Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What notice periods and contract terms do D2C fulfilment providers typically offer, and how flexible are they?
Notice periods and contract lock-in vary significantly between providers and are often negotiable. **PHL** initially demanded 6 months' notice with payment of typical monthly rates during that period, but members report they are willing to negotiate—some have secured three-month terms. **Thrive** offers more flexible terms with only one month's notice required. Members recommend asking about cancellation terms early in conversations, as these can be a deal-breaker for early-stage startups. **Diamond** is noted for being quick and responsive in handling queries. When evaluating providers, clarify what "typical monthly rates" means during notice periods, as this can represent significant unexpected costs if you need to exit early.
What's the best approach for negotiating lower storage and landing fees with logistics providers?
Members' experience suggests getting competitive quotes from alternative providers is the primary lever. When facing fee increases from your current provider, gather quotes from alternatives like **LAW** and **EHD** to establish market rate and create competitive pressure. However, members noted that logistics providers typically operate on very tight margins—one example cited a major provider turning a profit of just £550k on £52m turnover—so there may be limited room for negotiation beyond what the market naturally offers. The strategy is to use alternatives as leverage rather than expecting major concessions from your incumbent provider.