Cost Cutting Quick Wins Checklist
Spending benchmarks and a quick-wins checklist to cut waste in software, ads, packaging, fulfillment, and payroll without stalling growth.
What's inside
Benchmark your spending
Target ranges as a percentage of revenue for fulfillment, marketing, software, payroll, and net operating income, with separate ad spend guidance for DTC brands and retailers.
Slash low-impact spend
Fast first cuts, from unused software and weak-ROAS ad campaigns to discretionary spending, premium packaging upgrades, and 3PL or supplier contracts that no longer fit your volume.
Catch hidden cost creep
How to spot costs that quietly erode profit, including unused subscription tiers and seats, dimensional weight shipping charges, fulfillment above 15% of revenue, and slipping ad performance.
Optimize before you cut deep
Smarter moves to try before layoffs or price hikes, like raising free shipping thresholds, redesigning packaging, refocusing ad spend on conversion, and renegotiating your supply chain.
Rethink payroll without layoffs
Ways to run a leaner team by reviewing roles and ROI, removing overlap, realigning responsibilities, and pausing discretionary payroll spend before touching base compensation.