Expand to North America with Confidence Using Data-Driven Planning

US & Canada Market Entry Playbook

Thinking about launching in the US or Canada? Most brands underestimate the operational complexity and
overestimate the revenue opportunity. The AMZ Prep North America Expansion Playbook helps ecommerce
brands evaluate 3PL readiness, operational gaps, and true contribution margins before committing inventory to a
new market. Stop guessing. Start planning with real data.

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  • AMZ Prep named Top 100 B2B logistics in 2025 by Clutch
Free Assessment Tool

International Expansion Playbook

Evaluate your operational readiness, 3PL capabilities, and margin impact before expanding to new markets

Fulfillment Network
Warehouse locations and coverage
0 / 12
How many fulfillment centers do they have in your target market?
What percentage of customers can receive orders within 2 days?
Can they strategically position inventory across nodes based on demand?
Do they have capacity for your projected order volume?
Cross-Border Capabilities
International shipping and customs
0 / 12
How do they handle cross-border returns?
Do they have customs brokerage partnerships?
Can they offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping?
Do they support multi-currency billing?
Technology & Integration
Platform compatibility and automation
0 / 15
Do they have native integrations with your sales channels?
Is inventory sync real-time across all channels?
Can orders auto-route to the optimal fulfillment center?
What level of reporting and analytics do they provide?
Do they offer API access for custom integrations?
Operations & Performance
Speed, accuracy, and reliability
0 / 12
What are their guaranteed dispatch times?
What is their shipping accuracy rate?
How do they handle peak season capacity?
What is their typical onboarding timeline?
Pricing & Transparency
Cost structure and terms
0 / 12
Can they provide detailed shipping cost estimates by zone?
Are there hidden fees (setup, minimums, overages)?
How does pricing scale as volume grows?
Do they offer SLA guarantees with compensation?
Support & Partnership
Account management and communication
0 / 12
Will you have a dedicated account manager?
What are their support hours and response times?
How do they communicate about issues and delays?
Do they conduct regular business reviews?
Fulfillment & Dispatch
Can you replicate your speed in a new market?
0 / 15
You have identified a fulfillment partner that can guarantee 24-48 hour dispatch in your target market
Your pick, pack, and ship SOPs are documented and transferable to a new 3PL partner
You have capacity planning in place for peak season in the new market
You have mapped shipping zones and know estimated delivery times to major customer regions
You have a plan for handling shipping exceptions and delays in the new market
Inventory Management
Visibility and control across locations
0 / 12
You have real-time inventory visibility that will work across multiple fulfillment locations
You can set separate reorder points and safety stock levels for the new market
Your inventory sync is integrated with all sales channels you plan to use
You have a strategy for managing slow-moving or stranded inventory in the new market
Returns Processing
Handling returns in the target market
0 / 12
You have a local returns address or partner in the target market
Returns can be processed and back in sellable inventory within 5 business days
Your returns policy has been reviewed for local consumer expectations and regulations
You have budgeted for potentially higher return rates in the new market
Customer Experience
Support and localization
0 / 12
Customer support coverage exists for the target market's time zones
Shipping notifications and tracking work with local carriers
Your team can handle inquiries about customs, duties, and delivery timelines
Website and checkout are localized (currency, language, shipping options)
Systems & Reporting
Tech infrastructure for multi-market ops
0 / 9
Your order management system supports multi-location fulfillment
Reporting can segment performance by market and region
You have alerts configured for inventory issues and fulfillment delays
Contribution Margin Calculator
Compare current market vs expansion market
Current Market
Average Order Value
Product Cost (COGS)
Pick & Pack Fee
Shipping Cost
Return Rate (%)
Return Processing Cost
Expansion Market
Average Order Value
Product Cost (COGS)
Include additional landed cost
Pick & Pack Fee
Shipping Cost
Zone-based shipping varies $8-$15
Return Rate (%)
US averages 15-30% for apparel
Return Processing Cost
Additional Costs (Current)
Other Fees
Cross-Border Costs (Expansion)
Duties & Brokerage
Brokerage typically $5-$15
Expansion market margin is significantly lower. Review costs before committing inventory.
Powered by AMZ Prep — Global ecommerce fulfillment

How It Works

Evaluate your 3pl options

Evaluate Your 3PL Options

Score potential fulfillment partners across 25 critical factors including multi-node capabilities, cross-border operations, technology integrations, and pricing transparency. Know exactly what questions to ask before signing any contract.

✓ Rate fulfillment network coverage
✓ Assess cross-border capabilities
✓ Review technology and integrations
✓ Compare pricing structures
✓ Evaluate support and partnership quality

Check your operational readiness

Check Your Operational Readiness

Review 20 operational requirements across fulfillment, inventory management, returns processing, customer experience, and systems. Identify gaps before they become expensive problems in a new market.

✓ Audit dispatch and fulfillment capabilities
✓ Verify inventory visibility and controls
✓ Confirm returns processing readiness
✓ Assess customer experience localization
✓ Review systems and reporting infrastructure

Validate your unit economics

Validate Your Unit Economics

Compare contribution margins between your current market and North America. Factor in higher shipping costs, residential surcharges, cross-border fees, and increased return rates to understand your true profitability.

✓ Model product economics side by side
✓ Calculate fulfillment cost differences
✓ Include cross-border duties and brokerage
✓ Factor in higher return rates
✓ See actual contribution margin impact

Key Features

3PL Scorecard

Vet fulfillment partners the right way

25 evaluation criteria across 6 categories
Scoring system from 0-75 points
Section-by-section breakdown
Notes field for each response
Clear scoring guide for decision making

Operational Readiness Checklist

Know if you’re truly ready to expand

20 critical operational requirements
Covers fulfillment, inventory, returns, CX, and systems
Visual progress tracking
Scoring guide with clear thresholds
Identifies gaps before they cost you money

Contribution Margin Calculator

Understand the real economics

Side-by-side market comparison
Includes all cost categories
Factors in cross-border fees
Accounts for return rate differences
Instant margin impact analysis

Built for Growing DTC Brands

Designed by operators, for operators

Works for DTC, Amazon, and multi-channel sellers
Covers US and Canada expansion
No signup or email required
Instant results as you complete
Export and share with your team

Data-Driven Decision Making

Replace gut feelings with real analysis

Quantify 3PL capabilities objectively
Score operational readiness systematically
Model margins before committing inventory
Compare multiple 3PL options fairly
Build internal alignment with shared data

Free and Unlimited

Use it as many times as you need

100% free with no hidden costs
No account creation required
Evaluate multiple 3PLs separately
Re-run as your business evolves
Share results with partners and investors

WHY EXPANDING TO NORTH AMERICA IS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS

The US and Canadian markets look attractive on paper. Large populations. High average order values. Strong
ecommerce adoption. But the operational reality catches most brands off guard.

Shipping costs are zone-based and complex

A package from a single East Coast warehouse to California costs significantly more than one going to New York. Without strategic inventory positioning across multiple nodes, your shipping costs will eat into margins fast.

Residential delivery surcharges add up

Unlike many other markets, US carriers charge $4-6 extra for residential deliveries. When 80% of your orders go to homes, that's a material cost most brands don't model.

Return rates are higher than you expect

US consumers return 20-30% of online purchases in categories like apparel. If you're used to 10% returns in your home market, the impact on unit economics is significant

Cross-border adds friction and cost

Selling into Canada from the US (or vice versa) involves customs brokerage, duties, and longer delivery times. Without the right 3PL partner, cross-border returns become a nightmare.

Your domestic 3PL probably can't handle it

Most fulfillment providers are optimized for single-country operations. Multi-node inventory distribution, cross-border returns, and intelligent order routing require specialized capabilities.

Your domestic 3PL probably can't handle it

Most fulfillment providers are optimized for single-country operations. Multi-node inventory distribution, cross-border returns, and intelligent order routing require specialized capabilities.

This playbook helps you evaluate all of these factors before you ship your first pallet.

WHO SHOULD USE THIS PLAYBOOK

DTC Brands Expanding from UK, EU, or Australia

You’ve built a successful direct-to-consumer business in your home market. North America is the obvious next step, but you’re not sure if your operations can scale across the Atlantic. Use the Ops Readiness checklist to identify gaps and the Margin Calculator to validate the economics.

Amazon Sellers Launching in US or Canada

You’re already selling on Amazon in one region and want to expand to Amazon.com or Amazon.ca. The 3PL Scorecard helps you evaluate FBA alternatives and multi-channel fulfillment partners who can support your growth.

Multi-Channel Brands Going Omnichannel in North America

You sell through your own site, Amazon, and potentially Walmart or Target. You need a fulfillment partner who
can handle inventory across multiple nodes and channels. Use all three tools to build a complete expansion plan.

Operators Evaluating New 3PL Partners

You’re already in North America but unhappy with your current fulfillment setup. The 3PL Scorecard gives you
a structured framework to evaluate new partners and compare them objectively.

COMMON EXPANSION MISTAKES THIS PLAYBOOK HELPS YOU AVOID

Mistake 1: Choosing a 3PL Based on Price Alone

 

The cheapest pick-and-pack rate means nothing if the 3PL can’t integrate with your systems, handle cross border returns, or maintain dispatch SLAs during peak season. The Scorecard evaluates 25 factors beyond price.

Mistake 2: Underestimating Shipping Costs

 

Zone-based shipping in the US can vary by 40-60% depending on origin and destination. Residential surcharges add another $4-6 per order. The Margin Calculator forces you to model these costs realistically.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Return Rate Differences

 

US return rates are often 2x higher than other markets. If you don’t factor this into your unit economics, you’ll hit your revenue targets and still lose money. The Margin Calculator includes return rate modeling.border returns, or maintain dispatch SLAs during peak season. The Scorecard evaluates 25 factors beyond price.

Mistake 4: Assuming Your Systems Will Just Work

 

Multi-location inventory, intelligent order routing, and regional reporting require systems that many brands don’t have. The Ops Readiness checklist identifies these gaps before they become operational fires.

Mistake 5: Expanding Before You're Operationally Ready

 

Revenue growth means nothing if your fulfillment falls apart. Slow dispatch times, poor inventory visibility, and broken returns processing will tank your conversion rates. The Ops Readiness score tells you if you’re actually
ready.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD 3PL SCORE?

The 3PL Scorecard rates fulfillment partners on a 75-point scale across six categories:

60-75 Points: Excellent Fit

This 3PL has the network, technology, and operational capabilities to support your North America expansion. Move forward with confidence after validating pricing and contract terms.

45-59 Points: Good Potential

The 3PL shows promise but has gaps in certain areas. Dig deeper on weak categories before signing. Consider what’s needed to close the gaps and whether the 3PL has a roadmap.

30-44 Points: Significant Gaps

This 3PL may work for simple domestic fulfillment but likely lacks the capabilities for multi-market expansion. Proceed with caution or continue your search.

Below 30 Points: Not Ready

This 3PL is not built for the complexity of international expansion. Keep looking for a partner with stronger multi-market capabilities.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD OPS READINESS SCORE?

The Ops Readiness Checklist scores your operational preparedness on a 60-point scale:

50-60 Points: Ready to Launch

Your operations are well-prepared for expansion. Address any remaining gaps and move forward with your timeline.

WHAT MARGIN SHOULD YOU TARGET?

The Margin Calculator compares contribution margins between your current market and North America:

Above 25%: Strong Position

Your unit economics support profitable expansion. Monitor actuals closely after launch to confirm assumptions.

15-25%: Acceptable with Optimization

Margins are workable but leave limited room for error. Look for cost optimization opportunities in fulfillment, shipping, or returns.

10-15%: Proceed with Caution

Margins are tight. Small cost overruns or higher-than-expected returns could push you into unprofitable territory. Validate all assumptions carefully.

Below 10%: Revisit the Model

Current assumptions don’t support profitable expansion. Either increase prices, reduce costs, or reconsider whether this market makes sense for your business.

FAQs

FAQs

Is this tool really free?

Yes. The North America Expansion Playbook is 100% free with no signup required. We built it to help
ecommerce brands make better expansion decisions. If you need fulfillment support after using the tool, we’re here to help.

Who is this playbook designed for?

Growing DTC and ecommerce brands considering expansion to the United States or Canada. It works for brands selling through their own website, Amazon, or multiple channels.

How long does it take to complete?

The 3PL Scorecard takes 10-15 minutes per fulfillment partner you’re evaluating. The Ops Readiness checklist takes 5-10 minutes. The Margin Calculator takes 5 minutes once you have your cost data.

Can I save my results?

Currently, results are not saved between sessions. We recommend screenshotting your results or keeping the tab open while you work. Export functionality is coming soon.

How accurate is the Margin Calculator?

The calculator is as accurate as the inputs you provide. We include typical cost ranges as hints, but your actual costs may vary. Use it for directional guidance and validate assumptions with real quotes.

What if I score low on the assessments?

A low score isn’t failure—it’s valuable information. It tells you where to focus before expanding. Many brands rush into new markets unprepared. This tool helps you avoid that mistake.

Does AMZ Prep offer fulfillment in North America?

Yes. AMZ Prep operates 50+ fulfillment centers across the United States and Canada with same-day dispatch, native Shopify and Amazon integrations, and cross-border capabilities. If you’re looking for a fulfillment partner after using this tool, we’d love to chat.

How often is this tool updated?

We update the evaluation criteria and cost benchmarks regularly based on market changes and feedback from brands using the tool.

READY TO EXPAND THE RIGHT WAY?

AMZ Prep operates 50+ fulfillment centers across North America with 2-day delivery coverage to 96% of US customers. Native integrations with Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, and more. Same-day dispatch on orders before 3 PM.

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