FAQ

    1. How do you find reliable suppliers?
      We work with a network of vetted suppliers, conduct background checks, assess reviews, and request product samples to ensure reliability and quality.

    2. Can you source products from specific manufacturers or countries?
      Yes, we source products globally, including from the U.S., China, Europe, and other key manufacturing regions, depending on your needs.

    3. Do you offer private labeling and branding?
      Yes, we provide private labeling, custom packaging, and branding options to help you build a unique and recognizable brand.

    4. What is the typical MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) when sourcing products?
      MOQs vary by product and supplier. We work with manufacturers offering both low and bulk order options to suit your budget and business model.

    5. How do you ensure product quality?
      We conduct supplier audits, inspect product samples, and implement quality control processes, including third-party inspections, to maintain high standards.

    6. Can you source eco-friendly or sustainable products?
      Yes, we work with suppliers who specialize in eco-friendly, biodegradable, and sustainable product options.

    7. How long does it take to source a product?
      The timeline varies based on product complexity and supplier location. On average, sourcing can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks, including supplier negotiations and sample approval.

    8. Can you help with product compliance and certifications?
      Yes, we ensure products meet industry standards and can assist in obtaining necessary certifications such as FDA, CE, FCC, and others.

    9. Do you negotiate pricing with suppliers?
      Yes, we negotiate on your behalf to get the best prices, MOQs, and payment terms to maximize your profit margins.

    10. Can you manage supplier relationships for ongoing orders?
      Yes, we maintain long-term supplier relationships, ensuring smooth reorders, consistent quality, and reliable production timelines.ext goes here

    1. What fulfillment services do you provide?
      We handle inventory storage, order processing, packaging, and shipping, integrating with major eCommerce platforms for seamless fulfillment.

    2. Do you offer dropshipping fulfillment?
      Yes, we provide dropshipping services, shipping products directly from suppliers to your customers without requiring you to hold inventory.

    3. What eCommerce platforms do you integrate with?
      We integrate with Shopify, Amazon, eBay, WooCommerce, Walmart Marketplace, Etsy, and other major eCommerce platforms.

    4. Which shipping carriers do you work with?
      We partner with USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and international freight services to provide cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions.

    5. How long does it take to fulfill an order?
      Orders are typically processed within 24-48 hours. Shipping times vary based on destination and carrier selection.

    6. Can you handle international fulfillment?
      Yes, we ship worldwide and work with global logistics providers to ensure smooth cross-border fulfillment.

    7. Do you offer customized packaging?
      Yes, we offer custom-branded packaging, inserts, and labels to enhance your brand’s customer experience.

    8. What happens if an order is lost or delayed?
      We assist with tracking, filing claims with carriers, and, if necessary, reshipping orders to ensure customer satisfaction.

    9. Do you manage returns and refunds?
      Yes, we offer return processing, restocking, and refund management according to your store’s policies.

    10. How do you charge for fulfillment services?
      Pricing depends on factors like storage, order volume, packaging, and shipping costs. We offer competitive rates with transparent pricing structures.

    1. Amazon FBA vs. FBM

      • Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) means Amazon stores, packs, and ships your products, while Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) requires you to handle fulfillment yourself.

    2. FBA Storage Fees

      • Amazon charges storage fees based on product size and duration. Long-term storage fees apply after 365 days in Amazon’s fulfillment centers.

    3. Amazon's IPI Score

      • Amazon uses the Inventory Performance Index (IPI) to measure your inventory efficiency. A low score can limit your storage capacity in FBA.

    4. FBA Prep Requirements

      • Amazon has strict packaging and labeling requirements for FBA products, including barcode placement and poly-bagging for certain items.

    5. Buy Box Advantage with FBA

      • Using FBA can improve your chances of winning the Buy Box, as Amazon prioritizes FBA sellers due to fast Prime shipping.

    6. Amazon's Fulfilled by Merchant (FBM) Prime Option

      • Sellers can apply for Seller-Fulfilled Prime (SFP), which allows them to offer Prime shipping benefits while handling fulfillment independently.

    7. FBA vs. 3PL (Third-Party Logistics)

      • Using a 3PL fulfillment provider instead of FBA can reduce fees and provide more control over inventory, but may affect Prime eligibility.

    8. Amazon Returns Handling

      • FBA automatically processes returns according to Amazon's policies, while FBM sellers must handle their own return logistics.

    9. FBA Shipment Restrictions

      • Amazon has storage limits, especially during Q4. You must maintain a strong sales-to-inventory ratio to avoid restock restrictions.

    10. Amazon Multi-Channel Fulfillment (MCF)

    • Amazon allows sellers to use its warehouses for non-Amazon orders through Multi-Channel Fulfillment, but fees may be higher than traditional 3PLs.

  • Who is Hardway Enterprises?

    Hardway Enterprises is an Ecommerce logistics company with a track record in successfully supplying and prepping product for growing Ecommerce Stores in marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart and Shopify.

    Do you manage my store completely?

    YES. We can manage the product procurement and shipping logistics for your ecommerce store. We also offer sourcing and prep for FBA and WFS. We provide thousands of curated products from over 60 trusted partners, ready to be purchased, prepped and shipped in to Amazon or Walmart.

    Is this a passive business?

    No! In fact, no business is truly passive! Depending on what method and what platform you are looking to run your business on, will change the amount of involvement and time needed. Most of our clients spend 3-12 hours a month on this business system.

    How much do I need to get started?

    This depends on the means and methods that you want your Hardway team to deploy, Walmart WFS will have a different associated cost then FBA prep. This will be discussed in you scheduled meeting with one of our account managers.

    What will my average ROI be?

    ROI varies between 10%-30%[1] on Amazon/Walmart but can vary depending on the method of fulfillment.

  • What should I do if an order comes in, but the product is out of stock at the warehouse?

    When fulfilling orders for Amazon, there are three possible ways to handle an order if the product is unavailable due to stock shortages or unexpected demand:

    1. Cancel the Order Immediately: If you cancel the order before attempting fulfillment, Amazon will apply a pre-fulfillment cancellation penalty, which negatively impacts your fulfillment metrics.

    2. Ship an Incorrect Item: While this avoids a pre-fulfillment cancellation penalty and late shipment penalty, it results in additional costs, including outbound shipping and return shipping when the customer returns the incorrect item. This also increases the risk of negative reviews due to order inaccuracies.

    3. Delay Cancellation Until the 8th Day: If you wait until the morning of the eighth day after the order was placed to cancel, it will not count against your pre-fulfillment cancellation rate or affect your overall cancellation metrics. This is the best option if restocking is not possible in time.

    By following these guidelines, you can minimize the impact of out-of-stock situations on your Amazon fulfillment performance.ription

    1. What is the typical return rate for Amazon orders?

      Returns are a common part of e-commerce, and on Amazon, 13% to 20% of all orders are either returned or refunded.

    2. Is return fraud an issue?

      Yes. Approximately 7% of all returns involve some form of fraud. Common types of return fraud include:

    3. Partial Returns:

      A customer orders multiple units, keeps one or more items, and returns the rest while claiming a full refund.

    4. False Non-Delivery Claims:

      Customers receive the item but report to Amazon that it never arrived, often resulting in an automatic refund.

    5. Item Swaps:

      Customers return an older, used, or entirely different item in place of the new one they originally purchased.

    6. Can return fraud be prevented?

      Unfortunately, return fraud is beyond the control of fulfillment and return centers, as Amazon’s policies heavily favor customer satisfaction. However, when fraudulent returns are identified, a dispute can be filed with Amazon in an attempt to reverse the refund. While Amazon does not always rule in favor of the seller, disputing improper returns is the only available recourse.