The U.S. Chamber’s Bill of Rights helps small businesses in America communicate their views to elected officials about what they need to create an environment to thrive.
Small businesses have faced a challenging set of cards in a period marked by shutdowns, labor shortages, and other difficulties. Axios reported recently that small businesses are struggling to navigate uncertain waters as prices rise and labor and supply shortages are likely to continue.
According to the U.S. Chamber Small Business Index, 85 percent of small businesses expressed concern about rising inflation in the most recent MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index. Fifty-one percent of small businesses believe that it will take at least six more months before the average business climate.
There have been many applications to start new business ventures despite the difficulties. Entrepreneurship has seen unprecedented growth in the past two years. This has led to the highest number of new business applications ever recorded.
The U.S. Chamber has unveiled five principles in its Small Business Bill of Rights, which calls on elected leaders to ensure that small businesses can thrive despite uncertainty and challenges.
Lori Tapani, co-owner and president of Wyoming Machine, Stacy, Minnesota, says, “It’s difficult to put into words the meaning of being a small business owner.” The Bill of Rights asks elected leaders to create an environment that allows founders and small-business owners to have the freedom they desire.
Manage and hire employees
Set the terms under which they will do business
Protect yourself from frivolous lawsuits
Profit from their business and help to direct its future
Do not be bound by excessive regulations
My Business is Hurt by Lack of Clarity
The first principle requires that the government not overburden a small business’s ability to create its employment policies or interfere with its ability to compete for talent. This includes using part-time workers and independent contractors.
Ronnie Slone is the President of The Slone Group, New Orleans, Louisiana. He says that as a consultant, he must use independent contractors to accommodate a constantly changing mix of clients and work scopes.
Slone states, “Building a company by using other trusted advisors provides the flexibility of services to my clients.” My business is hurt by the inconsistency between federal and state law regarding what constitutes an employee and what constitutes an independent contractor.
“Wage Requirements Act is a deterrent.”
Creature Comforts Veterinary Resort & Suites in Inman (South Carolina) – The second principle of the Bill of Rights – that small businesses set the terms under which they conduct business – is crucial.
The Bill of Rights says that small business owners should be able to manage their daily business operations, including setting terms of service and entering into agreements, without the need for government intervention.
Craig Lambert, President at Creature Comforts, says that minimum wage requirements are a clear example of unnecessary government intervention in daily operations.
The federal government can set a minimum wage rate. This acts as a deterrent for both the employer and the employee. Lambert says a national minimum wage restricts my discussions with job applicants as a small-business owner.”
Lambert also stated that “higher wage requirements, without acknowledging qualifications or talent required for specific jobs,” can lead to arbitrary price increases for consumers to meet increased wage demands.
“We Have So Many Stories”
According to the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), America has one of the most expensive legal systems globally. 79% of American voters consider frivolous lawsuits a problem.
Small business owners can be devastated by frivolous, unneeded, and expensive lawsuits. The Bill of Rights clearly states that small businesses have the right to continue to operate without fear of profit-based litigation using the threat of lawsuits to extort money.
Heleena Sideris is the co-owner of Park City Lodging. She manages property and rents out vacation rentals in Park City, Utah.
“A property owner left our management swimming pool, and his water heater failed months later. He sued us.” Sideris states that another person tried to buy a property within a complex we manage and sue us because his lender refused to approve a loan.
ILR recently reported that small businesses face increasing risks of being sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is because they struggle to overcome inflation, supply chain, and labor shortages.
Law firms are looking for ways to exploit the ADA and targeting small businesses with excessive ADA suits. These lawsuits are designed to force small businesses into settlements worth millions of dollars, not improve accessibility as the law intended.
According to Courthouse News, one restaurant in San Francisco, Hon’s Wun-Tun House, was sued in March 2024 because their dining tables were not wheelchair-accessible, even though they only offered takeout and were closed for sit-down service.
“The Regulations don’t make sense.”
According to the fourth Bill of Rights principle, small business owners should be able to enjoy the returns on their businesses and have the freedom to decide the future of their business. This includes the possibility of selling it or leaving it to someone else.
Regulators often prevent small businesses from following the business path that they desire.
“We want to start an employee-owned company, but financial draw regulations don’t make sense.” Sideris from Park City Lodging said that too many obstacles to achieving this goal.
The U.S. Chamber urges elected officials to use the Small Business Bill of Rights and the voices of America’s small business owners to ensure that entrepreneurs, founders, and owners of small businesses operate in an environment that empowers them to make business decisions.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Transitioning from a trader to a business owner is a thrilling journey, a leap from the exhilarating chaos of the markets into the strategic realm of entrepreneurship. Many traders, fueled by their passion for the financial world, dream of establishing their trading firm—a bold move that promises both independence and potential prosperity.
Yet, this path is strewn with challenges, requiring not just deep market knowledge but also formidable skills in management, finance, and strategic planning. How do you go from analyzing charts and executing trades to overseeing a team of traders and making critical business decisions? In this article, we’ll explore the multifaceted process of building your trading firm, offering insights on everything from legal considerations to cultivating a strong company culture.
Prepare to navigate the nuances of this transition—where the fierce nature of trading meets the intricate art of business ownership. Your journey begins now.
Identifying Your Niche in the Trading Market
Source: udemy.com
Identifying your niche in the trading market is an essential first step on your journey from trader to business owner. Start by reflecting on what truly captivates you—whether it’s forex, stocks, options, or commodities—and the unique strategies you’ve developed through experience.
Tools like depth of market software can play a pivotal role during this process, offering detailed insights into market trends and liquidity levels, which can help you pinpoint areas of opportunity. Dive deep into market trends, analyzing which segments show potential for growth and profitability, while also considering the competition.
Don’t shy away from experimenting; this phase often involves trial and error, as you test different trading styles against varying market conditions. Additionally, leverage your existing knowledge to carve out a specialized area, perhaps focusing on a demographic or asset class that isn’t saturated.
Ultimately, the key lies in blending your passion with market demands, creating a distinctive offering that speaks to both your interests and the needs of prospective clients.
Creating a Business Plan for Your Trading Firm
Source: www.getwork.co.uk
Creating a business plan for your trading firm is not merely a formality; it’s the foundation upon which your entrepreneurial dreams will stand. Begin by defining your vision—what kind of trading strategies will you employ? Will you focus on equity markets, forex, or perhaps cryptocurrencies? This clarity will inform every aspect of your plan, from your target market to your operational framework. Next, conduct a thorough market analysis to identify your competitors and potential clients, ensuring your unique selling proposition shines brightly amidst the noise.
Financial projections are crucial; outline your startup costs, expected revenues, and break-even analysis to illustrate the viability of your venture. Don’t forget to address risk management—how will you safeguard your capital against market volatility? Each section of your plan should weave together, showcasing not only your ambitions but also a pragmatic approach to navigating the complexities of the trading landscape.
This document is your blueprint for success; invest the time to make it comprehensive and compelling.
Legal Considerations for Starting a Trading Firm
Source: luxalgo.com
Establishing a trading firm entails navigating a labyrinth of legal considerations, intricately woven into the fabric of financial regulations. Aspiring business owners must first determine the appropriate business structure—whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation—each carrying its legal ramifications and tax obligations.
Securing the necessary licenses and permits is paramount; depending on your trading strategies and the markets you operate in, you may need to register with regulatory bodies like the SEC or FINRA. Additionally, compliance with anti-money laundering laws and data protection regulations will shape operational protocols, safeguarding both your firm and clientele. As you forge ahead, consulting with legal professionals proficient in financial regulations is not just wise—it’s essential, ensuring that your firm not only thrives but does so within the bounds of the law, avoiding the perilous pitfalls that could threaten your entrepreneurial dreams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transitioning from a trader to a business owner by establishing your trading firm is an exciting yet challenging journey that requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and an adept understanding of market dynamics. By leveraging essential resources, including cutting-edge tools like depth-of-market software, you can enhance your trading strategies and gain valuable insights into market trends.
Building a successful trading firm involves not only honing your trading skills but also developing a solid business framework, fostering a collaborative environment, and staying agile in a rapidly evolving marketplace. With the right approach and commitment to continuous learning, the path from trader to business owner can lead to remarkable growth and fulfillment in the world of finance.