International shipping Archives

The Next Wave of International Shipping Innovation Through ePost Global with Kelly Martinez at Shop Talk

May 13, 2025April 25, 2025 Brent W. Peterson

On this special Talk Commerce episode broadcasting live from Shop Talk, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kelly Martinez, co-president of ePost Global, for an insightful discussion about international shipping solutions, cross-border commerce, and the evolving landscape of global logistics. I was particularly intrigued by the innovative approaches ePost Global is taking to solve complex shipping challenges for retailers worldwide.

Key Takeaways

ePost Global leverages an extensive network of final-mile carriers to provide reliable and cost-effective shipping solutions
Regional carriers have seen significant growth in the last five years, creating new opportunities for retailers
The company’s technology platform helps determine optimal carrier selection for specific geographic regions
Recent tariff changes have prompted retailers to reevaluate their supply chain strategies
The Middle East and Asia present emerging opportunities for cross-border commerce
Alternative delivery solutions proved crucial during events like the Canada Post strike

About Kelly Martinez

Kelly Martinez is extremely knowledgeable in her role as co-president of ePost Global. Her expertise in logistics and international shipping solutions clearly shows in her leadership approach to expanding the company’s strategic carrier network. What struck me most was her passion for international travel – she had just returned from Madrid and Barcelona – which gives her a unique perspective on global commerce and cultural nuances that impact shipping operations.

Detailed Episode Summary

Kelly began by introducing ePost Global’s core strengths. I was particularly impressed by their strategically located final-mile carrier network and experienced logistics team. What caught my attention was how their platform simplifies the complexities of international shipping while maintaining cost efficiency.

As we chatted, I learned about the evolution of final-mile delivery services. Kelly shared fascinating insights about the emergence of regional carriers over the past five years. What I found most interesting was how ePost Global’s technology platform enables retailers to optimize carrier selection based on geographic locations and specific delivery requirements.

Our discussion naturally progressed to recent challenges in cross-border commerce, particularly regarding tariffs. I was impressed by how ePost Global has taken a proactive approach to educating customers about these changes and helping them adapt their strategies.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

In my years of hosting Talk Commerce and speaking with industry leaders, I’ve noticed a critical shift in how businesses approach international commerce. What Kelly shared reinforces my observation that shipping is no longer just a transactional service but a strategic component of business success. The emergence of regional carriers and the need for flexible shipping solutions demonstrates the industry’s continuous evolution.

Memorable Quotes

I was particularly struck by Kelly’s statement: “Our goal is to make things easy. Most of the time, our customers, 90% of their business is United States domestic. And maybe there’s a small portion that’s international and they don’t want to become experts.”

Another standout quote was: “We continue to add final mile carriers. They continue to pop up in service areas that didn’t have alternatives.”

Engaging the Audience

I encourage you to listen to the full episode to gain more insights into optimizing your international shipping strategy. Don’t forget to subscribe to Talk Commerce for more conversations with industry leaders who are shaping the future of e-commerce. Connect with Kelly Martinez and ePost Global to explore how their solutions can support your business’s global expansion.

Final Thoughts

As your host, I’ve seen countless innovations in e-commerce, but what ePost Global is doing with international shipping truly stands out. The future of international shipping clearly lies in flexibility, technology integration, and strategic carrier partnerships. I’m excited to see how businesses will adapt these shipping strategies to remain competitive in our ever-evolving global marketplace.

Listen to more episodes about the latest innovations in ecommerce here

Return Bear Transforms Global E-commerce Returns Management at Shop Talk

In this insightful episode of Talk Commerce’s Shop Talk series, host Brent Peterson sits down with Katherine Lehman, Chief Marketing Officer at Return Bear, and Isaac Morey from Content Cucumber. The conversation centers on the complexities of cross-border returns in e-commerce and how Return Bear is revolutionizing the process while prioritizing sustainability and customer experience.

Key Takeaways

Forward fulfillment strategy eliminates unnecessary cross-border shipping
60% cost savings through cross-border consolidation
100% fraud reduction through manual verification processes
Sustainability focus through resale and donation programs
Integration capabilities with existing RMA solutions
Customer retention through improved return experiences

About Katherine Lehman

Katherine Lehman serves as the Chief Marketing Officer at Return Bear, bringing decades of experience in brand and technology companies. Her dual passion for shopping and sustainability drives her commitment to making returns more profitable for retailers while maintaining environmental consciousness. At Return Bear, she leads initiatives to transform the returns experience into a more delightful process for customers while ensuring profitability for merchants.

Detailed Episode Summary

The conversation begins with an exploration of Return Bear’s unique position in handling cross-border returns between major markets, including the US, Canada, UK, and their recent expansion into Australia. Katherine explains their innovative approach to managing returns across international borders, highlighting their role as a global 4PL provider.

A significant focus of the discussion centers on Return Bear’s forward fulfillment strategy. Instead of shipping returned items back to their origin country, the company maintains the inventory in the destination market for future sales. This approach proves particularly valuable for seasonal fashion items, where approximately 20% of inventory is typically tied up in returns.

The dialogue shifts to the challenges of cross-border returns, particularly regarding customs, duties, and tariffs. Return Bear’s solution involves both software capabilities and physical logistics facilities, creating a comprehensive system that simplifies the complex process of international returns.

Katherine emphasizes the importance of customer experience in returns management, noting that poor return experiences can significantly impact customer retention. The company’s approach to verification remains deliberately human-centric, achieving 100% fraud reduction without relying on AI solutions.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

The episode reveals a crucial gap in the e-commerce ecosystem that Return Bear effectively addresses. While much attention has been paid to optimizing the forward logistics of cross-border e-commerce, the reverse logistics have remained a significant pain point for both retailers and consumers. Return Bear’s approach not only solves operational challenges but also addresses environmental concerns through smart inventory management.

Memorable Quotes

“We like to call ourselves a global 4PL to solve all that problems on the cross-border piece so that it’s not as expensive to get your stuff back across those borders.” – Katherine Lehman

“At any given time, 20% of your inventory for a fashion brand is stuck in returns.” – Katherine Lehman

“To put it bluntly, how do we not piss off our customers?” – Katherine Lehman on the core focus of returns management

Engaging the Audience

To learn more about revolutionizing your cross-border returns process and improving customer satisfaction, listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest developments in e-commerce logistics and customer experience management.

Final Thoughts

The future of e-commerce returns lies in creating seamless, sustainable solutions that benefit both retailers and consumers. As cross-border shopping continues to grow, Return Bear’s innovative approach sets a new standard for returns management in the global marketplace.

Listen to more episodes about the latest in Ecommerce innovations here