Restructuring LocalBytes: What You Need to Know

Please note, there is no video announcement for this post. At the time of writing, I was under the weather and unable to record. We had originally planned to make a video announcement, but at the moment our focus is on getting everything in place for the changes we're making.

After a year of working full-time at LocalBytes, we're making some significant changes to the way we operate. As we continue to grow, it's crucial that we adapt and refine our processes to ensure we can keep delivering the best possible service to you, our valued customers.

A note about EU LocalDeck orders

Unfortunately, the box of LocalDeck heading to our DE warehouse never made it there. As far as we can tell, it was (wrongly) passed to the domestic customs office in Germany, and is therefore stuck waiting to be collected. However, our warehouse will not do this, and we are unable to collect it ourselves.

As such, we are expecting it to be returned to us soon, at which point we will be able to ship it to all of our customers. Additionally, we are in the process of producing a smaller stop-gap batch of the LocalDeck before we iterate on the next revision following some fantastic feedback from our early customers!

Bringing Fulfillment In-House

One of the most substantial changes is that we will be bringing all of our fulfillment operations in-house. For some time now, we’ve relied on a third-party logistics provider to manage and ship our orders. Unfortunately, this setup has led to frustrations both for you and for us, resulting in delays and inconsistencies that do not align with our standards.

After careful consideration, we’ve decided that the best way forward is to take matters into our own hands. Over the next month, we will be working tirelessly to refocus and bring all of our operations under our direct control. This transition is not just about solving past issues; it’s about laying the groundwork for a more reliable and efficient LocalBytes experience moving forward.

What This Means for You

With these changes, there are a few key updates that you should be aware of:

Initial Service Disruption

All of our fulfilment operations will experience some form of disruption from the 1st of September. We are having a carton of all of our bestsellers (plug & bulb) sent in advance, and we are expecting the box of LocalDeck that never made it to the DE warehouse to be returned soon.

As such, most of you may not see any delays at all!

Shipping Expectations

We are setting a new shipping expectation of “Next working day dispatch.” While this is largely due to some short-term limitations with Royal Mail as we scale up, we anticipate being able to exceed this expectation in many cases. Our goal is to provide you with faster, more predictable delivery times.

New Shipping Rates

All of our shipping rates have been updated to reflect the new changes. We have worked hard to ensure that our rates remain fair while still providing the best possible service.

As they stand, the rates are as follows:

However, these rates are subject to change as we continue to refine our operations. The current rates will always be available in our full shipping policy.

Discontinuing DHL (for now)

As part of our move to work directly with Royal Mail, we will no longer be using DHL for shipping, at least in the short term. This change will help us provide more accurate shipping estimates for EU and international orders, ensuring you know exactly when to expect your packages.

EU VAT Handling

There will also be changes to how we handle VAT for our EU customers. We’re collaborating closely with our EU VAT team to ensure that VAT is collected at checkout for all orders within the EU and ROI. This adjustment will streamline the purchasing process and ensure compliance with EU regulations.

In the immediate term, it would not surprise us if some customers are wrongly double-charged VAT. If you are sent an import bill for your order, but, were charged VAT at checkout, please pay it and then email us with a copy of the bill. We will refund you for this amount!

Why We’re Doing This

I understand that these changes might seem daunting, but they are essential for our survival and growth. By consolidating our operations, we can focus on what we do best—providing quality niche goods to our customers.

Operating from multiple warehouses, especially ones located relatively close to each other, has hindered our efficiency. Shipping to our German warehouse, in particular, has slowed our ability to deliver new products promptly. These inefficiencies have made it clear that a more centralized approach is necessary to continue serving you effectively.

Closing Thoughts

This restructuring is a big step for us, and while it may bring some challenges, it’s necessary to ensure that we continue to deliver the best experience possible. I’m confident these changes will lead to a more streamlined and efficient LocalBytes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help and to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible for everyone.

Thank you for your continued support. We’re excited about the future of LocalBytes and look forward to continuing this journey with you.