The Experts Weigh In: How To Prepare for BFCM 2025

Posted on by Amanda Levine

Bottom Line Up Front: BFCM success starts with smart cash flow planning, strategic inventory management, and building relationships that extend beyond the holiday season. Some of our industry partners share their tips on how to come out on top this season. Plus, we have the ultimate BFCM prep package to help you succeed.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can make or break a CPG brand’s year. As we’ve seen with our own clients like The Adventure Challenge, seasonal brands often generate the majority of their revenue during the period spanning from Black Friday through Valentine’s Day, making proper preparation absolutely critical.

Black Friday lands on November 28th this year, but the real work needs to begin months earlier. Inventory must be ordered, cash flow planned, and marketing strategies developed—all while managing the uncertainty of demand forecasting and competitive pressures.

To help CPG brands navigate this complexity, we surveyed our network of trusted industry partners. These experts work with hundreds of consumer brands each year, seeing what works, what fails, and what drives sustainable growth beyond the holiday rush.

Meet our experts

Financial Planning & Cash Flow

Inventory & Technology

Marketing & Growth

Operations & Fulfillment

Meet the experts
Meet the experts

Financial strategy: Plan cash before you plan discounts

“Plan cash before you plan discounts. Most brands buy heavy in September/October to stock for BFCM, but the cash doesn’t come back until late November or even December. The smartest operators model their inventory buys against both the sales plan and a downside case: What if we miss plan? Can we afford it? Are we comfortable with the risk? Go in with eyes wide open, make the call with data, not hope.” — Matthew Sommers, Solid Ratio

The cash flow gap between inventory investment and revenue realization is the #1 reason BFCM strategies fail. Matthew’s approach of modeling downside scenarios ensures brands can weather unexpected challenges without jeopardizing their business.

Create two financial models: your optimistic sales plan and a conservative “downside” scenario. Ensure you can survive the downside case before committing to inventory purchases.

“A lot of companies offer insane deals at this time in the hopes of getting new customers to fall in love with the product. What actually tends to happen with smaller brands is that they devalue their product and end up losing money during BFCM while also not increasing sales much in the long term. The insane deals are doable for huge brands, but not the smartest play for growing brands. A tip here is to offer a deal that is still attractive, while maintaining the integrity of the product and making some margin even if smaller than typical.” — Jessica Howes, Wizard Accounting & Consulting

Deep discounting can permanently damage brand perception and customer price expectations. Jessica’s advice helps brands balance competitiveness with profitability.

Action Item: Set minimum margin thresholds before planning promotions. Focus on value-adds (bundles, free shipping, exclusive access) rather than steep price cuts.

Inventory optimization: Use AI for data-driven precision

“Let AI guide your inventory ‘sweet spot’ for BFCM. The biggest challenge during Black Friday/Cyber Monday isn’t just demand—it’s uncertainty. The investment you are making in your inventory preparations is (likely) the most significant investment of the year. Many brands overestimate and get stuck with excess stock, while others underestimate and suffer costly stockouts. The key is finding your ‘sweet spot’ where you maximize sales without tying up unnecessary cash in inventory. AI tools like ForesightAI analyze your past sales history, seasonal trends, upcoming promotions, and demand forecasts to predict the optimal inventory range for each SKU by running those numbers through the same industry-leading inventory forecasting algorithms used by Enterprise companies for many decades.” — Josh Fischer, Cin7

Inventory decisions represent the largest financial risk for most CPG brands during BFCM. Josh’s AI-powered approach reduces both stockout risk and excess inventory costs.

Implement demand forecasting tools that analyze historical data, seasonal trends, and promotional impacts to optimize SKU-level inventory planning.

“Don’t Just Stock Up, Strategize. It’s about having the right inventory in the right place at the right time by using your historical sales data and demand forecasting to identify your top-selling SKUs and allocate inventory based on velocity by channel and location.”  — Themah Schroeder, Inventory Planner by Sage

Strategic allocation beats bulk buying. Themah’s velocity-based approach ensures your best-selling products are available where and when customers want them most.

The best way to approach this is to analyze sales velocity by SKU, channel, and location. Allocate inventory proportionally to expected performance rather than spreading equally across all products.

Marketing strategy: Timing and targeting are everything

“As customer acquisition costs increase during Q4 due to all the competition, we recommend our clients focus heavily on prospecting now, and then switch to focusing heavily on retargeting during the holiday season. To effectively fill up the top of your funnel, brands should make themselves discoverable across different platforms (Google, TikTok, Reddit, Meta, Pinterest, YouTube, etc.).” — David Chon, Hawke Media

CAC inflation during Q4 can destroy profitability. David’s strategy of front-loading prospecting and shifting to retargeting during peak season maximizes ROI when competition is fiercest.

You can start by increasing prospecting budgets NOW across multiple platforms. Build robust retargeting audiences for November/December activation when conversion rates are higher and CAC is more predictable.

Operational excellence: Going beyond the sale

“Use your holiday orders to seed 2026 sales by dropping a bounce-back insert with a QR that drives to a New-Year-only offer or SMS opt-in. It turns December’s buyers and gift recipients into January customers and gives you a clean channel to remarket all year. Don’t forget to coordinate with your fulfillment partner on any new marketing material you are adding to your customer orders.” — Erik Tonge, MAI Fulfillment

BFCM shouldn’t be viewed as a standalone event but as a customer acquisition driver for the entire following year. Erik’s strategy maximizes the lifetime value of holiday customers.

Design post-purchase inserts that capture contact information and drive immediate next purchases. Coordinate with fulfillment partners well in advance to ensure smooth execution.

The BFCM cash flow challenge: How Kickfurther can help

Every expert we surveyed highlighted the same fundamental challenge: the timing mismatch between inventory purchase and revenue realization. This is where Kickfurther’s consignment model becomes transformational for CPG brands. Get 100% of your BFCM inventory funded now and pay back when you sell it, easing the cash crunch often felt during the gap.

Oh, and we’re sweetening the deal this year with the ultimate BFCM prep package to help you crush this holiday season’s sales.

Sign up for a funding consultation with one of our experts and unlock these amazing perks:

  • Acquire inventory funding on consignment (buy now, pay later)
  • Get a free copy of Alex Hormozi’s new record-breaking book ‘$100M Money Models’
  • Qualify for a 30-minute benchmarking session with an industry expert to see how you stack up against others in your industry

Get started here.

Terms and conditions apply.

BFCM 2025 is approaching fast. The brands that start preparing now—with expert guidance and smart financing—will be the ones celebrating in January.

Countdown is On: What Amazon Sellers Need to Know Before Jan 1, 2026

Posted on by John Heberling

Bottom line up front: Starting January 1, 2026, Amazon will stop offering all FBA prep services, including labeling, bagging, and bundling. Brands must be 100% ready with alternative solutions or risk shipment rejections, delays, and lost sales.

For thousands of Amazon sellers, January 1, 2026, marks the end of an era. Amazon will permanently discontinue all Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep and labeling services for U.S. inbound shipments, including inventory shipped directly or through Amazon Warehousing and Distribution (AWD), Amazon Global Logistics (AGL), Amazon SEND, or via the Supply Chain Portal.

This is a fundamental shift that will impact millions of marketplace sellers who have relied on Amazon to handle the final steps before inventory becomes FBA-ready.

What’s changing exactly?

After January 1, 2026, any new FBA shipment must arrive fully prepped and labeled. All units must arrive ready to go—barcoded, bagged, bundled, or wrapped as needed. The services being eliminated include:

  • FNSKU barcode labeling
  • Poly-bagging and bubble-wrapping
  • Product bundling and kitting
  • Stickering and safety label application
  • Any other prep work Amazon previously handled

There will be a brief grace period: shipments created before January 1, 2026, will still be eligible for prep services, even if they arrive at Amazon’s fulfillment centers in early 2026. But once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Day, sellers are on their own.

Why Amazon made this move

Amazon said it initially introduced prep services, which include labeling, bubble-wrapping, stickering, and bagging items, to help protect products and avoid damage during the shipping process. Over time, sellers’ packaging capabilities have improved, reducing the need for Amazon’s prep offerings.

The reality is more strategic. Amazon’s fulfillment centers are increasingly automated. Manual services like labeling and poly bagging are incompatible with the company’s push for scalable, robotics-driven fulfillment. With an estimated 300+ prep centers now operating in the U.S. and 500+ globally, Amazon sees an opportunity to streamline operations while pushing prep responsibilities back to sellers and their partners.

The impact on your business

This change creates both immediate operational challenges and long-term strategic considerations:

Immediate operational impact

  • Full prep responsibility: You’ll need to handle all labeling, bagging, bundling, and compliance requirements
  • Higher complexity: Compliance risk increases, and any lapse in prep puts inventory at risk for rejection, delays, or added fees
  • Cost considerations: Whether handling prep in-house or outsourcing, you’ll need to budget for new labor and material costs

Strategic implications

  • Operational agility becomes critical: The brands that can adapt quickest will maintain a competitive advantage
  • Supply chain maturity: This change aligns with larger brands’ existing workflows but requires smaller sellers to upgrade their operations
  • Cash flow planning: Inventory financing becomes even more important when prep delays can derail your sales velocity

The 3 best options moving forward

Amazon recommends three approaches: sellers can take full control by packaging and labeling goods before shipping, outsource to vetted third-party FBA prep services, or enroll in Amazon’s SIPP program to ship products in ready-to-ship packaging directly to customers.

Option 1: Bring prep in-house

Taking full control means investing in:

  • Staff training on Amazon’s detailed prep requirements
  • Equipment for labeling, bagging, and bundling
  • Quality control processes to ensure compliance
  • Workspace setup for prep operations

Option 2: Partner with third-party prep centers (MOST POPULAR)

The most popular choice among experienced sellers involves outsourcing to specialized 3PLs that:

  • Understand Amazon’s requirements inside and out
  • Offer quick turnaround times
  • Have nationwide facilities for faster delivery
  • Provide dedicated account management

 

Kickfurther can help! We have an extensive network of partners who can help you with outsourcing. Contact partnerships@kickfurther.com if you’d like to be connected to one of them.

 

Option 3: Leverage SIPP (Ships in Product Packaging)

For eligible products, enrolling in Amazon’s SIPP program allows you to ship directly to customers without additional prep, potentially avoiding prep requirements entirely.

Why this makes inventory financing more critical than ever

This change amplifies the importance of having sufficient working capital to maintain smooth operations. Here’s why:

  • Prep delays = Cash flow disruption: Any hiccup in your new prep process can delay inventory reaching FBA, directly impacting your sales velocity and cash generation.
  • Higher upfront costs: Whether you’re setting up in-house prep or paying a 3PL, you’ll have new costs that hit before your inventory starts generating revenue.
  • Seasonal vulnerability: The brands most at risk are those that struggle to fund large inventory purchases ahead of peak seasons. If prep delays compound cash flow challenges, you could miss your most profitable selling windows.
  • Inventory financing as insurance: Having access to inventory financing through platforms like Kickfurther ensures you can maintain adequate stock levels even when facing operational disruptions or higher prep costs.

The sellers who thrive through this transition will be those who plan ahead, secure reliable prep solutions, and maintain the financial flexibility to invest in inventory without cash flow constraints.

Action plan: What to do starting TODAY

Q3 2025 – Today
✅ Audit your SKUs: Identify which products currently rely on Amazon prep
✅ Research solutions: Evaluate in-house capabilities vs. outsourcing options
✅ Budget for changes: Factor new costs into your financial planning

Q4 2025
✅ Secure partnerships: Demand for prep services will surge—book capacity early
✅ Run test shipments: Work out operational kinks before the deadline
✅ Plan for peak season: Ensure your new process can handle holiday volumes

Q1 2026 and beyond
✅ Maintain compliance: Stay updated on Amazon’s evolving requirements
✅ Monitor performance: Track how prep changes affect your operational metrics
✅ Optimize costs: Continuously refine your prep strategy for efficiency

The bottom line

While it may seem daunting, this change is also an opportunity. The brands that move fastest and put best-in-class processes in place now are the ones most likely to succeed in 2026 and beyond. The sellers who treat this as a chance to build more resilient, efficient operations will emerge stronger.

The countdown to January 1, 2026, is on! Will you be ready to turn a potential disruption into a competitive advantage?

Need help making sure your inventory financing can support you through this transition? Check out Kickfurther’s funding solutions built specifically for Amazon sellers like you.

Continuing the Prime Day Momentum: Five Tips for Sustained Success

Posted on by Tom Treller

Prime Day is a significant event for businesses, offering a unique opportunity to boost sales and attract new customers. However, the real challenge lies in sustaining this momentum long after the event has ended. In a previous blog post from August 2022, we discussed the strategies to maximize your Prime Day success.

Now, by leveraging the insights gained during Prime Day, businesses can continue to thrive and grow. In this blog post, we will explore more tips to help you maintain your Prime Day success and ensure long-term growth. From utilizing data and analytics to enhancing customer experience, these strategies will provide you with the tools you need to keep the momentum going.

 Leverage Data and Analytics

Utilize the data gathered during Prime Day to understand customer behavior and preferences. This information can help you tailor your marketing strategies and product offerings to meet customer demands. According to Momentum Commerce, the extended four-day Prime Day event in 2025 saw a 4.9% growth in total sales compared to the previous year. Analyzing such data can provide valuable insights for future campaigns.

Engage Customers with Personalized Marketing

Personalized marketing can significantly enhance customer engagement. Use the data from Prime Day to create personalized email campaigns, product recommendations, and targeted ads. This approach can help maintain the excitement and interest generated during Prime Day.

Offer Exclusive Deals and Promotions

Keep the momentum going by offering exclusive deals and promotions throughout the year. This can include limited-time offers, flash sales, and special discounts for Prime members. Momentum Commerce observed that 25.6% of products on Amazon US featured discounts during Prime Day 2025, representing an 8% increase from the previous year. Continuing to offer attractive deals can keep customers coming back.

 Enhance Customer Experience

Focus on improving the overall customer experience. This includes fast shipping, easy returns, and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience can lead to repeat purchases and long-term loyalty. Amazon’s strategic decision to extend the Prime Day event to four days was aimed at enhancing the shopping experience and driving overall growth.

Expand Your Product Range

Diversifying your product offerings can attract a broader audience and increase sales. Consider adding new products or expanding into new categories that align with customer interests. This can help maintain the momentum and drive continuous growth.

By implementing these strategies, you can continue to build on the success of Prime Day and maintain strong sales and customer engagement through the end of the year.

Interested in learning more about using Amazon inventory funding for your business? Create a business account today at Kickfurther.com to see a funding offer tailored to your business.

Mastering Inflation: Top Strategies for Business Success

Posted on by Tom Treller

Inflation continues to be a significant challenge for businesses in 2025. With rising costs and economic fluctuations, it’s crucial for businesses to adapt and implement effective strategies to navigate these turbulent times. Here are some updated strategies to help your business combat inflation:

  1. Negotiate with Suppliers

Building strong relationships with suppliers can provide leverage to negotiate better terms and prices. In 2025, 77% of companies are either using or exploring AI in their operations, which can help in analyzing supplier performance and identifying opportunities for cost savings.

  1. Streamline Operations

Efficiency is key to managing costs. By streamlining operations and reducing overhead costs, businesses can maintain profitability. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS) provides continuous, timely data for key economic measures, helping businesses make informed decisions.

  1. Diversify Revenue Streams

Diversifying revenue streams can help mitigate the impact of inflation on your business. Exploring new markets, products, or services can provide additional sources of income and reduce dependency on a single revenue stream.

  1. Strategic Pricing

Implementing strategic pricing can help manage the impact of rising costs. Regularly reviewing and adjusting prices based on market conditions and cost changes can ensure that your business remains competitive and profitable.

  1. Strengthen the Supply Chain

A robust supply chain is essential for managing inflation. Strengthening relationships with key suppliers, diversifying suppliers, and investing in supply chain technology can help ensure a steady flow of goods and materials.

  1. Leverage Technology

Technology can play a significant role in managing inflation. The AI market grew to over $184 billion in 2024, up nearly $50 billion from 2023. Leveraging AI and other technologies can help businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve decision-making.

  1. Maintain Strong Financial Planning

Strong financial planning is crucial for navigating inflation. Regularly reviewing financial statements, forecasting future financial performance, and maintaining a healthy cash flow can help businesses stay resilient in the face of economic challenges.

How Kickfurther can help

Kickfurther connects CPG brands with backers that can provide working capital. At Kickfurther you can get inventory now and pay later, so you can combat inflation while improving the bottom line. Our unique funding model highlights the following. . .

  1. No immediate repayments. You control repayment. Don’t pay until your product sells.
  2. Non-dilutive. Maintain equity in your business, we know how hard you worked for it. We are here to work with you, not against you.
  3. Not a debt. Because you have enough financial strain, this is not a loan.
  4. Upfront capital. Pay suppliers faster with upfront capital, there when you need it!

Conclusion

Inflation is an ongoing challenge, but with the right strategies, businesses can navigate these turbulent times and continue to thrive. By negotiating with suppliers, streamlining operations, diversifying revenue streams, implementing strategic pricing, strengthening the supply chain, leveraging technology, and maintaining strong financial planning, businesses can effectively combat inflation.

 

Inventory Financing for CPG: Future‑Proofing Your Supply Chain

Posted on by Tom Treller

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry has always been dynamic, but 2025 is proving to be one of the most challenging years yet. Rising tariffs impacting CPG brands, supply chain disruptions, and tighter capital markets have left many brands struggling to fund the inventory they need to grow. For many CPG founders, inventory financing with Kickfurther has become a game-changing solution, especially when traditional loans or equity funding fall short.

In this post, we’ll explore how inventory financing works, why it’s ideal for today’s CPG landscape, and how Kickfurther is helping brands overcome supply chain hurdles while fueling growth.

The Supply Chain Squeeze in 2025

According to Kickfurther’s April 2025 Tariff Impact Survey 51% of CPG brands have been impacted by the latest round of tariffs. Many are forced to raise prices, absorb costs, or find alternative sourcing solutions, all while consumer demand remains unpredictable. Add inflation, rising raw material prices, and slower freight timelines, and it is clear why cash flow is under immense pressure.

For many brands, the traditional approach, paying for inventory upfront and waiting months to see returns, is no longer sustainable. This is where inventory financing comes in.

Inventory financing allows CPG brands to secure the cash needed to produce or purchase inventory without tying up capital. Instead of paying upfront, brands pay for inventory only after it sells, unlocking cash flow and reducing risk.

Kickfurther takes this model further by connecting brands to a community of backers who fund up to 100% of inventory costs. Brands then repay the cost plus a small profit margin once the inventory sells. Compared to traditional loans or equity raises, this approach is faster, more flexible, and non-dilutive.

4 Key Benefits of Kickfurther’s Inventory Financing

  1. Cash Flow Freedom

No more tying up cash in products that sit in warehouses. Kickfurther lets brands pay for inventory only after sales occur.

  1. Up to 100% Funding

Unlike banks that offer partial financing, Kickfurther covers the entire production or purchase order cost, ensuring no growth opportunity is left on the table.

  1. Flexible Repayments

Kickfurther aligns repayment schedules with your actual sales velocity, removing the stress of fixed monthly payments.

  1. Faster Growth

With reliable access to inventory funding, brands can scale faster, launch new products, or fulfill big retail orders without cash bottlenecks.

Growth Stories: CPG Brands Winning with Kickfurther

Kickfurther has helped hundreds of CPG brands unlock cash flow and grow without traditional debt or equity dilution.

  • Baseball Lifestyle was facing challenges common to rapidly expanding businesses: managing cash flow, imperfect inventory levels, and ordering delays.
  • Goodwipes faced the challenge of needing more inventory to meet demand but lacked the immediate cash flow to produce it.

These real-world examples show that financing doesn’t have to mean giving up equity or taking on high-interest loans, it can be a tool for smart, scalable growth.

How to Launch a Co‑Op with Kickfurther

Getting started with Kickfurther is simple:

  1. Create a Profile – Brands with at least $400,000 in trailing 12-month revenue can apply here.
  2. Set Your Terms – Use Kickfurther’s calculator to choose terms that align with your sales forecasts.
  3. Get Vetted – Kickfurther’s Metrics Model ensures backers see only credible opportunities.
  4. Get Funded – Many co-ops fund within 24 hours.
  5. Sell & Repay – You repay backers as your inventory sells.

The Bottom Line

In a year defined by uncertainty, inventory financing is becoming a must-have tool for CPG brands. By freeing up cash flow and funding growth without the burden of upfront costs, Kickfurther helps brands stay resilient, competitive, and ready for what’s next.

Ready to future-proof your supply chain? Talk to an expert to get funded.

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 preparation strategy is current and effective. Start preparing now to make the most of the holiday rush and set your business up for success.