Tariff Deferment & Inventory Strategy: Cash Flow Tactics for DTC Brands

In this episode of the Seven Figures and Beyond E-Commerce Marketing Podcast, Greg Shuey sits down with Izzy Rosenzweig, CEO of Portless, to explore how e-commerce brands can regain control of their cash flow and inventory in an increasingly volatile global market. Izzy shares his evolution from running a brand dependent on traditional supply chains to building Portless—a next-gen 3PL that enables brands to ship products directly from Asia to customers worldwide. This model removes the need for warehousing, accelerates delivery, and frees up capital that would otherwise be locked in inventory sitting on the ocean or in storage.

Izzy dives deep into two powerful but underutilized strategies: tariff deferment and tariff engineering. He explains how deferring duties until items are sold allows brands to maintain liquidity and minimize financial strain. Additionally, by making small technical changes to products, such as material composition or packaging, brands can reclassify their products under less expensive tariff codes, significantly reducing costs. These techniques, while not commonly discussed in mainstream marketing circles, can be the difference between survival and collapse for seven- and eight-figure brands in today’s economic climate.

The episode closes with a clear call to action: now is the time to get lean, agile, and global. Izzy encourages DTC founders to explore emerging international markets like the UK, Australia, and Canada where CPMs are lower, logistics are feasible, and consumer demand is strong. He also outlines the benefits of small-batch production, working with trade partners to unlock better payment terms, and offshoring non-essential roles to reduce OpEx. Ultimately, this episode is a must-listen for any brand feeling the financial pinch and looking for practical, high-leverage ways to adapt and thrive.

Episode Links

Greg Shuey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-shuey/

Izzy Rosenzweig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzy-rosenzweig-13653846/

Porless: https://www.portless.com/

https://www.stryde.com/tariff-deferment-inventory-strategy-for-improved-cash-flow/