Summary

Uber, a global leader in mobility and logistics, faced significant challenges in efficiently distributing branded merchandise for its Employee Resource Group (ERG) initiatives worldwide. Their existing vendor was unresponsive, logistics were complex, and high duties and shipping fees made the process expensive and inefficient. Imprint Engine stepped in to offer localized sourcing and shipping, drastically reducing costs, improving execution, and ensuring brand consistency across international markets.

Key Problems

Managing a global merchandising program comes with unique challenges, from communication breakdowns to logistical hurdles. Uber’s existing system struggled to meet expectations, leading to inefficiencies and high costs.

Lack of Communication & Responsiveness

• Uber’s team struggled with an unresponsive vendor, causing delays and uncertainty.
• Lack of clear project execution updates created inefficiencies.

Complex International Sourcing & Logistics

• Uber needed a seamless global gifting experience with consistent product quality.
• Their previous approach relied on central production and international shipping, leading to customs complications and high duties.

High Duties & Shipping Costs

• Excessive duties, particularly in APAC and Europe, made international fulfillment costly.
• Example: Duties in APAC could reach 40% of the product value, adding thousands in unnecessary expenses.

Inconsistent Product Quality Across Markets

• Inconsistent materials, branding, and perceived value diminished the gifting experience.
• Sourcing locally through multiple 3rd party vendors usually resulted in quality discrepancies.

The Solution: Imprint Engine’s Global Merchandising Expertise

To tackle these challenges, Imprint Engine provided their tailored global fulfillment strategy, leveraging localized production and streamlined logistics. This approach improved efficiency, reduced costs, and ensured high-quality, consistent merchandise across all regions.

Localized Sourcing & Production

• Established regional production hubs in APAC and the EUD to fulfill orders locally.
• Eliminated customs clearance issues, reduced lead times, and ensured compliance with international regulations.

Streamlined Logistics & Duty-Free Shipments

• Reduced customs risks:
  • Avoided excessive duties by producing within each region instead of shipping from the U.S.
  • Example: $40 per $100 package in APAC duties eliminated through localized production.
• Faster and more reliable shipping:
  • Regional fulfillment centers reduced shipping times from 7-10+ days to just 3-5 days.
  • Eliminated customs-related delivery failures while providing international support should any issues arise.

Consistency & Quality Control

• Maintained centralized oversight of product selection, artwork, and branding vs. managing multiple, disparate vendors.
• Allowed Uber to choose between identical products globally (higher duties) or regional adaptations (optimized costs).
• Preferred approach: Regional adaptation, maintaining premium quality while reducing costs.

White-Glove Service & End-to-End Support

• Uber employees no longer had to manage vendor logistics or support tickets.
• Dedicated project management team handled sourcing, production, shipping, and troubleshooting.

The Results: Tangible Impact & Long-Term Partnership

The implementation of Imprint Engine’s solution led to measurable improvements in cost savings, operational efficiency, and brand consistency. These results cemented the partnership between Uber and Imprint Engine for future initiatives.

Significant Cost Savings

• Avoided unnecessary duties and reduced shipping costs, saving Uber thousands.
• Example: Cutting 30% in duties by sourcing within EU and APAC regions vs. producing everything in the US.

Seamless Execution with Minimal Effort from Uber

• Uber’s ERG team no longer had to manage vendors, chase shipments, or troubleshoot issues.
• Imprint Engine handled everything, allowing Uber’s team to focus on strategic initiatives.

Stronger Global Brand Presence

• Consistent, premium merchandise across all regions strengthened Uber’s brand perception.

Ongoing Growth & New Project Opportunities

• Success of this initiative led Uber to entrust Imprint Engine with additional global projects.

• Imprint Engine’s ability to scale and execute globally positioned them as a trusted long-term partner.

“The boxes were a global hit!” Yana Martichonok

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Conclusion: A Scalable, Cost-Effective Global Merchandising Solution

By leveraging localized production, a global supplier network, and a streamlined project management approach, Imprint Engine provided a seamless, cost-effective, and scalable solution to ensure brand consistency across the world.

Uber’s success with this initiative has paved the way for future global partnerships, proving that with the right strategy and execution, premium, on-brand merchandise can be delivered efficiently worldwide—without unnecessary costs or logistical headaches.