Content Types: Featured

The Holiday E-Commerce Rush Starts Now! Five Things to Remember

Posted on by Tom Treller

As we approach the holiday season, it’s crucial to start preparing early to ensure a successful Q4. The e-commerce landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, and staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever. Here are five key things to remember as you gear up for the holiday rush in 2025:

  1. Stay Ahead of Ecommerce Trends

The e-commerce industry is constantly changing, and 2025 is no exception. Key trends include the rise of blockchain technology for secure transactions, the popularity of livestream shopping, and the increasing importance of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) claims. Brands are also leveraging AI and data analytics to streamline operations and better understand their customers. Keeping up with these trends will help you stay competitive and meet consumer expectations.

  1. Diversify Your Supply Chain

Recent global disruptions have highlighted the importance of having a diversified supply chain. Establish relationships with multiple manufacturers and ensure you have the ability to scale up production as needed. This will help you avoid potential delays and keep your customers satisfied during the busy holiday season.

  1. Leverage Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing remains a powerful tool, but it’s essential to collaborate with influencers who align with your brand values and target audience. Personalized shopping experiences and flexible payment options are becoming increasingly important to consumers. By working with the right influencers, you can create authentic connections with your audience and drive sales.

  1. Optimize Your Amazon Listings and SEO

Optimizing your product listings on Amazon and other platforms is still crucial. Brands should also consider using AI tools to enhance their SEO strategies and create content that resonates with their audience. This will help you stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract more customers.

  1. Focus on Mobile-Friendly Email Marketing

With the increasing use of smartphones for online shopping, mobile-friendly emails are more important than ever. Use data-driven insights to personalize your email campaigns and create a sense of urgency with limited-time offers and countdown clocks. This will help you capture your audience’s attention and drive conversions.

By incorporating these tips, you can ensure that your holiday e-commerce strategy is current and effective. Start preparing now to make the most of the holiday rush and set your business up for success.

 

How to Estimate Product Manufacturing Costs: A 3-Step Strategy

Posted on by Tom Treller

When building a physical product business, your margins matter. One of the most effective ways to boost profitability is by lowering production costs without touching your pricing.

Let’s break down why cost optimization matters using a simple product margin model.

Product Margin Breakdown: Raise Prices vs. Reduce Costs

Scenario Unit Cost Wholesale Price Margin Retail Price Margin
Baseline $1.00 $2.00 50% $4.00 75%
Raise Prices 10% $1.10 $2.20 54.5% $4.40 77.3%
Lower Costs 10% $0.90 $2.00 55% $4.00 77.5%

While both strategies improve margins, reducing production costs does it without risking customer pushback, making it a safer, scalable lever.

Step 1: Find Comparable Product Prices Online

To ballpark your product manufacturing costs, start by researching similar products on sourcing and marketplace platforms:

  • Alibaba.com: Factory-level pricing and global suppliers.
  • 1688.com: Chinese domestic prices (use Google Translate).
  • Temu.com: Great for seeing ultra-low-cost consumer goods.
  • Amazon.com: Insight into final consumer pricing.

Tip: If your product is custom, find the closest category match (e.g., if you’re creating a specialty water bottle, look at insulated bottles or gym bottles).

Step 2: Adjust for Customization and Quality

Once you’ve gathered 3–5 sample prices from each site, adjust them for factors that affect cost, such as materials, design, or packaging.

Custom Feature Cost Adjustment
Premium materials +10–25%
Custom tooling or molds +20–40%
Branded packaging +10–20%
Low order quantity (<500 units) +15–30%

After adjustments, average the estimates to arrive at a realistic production cost range.

Step 3: Validate With Modern Sourcing Tools

For a more accurate picture of actual factory pricing, use sourcing intelligence platforms:

  • ImportYeti – See your competitors’ manufacturers via shipping records.
  • JungleScout / Helium 10 – Analyze top-selling Amazon products and likely sourcing strategies.
  • Sourcify – Connect directly with trusted manufacturers worldwide.

These tools offer real-world data to cross-check your estimates and discover vetted suppliers you can contact directly.

How to Negotiate Lower Product Manufacturing Costs

Armed with data, you’re ready to negotiate more effectively:

“We’re seeing similar products quoted at $X on 1688 and Alibaba. Can you explain what makes your pricing higher?” This kind of informed question signals professionalism. It may result in:

  • A better quote
  • Access to different production tiers
  • New supplier introductions

Even if you don’t secure a price drop, you’ll walk away with valuable insight into your supply chain options.

Plan for Long-Term Cost Reductions

Early production runs often cost more due to:

  • Small MOQs
  • Custom tooling
  • Limited supplier leverage

But understanding what’s possible at scale helps you set target COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) for the future. Use your initial estimates as a benchmark to negotiate toward as you grow.

Final Takeaway: Smarter Sourcing = Higher Margins

By using modern tools and market-based research, you can:

  • Set realistic production cost expectations
  • Avoid overpaying for manufacturing
  • Increase your gross margins without alienating customers

Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling a line, understanding your true production cost potential is key to growing a sustainable, profitable brand.

Have you negotiated a great deal with your manufacturer or used a sourcing tool that saved you money? Drop us a note and we might feature your story!

 

 

 

Kickfurther Announces Appointment of Gregg Gordon as CEO; Founder Sean De Clercq Transitions to Chair of the Board

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

BUFFALO, NY, MAY 13, 2025 — Kickfurther, the leading inventory funding platform for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, announced today the appointment of Gregg Gordon as its new CEO, effective immediately, to accelerate the company’s next stage of growth. Kickfurther founder, board member, and former CEO, Sean De Clercq, will transition into the role of Chair of the Board of Directors.

“Having Gregg in the CEO role allows me to spend more time on strategy and focus on how Kickfurther can innovate and evolve in our ever-changing market,” said Sean De Clercq, Kickfurther founder. “As the Chair, I will remain engaged and continue to speak to colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders about how Kickfurther is helping CPG companies and funders to grow and succeed.”

Gordon was announced as Kickfurther’s President and CFO in January 2025, after having consulted for the company. He brings a wealth of expertise from his tenure at SSRN, a transformative academic publishing platform that he co-founded and later led through its acquisition by Elsevier in 2017. Prior to SSRN, he held leadership roles at KPMG and participated in various entrepreneurial ventures in technology and healthcare.

“Kickfurther recently announced its 10-year anniversary and surpassed $300 million in inventory funding, so this is an exciting time to lead us into the future,” said Gordon. “The leadership team is strong, the vision is clear, and the momentum is building as we continue to capitalize on being the best cash flow alternative for growing CPG companies.” 

“Gregg’s proven track record in scaling businesses and driving operational excellence brings invaluable insights to our team, the businesses we work with, and our marketplace,” said David Bovenzi, CIO of Grand Oaks Capital and member of the Kickfurther board. “As Kickfurther’s largest investor, Grand Oaks’ belief in this team and this company has never been stronger. We’re fully behind this transition and excited for the next chapter.”

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Media Contact:

Tom Reller

Treller@kickfurther.com

How CPG Brands Are Responding to the April 2025 Tariffs

Posted on by Kaylyn Perry

In April 2025, newly announced tariffs went into effect, sending ripples across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. As import costs rise, brands are being forced to re-evaluate everything from pricing strategies to supplier relationships.

At Kickfurther, we surveyed our founders and operators to understand how these changes are impacting their business models currently and what steps they’re taking in response. The results paint a clear picture: while the pressure is widespread, the responses are strategic, varied, and in many cases, proactive.

Affected Across the Board

More than half of respondents (51.3%) indicated that their business has already been affected by the new tariffs. While the full impact may still be unfolding for some, most founders are already feeling the pinch in one way or another.

Where the Pressure Is Hitting Hardest

When asked which aspects of their business were most affected, the leading response was clear:

-63.4% cited pricing and margins as their top concern

-22% pointed to supply chain and sourcing challenges

-12.2% aren’t yet sure where the full impact will land

-2.4% noted pressure on retailer or distributor relationships

This data underscores how tariffs are not just a bottom-line issue, they touch multiple operational layers, from procurement to point-of-sale.

Cost of Goods Sold on the Rise

One of the most immediate effects of the tariffs has been an increase in Cost of Goods Sold (COGS):

-41.5% of brands said their COGS have increased significantly

-39% expect increases in the near future

-Only 7.3% reported no impact at all

These shifts directly affect profit margins, prompting many businesses to make tough calls about where to absorb costs and where to pass them along.

Strategies in Motion

To stay resilient, CPG brands are adopting a range of strategies. When asked what changes they’re making in response to the tariffs, brands said:

65.9% plan to raise retail prices

36.6% will absorb the cost and reduce margins

36.6% are switching suppliers or countries of origin

17.1% are adjusting production timelines

17.1% are increasing inventory ahead of the tariffs

9.8% are making no changes at least for now

9.8% cited other adjustments unique to their business

These numbers reflect both immediate tactics and longer-term strategic shifts. From nearshoring to smarter inventory planning, CPG brands are responding with flexibility and foresight.

Impact Across Categories

Tariffs are impacting brands across a diverse set of product categories. Survey respondents represented:

Apparel & Accessories – 26.8%

Food & Beverage – 19.5%

Beauty & Personal Care – 19.5%

Health & Wellness – 17.1%

Electronics – 7.3%

Home Goods – 7.3%

Other – 2.4%

While the nuances may differ, the message is the same: across categories, CPG businesses are adjusting course.

Final Thoughts

The April 2025 tariffs are creating new challenges for the CPG space, whether it’s rethinking pricing, diversifying suppliers, or investing in inventory ahead of deadlines. At Kickfurther, we’re proud to support CPG brands through dynamic market conditions like these. With our flexible funding model, we’re here to help brands weather volatility and grow further.