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.
How can drinks brands get listed on Amazon without their own premises license?
Getting on Amazon without a personal premises license is difficult but members have found a few workarounds—though none are straightforward. **Key approaches members have used:** - **Get a premises license in your own name** — One member resolved Amazon's rejection of their LCB storage license by applying for a premises license at their flat in their personal name rather than their Ltd Co, and Amazon eventually accepted it. They noted this required convincing the local council (in their case Lambeth) of the business case. - **Use a fulfilment/agency partner** — Members recommend **Rosetta Brands**, which handles Amazon compliance and fulfillment for brands; they offer tiered packages depending on SKU count and marketing spend. At least one member hired an agency to handle the Amazon application but they gave up after 2 months. Other members mention working with agencies but note it's "pay to play" and have shelved the idea as a result. Some members have been offered introductions to other "great" fulfilment companies via direct message that can handle this, though details remain confidential within the group. - **Try persistence and escalation** — One member reported success by resubmitting their application entirely in capital letters and getting approved; another noted that back in 2020, repeated escalation requests to a manager eventually worked. **Important caveats:** - Amazon's acceptance criteria are opaque and inconsistent. Multiple members have had applications rejected despite having valid premises and personal licenses in the correct name, and Amazon has refused to explain why. - Amazon's support is largely automated; you need to be doing £250k+ annually before a human account manager will engage with you. - Several members report their account managers have stopped responding to emails and describe the whole process as "frustrating" and "impossible to speak to anyone." - Even with premises licenses, some members' applications were rejected without clear explanation.
What third-party logistics providers can handle Amazon FBA repacking, B2B sample distribution, and e-commerce fulfillment, and what are typical pricing benchmarks?
Members recommend keeping sample/e-commerce fulfillment separate from pallet logistics, and have shared detailed pricing from several 3PLs handling duty-paid stock. **Repacking & E-Commerce Fulfillment:** - **The PHL Group** — handles duty-paid stock only; one member uses them via Packfleet for London-based operations - **Delamode Logistics** (Braintree) — members recommend with offer to make introductions; potentially open to negotiated rates if volume brought collectively - **Fodafilment** (via Packfleet) — London-focused; note they handle cans, but structure adaptable - **SKU** — flagged by members as comparatively expensive; includes packaging in pick-and-pack pricing **Pricing Benchmarks (all figures ex VAT where noted, or as quoted):** - Pick & pack: £0.22–£0.82 per item or £1.21–£1.45 per case (second+ cases cheaper) - Storage: £3.10–£4.00 per pallet per week - Shipping (single bottle, 48–24hr): £2.71–£5.07 (Royal Mail 48hr cheapest at ~£2.71–£3.88; next-day freight ~£3.66) - One member (Codestorm, higher volume): process/picking £2.40 (up to 3 bottles), storage £4/pallet/week, single-parcel shipping £3.66 next-day or £2.71 RM 48hr - Canmaker pricing (non-acl, 12-pack cans): pallet storage £3.66/week, case pick-and-pack £1.45 first case / £1.21 additional, overnight delivery £4.78/parcel (4 cases fit in outer box) **Key Caveats:** Members note that many 3PLs require duty-paid stock only and pricing varies significantly by volume (1.5–4k orders/month cited as benchmark range). Bonded-delivery services are a separate question; DPD 24-hour options mentioned alongside Royal Mail. Packaging costs may or may not be included — confirm explicitly. One member suggested collective negotiation with Delamode if volume can be pooled.
What are the key regulations and compliance requirements for selling alcohol via e-commerce in the USA, and what solutions exist to navigate the three-tier system?
US alcohol e-commerce is heavily regulated by state laws and the three-tier system, making direct-to-consumer sales significantly more complex and expensive than in the UK. However, it is possible with the right partners. **Available solutions and fulfillment partners:** - **HeyTipple** — offers e-commerce fulfillment specifically designed to navigate the three-tier system; they currently operate or will soon operate in the USA and are worth a direct call to discuss their service model - **Bottle Nexus** — provides fulfillment services but does not handle imports - **Reserve Bar** — provides fulfillment services but does not handle imports **Key considerations:** - The three-tier system (distributor → wholesaler → retailer requirements) adds significant complexity and cost to operations - US margins are considerably tighter than the UK, making profitability challenging in the short term - Direct Amazon sales is not a viable route due to their non-participation in alcohol e-commerce - Having a business partner with established US alcohol industry connections (e.g., wine production experience in regions like Napa Valley) can be invaluable for navigating state-specific regulations **Advice:** Members recommend treating US e-commerce as a medium- to long-term play rather than a quick revenue opportunity. Connecting with experienced partners who have navigated the three-tier system is essential before launching.
What logistics and fulfillment providers do drinks brands use, and how do they compare?
Members use a range of 3PL and storage providers, with significant variation in service quality and suitability depending on business needs. **Established providers mentioned:** - **LCB** — solid performer with 5+ years of loyalty from members; reliable but expensive; occasional peaks lead to service gaps; portal is clunky and not user-friendly; very few damages reported (5 broken bottles over 5 years); works best for businesses ahead on stock with simple customer bases, struggles with agility and flexibility - **LAW** — currently used by some but members report serious issues: poor comms, delivery mistakes, and stock damage; disputes ongoing - **MCF** — praised as "great"; unclear whether they handle alcohol - **EHD** — described as "really good" - **Diamond Logistics** — strong reputation; noted strengths include reliability; weakness: doesn't integrate with NOTHS system; some members have moved away due to DPD pricing concerns - **We Are Fulfilment** — members report being "very happy" with them - **ShipBob** — shortlisted in recent 3PL tender processes - **Vibe 65** — shortlisted in recent 3PL tender processes - **Huboo** — mentioned as a consideration but no direct experience shared **Key caveats:** LCB can be overwhelmed during peak periods; LAW has communication and handling issues; Diamond's lack of NOTHS integration may be a blocker for some; system integrations and pricing should be verified for your specific needs.
What factors should I prioritise when choosing a fulfillment partner for growing e-commerce operations?
Selecting a fulfillment partner requires balancing multiple operational and commercial factors. Start by identifying your preferred courier partner and their pricing structure, as 3PL rates and storage fees vary significantly and can make or break the deal. **Key selection criteria:** - **Location** — aim for the Midlands area, where most major fulfillment hubs are concentrated, which typically improves service speed and reduces costs - **Courier partnerships** — confirm their rates with your preferred carriers (Royal Mail, DPD, etc.), as some 3PLs have better deals with certain couriers than others - **Storage and handling fees** — get clarity on per-unit storage costs and pick-and-pack pricing, which compound as you scale - **Manufacturing proximity** — factor in your own production location to minimise inbound logistics - **Amazon capabilities** — if selling on Amazon, verify they support FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) if you plan to expand there - **Trade fulfillment support** — confirm whether they handle B2B orders or non-standard packaging requirements **Example provider:** Members have used **Codestorm**, who offer good Royal Mail rates and support trade fulfillment, though their DPD pricing is not the most competitive. As always, get specific quotes from multiple providers and model the total cost (storage + shipping + pick-pack) against your expected growth, not just headline rates.
What warehouse and logistics partners can handle both D2C ecommerce fulfillment and POS ordering?
Members recommend a small number of established 3PLs that manage both direct-to-consumer and point-of-sale stock: - **PHL Group** (Welshpool) — multiple members use them for both D2C and merchandise/POS fulfilment. Contact: Laura at laurab@thephlgroup.co.uk. Note: they do not hold stock under bond. - **E2B Fulfilment** — recommended as an option. Contact: Steve.Wooldridge@e2bfulfilment.com. - **Kammac** — noted as exceptional based on prior experience in the drinks industry. Members did not raise specific concerns about these partners beyond clarifying that PHL Group does not offer bonded warehousing.
What fulfillment options work best for low-volume direct-to-consumer alcohol sales on Shopify?
For low-volume D2C alcohol fulfillment on Shopify, members recommend working with specialist fulfillment companies or handling fulfillment in-house with proper licensing. **Fulfillment companies:** - **Blue Cloud** — praised for flexibility on pricing for low-volume businesses; contact Howard to discuss rates - **Promotional Handling** — recommended for great rates and service for small businesses - **Haul and Store** — members report good performance; intros available - **Codestorm** — currently used for D2C fulfillment with acceptable performance levels, though some report shipping issues on trade (non-D2C) cases **In-house fulfillment:** - Members successfully handle their own fulfillment using **DPD** alongside proper licensing — processing 60–100 orders per week is doable - **DPD integration via app** makes label creation simple (a few clicks); request their free label printer to streamline the process - DPD offers cheap app integration for label creation **Important caveat:** Doing fulfillment yourself with DPD as an untrained operator "would cause both logistical and legal headaches." You must have all required alcohol licenses in place before shipping, regardless of method. The licensing setup is non-negotiable for any alcohol D2C operation.
How can we get Amazon's licensing approval using a warehouse premises licence?
Members confirm that using a warehouse premises licence is a viable route to satisfy Amazon's licensing requirements, though it requires persistence. The process typically involves multiple resubmissions before Amazon accepts the documentation. **Key steps members recommend:** - Upload the **warehouse premises licence** (e.g. from your storage partner) - Include your **personal licence** - Provide your **contract with the warehouse operator** (e.g. Law Distributions) - Submit your **most recent invoice** from the warehouse to prove you actually store stock there - **Keep referencing the earliest case reference number** in all communications to maintain continuity - **Escalate to their manager** and persistently state that all documentation is in place; members report Amazon will eventually give in **Caveats:** Expect this to take considerable time and patience. One member reported needing approximately 40 resubmissions before Law Distributions' premises licence was accepted. Don't give up after initial rejections; persistence and escalation are key.
How can we prevent labels from getting damaged when using flexible packaging during shipping and handling?
Label damage with flexible packaging is a known problem, particularly when bottles move around during postage and when the sleeve is applied or removed by consumers. Members have identified and tested several solutions: - **Tissue paper wrapping** — fulfilment centres wrap bottles in tissue paper first to protect labels during transit. - **Branded crepe paper** — wrap the bottle in crepe paper before packaging; several companies print branded crepe paper, which adds a premium feel while solving the scuffing problem. - **Flexi-Hex drum-capsule packaging** — switching to Flexi-Hex's shorter drum-style packaging (rather than slender packaging) reduces bottle movement inside the package, which was the root cause for at least one member's damage issue. Members note that label damage can occur at multiple points: during application of the sleeve, when bottles move in transit, and when consumers remove the packaging. Simply applying a sleeve-based fix won't solve all failure points, so a layered approach (wrapping + packaging choice) is recommended. If you raise the issue with your packaging supplier, be prepared that they may initially claim they've never seen the problem before—but other users have successfully resolved it with these methods.
What are the best DTC ecommerce fulfillment providers for spirits, and which ones have reliable inventory management?
Members have recent experience with two main providers for DTC spirits fulfillment: - **We Are Fulfilment** — strongly recommended by multiple members. One member was referred by Johnny from UNLTD Beer and spoke directly to co-founder Trent, reporting they were "immense" and impressed with the service. No specific caveats mentioned. - **Start Up Logistics** — mixed feedback. Members note they were handling Camden's D2C at the time of discussion. However, stock control was historically inconsistent and "dependent on how good your account manager was." The company has since relocated to new premises and members report that stock control has improved following the move, suggesting the systems have been upgraded. - **Codestorm** — one member had exhausted options with this provider, suggesting it may not be the best fit for some brands, though no specific reason given. Members appear to be actively vetting fulfillment partners and willing to share direct contact details (co-founders) and referrals. Stock accuracy and account management quality are the key decision factors.
How do I connect Shopify to Amazon FBA for UK order fulfillment?
Members are exploring Amazon FBA as a fulfillment partner for Shopify stores in the UK. The process involves using **Amazon's integration app**, which members report is straightforward to set up and plug in directly to Shopify. However, availability may be limited—the app is confirmed to work in the US, but UK availability was uncertain at the time of discussion. Members noted that Amazon FBA charges approximately 10% less in fees compared to other fulfillment options, making it cost-competitive. One member was actively implementing this setup and indicated willingness to share feedback once live. Before committing, confirm current UK availability of the Amazon–Shopify integration app, as this discussion predates full rollout confirmation.
What are the current fulfillment and logistics pricing rates from recommended UK providers, and what should we expect to pay for storage, picking, packing and delivery?
Members have identified a Leicester-based fulfillment partner offering transparent pricing for both B2B and D2C operations. Here are the specific costs shared: **Storage & handling:** - £0.65 per cubic metre per day storage - £1.50 per order (includes first pick) - £0.40 per unit/carton for pick and pack - £0.05 per insert - £0.10 per case inbound goods charge **Delivery options:** - **Parcelforce Express24** — £5.98 - **FedEx 25kg** — £6.12 - **Yodel up to 3kg** — £3.79 - **Yodel up to 17kg** — £4.42 **Important caveat:** The provider is not yet bonded, though they are working towards bonded status. Members noted this may be a limitation depending on your product category and regulatory requirements. One member suggested creating a shared spreadsheet of fulfillment costs across different providers to help the community benchmark pricing.
Which fulfillment providers should we avoid, and which ones do members recommend for reliable order fulfillment?
Members have had mixed experiences with fulfillment providers. **Walkers Logistics** should be avoided—members reported experiencing significant problems. In contrast, **PackSmart** is recommended as a reliable alternative; one member reported sleeping peacefully knowing orders are fulfilled correctly and offered to provide introductions. **PHL** appears to be operating without reported issues during the discussion period. A separate operational constraint to watch: members encountered stock-outs of shipping boxes at major suppliers like WBC during peak periods, suggesting it's worth confirming box availability with your fulfillment partner during seasonal peaks.
Which 3PL and fulfillment providers should we use for D2C and trade distribution?
Members evaluating 3PL providers are actively tendering and comparing options. The main providers in consideration are: - **FuturePro** — members currently using this provider note that aspects of service are good, but prices are reported as very high - **Diamond** — on members' tender lists - **Hutch** — a newer option being considered; members seeking feedback on experiences - **Fodabox** — current provider for some, but members report the service "isn't rocking our world" Members are actively running formal tenders to compare options and seeking peer feedback on experiences with these providers. The key tension appears to be balancing service quality against cost, with FuturePro delivering good service at premium pricing. No detailed performance data was shared in the discussion about the other providers.
Which B2B fulfillment and logistics companies do members recommend in the UK?
Members recommend a small number of tested fulfillment partners, mostly based on personal referrals. The main caveat is to avoid one well-known provider. - **Cloud Fulfilment** (Portsmouth-based) — recommended by a member whose friend uses them for e-commerce logistics and found them reliable - **Local Cardiff-based provider** — a member has direct experience and offered to share details via direct message - **Huboo** — members strongly advise against; multiple warnings to "AVOID" Members emphasize that personal referrals are the most trusted route for finding fulfillment partners, and suggest reaching out directly in the group for introductions rather than cold-calling.
What bonded third-party logistics providers do members recommend for retail distribution of drinks?
Members recommend several bonded warehouse and logistics providers for handling retail pallets and distribution to major retailers and wholesalers. The key consideration is pricing structure—avoid providers who charge purely on a per-case basis without acknowledging pallet economics. **Recommended providers:** - **LAW Distribution** — recommended as the cheapest overall with very good service. Contact Stan Moyser at Stan.Moyser@lawdistribution.co.uk - **Chichester Bond / MSX** — mentioned as a solid second choice for service quality - **Belvedere (BWA Logistics Ltd)** — located in Kent, www.belvederewarehousing.com **Caveat:** Members specifically warned against **LCB** because they charge purely on a per-case basis without acknowledging pallet economics (e.g., 372 cases per pallet), making their pricing model poor value for retail-scale distribution.
What is the typical cost for single bottle fulfillment in the UK?
Members report that single bottle fulfillment in the UK typically costs around **£3 per unit**. This is a baseline figure shared directly by the community. Members with more detailed experience on fulfillment logistics recommend reaching out via direct message for deeper guidance on supplier selection and cost optimization, as fulfillment strategies can vary depending on scale and specific requirements.
Should drinks brands use Amazon FBA or manage their own warehouse fulfilment for Amazon orders?
The decision depends on your operational capacity to manage Amazon's admin requirements. **Key considerations:** - **Amazon FBA** — involves significant administrative overhead for drinks deliveries; only recommended if you can automate vendor central integration with your existing fulfillment warehouse - **Self-managed warehouse fulfillment** — viable if you have the team capacity to handle Amazon's operational demands without adding major complexity Members emphasised that the deciding factor is whether you can automate the connection between Amazon Vendor Central and your own warehouse systems. If automation is possible, self-fulfillment can work; if not, the admin burden becomes substantial and you should carefully evaluate whether FBA's convenience justifies the costs for your brand.
What e-commerce logistics and fulfillment suppliers can handle varying order volumes for Shopify and other direct-to-consumer channels?
Members recommend several fulfillment partners depending on your order volume: - **Fulfillment Crowd** — suitable for smaller to medium volumes - **Huboo** — mentioned as a flexible option for varying volumes - **Promotion Handling Limited** — highly recommended by multiple members who actively use them; they're willing to discuss specifics directly - **Synergy Retail** — available but requires large minimum volumes One member asked about **Sussex Transport** for Shopify fulfillment as an alternative to Codestorm, though no confirmed experience was shared in the discussion. Members suggest reaching out to those already using these services (particularly Promotion Handling Limited) for detailed information about pricing, integration, and suitability for your specific volume needs.
What fulfillment and logistics providers do members recommend for DTC and B2B order fulfillment?
Members have recommended a handful of fulfillment partners, though availability and suitability depend on your order type and volume. - **Haul + Store** — described as spenny (expensive) but reliable and flexible - **Diamond Logistics** — recommended by a member with direct experience - **Tortuga-style providers** — suggested for case-based shipping (B2B bulk orders) Key note: Ask potential fulfillment partners early whether they handle DTC, B2B, or both—the logistics differ significantly. The community discussion suggests that fulfillment options can be limited and partners do sometimes fall through, so it's worth vetting multiple options and understanding their flexibility before committing.
Should I use Shopify or Squarespace for my DTC e-commerce site, particularly for fulfillment and shipping integration?
Members strongly recommend **Shopify** over Squarespace for DTC e-commerce, especially if you plan to scale or integrate with fulfillment partners. - **Shopify** — described as the clear winner for fulfillment integration. Members report it works smoothly with shipping apps and third-party fulfillment providers, and is essential if you want a sustainable DTC business longer-term. - **Squarespace** — flagged as problematic for integration. Members operating fulfillment services for multiple brands report that Squarespace websites are "a nightmare" to integrate with shipping tools and apps, making it unsuitable if you need any fulfillment flexibility. If you're running your own fulfillment or working with a 3PL, Shopify's app ecosystem and native integrations will save significant time and headaches. Squarespace's limitations become a real constraint as your business grows.
Which logistics and fulfillment companies can handle bonded spirit shipments between UK locations and to customers?
Members recommend several suppliers experienced with bonded spirit logistics and e-commerce fulfillment: - **Promotion Handling Limited** — recommended by multiple members for bonded spirit logistics; described as reliable with willingness to discuss specific needs; members happy to provide introductions - **Fulfillment Crowd** — suggested as an option for mid-size operations - **Huboo** — listed as an alternative for e-commerce fulfillment - **Synergy Retail** — noted as an option but requires large volume commitments Members suggest reaching out directly to Promotion Handling Limited for tailored advice on shipping bonded spirits between locations (e.g. London to Yorkshire) and for direct-to-customer fulfillment from web orders.
How can manufacturers fix stock visibility and fulfillment delays on Amazon seller accounts?
Stock visibility and fulfillment delays on Amazon are a widespread issue affecting multiple sellers. Members report stock taking weeks or months to appear on seller pages, and experiencing significant losses to logistics partners (one member cited £2.5k in unaccounted stock via UPS). **Key recommendation:** - **Change your delivery/logistics supplier** — One member reported major improvements after switching away from their existing delivery partner. This suggests the delay may be at the carrier/fulfillment stage rather than Amazon's system itself. Members recommend reaching out directly to others who have solved this (contact via DM for specific supplier recommendations). **Caveat:** Members acknowledge this is a widespread frustration affecting "everyone" on the platform, suggesting systemic challenges with Amazon's fulfillment network that may not have a universal fix. Stock loss to carriers during transit is a real risk factor.