Upexi CEO Allan Marshall shares how his $44M (and rapidly growing) e-commerce aggregator navigates growth, inventory, and channel strategy. Learn how to strategically diversify beyond DTC, optimize supply chains by building your own manufacturing, and master inventory management to avoid costly write-offs and improve cash flow.
Key takeaways
Instead of chasing the lowest per-unit cost by ordering massive quantities, focus on incremental scaling to minimize inventory risk and preserve cash flow. Avoid tying up capital in excess stock that may need to be written off.
Diversify your sales channels based on product fit and market demand, rather than solely sticking to DTC. Leverage digital channels (Amazon, Walmart.com) for testing and proof of concept, then expand to brick-and-mortar if demand dictates, but only if it doesn't jeopardize profitability or operations.
Consider insourcing key elements of your supply chain, like manufacturing, to gain control over quality, timelines, R&D, and inventory. This can be a significant competitive advantage, especially during supply chain disruptions.
Proactively identify and capitalize on market needs. Upexi, for example, leveraged its robust distribution network to create a profitable overstock liquidation business, turning a common e-commerce pain point into a new revenue stream.
When expanding into new markets or product categories, look for 'discretionary recession-proof businesses' that align with your existing capabilities and customer base. (e.g., Upexi's focus on health & wellness, pets, and educational toys).
Our guest is Allan Marshall, the CEO at Upexi – a creator, acquirer, and scaler of DTC and Amazon brands.Including Vitametica, Qubes vitamin gummies and Tytan Tiles. Allan invested in and took control of Upexi in March 2019. They generated $44m in the year to June 2022 and are on track for over $100m in calendar year 2023.In this episode we discuss:Seizing opportunities outside of the D2C spaceWhat is takes to scaleInventory management Avoiding overstocking Managing large and diverse teamsSustainable packagingLearn more about Bloomreach >>> ecmp.info/bloomreach Find out more about Treyd at https://ecmp.info/treyd ..This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/ ---
Download our ebook... https://ecmp.info/ebook 500 Tips to Increase Your Profits Get all the links and resources we mention and join our email list at https://ecmp.info Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://ecmp.info/review or reply to the episode QandA on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: ht
Instead of chasing the lowest per-unit cost by ordering massive quantities, focus on incremental scaling to minimize inventory risk and preserve cash flow. Avoid tying up capital in excess stock that may need to be written off.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Diversify your sales channels based on product fit and market demand, rather than solely sticking to DTC. Leverage digital channels (Amazon, Walmart.com) for testing and proof of concept, then expand to brick-and-mortar if demand dictates, but only if it doesn't jeopardize profitability or operations.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Consider insourcing key elements of your supply chain, like manufacturing, to gain control over quality, timelines, R&D, and inventory. This can be a significant competitive advantage, especially during supply chain disruptions.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Proactively identify and capitalize on market needs. Upexi, for example, leveraged its robust distribution network to create a profitable overstock liquidation business, turning a common e-commerce pain point into a new revenue stream.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
When expanding into new markets or product categories, look for 'discretionary recession-proof businesses' that align with your existing capabilities and customer base. (e.g., Upexi's focus on health & wellness, pets, and educational toys).
