Here are five practical tips to get the best value from your suppliers.

1. Build strong, respectful relationships

The best deals are rarely given to the newest or loudest customer – they’re saved for the most reliable and trusted partners. Treat your suppliers as long-term collaborators, not just vendors. That means showing respect, paying invoices on time and being transparent with your business needs, timelines and forecasts. A manufacturer is far more likely to offer you better pricing or favourable payment terms if they know you’re dependable. This applies not only to your material suppliers but also your packaging supplier, logistics partner and anyone else in your supply chain.

2. Share forecasts and future growth

Suppliers are more open to negotiating when they see long-term potential. Show them your projected sales, seasonal peaks and future order volumes. Your manufacturer may reduce unit costs if you can commit to larger orders down the line. A conversation built around growth and the importance of a profitable business can turn a standard transactional relationship into a strategic one, with pricing that reflects shared success.

In a similar way, if you’re expecting to ship 50 per cent more units in the next six months, your freight forwarder or shipping partner may offer discounted rates based on volume.

3. Do your research and benchmark pricing

Before you start negotiating, understand what the industry average is for the services or goods you’re purchasing. Research and compare rates from multiple suppliers to see how your current partner stacks up, whether it’s in product quality, delivery time or price. Where possible, include a benchmarking clause in your contract that allows you to periodically compare pricing and performance. This knowledge gives you the confidence to request better terms and ensures you’re not overpaying.

4. Streamline to buy in bulk

Packaging is an often-overlooked cost-saving area. One effective tactic is to reduce packaging variants so you can order in larger volumes and unlock bulk pricing. To put this into perspective, if the only difference between your country-specific packaging is the compliance logo in the fine print, it’s more cost-effective to include all required logos on a single packaging design and print it in bulk. This simplifies production and helps you unlock bulk pricing to reduce your per-unit cost.

5. Stacking tech with one provider

When it comes to digital tools, many providers offer significant discounts for annual plans – often up to 30 per cent less than monthly rates. Another way to save is by consolidating software with a single provider. This allows you to get a platform-level plan instead of paying for each tool separately. Bundling services this way not only saves money but also streamlines onboarding and workflows.

Good negotiation isn’t about being aggressive – it’s about building mutual value for both you and your vendors. As a small-business owner, you’re in a unique position to offer suppliers loyalty, transparency and long-term business. When you come to the table with clear projections, industry knowledge and a respectful tone, you’ll be surprised how many suppliers are willing to offer better pricing or more flexible terms.

The post Five tips for negotiating better supplier deals as a small-business owner appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Furthermore, Fair Supply has calculated that the worst-affected sectors would be healthcare ($1.6 billion), construction ($1.2 billion), and defence and security services ($ 960 million).

The start-up determined these figures through a tariff calculator that it developed, a world-first supply chain tariff calculator that has been designed to help businesses understand and potentially respond to these challenges.

Arne Geschke, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Fair Supply, stated that the calculator has been able to capture the true cost of the tariffs that impact businesses not just at the border but throughout the highly connected global supply chain.

“When secondary and tertiary suppliers are hit with tariffs, the resulting cost increases ripples through international supply chains- inflating costs, distorting pricing, and eroding global competitiveness,” Geschke said. “While the focus has often been on tariffs applied at point-of-entry, the real damage is further downstream.”

“These indirect costs are frequently invisible to traditional monitoring and are often passed onto Australian businesses with little control over their full supplier ecosystem. Our tool gives businesses the visibility they need to make strategic, informed decisions,” Geschke added.

Fair Supply’s tariff calculator is built on a proprietary engine that maps over 60 billion global supply chains and calculates cumulative tariff impacts across multiple tiers of international trade. It is the first tool in the world capable of fully capturing the impact of the ongoing trade war.

The calculator is also able to track how tariffs applied in one country flow through to products and materials that are eventually imported or used in Australia, giving businesses insight into real-time cost fluctuations.

A key feature of the calculator is its ability to help businesses compare the impact of tariffs across different countries, allowing them to make more cost-effective sourcing decisions. By entering the product and country of purchase, users can see where hidden tariff costs add up and explore alternative sourcing options. This makes it easier for companies to compare markets and choose the most cost-effective supplier based on current tariff conditions.

The tariff calculator is also designed to incorporate the most recent tariff announcements, including reciprocal and retaliatory measures as they are introduced.

“This real-time recalibration ensures businesses always work with up-to-date insights that reflect current global trade dynamics, enabling users to respond proactively to shifting cost pressures and avoid cost blowouts or procurement disruption,” Geschke said.

The Fair Supply Supply Chain Tariff Calculator is available both as a free version and a paid premium version which offers advanced analytics, reporting tools, integration features, and ESG overlays to support strategic decision-making at the executive level.

The post Indirect tariff impact could cost billions to Australia’s economy appeared first on Inside Small Business.

AusPost, Aramex, UPS, and other major carriers are already telling businesses to anticipate delays, as companies wind up operations for safety reasons.

Retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and eCommerce businesses are advised to be prepared for delays, included unanticipated ones. 

According to Interparcel, businesses outside the direct cyclone zone could also face bottlenecks, network congestion, and extended hold times at depots.

Interparcel CEO Steve Zammit advised businesses to hold onto shipments and advise customers, if possible.

“Sending parcels during the peak of the disruption can overwhelm already strained depots,” said Zammit. “Instead of pushing shipments into a backlog, consider temporarily holding onto them and clearly communicating expected delays to customers. This will prevent bottlenecks in courier networks and ultimately ensure a better customer experience once services resume.”

Industry experts are recommending businesses monitor carrier alerts closely. Additionally, businesses across the country should set realistic expectations with customers, if they believe their deliveries will be impacted. This might include using website banners, emails, and social media updates to communicate delays.

Ultimately, safety is the top priority.

“First and foremost, businesses should ensure the safety of their teams,” said Zammit. “If you can work from home or pause operations for the day, do so. No shipment is worth risking safety.”

The post Cyclone Alfred to disrupt shipping: Businesses, expect delivery delays appeared first on Inside Small Business.

With US President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House today, eCommerce brands can expect significant shifts in trade policies and business operations. Small and medium-sized eCommerce businesses must strategically adapt to navigate tariffs, maintain profitability and ensure sustainable growth. Key considerations for this new geopolitical landscape include:

Trade policies and tariffs

The anticipated increase in tariffs on Chinese imports presents immediate challenges for eCommerce brands.

Companies face a critical decision – absorb higher costs in their operations or pass increases on to customers. Either choice will impact profitability, with customer price sensitivity being a crucial consideration.

Brands must carefully analyse their margins and market position to make informed pricing decisions.

Supply chain diversification strategies

Forward-thinking brands are already exploring alternative manufacturing locations to mitigate tariff risks.

Vietnam, South Korea and Japan have emerged as particularly attractive options, offering:

• Production timelines comparable to China
• Established manufacturing infrastructure
• Geographic proximity to existing supply routes

While India presents as another viable location, longer production cycles must be factored into inventory planning, along with tax and compliance requirements.

For brands with sufficient scale, reshoring production to the United States could eliminate tariff concerns entirely, though higher labour costs require a cost-benefit analysis.

Last mile logistics

Brands utilising drop shipping or direct injection models from China face heightened risks under stricter tax and trade policies, as well as customs regulation.

Some key challenges include:

• Increased shipping costs and extended lead times
• Higher risk of customs delays or seizures
• More complex compliance requirements

To overcome these risks, companies should consider establishing regional fulfillment centres in
strategic locations like Vietnam or other low-tariff countries.

Marketing strategy adjustments

With tariffs now potentially taking up a larger share of operating budgets, marketing efficiency is paramount.

If they haven’t already, brands should:

• Re-calculate their cost of delivery to figure out their margins for each product
• Audit current marketing spend and return on investment – adjust accordingly
• Explore cost-effective digital marketing strategies, like organic social media
• Focus not just on acquiring customers, but retaining them in a bid to increase lifetime
  value

My final strategic recommendations

Supply chain optimisations:

• Prioritise Vietnam, South Korea and Japan for manufacturing relocation
• Evaluate production in the United States for high-margin products
• Expand procurement to reduce risk

Restructure your distribution network:

• Relocate drop shipping operations to Vietnam or Japan
• Assess Canadian warehouse options for North American distribution
• Implement robust inventory management systems

Financial planning:

• Re-calculate delivery costs and pricing strategies
• Build tariff impact into cash flow projections

Additional considerations:

• Build and strengthen relationships with alternative suppliers
• Review and update customer communication regarding potential delays
• Explore automation opportunities to offset rising costs

The changing political landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for eCommerce brands. Agility, strategic planning and careful cost management have never been more important. Those who actively optimise their operations while managing customer satisfaction will be best positioned for long-term success.

The post How Trump’s presidency could affect eCommerce brands appeared first on Inside Small Business.

SOTI’s latest report, The Road Ahead: Driving Digital Transformation in T&L, listed five key trends, which are:

Decrease in consumer patience

In 2025, customers are expected to demand even faster, more efficient deliveries. According to SOTI, 44 per cent of Australian consumers say they would abandon a purchase if delivery took more than two days, while 57 per cent expect the option to pick up an item ordered online the same day.

“As consumers become increasingly accustomed to rapid service, e-commerce companies face greater pressure to match that speed across every interaction,” said Michael Dyson, VP of Sales & Marketing, APAC at SOTI. “Swift and seamless delivery is evolving from a convenience to a baseline expectation.”

Focus on data protection

42 per cent of consumers already expressed concern about retailers’ ability to protect their personal information and 31 per cent feared potential data exposure. Additionally, 53 per cent of Australian transportation and logistics (T&L) workers worry about the security of customer data if mobile devices are lost or stolen.

Increased demand for real-time supply chain visibility

Consumers increasingly expect transparency from start to finish when it comes to their online orders. SOTI research noted that 77 per cent of consumers want to track their online order status in real-time, thus requiring enhanced supply chain tracking and communication to build consumer trust.

“Consumers have finite patience. They expect to see the journey of their order unfold in real time, from checkout to doorstep,” Dyson said. “By leveraging the right tools, organisations can gain a comprehensive view of metrics on real-time inventory tracking, fleet locations and delivery statuses to ensure they’re providing their customers with the best possible service.”

Device downtime to increasingly impact e-commerce organisations

SOTI research revealed that e-commerce workers lose an average of 16 hours per employee per month to mobile device issues, a decrease of almost an hour of downtime per month per employee. SOTI says this is an indication that there has been very little progress made due to the lack of seamless integration in tech.

Remote management to become a priority for driver safety

Delivery drivers face significant pressure to meet demanding schedules, and SOTI’s research highlightyed the fact that 22 per cent of drivers report feeling compelled to speed up after tech-related delays to avoid late deliveries. In 2025, it is expected that systems enabling remote troubleshooting will be critical to maintaining driver safety and keeping deliveries on track without sacrificing efficiency.

“Our findings highlight a concerning reality—drivers face pressure to ‘catch up’ on tech delays, which can put them in difficult situations on the road,” noted Dyson. “Device analytics – tracking app functionality, network connectivity and battery status – can proactively resolve device issues remotely, boosting productivity, enhancing employee wellbeing and improving customer satisfaction.”

The post 2025 e-commerce and logistics trends for Australian businesses revealed: speed, safety, and supply chain visibility appeared first on Inside Small Business.

While business may have limited control over some costs, such as utilities or insurance, there are some areas which are ripe for further examination – one of these is delivery transport.

For any small business that relies on delivering goods, transport costs are usually a top five cost of doing business. A saving of five, ten or twenty per cent on these costs can make a big difference to your bottom line.

Finding the time to re-assess your delivery transport arrangements can pay substantial dividends down the track.

What are some common ways to reduce costs?

Start by addressing the fixed costs in your set-up. Many businesses have a mix of fixed and variable costs underpinning their delivery fleets, usually because they operate some of their own vehicles and drivers, and outsource some of their needs to specialised delivery transport providers.

A timeless challenge is being on top of the fixed costs. For example, if you own or lease vehicles which aren’t being used at their optimum, it is costing you. That transit van which has been parked for the last week is costing you. And it’s costing you more than it was two years ago, because all the intrinsic expenses of running a vehicle, such as insurance, maintenance, and fuel continue to increase. 

Isolating your fixed costs is especially important for companies that experience high variability in demand, but any business can benefit by looking closely at fixed costs and pruning the dead wood.

The more you can turn fixed costs into variable costs the more you will only pay for what you need, and save. The key is taking the time to partner with good providers. 

The best, most efficient transport fleets are responsive. They can increase or decrease their resources at short notice. This is only possible if you have partnered with an operator that has the reach and the resources to look after you. With the right partnership, it is possible to achieve higher performance at a lower cost.

Another worthwhile cost-saving exercise is conducting a true audit of your delivery fleet – a fleet x-ray, which brings the myriad costs into light. This is a great opportunity to bring hidden costs into the open and to see exactly what can be trimmed.

Fleet efficiency is also paramount. While the technology is available to reliably track the movements of deliveries, many smaller fleets don’t take full advantage. 

A little bit of time every day to ensure your fleet is route-optimised and efficient can pay dividends. Companies which focus on their efficiency often find they can perform more deliveries in the same timeframe. Importantly, this means better delivery services for your clients. 

This technology can also save you in fuel costs, and prevent vehicles from being used inappropriately. 

The post How small business can cut delivery transport costs right now appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Same-Day Delivery is free to Prime members on eligible orders over $49 and is available to the vast majority of Sydney residents, covering over 90 per cent of the city’s population. And to celebrate the launch and make some extra special deliveries, Amazon Australia has appointed cricketing superstar and Australia’s fastest bowler, Mitch Starc as their ‘Chief Speed Officer’.

Janet Menzies, Country Manager for Amazon Australia, said, “We are focused on getting even faster for Prime members and are thrilled to be hitting a major milestone with the announcement of free Same-Day Delivery across a huge range of products for members in Sydney. We know that busy Australians really appreciate the time saved and the reliability of knowing that their order will arrive when we say it will.”

A report from Mandala Partners, commissioned by Amazon Australia, found that, in the last ten years, faster online delivery times are estimated to have provided almost $350 million of value to consumers through improved convenience and time saved. Online retail is driving intense competition in Australia when it comes to faster delivery options, and a previous report from Mandala estimated that households have saved nearly $3,500 since 2019 thanks to the price-lowering effects of online channels.

In addition to Same Day Delivery, Amazon Australia continues to provide opportunities to aspiring business owners, one of them being the Delivery Service Partner program, wherein those who apply to the program will be able to hire and manage their own delivery team. Alongside the faster delivery services such as Same-Day Delivery, selling partners will be able to ship their products to more customers faster.

There is also the Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) program available to third-party sellers on Amazon.com.au so they can make the most of Amazon’s advanced logistics network. FBA sellers only need to send their product to one of Amazon’s fulfilment centres and Amazon then stores, picks, packs and ships the seller’s order to customers and also takes care of customer service issues and handles any returns or refunds on behalf of the FBA seller.

According to Mandala Partners’ report, businesses are estimated to have gained $1.4 billion in sales revenue from faster Business-to-Customer deliveries over the last decade. The report noted that these potential revenues, alongside an estimated $400 million savings through swifter access to inventory, means that Australian businesses stand to unlock $1.8 billion of value thanks to fast delivery.

The post Amazon launches Same-Day Delivery in Sydney appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Here are some of the most persistent delivery transport myths to watch out for:

Myth One – All transport companies are the same

Many businesses have discovered this myth the hard way. Anyone can buy or lease a few vans and call themselves a transport company. This creates huge variability in the professionalism and capabilities of different transport providers.

To tell if a delivery transport company is right for you, take the time to get to know them and their capabilities first. It’s essential they can support you at your absolute busiest periods, and can quickly organise replacement delivery vehicles and drivers at a moment’s notice.

Start with a small commitment, such as a trial period, to gauge their responsiveness and quality, and increase your commitment accordingly.

Myth Two – It’s cheaper if I just do the deliveries myself

Some small-business owners get into the driver’s seat themselves, or requisition staff from other areas to do delivery runs. But if you crunch the numbers, this approach never adds up.

For starters, what is your time worth?

The DIY approach often leaves the business ill-prepared for surges in delivery demand. There is no system in place, and it cannot perform under pressure.

Myth Three – It’s all about speed, speed, speed

This is partly true. Some industries rely on speed. But accuracy and reliability can be at least as important.

Reliability means consistently delivering during times of absenteeism, or peak demand. Key issues include customer service and communication, and having the right systems to ensure accuracy and proof-of-delivery. You may be an hour or two quicker, but if the above aren’t in place and you deliver the wrong item then it may not mean much to your customers.

Myth Four – Delivery is not a dealbreaker for our customers

Research suggests customer expectations around parcel deliveries are rising. Customer service shouldn’t stop once a deal has been done – it needs to be fulfilled up to the critical delivery stage.

Too many businesses fail to communicate with their clients regarding deliveries. Those who keep clients informed and execute with professionalism go a long way to fostering loyalty.

Myth Five – Outsourcing takes away some control

This is a classic myth. But if done properly, outsourcing does the exact opposite – it gives you more control.

Outsourcing provides more control and flexibility over resourcing and costs. It provides access to resources that match your business demands, including reliable extra resources when needed during periods of absenteeism or peak periods. If your outsourcing solution isn’t providing more control, it’s time to look for a solution that will.

The post The five biggest delivery transport myths plaguing small business appeared first on Inside Small Business.

eCommerce has seen unprecedented growth in recent years around the world, and Australia is no exception. Despite this, only 11 per cent of businesses fully embrace digital strategies, meaning that small businesses have both opportunities and challenges to enhance their online presence.

Starting an eCommerce business in Australia can ‘level the playing field’ for small businesses by providing location and time independence and easy communication. In addition, eCommerce may assist businesses to capture efficiencies, grow their customer base and attain long-term success within their market. Here are three insights to keep in mind when starting up and integrating eCommerce into a traditional business model.

Get digital savvy

When establishing a digital presence, choose a reliable eCommerce platform that provides you with assistance and flexibility for your business needs. Just as important is ensuring your domain names are correctly set up, as they are your online address and a fundamental part of your online presence. They should be short and simple, and there are a multitude of different tools business owners can employ to see which is the best fit.

A secure payment gateway is an essential component for both online and traditional stores to ensure a smooth shopping experience. When setting up a payment gateway, make sure it is both secure and easy for customers to access. It should also offer a range of payment alternatives at checkout.

Finally, establishing your presence on social media channels, such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram with selling abilities may further increase your online presence. A good mix of social media channels may assist brands to build a stronger customer base both within the region and internationally.

Rapid, flexible shipping options

With the exponential uptake of eCommerce, deliveries have become the lifeblood for many businesses. When it comes to online shopping, people expect to get their orders as quickly as possible. A longer wait time may prompt them to look elsewhere. As a result, shipping is a huge part of any online business and the last step in the customer journey, provided there aren’t any returns.

Business owners should consider shipping with the services built into most eCommerce platforms. Depending on the platform, they can also benefit from discounted rates negotiated by platform providers to save on shipping costs.

Elevating the delivery experience for customers by providing flexible shipping options, such as express or next-day delivery can help to grow the business over time.

Business owners should also plan for a robust strategy to streamline the returns process, ensuring shopping experiences are less strenuous on customers.

Considerations for your shipping needs include:

• Choosing a reliable transportation partner who can offer reliable and affordable delivery.
• Figuring out the requirements of packaging and shipping supplies to make sure your products are properly protected when being shipped to your customers.
• Taking advantage of reward programs offered by shipping partners that deliver points for businesses every time they ship.

Launch and learn

The integration of diverse digital marketing tools, ranging from AdWords to paid search to online advertising may be overwhelming at first. However, embarking on this journey with an open mindset is crucial, as your products and marketing strategy will continue to evolve as you gain further experience and insights.

Customer feedback stands as a cornerstone for improvement, making it imperative for business owners to continually welcome feedback from customers. So, there is no time like the present to get online businesses started and to adapt and learn over time!

The post What’s important when setting up your new eCommerce store? appeared first on Inside Small Business.

Many small businesses will be somewhere in between, yet most will benefit from some improvement.

Like anything fitness-related, beware of fads and quick fixes – a truly efficient transport division takes some discipline and smarts, but is completely achievable. Start by nailing these five challenges:

Challenge one: Staffing issues

Managing staffing has always been a priority for a well-functioning delivery fleet, particularly regarding absenteeism. Yet talent shortages in transport and logistics continue to test small business.

A fit delivery fleet is set up with enough flexibility to adjust quickly – they can access resources at short notice to cover for absenteeism or unexpected peaks in demand by partnering with the right specialists.

Challenge two: Cost blowouts

There will always be unexpected accidents and breakdowns, and other unforeseen disruptions. But the risk of cost blowouts can be reduced with some discipline.

Success comes down to several factors: understanding all costs involved in your fleet; having the right fleet structure, such as the blend of in-house and outsourced resources you use; and the technology and systems you use.

Challenge three: Reliability during peak times

Whether your customers are B2C or B2B, expectations around parcel delivery continue to grow.

All fleets experience peak times where they are potentially stretched. A fit fleet is prepared for these inevitable peaks by having a fleet structure which is responsive and adaptable. It has never been more important to analyse your fleet performance and address any weaknesses – because when that next peak comes you want to fire on all cylinders and enjoy the spoils.

Challenge four: Technology

Small-to-mid-sized transport fleets have been under-resourced in this area, but there are now so many affordable options available that any fleet can access a basic level of tracking and proof-of-delivery.

A commitment to using the technology on a regular basis will bring several benefits, such as greater efficiency and lower fuel costs.

It’s also important any technology is resilient to the risk of cyber-attacks, which can disrupt operations and compromise customer data.

Challenge five: Consistent professionalism

A key to being consistently professional is having the right resourcing in place, including transport suppliers that can respond to your needs and make you look good.

There is a huge difference in professionalism among different transport suppliers, and you must ensure any supplier is appropriately licenced under your state’s labour-hire laws, as major penalties can apply.

Once you have the right resourcing in place, and you are on top of the other four challenges above, your professionalism and level of transport fitness will lift, bringing huge benefits to your business.

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