Most DTC founders are told: “Get a 3PL so you can scale.”

For brands doing $100K to $200K, that advice can quietly destroy margins, flexibility, and momentum.

In this episode of Supply Chain Moves, Lara breaks down Mistake #1 of 12 supply chain mistakes: signing a 3PL contract before you’re ready.

You’ll learn:

• The 4 traps of early 3PL adoption (minimums, lock-in, lost learning, and the wrong kind of scale)
• The story of Luna, a $120K skincare founder who felt stuck by $800K
• When you actually need a 3PL
• The “Goldilocks” fulfillment setup for $100K to $500K brands
• How to systematize before you outsource
• How to transition to a 3PL without losing control

If you’re packing boxes in your garage and wondering if it’s time to “level up,” this episode might save you six figures and a lot of regret.

Mistakes planted at $120K become painful at $800K.

If this episode helped make your supply chain a little less painful, share it with another founder because nobody deserves to learn these lessons the hard way. Follow Supply Chain Moves wherever you get your podcasts.

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