Success in the US market starts with the right logistics strategy—speed, accuracy, and branding are essential to gaining a competitive edge.
By David N Smith
Yakup Akın, the founder of Lonca, evaluates developments in warehousing and ecommerce logistics in the United States, emphasizing that digital transformation has expanded from large-scale exporters to small and medium enterprises and individual entrepreneurs. Highlighting the US market’s broad consumer base and high demand rates, Akın states, “Moving forward with the right storage and fulfillment infrastructure is the key to success in this market.” Lonca aims to guide Turkish companies seeking solutions in areas such as warehousing, 3PL (third-party logistics), and Amazon FBA preparation services in the United States.
Advantages of Lonca in eCommerce and Logistics in the US
In a large market like the US, the complexity of the logistics process and high costs are among the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face. At this point, Lonca offers a wide range of services, from order management to packaging, labeling to return processes, with strategically located warehouses and an expert team. This approach enhances customer satisfaction while providing cost advantages to companies.
As a service provider approved by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, Lonca facilitates access to state support in international logistics and storage costs. This enables small and medium-sized enterprises to position themselves more comfortably in global markets.
Carrying Türkiye’s Production Power to the US with Lonca
Türkiye holds a significant position in global markets with its production and design capabilities. However, evolving consumer expectations in terms of speed and transparency make timely and accurate delivery of orders essential. Lonca addresses these realities by aiming to minimize delivery times and optimize shipping costs with strategically distributed warehouse locations in the US.
Yakup Akın emphasizes that “one of the keys to competing in the US market is managing the logistics process with speed and accuracy.” According to Akın, fulfillment service involves more than just collecting packages or preparing shipping labels. It requires a holistic evaluation of product acceptance, stock management, quality and damage control, packaging, labeling, and return management. Especially on platforms like Amazon FBA, products not prepared in compliance with strict standards are quickly rejected or face additional costs. Lonca steps in at this point, ensuring that every product is labeled according to Amazon’s requirements, packaged in appropriate box sizes, and accompanied by complete documentation.
Return logistics can be a challenge for many entrepreneurs, particularly for companies in their initial stages, as it often means additional costs. Effective return management plays a critical role in the long-term success of ecommerce brands. Well-managed return processes increase customer satisfaction and the likelihood of repeat purchases. Lonca undertakes the return collection and processing process within the US, analyzes the condition of returned products, restocks items suitable for resale, and reports defective or damaged products to the manufacturer or seller. This approach makes a significant difference in maintaining customer satisfaction, stock management, and cost control.
Easy Entry into the US Market with State Support
Lonca’s status as a service provider approved by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade stands out regarding grants and incentives. Expenses such as warehouse usage in the US, logistics costs, brand promotion, and advertising abroad are eligible for state support. Especially for small-scale companies with export goals, these supports significantly alleviate operational expenses and enhance their competitive power in the US market.
“When you combine already high logistics and warehouse management costs with state support, it opens a serious window of opportunity for businesses of all sizes,” says Akın. He adds that Lonca provides consultancy to companies regarding necessary documentation and application processes.
Lonca’s Flexible Warehouse Solutions
Experts in the industry affirm Akın’s view that leasing large warehouse spaces and bearing all personnel and logistics expenses in the US is not always easy or profitable. Seasonal increases, holiday peak periods, or specific campaigns can fluctuate stock levels over time. To cope with this dynamic structure, 3PL services are considered more reasonable, as scalability saves entrepreneurs from the burden of fixed high costs. Lonca’s pay-as-you- go model for flexible warehouse management offers an advantage in this regard. Akın explains that customers can lease as much warehouse space as they need, increase capacity during campaign periods, and avoid paying unnecessary warehouse costs during low periods. “For companies considering a long-term investment in physical warehouses but feeling that it is not the right time yet, 3PL services reduce the risks,” he notes.
These services help entrepreneurs planning to grow in the US navigate critical points, from delivery to return management, seamlessly. Beyond speed and efficiency, Akın highlights another key point: the branding process. A well-organized warehouse and a smoothly operating logistics network in the US project a reliable and professional image to consumers. “A business that delivers its products on time, without issues, and with proper packaging gains the chance to compete on equal footing with local competitors,” says Akın. He adds, “When shopping on platforms like Amazon, the first thing American consumers look at is delivery time and shipping quality. Mistakes like delays or incorrect shipments weaken brand reputation in the long run. That’s why outsourcing warehouse and fulfillment services to a team familiar with local dynamics is sometimes the most logical option.”
Amazon FBA Preparation and Operational Branding with Lonca
Amazon FBA preparation, one of Lonca’s services, holds particular importance for many sellers. Amazon’s standards involve clear and strict regulations regarding labeling, package sizes, and product safety. A single misstep can result in products being rejected by Amazon or even returned from warehouse shelves. This causes both time loss and additional costs.
Lonca ensures that products undergo thorough checks before bulk acceptance and are labeled in compliance with Amazon’s requirements. Upon request, special applications such as adding brochures or security seals to packages are included, allowing brands to maintain their identity. Prepared products are quickly shipped to Amazon’s relevant warehouse, and all necessary documentation is meticulously completed during this process.
Acknowledging that this complex structure demands significant labor and time from businesses, Akın states, “Between warehousing, packaging, document preparation, and customs procedures, business owners often lose focus on what they should be doing: marketing their products and growing their brands.” He highlights that one of the greatest advantages of Lonca’s service is its ability to professionally manage all these operational details. This enables brand managers and entrepreneurs to dedicate more time to product development, marketing campaigns, and customer relationship management.
Lonca’s Vision: A Global eCommerce Partner
Yakup Akın defines Lonca’s future with a strategy of expanding into global markets. He notes their goal of transferring their success in the US to European and Asian markets, saying, “Adapting to the unique dynamics of each market is the key to success.” Stressing the importance of collaboration between the state and the private sector in showcasing products made in Türkiye on a global stage, Akın emphasizes that ecommerce serves as both a commercial and cultural bridge. This sensitivity further underscores the significance of storage and logistics operations in opening local producers to world markets.
Recalling expectations that ecommerce will break new records by 2025, Akın states, “Companies investing in this field today and building a solid logistics network and warehouse management system will gain a competitive advantage in the global trade of the future. Our goal at Lonca is to enable businesses of all sizes in our country to make a strong entry into global markets, especially in the US. This is not just a commercial gain but also a way to showcase Türkiye’s potential to the world.”
Thus, the model that combines Lonca’s storage, fulfillment, and Amazon FBA preparation services in the US with its status as an approved service provider by the Republic of Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade has become a crucial step in the growth journey of Turkish companies. This model, which allows firms to focus on areas such as product quality and brand strategy by eliminating the complexity of the logistics process, is considered an option not to be overlooked by entrepreneurs seeking to quickly capitalize on increasing e-export opportunities. ■
