Shipping is one of the most overlooked line items in eCommerce. With new tariffs, unpredictable customs delays, and rising delivery expectations from consumers, logistics is no longer a back-office problem, it’s a core growth challenge.
In this episode of the Deal Closers Podcast, Jason Gillikin speaks with Jason Brown, CEO of Deliveri, a soon-to-launch logistics platform helping eCommerce businesses save time, reduce costs, and ship smarter. From understanding the pain of demurrage fees to explaining how de minimis and DDP/DAP impact your bottom line, Jason brings clarity to one of the most misunderstood areas of online business.
Jason explains that tariffs, unpredictable customs regulations, and “demurrage” fees are top concerns. These fees, charged when shipments get stuck at port due to unpaid tariffs, can skyrocket unexpectedly, often costing small businesses tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in surprise costs.
The U.S. de minimis threshold allows imports under $800 to enter duty-free, but that’s changing. Starting May 2, packages from China and Hong Kong will no longer qualify, affecting millions of packages per day from platforms like Temu and Shein. This will lead to higher costs, customs slowdowns, and more paperwork for brands that rely on small international shipments.
Deliveri is designed to help small eCommerce brands access discounted shipping rates (20–85% savings) and manage their entire logistics stack from a single platform. Think of it as Expedia for shipping, founders can compare rates, schedule pickups, print return labels, and avoid the need for expensive third-party software or logistics hires.
DAP (Delivered at Place) means the customer pays duties on arrival, while DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the seller handles it upfront. Most small brands accidentally choose DAP, which leads to delayed packages, surprise costs for customers, and high return rates. Deliveri automates DDP, creating a smoother experience for buyers and reducing abandoned carts.
As tariffs rise and international regulations tighten, the eCommerce industry is entering a new era, one where operational efficiency can make or break your margins. Jason’s advice? Don’t treat logistics like a back-office function. Make it a core part of your brand strategy.
Whether you’re selling fashion, home goods, or electronics, Deliveri offers a level playing field by giving small brands access to the tools and pricing once reserved for enterprises. And if you’re building toward an exit, understanding these logistics levers could be the difference between a 5x and a 10x valuation.
In this Deal Closers episode, Jason Brown of Deliveri joins host Jason Gillikin to break down the unexpected costs of international shipping, explain recent tariff changes, and reveal how smarter logistics can drive profitability in eCommerce.
Here are three key takeaways from the episode:
1. Demurrage and Tariffs Can Wreck Margins: Businesses are getting hit with surprise fees of $125K–$250K simply for being unable to pay tariffs on time. Every delay increases the cost, making cash flow forecasting a nightmare.
2. Shipping Experience Affects Conversions: 69% of online shoppers abandon carts due to high shipping costs. Deliveri helps brands fix this by offering pre-negotiated shipping rates and transparent duties (DDP), improving checkout performance.
3. Founders Need Simpler Tools: Deliveri’s value isn’t just savings—it’s time. By centralizing shipping operations into one interface, founders can stop wasting time toggling between carrier portals and get back to what they love: building the brand.
A notable quote from Jason: “Founders want to stay in their zone of genius. They don’t want to spend hours figuring out shipping—they just want it to work.”
The episode underscores the truth that logistics is no longer optional, it’s a strategic pillar. If you’re not investing in your post-click experience, you’re leaving money (and loyal customers) on the table.
In conclusion, the Deal Closers episode featuring Jason Brown is a wake-up call for eCommerce entrepreneurs. With the right partners and platforms, like Deliveri, you can reduce friction, increase margins, and future-proof your business in a rapidly evolving global economy.
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