Making the Shift: Logistics for Growing Brands

For many founders, moving from a "garage startup" to a global operation is a huge win, but it’s often the moment where shipping and supply chain issues start to feel overwhelming. Between fluctuating tariffs, complex trade terms, and the pressure of choosing the right warehouse, it can feel like you're trying to manage too many moving parts at once.
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Nearshore Co-Founder, Liz Long  sat down with Adam Sneed, Director of Sales at Argents, to break down the essentials of international logistics. Whether you’re shipping resort wear to the Caribbean or sourcing materials from Central America, here is how to navigate the next stage of your business.

When is it Time to Move to a 3PL?

One of the most common questions for growing brands is: When do I stop fulfilling orders myself? While it’s tempting to keep your product close (like the "Costco tubs in the spare room" phase), doing your own fulfillment is a massive time-suck that prevents you from focusing on marketing.

• The Magic Number: Liz suggests that once you are consistently hitting 100 orders per month, it’s time to start the conversation with a Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider.
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• Strategic Location: If you ship primarily B2B (to retailers), coastal warehouses are great for receiving imports. If you are a D2C Shopify brand, a central Midwest hub like Chicago can lower shipping costs and transit times to both coasts.

Navigating the "Tariff Rollercoaster"

The geopolitical landscape changes daily, and staying compliant is a full-time job. Adam highlighted several critical shifts:

• The Supreme Court Factor: Recent rulings have changed how the U.S. President can implement certain tariffs. While some "emergency" tariffs (IEEPA) were struck down, they are often replaced by Section 122 or Section 301 tariffs.
  
  
• The 10% Global Baseline: Many imports are currently facing a baseline tariff, but these are often temporary (150-day windows) unless Congress acts.
  
  
• Verify Your Factory’s "Workarounds": If a factory claims to have a "secret trick" to avoid tariffs (like shipping through a middle country or misclassifying goods), proceed with caution. U.S. Customs can audit your records up to 5 years back. Always ask your factory for a 7501 Form (Entry Summary) to see exactly how your goods were declared.

Sourcing Beyond China: The Diversification Strategy

"China isn't going anywhere," Adam notes, but relying on a single country is a major business risk. If a war starts or new tariffs are applied to a specific region, your entire supply chain could freeze.

• Up-and-Coming Hubs: India is growing in capacity, though it still faces some consistency hurdles. Turkey is becoming a powerhouse for textiles and leather goods, often offering competitive shipping times to the U.S. East Coast.
  
  
• The Hybrid Model: Consider a "Nearshoring" approach. Sourcing fabric from Asia but doing the cut-and-sew in Latin America can sometimes optimize costs and speed to market.

Expert Tips for the "Newbie" Importer

If you are just starting out, follow these three golden rules:

1. Split Your Costs: Don’t just accept a "landed price" from your factory. Ask for the cost of goods only. This ensures the factory isn't hiding a massive markup in the shipping fee.
   
   
2. Know Your Incoterms: Terms like DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) vs. FOB (Free on Board) determines who is responsible for the product if it’s lost at sea or stuck in customs.
   
   
3. Engage a Customs Broker Early: Don't wait until your goods are on a boat to find out you owe a 25% tariff. A few hours of consulting before you place a purchase order can save thousands.

Next Steps for Your Brand

Logistics don’t have to be a headache if you have the right partners.

• Need a shipping quote or 3PL  advice? Reach out to Adam Sneed at Argents for a 15-minute consultation.
  
  

• Looking to diversify your factories? Visit Nearshore to submit a free RFQ or sign up for one of our plans to get vetted quotes from global suppliers.

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