This episode, recorded in March 2020, offers critical advice for Amazon sellers navigating the early stages of the Coronavirus pandemic. A shipping expert with "boots on the ground" in China provides real-time data and actionable strategies for managing supply chain disruptions, prioritizing shipments, and communicating with Chinese suppliers. This historical perspective remains relevant for understanding global supply chain vulnerabilities and the importance of adaptable logistics.
Key takeaways
Actively communicate with Chinese suppliers to understand factory status and potential delays, offering support to maintain relationships during crises.
Prioritize inventory based on sales velocity and profit margins to determine what absolutely needs to be shipped via faster, more expensive methods like air freight or air consolidation.
Understand the difference between air freight and air consolidation; air consolidation is often a more cost-effective "middle ground" for urgent, but not hyper-critical shipments.
Leverage freight forwarders for their expertise in customs, international regulations, and navigating complex shipping options, especially during unforeseen global events.
Be prepared for increased shipping costs and longer lead times during crises; factor these into pricing and inventory planning.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Actively communicate with Chinese suppliers to understand factory status and potential delays, offering support to maintain relationships during crises.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Prioritize inventory based on sales velocity and profit margins to determine what absolutely needs to be shipped via faster, more expensive methods like air freight or air consolidation.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Understand the difference between air freight and air consolidation; air consolidation is often a more cost-effective "middle ground" for urgent, but not hyper-critical shipments.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Leverage freight forwarders for their expertise in customs, international regulations, and navigating complex shipping options, especially during unforeseen global events.
What does this episode say about amazon & marketplaces?
Be prepared for increased shipping costs and longer lead times during crises; factor these into pricing and inventory planning.
