter campaign go way up.

Keeping Kickstarter Shipping Costs Low

#1: Lowering freight costs.

Keeping freight costs low requires smart decisions and strategic planning. Start with product design—make your product as lightweight and compact as possible.

Every gram and inch matters! Reducing the size and weight of your product can drastically lower freight costs. For instance, using lightweight materials or rethinking the packaging design can save on shipping expenses.

Next, consider bulk shipping. Sending larger quantities at once often lowers the per-unit cost because of economies of scale. Ordering and shipping in bulk can reduce the cost per item, as shipping companies often offer discounts for larger shipments.

Also, explore different shipping options. Sea, road, and rail are generally cheaper than air freight, though slower. If speed isn’t crucial, go for these options to save money. Sea freight, in particular, can be significantly less expensive than air, though it takes longer.

For bigger shipments, think about hiring a freight broker. They can negotiate the best rates for you. Brokers have the expertise and industry connections to get better deals than you might find on your own.

For smaller campaigns, use a freight marketplace like Freightos to book shipments directly and avoid broker fees. Freightos allows you to compare quotes from different carriers and choose the best option for your needs.

Quick Tips:

• Design Smart: Make products lightweight and compact. For example, use materials like aluminum instead of steel, or design your packaging to be collapsible.
• Ship in Bulk: Send larger quantities at once to reduce costs. Consider ordering larger quantities from your manufacturer to save on per-unit costs.
• Use Cheaper Transport: Ship by sea, road, or rail instead of air. If time is not a critical factor, these options can save you a lot of money.
• Hire a Freight Broker: They can get you the best rates. Brokers can often find discounts and special rates that aren’t available to the general public.

#2: Lowering customs costs.

Reducing customs costs starts with understanding the customs regulations for each destination country. This goes hand in hand with tariffs, where costs are expected to rise.

As Jonathan Solis, Owner of Whisker Bark, explains, “Small businesses like mine will probably adjust prices once we have to import under the new tariffs… at least 15% increases are expected. It’s critical to plan for these shifts when estimating shipping and fulfillment costs.” This is true in both crowdfunding and traditional eCommerce.

To that end, proper documentation is key. Make sure all customs forms are correctly filled out and comply with the regulations. Incorrect or incomplete paperwork can lead to delays and extra charges.

Hiring a customs broker can be very helpful, especially for larger shipments. Brokers are experts at navigating customs regulations and can help minimize costs by ensuring compliance and avoiding unnecessary fees.

Researching and choosing the correct HS code for your product can sometimes result in lower duty rates. The HS code classifies your goods and determines the duty rate.

Compliance with safety and other regulatory standards in the destination country is also essential to avoid fines and legal issues. Make sure your product meets all necessary standards to prevent costly delays and fines.

Quick Tips:

• Know the Rules: Understand customs regulations for each destination. Research the specific requirements for each country you’re shipping to, as they can vary widely.
• Fill Out Forms Correctly: Proper documentation prevents delays and extra charges. Double-check all forms for accuracy before submitting them.
• Hire a Customs Broker: They can help minimize costs. Brokers can provide valuable guidance on navigating complex customs requirements.
• Choose the Right HS Code: This can lower duty rates. Use online tools or consult with a broker to ensure you’re using the correct code.
• Meet Standards: Comply with all safety and regulatory standards to avoid fines. Research the standards for your product in each destination country. Don’t assume your product is good to go – you need to absolutely sure it’s safe and legal where you plan to ship.

#3: Lowering postage costs.

To keep postage costs low, start by thinking about your packaging. You will want to reduce the weight and size of your packages as much as you can without compromising product safety. As with freight, every gram and inch matters for postage costs. Consider using lightweight materials for your packaging and designing it to be as compact as possible.

Compare rates from different carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx. Rates can vary for different package sizes and weights, so shop around for the best deal. Many carriers offer online tools to help you compare rates and choose the most cost-effective option.

Hiring a fulfillment center can also reduce costs since they often have access to deeply discounted postage rates. Fulfillment centers handle large volumes of shipments, allowing them to negotiate better rates with carriers.

For international campaigns, consider using overseas fulfillment centers closer to your backers. This can lower postage costs but be sure to balance these savings against higher freight rates for bulk shipping to multiple centers.

Quick Tips:

• Optimize Packaging: Make packages lighter and smaller. Use bubble wrap or air pillows instead of heavier packing materials.
• Compare Carrier Rates: Shop around for the best deal. Use online rate calculators to compare costs from different carriers.
• Use Fulfillment Centers: They can access discounted postage rates. Fulfillment centers can also streamline your shipping process and handle logistics for you.
• Consider Overseas Fulfillment: This can lower postage costs for international backers. Research fulfillment centers in regions where you have many backers to see if this option makes sense for your campaign.

#4: Lowering fulfillment costs.

To lower fulfillment costs, follow a few key strategies. If you’re self-fulfilling, buy packing materials in bulk to take advantage of discounts. This includes boxes, labels, and packing supplies.

Efficient packaging processes can also reduce labor costs and improve efficiency. Try packing a few boxes and make sure you get your process right before you pack all of them. Once you get into a rhythm, then you can train your team, if you have one. This is a great way to save time and money!

If you’re using a fulfillment center, compare quotes from several providers. Each has its pricing structure and services. You need to read every line item of each quote. Make sure you look for fulfillment centers that specialize in crowdfunding – it’s a less common service than you might think!

Quick Tips:

• Buy in Bulk: Get packing materials in large quantities to save money. This includes everything from boxes to tape to packing peanuts.
• Streamline Packing: Make your packing process efficient. Practice first, then train your team on the best practices to save time and reduce labor costs.
• Compare Fulfillment Centers: Get quotes from multiple providers. Look for centers with crowdfunding experience.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your shipping costs low is incredibly important for the success of your Kickstarter campaign. From freight and customs to postage and fulfillment, each part of the process needs to be accounted for in your overall budget.

Good planning can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide a smooth delivery process. Follow the tips outlined in this article, you and keep your Kickstarter shipping costs in check and keep your backers happy!