As the e-commerce world becomes more crowded and in many ways, more complicated brands are being pulled in every direction Tariffs fluctuate Platforms shift And everywhere you look, someone is promising a new shortcut to explosive growth
But growth, especially meaningful growth, rarely comes from shortcuts. It comes from alignment, partnership, and doing the right things consistently over time
At ZQUARED, we don’t believe in smoke and mirrors We don’t sell guarantees or chase vanity metrics We invest in real relationships with brands, platforms, and the people behind the scenes making it all happen. The marketplace is complex, but the foundation we build with our partners doesn’t have to be
Our approach is rooted in collaboration and strategy, not just pushing for more We work alongside our partners as a true extension of their team, ensuring they’re not spread too thin, even as demands increase. That’s the kind of partnership that leads to resilience, and ultimately, results.
We’re grateful for the trust so many of you have placed in us Let’s continue building the kind of growth that lasts, not just for this quarter, but for the long run
Amazon has officially announced that it will phase out all Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep and item-labeling services in the United States by January 1, 2026
This significant policy change affects all sellers using Amazon’s FBA program, signaling a major shift in how inventory must be handled
WhenAreAmazon’s HolidayShipping Deadlines?
The fourth quarter is the busiest time of year for ecommerce For Amazon sellers, missing a shipping deadline can mean losing out on holiday traffic, gift orders, and peak revenue Whether you use FBA or FBM, it is critical to know the holiday cutoff dates so your products stay visible and available when it matters most
AmazonStorefronts: Examples&Success Factors
Creating a strong Amazon storefront is one of the smartest ways for brands to stand out in a crowded marketplace The best Amazon storefronts don’t just list products they tell a brand story, offer a smooth shopping experience, and build trust with customers
The Economics of 1P vs. 3P How Each Model Impacts Profitability & Control
When it comes to selling on Amazon, one of the most strategic choices a brand faces is whether to operate as a first-party (1P) vendor through Vendor Central, or a third-party (3P) seller through Seller Central While both models grant access to Amazon’s customer base, they differ dramatically in how they affect profit margins, operational control, brand visibility, and cash flow. This guide breaks down the real-world implications of both selling paths so you can better align your decision with your business goals.
1P vs. 3P: What’s the Difference?
Selling as a 1P vendor essentially means entering a wholesale relationship with Amazon. The platform issues purchase orders, takes ownership of your inventory, sets the retail price, and controls fulfillment and customer service Your products display as “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com,” and participation is typically invitation-only. It’s a more traditional retail model, suited to companies that value simplicity and scale.
By contrast, 3P sellers maintain ownership of their inventory until purchase and operate independently on Amazon’s marketplace. Brands in this model have more influence over pricing, listing content, and promotional strategy. Fulfillment can be handled through FBA, FBM, or SFP depending on operational capability The application process is more accessible, making 3P an appealing option for
This quarter at ZQUARED, we’re launching our new micro-fulfillment center. Built to expand the services we provide to brand partners, this space is designed to support growth, streamline operations, and give our partners added flexibility.
Announcements &
Happy ZQUARED Anniversary
Name Yearsat ZQUARED
JacobLaugeman
NathanMueller
EthanLinebaugh
AlexCornett
DanFrein
EricHass
CalebSixkiller
PhilipLinarasi
CarrieHass
RashawnPruitt
MattO'Daniel
Anniversary Month
SPOTLIGHT Employee
JACOBLAUGEMAN
As Inventory & Production Specialist at ZQUARED, Jacob plays a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly. This year, he’s improved a key process by consolidating two inventory locations, making the express pick option available—saving the team valuable time and improving fulfillment speed Outside of work, Jacob has been working on improving his rating in speed chess. JoinedtheTeam
ZQUARED's roots as a familyoriented company run deep. Our "we-not-me" team works together to achieve common goals while supporting one another individually, both professionally and personally.
OURCOMPANY
A united team is always behind something big. We work hard, laugh a lot, push the boundaries, and strive for continual growth both personally and professionally. And we have the best holiday parties in town!
ZQUARED invests in brands who sell on online marketplaces and are poised and ready for accelerated growth.
WE-COMMERCE
At ZQUARED, we understand the opportunities, risks, and challenges of selling online With over 50 years of combined e-commerce sales experience, our primary goal is helping you multiply your success by serving as an extension of your team to maximize results. From distribution to advertising strategies, we have solutions proven to grow your brand
YOUGROW,WE GROW
Built on the belief that all boats rise with the tide, our services are based on this principle. ZQUARED invests time, money, effort, and energy into brands poised for success with the expectation of a worthwhile resultbecause we go all-in, growing together and winning when you win
OURMISSION
Our mission is to invest in brands who sell on online marketplaces and are poised and ready for growth by forming partnerships built on trust and rooted in relationship to maximize value and achieve results.
Brothers and co-founders Chad and Zach initiate the evolution of ZQUARED in Chad’s basement 2010
2011
ZQUARED makes its first hire
2019
Inc. recognizes ZQUARED as one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States & the St. Louis Business Journal names ZQUARED on it's "Fast 50" list 2014
ZQUARED has moved three times since Chad's basement, doubling its footprint with each move and growing to a staff of 40+ 2021
ZQUARED hires Jeff Bush as President
RORY wherewe’ re at
2025 2025
ZQUARED sets a trajectory for record growth, with multiple new key hires, plans for new service offerings and a projection forecasting our highest revenue number to date
thefuture
THEFUTURE
With our commitment to embracing change, seizing new opportunities, and preserving excellence, the future at ZQUARED is positioned for continued success
