Cross-Border Logistics

Framework

IRON LAW: Return Logistics Costs 3-5× More Than Outbound — Budget for It or Die

Agents plan outbound shipping costs but systematically ignore returns.
Cross-border return rates run 15-30% for apparel, and each return costs
3-5× the outbound shipment (reverse customs, restocking, re-export duties,
currency loss). If your margin can't absorb a 20% return rate at 4× cost,
the overseas warehouse model is a cash trap regardless of forward volume.
Calculate the break-even return rate BEFORE committing to a fulfillment model.

Three Logistics Models