Matt Hertz - ThirdPerson.co's Profile - Limited

#logistics-operations - July 23, 2025 at 05:31 PM

Thanks @Chad Michael Carleton and @Deb Mukherjee 🙏

I've worked with a handful of brands that have done custom engraving both at their 3PL as well as outsourced to "a guy down the street".

Without hesitation the latter has always worked out better, for many of the reasons you mentioned. The handoff, the tracking, the time lag, etc.

Could be a play to partner with a 3PL who does this in-house (there are few, but those who do it are great) and maybe you just segregate a portion of inventory for these high volume of smaller orders, while allowing your non-customizable stuff to flow through your normal 3PL and the high volume orders in China.

Happy to chat and see if I can help make any connections.

#logistics-operations - July 23, 2025 at 11:17 AM

^ Portless is great, but they don't work with big and bulky --> focus on < 2-3 lbs

#logistics-operations - July 22, 2025 at 11:19 AM

I had no idea this was your company! I was gifted your watch winder and absolutely love it 🙂 Amazing!

Yup, totally hear you on the risk. Not sure if it would be more expensive though - since the orders maintain a "local experience" (i.e. they get USPS/domestic UPS/FDX Ground labels - not international).

As well, I've seen brands like yours take advantage of that sort of "drop ship" model to help with faster lead times (start selling inventory within days of manufacturing- not waiting weeks or months to ocean freight product to US), which of course helps with stronger cash flow. You also only pay tariff upon selling goods, not when the container of product hits the port. Not sure if you ship international, but if you do, of course those would still remain duty-free from China.

Something to seriously consider, happy to chat more about it.

Aside from that, shaking down your suppliers (happy to connect you with an alternative freight forwarder who I've found to be extremely cost competitive) is a valuable move. On a less operational level, I've seen brands increase prices for new products, thereby reducing the "shock" for existing catalogue. As well, reducing promos throughout the year (e.g. father's day, memorial day sales, holidays etc) - consider "only" a 10% sitewide sale vs 20%. The consumer tends to be fairly healthy in today's market, and given your customer is likely more affluent, reducing the "tax cut" you give them would likely have little impact on sales.

Hope this is helpful - happy to chat offline, as a happy customer!

#logistics-operations - July 21, 2025 at 02:50 PM

Ah, got it. Have you explored drop shipping direct from China into the U.S.? I understand de minimis is off the table, but the tariff would be the same should you import into the U.S. via container, and this way you would improve your cash-conversion cycle, while eliminating the cost (and timing) of freight. Just a thought!

#logistics-operations - July 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM

I'm curious, where do you manufacture your product, and how do you ship to consumer?

#meetups-events - July 11, 2025 at 12:40 AM

Any brand that wishes to attend Shipbob's annual event in DFW (link) hit me up and I will connect you with their CMO.

This will be the first year I'll attend, but I'm told it's a really good event bringing together brands and the broader logistics ecosystem.

You need not be a customer of Shipbob to attend! Let me know and I will get you in for free.

#logistics-operations - June 30, 2025 at 08:29 PM

A few that I love:

Airbox
Sprint Logistics
Wayfindr

Happy to connect you with any of them!

#general-chat - June 30, 2025 at 04:06 PM

Unfortunately not 😔

Maybe @Aaron Alpeter does?

#general-chat - June 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM

I don't get asked about Norway often, but maybe these guys can help:

https://www.posti.se/en/for-businesses

https://lettbutikk.no/

#logistics-operations - June 26, 2025 at 08:48 PM

Happy to connect you to a couple partners who can provide competitive FedEx (or UPS) rates

#logistics-operations - June 26, 2025 at 08:33 PM

Thanks Jarrett and Chad! (both great 3PL options if you're looking for a US-based provider @Danny C)

I'm not a lawyer (and thankful for that!), but I can certainly connect you with one that has 3PL contract experience if that would be helpful.

#logistics-operations - June 11, 2025 at 02:23 AM

Thanks Deb! To @Aaron Alpeter’s point, it seems reasonable, but there are a few other variables to consider.

While it might be worth considering fulfillment locally in AU/NZ, I'd be interested in knowing volumes, weights, SKU complexity, etc. Feel free to DM, happy to help navigate! Could be alternative carriers here in the U.S. worth evaluating, otherwise we can consider opening dialogue with 3PLs overseas.

#logistics-operations - May 29, 2025 at 01:27 AM

I've seen 3PLs range from 0% to 100% markup (even more!). My general philosophy is I'm okay with 3PLs marking up postage as much as they want, so long as the net rate the client pays is more competitive than what they can get on their own (or elsewhere).

3PLs gotta eat too, and it's a very thin margin business. Some make margin on postage, while others make it elsewhere (fulfillment, storage, fixed fee overhead, etc).

Cost per order is a metric I care more about, rather than hammering every single line item. So long as that net cost is competitive, let the 3PL make their $$ too. Besides, they'll like you a little bit more if it's a higher margin client 🙂

#general-chat - May 29, 2025 at 01:24 AM

I hope you're right Aaron. I just think it will be quick so they can prevent de minimis parcels from China.

#general-chat - May 29, 2025 at 12:44 AM

This is turning into a royal rumble! But unfortunately it will likely be overturned by the Court of Appeals in the next day or two. Trump will insist that he has full power to implement tariffs as he sees fit.

#meetups-events - May 28, 2025 at 06:51 PM

Hey y'all!

Wanted to share with this community something very special we've been working on here at Third Person:

Third Person's Inaugural Logistics & Leadership Retreat, taking place September 22–24, 2025 in my hometown of Nashville, TN.

The best news: This is completely free for E-COMMERCE BRANDS, which includes a 2-night stay at the Soho House in Nashville!

This is not a conference—it's a curated cohort focused on creating meaningful relationships, not surface-level networking. It is not open to the public, we are limiting attendance to 1 person per company (founders/execs only) and are capping attendance at only 50 guests to encourage real connections and an intimate retreat experience.

Applications are being reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis across three sectors: Brands, 3PLs, and Logistic Tech Companies.

You can find more information about the event here (link) where you can also find the sign up link towards the bottom (and here). I'm also attaching an overview flyer. Feel free to reply with comments/questions or DM me.

Hope to see some of you there!

Matt

#logistics-operations - May 27, 2025 at 08:47 PM

15-20% markup is better than the original 20-30% markup!

If I were you I'd be looking beyond USPS as my primary carrier. Options like DHL, or other alternative carriers will help get those prices down ever more.

#general-chat - May 15, 2025 at 11:48 AM

Hey @Lawrence Stark 👋

Definitely a handful of 3PLs in the OR area. Would be great to learn more about your specific needs before simply lobbing a list of 3PLs at you.

Would love for you to check out Third Person, a free AI-powered 3PL discovery platform I run to help brands discover and connect with qualified 3PLs.

Just did a quick check and looks like we have about 10 3PLs with facilities in OR, so lots of selection, but just need you to share a little more about the opportunity so our matching algorithm can score your needs against each of them.

DM with any questions!

#logistics-operations - May 12, 2025 at 12:08 PM

🚨 📦 CHINA-U.S. CEASEFIRE!! 🚨 📦

90-day pause on China tariffs.

The U.S. will lower tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods, imposed since Trump took office, to 30%.

Within that framework, U.S. will cut its 125% “reciprocal” tariff on Chinese goods to 10%.

A 20% tariff tied to the fentanyl crisis will remain.

Levies that predate Trump's second term will also continue.

It’s temporary. The rollbacks will last for 90 days while the two sides continue negotiations.

The effective tariff rate on China stood at 11% before Trump took office. They will now be closer to 39%, once some exemptions are factored in.

While they are immediate (will be effective Wednesday), they are also temporary. The rollbacks will last for 90 days while both sides continue negotiations.

No changes to de minimis rules in this announcement (I suspect that won't change).

I suspect freight rates from China to U.S. are about to surge as folks "hit play" on freight they've been holding, and ramp up production to import over the next 90 days.

Very positive news, at least in the short term.

#logistics-operations - May 05, 2025 at 12:39 AM

@Nate D shoot me a DM. Happy to chat!

#logistics-operations - May 03, 2025 at 07:09 PM

Yes, at quick glance they should be 20-30% less expensive. Are you using a 3pL, or managing parcel rates independently?

#logistics-operations - April 29, 2025 at 05:59 PM

Thanks <@U081DD974EA> 🙌

Nice to meet you @Andrew Mueller

Huge dog fans over here, so I'm particularly excited to help.

Feel free to DM or check out the platform I launched last year, Third Person, which helps brands like yours discover and connect with 3PLs. Completely free to use, and only takes about 5 minutes to sign up and see a short list of qualified partners.

Happy to hop on a call and chat further. Anything to help our dogs!!

#meetups-events - April 27, 2025 at 03:54 PM

You know I'd be there if I was in town! Looks like a great event

#logistics-operations - April 24, 2025 at 04:16 PM

Yes, Dean, happy to help, although my guidance will pale in comparison to what @Chad Michael Carleton can share 🙂

#the-welcome-mat - April 24, 2025 at 12:11 PM

A true e-commerce operations legend right here! Great to see you here <@U08Q11LPRFS>

#general-chat - April 11, 2025 at 12:33 PM

Both. They’re essentially a broker , but have design teams. Have a lot of relationships domestically (for quick turns, small MOQ) and overseas.

#logistics-operations - April 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM

Hey @Michael Tucker 👋

I haven't used it myself (besides demo'ing), but I work with a number of brands who are using it and I'm very close with their founder/ceo Kyle (who previously founded Chubbies). He "gets it". Building an easy to use ERP for Shopify-native brands.

Happy to connect you with Kyle so you get the attention you need.

#general-chat - April 08, 2025 at 06:27 PM

Hey @Rose Fierman - you need to talk to my friend of many years Matt (no relation to me! ) . He works at Lake County Press out of Chicago and do design packaging and engineering for countless of e-comm brands. Happy to connect y'all with him directly or shoot him a note at mpatek@lakecountypress.com|mpatek@lakecountypress.com

#logistics-operations - April 03, 2025 at 09:24 PM

Hey @Ben Hedlund

Happy to chat and help! While my platform (Third Person) doesn’t yet enable brands to discover 3Pls outside the U.S. (coming soon!) I have a good network of providers in Canada and other markets.

Would love to learn more about your specific needs (volumes, SKUs, product category etc) and I can connect you with the right folks.

#general-chat - April 03, 2025 at 05:53 PM

Great post and thanks for all the insights @Chad Michael Carleton !

For those looking for 3PL competitive benchmarking (or heck, a great 3PL!) definitely reach out to Chad. Through the work that I do at Third Person I have referred many brands to his team at Good Company.

Like Chad, I'm always happy to chat 3PL/fulfillment strategies particularly in light of all this tariff news. Feel free to DM me!

#general-chat - April 02, 2025 at 07:29 PM

I've done a lot of work with: https://www.inkdstores.com

Super easy to work with and quick turns. Happy to connect

#logistics-operations - April 02, 2025 at 03:09 PM

Hey Steven - I'm sorry to hear about that. I have two go-to connections for freight forwarding. Flexport and SEKO logistics. Depending on your exact needs one may be better than the other. Happy to connect you with either or both or learn more.

#logistics-operations - March 26, 2025 at 11:54 AM

Hey <@U084013P8BH> 👋

I'm not familiar with ShipNetwork (there are literally over 10,000 3PLs in the U.S!) but I have had a lot of exposure to Shipbob.

I'd say Shipbob is probably the most disputatious or polemical 3PL out there . They have over 7,500 customers (according to their reports) and are among the larger DTC 3PL's. I'd be lying if I said I don't regularly support brands who struggle with them and are accordingly, looking for their next 3PL.

But in their defense, they do have an ICP (ideal client profile) that if you stay true to that, would make for a really great partner, just like any other 3PL.

It's hard to give a good recommendation or endorsement without understanding what you are looking for in a new provider, and what your operational needs are. The relationship between a 3PL and a brand is kinda like marriage - what matters to you in a partner is inevitably different than what matters to someone else.

Happy to help you think through this, as well, feel free to check out Third Person, a free platform that helps folks like you solve this exact problem - discover and connect with 3PLs who are a great fit for you.

#logistics-operations - March 26, 2025 at 11:50 AM

Hey <@U084013P8BH> 👋

I'm not familiar with ShipNetwork (there are literally over 10,000 3PLs in the U.S!) but I have had a lot of exposure to Shipbob.

• Disputatious: This word describes someone who is fond of arguing or disputing.
• Polemical

is one of the larger 3PLs in the U.S. They have many facilities in the U.S. and Canada and offer a full suite of services - which is great for many, but can also drown smaller brands. They are great for the right ICP (ideal client profile).

If it's you who are exploring 3PLs would be glad to hop on a call and chat through best ways to find a great 3PL for your specific needs.

#general-chat - March 26, 2025 at 12:40 AM

Hey Maria -

NFI is one of the larger 3PLs in the U.S. They have many facilities in the U.S. and Canada and offer a full suite of services - which is great for many, but can also drown smaller brands. They are great for the right ICP (ideal client profile).

If it's you who are exploring 3PLs would be glad to hop on a call and chat through best ways to find a great 3PL for your specific needs.

#logistics-operations - March 26, 2025 at 12:40 AM

Hey Maria -

NFI is one of the larger 3PLs in the U.S. They have many facilities in the U.S. and Canada and offer a full suite of services - which is great for many, but can also drown smaller brands. They are great for the right ICP (ideal client profile).

If it's you who are exploring 3PLs would be glad to hop on a call and chat through best ways to find a great 3PL for your specific needs.

#general-chat - March 24, 2025 at 10:26 PM

You clearly have FAILED in building community Shin

#general-chat - March 22, 2025 at 11:39 AM

^ echo @Deb Mukherjee’s feedback. As well, if you sell DTC and don't use Shopify, what are you doing??

#general-chat - March 03, 2025 at 03:47 PM

I agree with @Aaron Alpeter here. I have seen it used as a security deposit of sorts. I would inquire to understand is it a deposit or a true one time onboarding payment. Depending on the expected monthly spend with your 3PL this will hopefully be a very small amount.

#the-welcome-mat - February 26, 2025 at 02:29 AM

Hey <@U08DPCLNS6P>

What a "fun" brand - congrats on your success! I can see the market for this product (...truly! )

If there is anything I can do to help you and your brand with respect to shipping and fulfillment (3PL, etc) in the U.S. please DM and reach out. Consider me a friend and a resource!

Matt

#the-welcome-mat - February 26, 2025 at 02:27 AM

Hey <@U0891CXKKRV>