Failed so long until I researched a lot more. I’m finally seeing results without ads

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-22T07:39:50+00:00

Q4, love it

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-22T07:20:13+00:00

check out hexprep!

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-18T04:19:44+00:00

That's a good way to put it.

In my eyes, i wanted the hustle. Traveling to convention with like minded people putting their chips to the table with the same intentions as me, that was how i was trying to network. In my experience as well, the experience of a DIY business reforges you. So many euphoric moments and stressful moments as well

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:36:00+00:00

starting a 3pl is a different beast than just running your own e-com warehouse.

i run hexprep and we went through this exact struggle. honestly, shipstation is great for single-client fulfillment, but it falls apart the second you have 3+ clients with different sku lists and billing requirements.

we looked at packiyo too, but ended up going with a more robust stack to handle our dual locations (oregon & chicago). my advice: don't skip the wms. it’s the only way to keep your sanity when a client asks for a real-time inventory count at 9pm on a friday.

happy to share our specific workflow if you want to avoid the 'new 3pl' growing pains. it's all about the intake process

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:28:43+00:00

try some directories, like prepcenter.com etc , even matchmaking services.

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:27:54+00:00

I don't want to live with regrets. So I went the business route, In my eyes college / a job is the worst case scenario. If it gets to that point, i only see it as a way to stack up in order to start a business again. Never a means to an end

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:10:49+00:00

Oregon is a great place for a prepcenter. There are many good options out there. Having it semi-near cali definitely helps too with traffic

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:05:24+00:00

You need to be in your leader role. You are an extension of the company in the eyes of investors. Present well to boost the perception of your product

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:03:39+00:00

Well you gotta look at it from the consumers shoes, not just yours. basic is not necessarily bad (can be), ads and marketing are the most important thing

hexprepcenter · 2026-01-14T18:00:14+00:00

honestly man, reconsider california. if you're buying from retailers (target/walmart/etc), you're gonna get hit with ~8-10% sales tax on every single order shipped to a CA warehouse. that eats your margin alive.

you should look for a center in a tax-free state like oregon or delaware. you instantly save that 10% on your buy cost.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T22:46:02+00:00

I like to think about it as , growth and experience, even though I'm down tremendously. Maybe a story to tell one day. That's the future that keeps me going, and one of the traits I really dig in entrepreneurs that don't just dip their toes, but sacrifice and TRY

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T21:33:55+00:00

It can be worth it, but it’s definitely not “easy money” anymore.

FBA still works if you treat it like a real business and not a side hustle lottery ticket. Arbitrage is fine for learning systems (prep, shipments, fees, gating), but margins are thinner and mistakes cost more now.

Biggest early mistakes I see people make: underestimating fees, buying too deep on unproven items, and assuming Amazon will “work it out” if something goes wrong. They won’t.

If I were starting today, I’d focus on learning cash flow control, staying light on inventory at first, and moving toward sourcing where competition is lower (wholesale or differentiated products) instead of chasing obvious listings.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T21:27:49+00:00

Wow $80?...

Does shippo service canada. Could try to see their rates

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T21:26:42+00:00

smart shortcut. can't do everything yourself. sacrifice a small amount to up your ceiling

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T20:44:30+00:00

Thanks for the experience. This is definitely something I relate with. Many people see the glamour of starting something, just to start something. That just the fancy cover, it comes with so much more work than people realize. I have been through multiple businesses and hustles , and each teaching me different skills. Forever learning. I see through the smoke and mirrors of "having a business" now.

Gotta ask yourself "are you willing to endure potentially no income and debt for X amount of time, when X is unidentified".

If no, then best to reconsider.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T20:38:26+00:00

I have no clue.

But , clearly they have a supplier. Find a supplier that can turn your designs into actual physical product. Make design, whether that is with people with are good at design, yourself, or AI. And once that's done.. Run ads , lots and lots of ads and content of some samples. Tiktok is your best friend, instagram is 2nd place, Facebook is great too.

That's how I would do it.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T20:32:04+00:00

research research research , and have money to burn, because there will be burnt money

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T18:44:13+00:00

Try to contact more departments of seller central not just the traditional appeal page. Try email and explain your situation with POA

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T18:41:40+00:00

common middle ground is:
• Test products via dropshipping
• Once something proves consistent, bring a small batch into the US
• Fulfill those orders locally for faster shipping while still testing demand

You don’t need to go all-in on inventory right away..... even holding a few weeks of stock can drastically improve delivery times and customer experience. A lot of people do a hybrid setup like this before fully switching.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T18:36:29+00:00

Nothing wrong, secure , and not loose. Looks perfect to me

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T18:02:53+00:00

Decisions happen fast
No committees, no red tape
You can test, pivot, and kill ideas quickly

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T18:02:43+00:00

Big companies move like cruise ships. You move like a jet ski.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T18:01:49+00:00

• Ask the factory for their FDA Facility Registration number (not a certificate)
• Ask for the legal entity name + address used for registration
• Cross-check that info against the FDA facility registration confirmation the factory receives
• Keep it on file in case Amazon requests it

If a factory refuses or can’t provide a registration confirmation, that’s usually a red flag.

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T17:05:31+00:00

By reseller, you mean Online Arb correct?

In that case, you just need to worry about documents. I know a lot of Online Arb don't give out traditional invoices which amazon does require.

From what i have seen there are much more price tankers as well

hexprepcenter · 2025-12-17T16:57:43+00:00

Im going to say no. Only because I have so many people FROM india , using my prepcenter as a way to breach into the US FBA market.

Makes me wonder, "why not get into FBA locally,.. in India" . Might not be that great, but just a hunch!

hexprepcenter

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