Connect with us

Business

A company of hopes and transformation.

Nebojsa Vujinovic

Published

on

Entrepreneur and master’s degree in political science student Milan Fayulu builds brands to create change in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Milan Fayulu has been a marketer and founder with a purpose. He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Fayulu is telling and selling the story of his country to help the people of the country and improve the economy.

For many years, the DRC has been plagued by violence and corruption over the past few decades. “I was a child with an idea of having the DRC not being what they were supposed to be,” said the politician. “I was curious about what it took to get the DRC as powerful and wealthy as it was in the past.”

For Fayulu, the solution lies in developing companies easily associated with Congolese culture and society and using the profits from these ventures to meet critical requirements within the DRC.

He has discovered a method of launching his ambitious venture at MIT. Since his arrival in 2024, he’s working on a master’s degree in political science and establishing an entirely new experience called The Congo Clothing Company, with the help of a fellowship from MIT’s Legatum Center for Development & Entrepreneurship.

It’s already on a fast track: Fayulu’s team of startup entrepreneurs was selected to take part in the MIT delta v accelerator. The Martin Trust Center sponsors an educational program that runs for an entire summer for MIT Entrepreneurship, which prepares startups in the early stages for a fully-fledged commercial launch.

“This is an excellent validation for our entire team since it shows that there are people who believe that our project is likely to be a success,” says Fayulu. “Life being an entrepreneur is full of ups and downs, and this seal of approval from MIT allows me to breathe.”

A mission-driven clothing line

A single of the more terrifying aspects of the DRC’s complicated conflict is the widespread prevalence of sexual violence carried out by combatants, local and foreign, to inflict terror. (One research conducted by The American Journal of Public Health discovered that women are raped each hour.) In 2018, DRC gynecologist and human rights advocate Denis Mukwege won the Nobel Peace Prize by pledging to stop using sexual aggression as a weapon of war and provide survivors a path to move forward. This was a message Fayulu could not resist and the basis for his current passion project, The Congo Clothing Company.

“I was possessed by a desire to aid the man who is a heroic hero doing God’s work here at the earth level,” says Fayulu. In observing that Mukwege’s cause had diminished one year after receiving his award, and “that there was no improvement on the ground,” Fayulu determined to find an effective, long-term strategy to increase awareness of Mukwege’s mission, as well as raise funds to support his work on behalf of victims of rape.

“This is the point where entrepreneurship can be a factor,” he says. “I thought of the concept of a fashion label, a denim collection that incorporates Congo-inspired designs with a broad appeal that will provide survivors with income and share the stories of their lives.”

Fayulu’s mission is to market Congo Clothing on web-based platforms and then channel a portion of profits to training survivors and help them purchase personal sewing equipment. Fayulu will allow them to have independence and self-sufficiency. The women are currently under the supervision at Mukwege’s Panzi Hospital in Eastern DRC in a zone that is a scene of ongoing civil war.

When the customer receives your Congo Clothing package, they will be introduced to the tale of Congo’s brutality but in an empowering framework of survival with the possibility of hope and resilience. “Buying this brand helps create an image that will inspire people,” says Fayulu. He is currently dependent on a Colombian manufacturing plant to make his clothing range. He’s currently collaborating with the MIT D-LAB design project team to develop the future “made by Congo” products. He will use the delta-V opportunities this summer to get closer to his goal of creating manufacturing within the DRC. “I believe this will be an opportunity to create an industrial textile sector that is strong in the region in the nation,” he says.

The interplay between politics and business

This isn’t the first time Fayulu has had an encounter with companies. After he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Miami in 2015, Fayulu began Eben Cosmetics, which is a skincare company that caters to people of color and underserved markets, He believed. To cover the cost of rent and get Eben up and running (his first cash infusion was a $17 000 Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign), Fayulu began Flashstay, an online real estate technology platform for short-term rental in Miami.

“I believe in entrepreneurship as solving problems,” he says. “With great ideas, you can create individuals with opportunities and immense wealth.”

However, in 2019, a catastrophic event caused Fayulu to put these projects aside. His father, an ex-executive with Exxon Mobil, ran as the presidential candidate in the DRC elections. As per the government’s official count, in addition to independent analysts, Martin Fayulu won by an impressive margin but was not able to claim victory by the electoral commission of the country. The Financial Times wrote that Fayulu could “be the most unjustly criticized person in politics.”

The younger Fayulu was a pivotal moment. “I discovered that everything was based on the political climate,” he says. “It was obvious that if you’re not able to change the political climate, it does not matter what industry you’re involved in.” With the “fraudulent” President in office, Fayulu decided to get a “bigger view of the policymaking process and learn how to make sure that the contest rules are competitive.” He began to study for the GRE and was accepted to MIT.

As a student of Evan Lieberman, Total Professor of Political Science and Contemporary Africa, Fayulu has been immersed in the study of political theory and methodology. He was incredibly impressed with the class taught by Lieberman on ethnic politics. “We examined the relationship between various groups and the effect of race on society,” He asks, for example, why two African tribes can coexist in one nation and be different in another. “We studied the patterns of history, and I realized that many things I’d held convictions regarding were founded on a superficial understanding, but now I’m aware that I need to go deeper to understand.”

Fayulu’s thesis focuses on how U.S. venture capital investment in Africa has been concentrated in only a few countries (Nigeria and South Africa top the list). He believes that having students from these countries in the top American universities has resulted in an unbeatable economic network that can benefit African firms. “There’s the advantage of first-mover that keeps feeding on itself and growing.”

Congolese to the center

After a life of moving from one African country to the next and an education abroad, Fayulu’s devotion to his country has never left the DRC. As his father did, Fayulu believes that his story is inseparable from one of his nations. Stricken by years (and hundreds of years, if you include the time that was the Belgian government) of corruption, brutal repression and greed, and brutal repression, the DRC requires a new beginning economically and politically, according to Fayulu. He is hoping to promote this cause from Cambridge and eventually within Congo within Congo.

“I’m the sole DRC citizen attending MIT this year, and I’d like to make the most of this unique opportunity to be the first link that connects MIT with the DRC,” he says. He hopes to eliminate the investment gap that favors well-established African nations by bringing more excellent Congolese pupils to MIT or Harvard. In addition, with the mentoring and connections offered through the MIT delta summer accelerator program, Fayulu is imagining laying the foundations not only for his company, the Congo Clothing Company, but an influx of DRC-focused businesses. “I would like to create a Congolese national conglomerate which provides local people with jobs and could also serve as an ambassador for Congolese to the world,” he says.

He will also fight for an honest, representative government during the fast-approaching DRC elections, hoping to eradicate the kind of self-dealing and cronyism that hinders real economic growth. “This will be an African tale,” says Fayulu. “It’s going to be lengthy and complex; however, that’s the objective.”

Hi, my name is Nebojša, and I've been involved in digital marketing for over 15 years. I've written for various websites, covering a wide range of topics. I'm particularly interested in subjects like technology, gaming, app development, and I also have a passion for automobiles. Additionally, I work on SEO optimization. In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, traveling and spending time with my wife and daughter.

Continue Reading

Business

How Interim CFOs Improve Financial Control

Published

on

In today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, businesses often find themselves navigating uncharted waters. Financial control is more critical than ever, and for many organizations, the presence of an Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can be a transformative catalyst.

These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience, ready to tackle the myriad challenges that arise when fiscal uncertainty looms large. An Interim CFO doesn’t just step in to fill a gap; they strategically reshape financial frameworks, implement robust controls, and establish rigorous reporting standards.

Whether it’s during times of transition, crisis management, or growth initiatives, their insights and expertise can mean the difference between stability and chaos. This article delves into the pivotal role Interim CFOs play in enhancing financial governance and ensuring that organizations emerge stronger from turbulent periods.

Assessing Financial Health

Source: bridgepointconsulting.com

Assessing financial health is a critical undertaking that interim CFOs approach with both rigor and insight. They dive deep into the numbers, examining everything from cash flow to profitability margins, understanding that each figure tells a story. This analysis goes beyond mere data; it weaves together trends, forecasts, and historical performance to create a comprehensive picture of the organization’s fiscal vitality.

Are there hidden costs lurking in operational expenses? Is revenue being maximized? These questions demand answers, and interim CFOs are adept at uncovering the nuances within financial statements. Their keen eye for detail allows them to identify both strengths and weaknesses within the financial framework, paving the way for strategic adjustments that can enhance both stability and growth.

In this dance of digits, agility is essential—because in the world of finance, timing can be everything.

Implementing Robust Financial Controls

Source: news24.com

Implementing robust financial controls is a critical step that interim CFOs take to fortify an organization\’s fiscal health. These controls serve as a safeguard, ensuring that financial processes are not only efficient but also transparent.

Picture a web of interconnected policies and procedures—document reviews, approval processes, and compliance checks—all woven together to minimize risk and prevent errors. An interim CFO often steps into a firm with fresh eyes, identifying gaps that may have eluded others for years.

They might introduce sophisticated auditing techniques while also streamlining simple tasks to foster a culture of accountability. By engaging teams in this process, they not only enhance accuracy but also empower staff to take ownership of their roles within the financial ecosystem.

In this intricate landscape, a strong framework of financial controls acts as both a compass and a shield, guiding decisions while protecting the organization from unforeseen pitfalls.

Enhancing Budgeting and Forecasting

Source: onboardingofficers.co.uk

Interim CFOs bring a fresh perspective to the often mundane world of budgeting and forecasting, transforming it into a dynamic tool for strategic insight. With their diverse experiences across industries, these financial leaders adeptly dissect existing budgets, uncoupling inefficient patterns and illuminating overlooked opportunities.

They introduce sophisticated modeling techniques that integrate historical data with real-time market trends, enabling organizations to anticipate shifts and respond with agility. Moreover, by fostering collaboration between departments, they craft a more inclusive budgeting process, one that aligns financial goals with operational realities.

The result? A robust financial roadmap that not only guides the present but also charts a course toward future growth, empowering businesses to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interim CFOs play a pivotal role in enhancing financial control within organizations by bringing specialized expertise, fresh perspectives, and immediate operational efficiency. Their ability to swiftly assess financial systems, implement necessary changes, and provide strategic guidance allows companies, especially during transitional periods, to maintain stability and achieve their financial objectives.

Organizations looking to optimize their financial oversight should consider the strategic advantage of engaging interim CFOs to navigate complexities and foster growth. For more insights on leveraging financial expertise, visit www.fdcapital.co.uk to explore how interim solutions can elevate your businesss financial management.

Continue Reading

Business

How to Cut Costs on Shipping to Amazon Warehouses – 2025 Update

Published

on

Costs on Shipping to Amazon Warehouses

Shipping products to Amazon FBA warehouses is a major expense for third-party sellers. Whether you’re shipping a single box via SPD (Small Parcel Delivery) or pallet loads through LTL/FTL (Less Than Truckload/Full Truckload), shipping costs can eat up 15% to 40% of your total margin if not carefully optimized.

In 2025, with higher fuel surcharges, regional delivery bottlenecks, and Amazon’s stricter FBA receiving policies, cutting shipping costs is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for profitability.

Checklist for Cutting Amazon FBA Shipping Costs

Action Benefit
Use Partnered Carriers Save 30–70% on SPD/LTL rates
Consolidate into LTL when possible Reduce per-unit cost and handling fees
Ship from prep centers near FCs Shorten the last-mile distance
Use standard box/pallet dimensions Avoid oversized penalties
Automate with FBA software tools Reduce labor cost, avoid prep errors

1. Choose the Right Shipping Method: SPD vs. LTL/FTL

Many sellers default to SPD because it’s familiar and easier to set up. But as your shipment volume grows, this method quickly becomes inefficient. If you’re sending multiple boxes regularly, switching to LTL or FTL can significantly lower your per-unit cost.

LTL is ideal for 1–4 pallets, while FTL becomes more economical once you’re shipping 20+ pallets. The larger and more frequent your shipments, the more you save through freight consolidation and pallet optimization.

Shipping Method Best For Typical Volume Cost Efficiency
SPD (Small Parcel) Low-volume shipments (<150 lbs per box) Under 10 boxes Low to Moderate
LTL (Less Than Truckload) Medium-volume shipments 1–4 pallets High for consolidated loads
FTL (Full Truckload) Large shipments to one FC 20+ pallets Very high if volume allows

Always run a side-by-side cost analysis between Amazon’s partnered LTL and SPD options for the same shipment. Even at lower volumes, LTL can beat SPD in cost-per-unit when handled correctly.

2. Optimize Box and Pallet Dimensions

Optimized box and pallet stacking system inside Amazon warehouses for space efficiency

Smartly stacked boxes and pallets in Amazon warehouses highlight how optimizing dimensions helps maximize space utilization

Dimensional weight pricing has become the standard for carriers, meaning your shipping bill depends as much on volume as on actual weight. Oversized packaging, under-filled boxes, or poorly stacked pallets all translate into wasted money.

Even minor changes to your box dimensions can cut down on shipping charges significantly. It’s especially important to standardize carton sizes across SKUs and ensure you’re getting the most efficient stackability when using LTL or FTL.

Packaging Type Cost Impact Optimization Tip
Oversized Boxes Higher per-unit cost + surcharges Split items into smaller boxes
Inconsistent Sizes Inefficient pallet use Use standard cartons
Poor Pallet Stacking May result in Amazon rejections Follow Amazon’s FBA pallet guidelines

A Freightos shipping case study found that by trimming box height by just 2 inches across 300 monthly units, one seller saved $420 in dimensional weight charges over 30 days.

3. Consolidate Shipments Strategically

Frequent small shipments often result in higher per-unit shipping costs, more carrier pickups, and a higher likelihood of fulfillment center delays. Consolidating multiple small shipments into a single, well-organized load saves on handling and often qualifies for better freight rates.

More importantly, Amazon prefers well-labeled, bulk deliveries over fragmented ones, which can
delay check-ins during peak seasons.

Scenario Estimated Monthly Shipping Cost With Consolidation
4 SPD shipments × 10 boxes $900 $540
1 LTL pallet shipment (same qty) $480

If you’re using a prep center or 3PL, schedule shipments biweekly or monthly instead of weekly. Many centers will hold goods for a few extra days to help you consolidate at no added cost.

4. Use a Prep Center Near Amazon FCs

Organized prep center near Amazon warehouses with boxes ready for dispatch

A prep center near Amazon warehouses ensures faster and more accurate processing of shipments ready for dispatch

Shipping across the country adds avoidable costs, especially if your inventory is already located closer to Amazon’s main fulfillment hubs, according to Dollan Prep Center. Working with a prep center within a short distance of Amazon’s major FCs helps you reduce last-mile freight charges, shorten delivery windows, and reduce potential delays during appointment scheduling.

This also increases the chances of faster check-ins and fewer rescheduling penalties.

Top FC Regions Benefits of Nearby Prep Centers
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Central location, multiple nearby Amazon FCs
Hebron, KY Common FBA inbound point for East Coast sellers
Moreno Valley, CA Ideal for West Coast imports from Asia
Allentown, PA High Amazon FC density, fast East Coast distribution

Relocating your prep and storage from the West Coast to Kentucky or Ohio can reduce per-pallet shipping costs by 20–30%, especially for sellers distributing nationwide.

5. Leverage Amazon’s Partnered Carrier Program

Amazon offers discounted rates through its partnered carrier program, which includes both UPS for SPD shipments and several freight providers for LTL and FTL loads. These discounts are only available if you create shipments directly through Seller Central and use Amazon’s pre-approved carriers.

In most cases, Amazon’s partnered rates beat outside quotes, even those from negotiated commercial accounts.

Service Estimated Discount
Partnered SPD (UPS) 30%–50%
Partnered LTL (XPO, CEVA, etc.) 40%–70%

While you must comply with Amazon’s strict packaging and labeling requirements to access these rates, the savings are substantial, l—especially for high-volume sellers or those regularly shipping to distant FCs.

6. Reduce Rejected Shipments with Better Labeling and Packing

Stacked cardboard boxes in Amazon warehouses, illustrating efforts to reduce rejected shipments

Neatly stacked boxes in Amazon warehouses demonstrate strategies to reduce rejected shipments and improve delivery efficiency

FBA rejections are costly and often entirely avoidable. If your shipment arrives with incorrect labels, mixed SKUs, damaged boxes, or non-standard pallets, Amazon may either reject the shipment or charge you additional fees for correction.

These mistakes lead to delays, inventory miscounts, and wasted freight costs. Proper prep practices—including double-checking barcode placements and securely packing all cartons—go a long way in avoiding financial hits.

Mistake Possible Charge
Wrong label placement $0.20–$0.30 per unit
Unscannable barcode $0.15–$0.40 per unit
Rejected pallet Full reshipment cost

Based on Amazon seller reports, approximately 1 in 5 shipments that result in receiving delays are traced back to labeling or prep errors, ot transport problems.

7. Compare 3PL and Freight Forwarder Rates

Freight pricing varies widely depending on your route, volume, and carrier network. Many sellers overlook potential savings by sticking with default options like Amazon Partnered LTL when they could secure lower rates via third-party logistics (3PL) providers or freight brokers.

For international shipments, especially from Asia, consider FBA-friendly freight forwarders who understand Amazon labeling and delivery protocols.

Shipping Scenario Amazon Partnered Rate 3PL Broker Rate Savings Potential
3 pallets to California FC $620 $520 ~$100 (16%)
Full container from China $2,400 $1,800 ~$600 (25%)

Always confirm that your 3PL or freight broker can handle Amazon’s strict delivery appointments and ASN documentation. Mishandled deliveries can delay check-in by days or even weeks.

8. Use Software to Automate and Optimize Shipping

Managing logistics manually might work at a small scale, but as your operation grows, automation is critical. FBA-compatible software can help you generate labels, track freight costs, schedule restocks, and reduce prep errors.

Most tools also offer data dashboards that allow you to compare historical shipping costs and identify which products are the most expensive to move.

Tool Functionality
InventoryLab Shipment creation, cost tracking, and label printing
RestockPro Restocking suggestions and forecasting
ShipStation Multi-carrier shipping rate comparisons
Sellerboard Profit analysis, including logistics cost modeling

Automating shipment creation and integrating freight cost visibility into your inventory management can help reduce administrative time by 20–30% and prevent avoidable prep center errors.

9. Negotiate Better Terms with Your Prep or Freight Providers

Shipping costs are not always fixed. If you’re consistently sending volume to FBA, you have leverage. Many prep centers, LTL brokers, and freight forwarders offer volume discounts, flat fees per pallet, or reduced storage costs if you ask.

Review your past 3–6 months of shipping data, calculate your average pallet count, and initiate a negotiation with your vendors.

Tip: Sellers averaging 10+ pallets per month can often secure flat monthly pallet rates, discounted receiving, or free shrink-wrapping—terms that reduce your cost per unit long term.

10. Eliminate Dead Weight: Audit Unprofitable Shipments

Cardboard boxes on shelves in Amazon warehouses focused on eliminating dead weight in shipments

A focus on eliminating dead weight in Amazon warehouses leads to lighter, more cost-effective shipments

Not every product is worth shipping. It’s easy to fall into the trap of sending every piece of inventory to FBA, regardless of sales velocity or margin. Always review your SKU profitability before creating a shipment.

If a product yields less than $5 net profit after shipping and FBA fees, it may not be worth warehousing, especially if it ties up cash flow or increases long-term storage fees.

Sellers who regularly audit their shipping loads and purge underperforming inventory can reduce overall FBA shipping costs by 15–25%, according to Helium 10 seller data from Q4 2024.

Conclusion

Shipping costs are one of the easiest areas to improve once you understand the variables that impact pricing, from carton sizes to shipping method selection, from software automation to vendor negotiation.

In 2025, sellers who optimize these components can see thousands in annual savings and increase their margins without selling a single extra unit. Whether you’re operating at 500 units per month or 50,000, controlling your logistics pipeline will separate your business from competitors who let costs run unchecked.

Continue Reading

Business

Post-Purchase Customer Experience – Why It’s the Key to Retention and Loyalty

Published

on

In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, securing a sale is just the beginning of the customer journey, not the end. Post-purchase customer experience has emerged as a pivotal aspect of not only retaining clients but also building unwavering loyalty.

Once the transaction is completed, a new chapter unfolds—one that can either transform a one-time buyer into a lifelong advocate or reduce them to just another statistic in the sea of disengaged consumers. Every interaction a customer has after the purchase, from personalized follow-ups to seamless customer support, plays a crucial role in shaping their perception of your brand.

As the dust settles on their initial decision to buy, it’s the ongoing experiences that will ultimately determine whether they return for more or drift away into the clutches of competitors. Understanding and optimizing this journey is not merely an option anymore; it’s a necessity for businesses striving to cultivate lasting relationships in a world where choices abound.

The Path to Loyalty: How Post-Purchase Experience Shapes Customer Relationships

Source: reverselogix.com

The journey to fostering customer loyalty begins long after the initial purchase is made; it is intricately woven into the fabric of the post-purchase experience. Picture this: a customer who eagerly anticipates their delivery, receiving a thoughtful follow-up email that not only confirms shipment but also includes tips for maximizing the product’s use—this simple gesture cultivates a sense of connection.

Afterward, a timely survey asking for feedback demonstrates that their voice matters, transforming a transactional relationship into a dialogue. Each element, from personalized recommendations based on their purchase history to dedicated customer support, deepens trust and enhances the emotional bond.

In this ever-competitive landscape, understanding that retention hinges not on the initial sale, but on the entire journey afterwards, can unlock the secret to creating lifelong advocates for your brand.

Beyond the Sale: The Critical Role of Aftercare in Customer Retention

Source: globalresponse.com

In the whirlwind of commerce, where transactions often take center stage, one critical aspect frequently slips through the cracks: aftercare. This pivotal phase begins the moment a customer clicks “confirm” on their order, extending well beyond the point of sale.

It’s not merely a follow-up; it’s a commitment to nurturing the relationship, a chance to reinforce the connection established during their buying journey. Think of aftercare as the secret sauce of customer loyalty—personalized messages, helpful tips, and timely support can transform an ordinary experience into an extraordinary one.

Customers who feel valued and supported are more likely to return, not just for the products they cherish but for the community and service that accompany them. In a landscape flooded with choices, businesses that prioritize aftercare don’t just sell products; they cultivate loyalty, turning one-time buyers into lifelong advocates.

Conclusion

Source: youngurbanproject.com

In conclusion, the post-purchase customer experience is a critical pillar in fostering retention and loyalty among consumers. By understanding and enhancing this stage of the customer journey, businesses can build lasting relationships that go beyond a single transaction.

Effective post-purchase marketing not only reinforces the value of the initial purchase but also encourages repeat business through personalized communication and ongoing engagement. As companies strive to differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape, prioritizing the post-purchase experience will prove essential in transforming customers into brand advocates, ultimately driving sustainable growth and long-term success.

Continue Reading

Trending