E-commerce consulting · Small retail businesses

Launch your retail business with confidence

We help small retail entrepreneurs plan, source, launch, and grow — bringing Fortune 50 operational expertise to businesses at every stage.

Small business owner packing orders
20+
Years Fortune 50 experience
50%
Avg. gross profit for clients
1%
Return rate vs. 10% avg.
Trusted partner of · NYC Small Business Services · Webinar presenter & curriculum partner
How we work
A step-by-step journey
from idea to operating business

Click any stage to explore what we do — and how it connects to the next step.

1
Pre-launch
Validate before you invest
→
2
Sourcing
Find & negotiate suppliers
→
3
Launch hypercare
Go live with support
→
4
Back office
Ongoing operations
Stage 01 — Pre-launch
Make data-driven decisions before committing capital

We use live Amazon and TikTok data to give you real market intelligence — so you know your idea works before you spend a dollar on inventory.

  • 1
    Discovery call — understand your idea, goals, and constraints
  • 2
    Live market research using Amazon + TikTok search data
  • 3
    Financial modeling — P&L, unit economics, real cost inputs
  • 4
    Go / no-go debrief with written assessment
  • 5
    30-day action plan if you're moving forward
Market research and data analysis
Stage 02 — Sourcing
Navigate suppliers, tariffs, and contracts with expert guidance

Whether you're sourcing your first product or rethinking your supply chain — we help you make the right decisions, negotiate the right terms, and avoid costly mistakes.

  • 1
    Sourcing situation assessment
  • 2
    Make or buy analysis — domestic vs. overseas tradeoffs
  • 3
    Supplier identification, vetting, and trip arrangement
  • 4
    Contract negotiation support and review
  • 5
    Logistics sourcing and landed cost model
Warehouse and shipping logistics
Stage 03 — Launch hypercare
Hands-on support through your most critical months

Brand, systems, supply coordination, and process design — all at once, with us embedded alongside you for 3–6 months until everything is running smoothly.

  • 1
    Brand asset creation — logo, guidelines, website
  • 2
    Launch supply coordination and first shipment management
  • 3
    System integration — storefront, inventory, payments, shipping
  • 4
    Process design and documentation for every core workflow
Team collaborating on business launch
Stage 04 — Back office
Fractional operations so you can focus on growth

Past launch, we provide ongoing back office support — bookkeeping, operations management, supply chain oversight, and cost optimization — scaled to your size.

  • 1
    Online operations management — orders, returns, platform health
  • 2
    Bookkeeping and monthly P&L reporting
  • 3
    Supply chain and logistics oversight
  • 4
    Cost optimization — find savings that cover our fee
Business operations and bookkeeping
Services
Four services.
One continuous journey.
Data analysis
01 — Pre-launch
Business pre-launch consultation
Validate your concept with live market data before committing capital. From $20 per report.
Market researchFinancial modelingGo/no-go analysis
→
Shipping and logistics
02 — Sourcing
Sourcing consultation
Find the right suppliers, negotiate the right terms, and build a sourcing strategy that holds.
Make or buyContract negotiationLogistics
→
Business launch
03 — Launch
Launch hypercare (3–6 months)
Embedded support through brand, systems, supply coordination, and process setup.
Brand assetsSystems setupProcess design
→
Back office operations
04 — Ongoing
Ongoing back office support
Fractional operations — bookkeeping, supply chain oversight, and cost optimization.
OperationsBookkeepingCost optimization
→
Client results
"One client spent 18 months testing her product with over 50 customers — redesigning it 7 times before committing to a manufacturing contract."
— Real client outcome, Three Flows Solutions
50%
Gross profit at launch
1%
Return rate vs. 10% avg.
$100
Saved per order vs. avg.
Entrepreneur reviewing business results
The team
Education meets operations
Together we cover the full journey — from idea validation to profitable, scalable operations.
Serena Wang — placeholder photo
Serena Wang
Supply Chain & Operations
20 years across Fortune 50 companies and startups. Deep expertise in business modeling, supply chain design, and large-scale operations — including Amazon fulfillment network planning. Serena's superpower is finding the critical path in ambiguous environments.
Thomas Gold — placeholder photo
Thomas Gold, Ph.D.
Entrepreneurship Education
20+ years in education research and youth entrepreneurship. Teaches at NYU. Specializes in customer discovery and helping founders validate ideas before they invest — because the best decisions are made before a dollar is spent.
Free resources
Learn before you leap
📊
E-commerce channel decision guide
Marketplace vs. website vs. social — which is right for your product and stage?
📋
Unit economics worksheet
Model price, platform fees, shipping, returns, and real gross margins.
🎬
Webinar recordings
Coming soon — subscribe to be notified when new content drops.
Get started
Ready to build your
e-commerce business?
First conversation is always free. Choose how you'd like to connect.
📞
Book a free call
30-minute discovery call to discuss your goals and whether we're the right fit.
📋
Submit an inquiry
Fill out our intake form and we'll follow up within 1 business day.
✉️
Email us directly
Reach us at contact@threeflows.com — we read every message.
← Services
Service 01 — Pre-launch

Business pre-launch consultation

Make data-driven decisions before you commit a single dollar. We use live Amazon and TikTok market data combined with real financial modeling — so you know your idea works before you invest.

Best for
  • Aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs with a product idea
  • Side-hustle or gig sellers ready to go legit
  • Offline retailers thinking about going online
  • Anyone who wants to test before they invest
Market research and data

Start with a free conversation

Tell us about your idea and we'll recommend the right package.

Submit an inquiry
Or email contact@threeflows.com
The problem
Most first-time sellers fail before they launch

For small businesses, every dollar matters. There's no room to absorb dead inventory, a product nobody wants, or margins that don't work at your volume. The entrepreneurs who succeed validate first — and commit capital second.

  • 📦Buying inventory before validating demand — then being stuck with unsellable stock
  • 💸Underestimating real costs: platform fees, shipping, tariffs, packaging, returns
  • 🔍Not knowing if the market is already saturated or owned by a competitor
  • 📉Building a model on assumptions instead of real market data
Our process
Five steps to a confident decision
1

Discovery call

We understand your idea, goals, constraints, and budget — and scope the research accordingly.

2

Live market research

We use real-time data from Amazon and TikTok to produce a comprehensive product, brand, or market analysis — covering price bands, demand signals, and competitor mapping. Not guesswork. Actual data.

📊 Amazon + TikTok live keyword & search data
3

Financial modeling

A P&L and unit economics model built with your real cost inputs — including platform fees, shipping, tariffs, packaging, and return rates. You'll know your true margins before buying a single unit.

4

Go / no-go debrief

An honest written assessment. We tell you what the data says, not what you want to hear. If the idea needs refinement, we show you where.

5

30-day roadmap

A concrete action plan for the next 30 days — prioritized steps, key decisions, and resources to keep momentum going.

Deliverables
What you walk away with
📊
Market research report
Demand signals, price bands, and competitor analysis from live platform data
📈
Financial model (Excel)
P&L and unit economics — yours to keep and update
🧮
Unit economics worksheet
Price, fees, shipping, returns, and gross margin
✅
Go / no-go memo
Written assessment with our honest recommendation
🗺️
30-day action plan
Prioritized next steps if you're moving forward
💬
Debrief session
Live walkthrough of findings — included in Standard & Comprehensive
Pricing
Choose your starting point
All packages are one-time fees — no retainer required.
Starter
$20 per report
A quick market scan using live Amazon & TikTok data + AI research. Good for early-stage idea testing.
  • Keyword & demand data report
  • Competitor pricing snapshot
  • AI-assisted market summary
Most popular
Standard
$500 per product
Extensive market research plus high-level supply chain design. A complete picture of your opportunity.
  • Everything in Starter
  • Comprehensive market research
  • High-level supply chain design
  • Live debrief session
Comprehensive
$2,000 flat fee
Full validation — cashflow modeling, 30-day roadmap, and a follow-up session.
  • Everything in Standard
  • Full P&L & cashflow model
  • Go / no-go memo
  • 30-day action plan
  • 1 follow-up session (30 min)
FAQ
Common questions
How long does this take? +
Starter reports: 2–3 business days. Standard: 1–2 weeks. Comprehensive: 2–3 weeks depending on complexity.
What if my idea doesn't pass validation? +
That's a success — you've saved yourself from a costly mistake. We'll walk through what the data shows and, in most cases, suggest refinements that could make it work.
Do I need to have a supplier already? +
No. This comes before sourcing. You just need a product idea. If you move forward, our Sourcing Consultation is the natural next step.
What's the difference between this and a business plan? +
A business plan is a document. Our process produces market intelligence and financial models based on real data — designed to inform a go/no-go decision, not satisfy a bank.

Ready to validate your idea?

Start with a $20 market report — or book a free call first.

← Services
Service 02 — Sourcing

Sourcing consultation

Three distinct ways to get your sourcing right — from strategic make-or-buy decisions, to full supplier setup, to a one-of-a-kind trip to meet your manufacturer in person.

Best for
  • Pre-launch entrepreneurs sourcing their first product
  • Existing sellers rethinking, switching, or optimizing suppliers
  • Businesses navigating tariff exposure or supply chain disruption
  • Anyone who wants to see where their products are made — firsthand
Warehouse and supply chain

Not sure where to start?

Tell us about your product and sourcing situation — we'll recommend the right service.

Submit an inquiry
Or email contact@threeflows.com
2A
Make-or-buy consulting
Strategic decision support, billed hourly
2B
Sourcing project
Full supplier setup from search to contract
Signature
2C
Meet Your Manufacturer
Business + leisure sourcing trips abroad
2D
Contract & negotiation
Drafting, review & financial tie-back
2E
Logistics sourcing
Freight, compliance, 3PL & last mile
Service 2A
Make-or-buy consulting

One of the most consequential decisions in any product business — and one that most founders get wrong by defaulting to "buy from overseas" without fully understanding their real options, risks, and long-term cost structure.

We work through your specific situation, product category, volume, timeline, and risk tolerance to build a decision framework that's right for you — not a generic matrix.

💰
Cost structure
Fixed vs. variable cost across manufacturing, procurement, and logistics — modeled at your volume
🛡️
Risk & compliance
Tariff exposure, IP protection, labor law, environmental compliance — varies significantly by origin
🔧
Quality control
How much control do you need over design, materials, and production consistency?
📈
Scalability
Can your supply model grow with you — or will you need to re-source at scale?
We work through situations like these
Startup
First-time founder, limited capital
Should you manufacture domestically for quality control, or source overseas for lower unit cost? How does MOQ affect your runway? We model both and tell you the real tradeoff.
Existing business
Tariff impact on current supplier
Your landed cost just jumped 20% due to new tariffs. Do you absorb it, switch suppliers, nearshore, or start manufacturing domestically? We work through the numbers and the options.
Growth stage
Scaling beyond current supplier capacity
Your current supplier can't scale with you. Do you expand with them, find a second source, or vertically integrate? We help you think through the build vs. buy decision at scale.
Hourly retainer — standalone or bundled
Make-or-buy consulting is charged by the hour and can be engaged as a standalone advisory service, or bundled into a broader sourcing project (Service 2B). Most engagements run 3–8 hours depending on complexity. Includes a written decision summary at the end of the engagement.
✓ Can be bundled with Service 2B sourcing project at a discounted hourly rate
$TBD / hr
Retainer, billed hourly
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need to complete pre-launch validation before starting sourcing? +
Not necessarily. If you have a validated product and know what you want to source, we can start directly with sourcing. That said, if you haven't modeled your margins yet, pre-launch consultation will make every sourcing decision sharper — and we can run both in parallel if needed.
Can make-or-buy consulting be done without a full sourcing project? +
Yes — it's available as a standalone hourly engagement. Many clients use it as a decision-making checkpoint before committing to a full sourcing project, or when they have a specific strategic question about their existing supply chain.
How do tariffs affect sourcing decisions right now? +
Tariff exposure is one of the most significant variables in any sourcing decision in 2026. We factor current and anticipated tariff schedules directly into our make-or-buy analysis and landed cost models — so you're not making decisions based on pre-tariff assumptions.
Who handles travel logistics for the sourcing trip? +
We design the business itinerary, supplier schedule, and trip structure. You book your own flights and accommodation — we provide guidance on the best areas to stay and how to get around. This keeps costs in your control and the trip flexible.
Is the sourcing trip right for a first-time importer? +
Absolutely — in fact the on-call or accompanied formats are specifically designed for first-timers. You get the experience of seeing your supply chain firsthand, with experienced guidance at every step. Many clients say the trip changed how they think about their business entirely.
Can I combine a sourcing trip with a full sourcing project? +
Yes — the "With Trip" tier in Service 2B bundles the full sourcing project with a Meet Your Manufacturer trip at a combined rate. The trip replaces or supplements the supplier identification and vetting phase.
Is Three Flows a law firm — can you provide legal advice on contracts? +
No — we are a business consulting firm, not a law firm. We provide commercial and operational advice on contract terms, negotiation strategy, and financial implications. For contracts with significant legal complexity, IP stakes, or cross-border enforceability concerns, we recommend engaging a qualified attorney alongside our services.
For logistics, do I pay vendors directly or through Three Flows? +
Your choice. Model A: we source and set up the vendor relationships, then hand them to you — you pay vendors directly going forward and we charge a one-time flat fee. Model B: we manage the vendor relationships on your behalf, pay vendors directly, and invoice you at cost plus a management fee. Most clients start with Model A and switch to Model B as their volume grows and they want to offload the management.
Can I select just one or two logistics services instead of all four? +
Yes — all four layers are available à la carte. Many clients start with freight forwarding and import compliance for their first shipment, then add 3PL and last-mile optimization once they're live and growing. The bundle discount applies when you select all four at once.

Ready to get your sourcing right?

Whether it's a strategic question or a trip to Vietnam — let's talk.

← Services
Service 03 — Launch

Launch hypercare

The 3–6 months after launch are the most critical — and the most chaotic. Four optional workstreams, designed to be taken together or individually, so you get exactly the support you need.

Best for
  • Entrepreneurs with a validated product ready to go live
  • Businesses with inventory en route and no systems in place
  • Founders who need brand, storefront, and process — fast
  • Anyone who wants experienced guidance during the hardest months
Business launch team

Ready to launch?

Tell us where you are and what you need — we'll design the right engagement.

Submit an inquiry
Or email contact@threeflows.com
Continuity discount
Completed Services 01 or 02 with us? You qualify for a discount on this engagement. Each step you take with Three Flows builds context we carry forward — so you pay less and we deliver more. New to Three Flows? We'll conduct an onboarding interview to get up to speed before we begin.
Service 3A
Brand asset creation

Your brand is the first thing customers see — and the thing they remember. We work with professional designers (not AI tools) to create a visual identity that reflects who you are and builds trust from day one.

You'll receive three distinct design proposals to choose from. Pick one, refine it with one revision round, and walk away with a complete brand identity ready to use across every channel.

  • 🎨Generic or AI-generated branding that looks like everyone else — no differentiation, no memorability
  • 📦Inconsistent visuals across packaging, social, and storefront — undermines customer trust
  • ⚖️No brand registration — leaving your name and logo vulnerable to competitors
  • 🔄Rebranding mid-launch because the first version wasn't right — expensive and disruptive
The design process
Three proposals. One choice. One revision.
1
Brand discovery brief
We interview you on your target customer, brand personality, competitors, and visual preferences. This brief guides the designers.
2
Three design proposals
Professional designers create three distinct visual directions — different aesthetics, different personalities. You choose the one that fits.
3
One revision round
Refine your chosen direction — adjust colors, typography, or layout. One round of structured revisions, then final delivery.
Human designers only. All Three Flows brand work is created by professional human designers. We don't use AI-generated visuals for client brand identity — because your brand deserves craft, not computation.
Pricing
Base package + optional add-ons
Base
$1,500 +
Complete visual identity — everything you need to launch with a professional brand presence.
  • Logo (primary + variations)
  • Color palette
  • Typography system
  • Brand guidelines document
  • 3 design proposals
  • 1 revision round
Most popular
Base + packaging
$TBD custom quote
Everything in Base, plus packaging design for your product — box, label, insert, or custom format.
  • Everything in Base
  • Product packaging design
  • Print-ready files
  • Supplier-compatible formats
Base + registration
$TBD custom quote
Everything in Base, plus trademark registration support — we guide you through the USPTO process for your brand name and logo.
  • Everything in Base
  • USPTO trademark search
  • Registration application support
  • Class selection guidance

Final pricing depends on brand complexity and number of deliverable formats. Packaging and registration are optional add-ons to the base package.

Service 3B
Launch lot supply — the sherpa model

Your first production run is the highest-risk moment in your business. Everything is new — the factory relationship, the compliance paperwork, the logistics chain. One mistake can delay your launch by months or strand inventory at customs.

We don't do this for you. We guide you through it — like a sherpa who knows the mountain. You do the climbing. We make sure you don't fall.

🧭
You're in the driver's seat
Every decision is yours. We prepare you for each step, brief you on what to expect, and debrief you after
📞
"911" emergency support
When something unexpected happens — and it always does — we're available for rapid intervention and problem-solving
📋
Full compliance coverage
We make sure every document, inspection, and shipment arrangement meets requirements — nothing gets stuck
🎓
You graduate with knowledge
By week 6, you understand your supply chain end-to-end — you can run the next batch with confidence
Launch lot supply chain
The 6-week program
What happens each week

Color key: Client action  Three Flows  Shared

Week 1

Production kickoff & PO issuance

Client issues purchase order and confirms production specs with supplier. Three Flows reviews PO terms and pre-production checklist.

Client: Issue POTF: PO reviewShared: Spec confirmation
Weeks 2–3

Production monitoring & mid-run check

Client stays in communication with supplier on production progress. Three Flows guides on what to ask, what to flag, and when to escalate.

Client: Supplier commsTF: Escalation guidanceShared: Progress reviews
Week 4

Pre-shipment inspection & compliance docs

Client arranges pre-shipment inspection (with Three Flows guidance on inspector selection). Three Flows reviews all compliance documentation — commercial invoice, packing list, certificates of origin, and product certifications.

Client: Arrange inspectionTF: Compliance doc review
Week 5

Freight booking & shipment arrangement

Client books freight (ocean, air, or trucking) with Three Flows guidance on carrier selection and Incoterms. Three Flows coordinates handoff to logistics service (if 2E is active).

Client: Book freightTF: Carrier guidanceShared: Shipment tracking setup
Week 6

In-transit monitoring & arrival prep

Client monitors shipment. Three Flows prepares receiving checklist, coordinates customs clearance, and conducts post-arrival debrief on what went well and what to improve next time.

Client: Monitor & receiveTF: Customs prep & debrief
Pricing
Flat weekly fee — as low as $150/week
The 6-week sherpa program is charged at a flat weekly rate based on shipment complexity, product category, and origin country.
Standard
$150 / week
Single-origin, straightforward product, standard compliance requirements.
  • Weekly check-in & briefing
  • Compliance doc review
  • Emergency 911 support
  • Post-arrival debrief
Most common
Standard+
$TBD / week
Multi-SKU, cross-border, or products with certification requirements.
  • Everything in Standard
  • Multi-SKU tracking
  • Certification guidance
  • Inspection briefing
Complex
$TBD / week
Multiple suppliers, high-value goods, or products with complex regulatory requirements.
  • Everything in Standard+
  • Multi-supplier coordination
  • Regulatory specialist access
  • Customs broker liaison

Actual freight, inspection, and customs costs are not included — these are paid directly to vendors. The weekly fee covers Three Flows guidance and emergency support only.

Service 3C
System integration

From choosing the right marketplace to connecting your inventory, payments, and shipping — we guide you through a 3–6 month setup journey so everything works together from day one.

Most e-commerce founders spend months figuring out their tech stack by trial and error. We've seen what works — and what doesn't — so you don't have to.

  • 🛍️Choosing the wrong marketplace for your product type — too much competition, wrong fees, wrong customer
  • ⚙️Tools that don't talk to each other — inventory in one place, orders in another, accounting somewhere else
  • 💳Payment setup delays — not knowing what you need to get paid, which gateway to use, or how taxes work
  • 🏷️Label printing bottlenecks — wrong format, wrong carrier integration, manual workarounds eating hours
What we set up
The four integration layers
🛒
Marketplace selection & setup
We help you choose the right channel for your product — Amazon, TikTok Shop, Etsy, Shopify, or a combination — and guide you through account setup, listing optimization, and launch.
🏷️
Label printing & shipping setup
We connect your storefront to your carrier — so labels print automatically, tracking updates flow back to customers, and nothing requires manual intervention.
💳
Payment setup
From payment gateway selection to tax configuration — we make sure you can get paid, in the right currencies, with the right compliance setup for your business structure.
📊
Inventory & accounting connection
We connect your storefront to your inventory system and accounting tool — so stock levels, revenue, and costs stay in sync without manual reconciliation.
🔗
3PL integration
If you're using a 3PL (from Service 2E), we connect it to your storefront — so orders flow automatically and fulfillment happens without you touching anything.
📱
Mobile & social commerce
For TikTok Shop, Instagram Shopping, or other social channels — we guide setup, product catalog sync, and creator collaboration workflows.
Month 1
Foundation
  • Marketplace selection & account setup
  • Payment gateway configured
  • Tax setup & compliance check
  • First listing live
Months 2–3
Integration
  • Label printing & carrier connected
  • Inventory system linked
  • 3PL integration (if applicable)
  • Accounting sync configured
Months 4–6
Optimization
  • Social commerce channels added
  • Reporting dashboards set up
  • Automation workflows built
  • Handoff to back office (if Service 04)
Pricing
Monthly flat fee — from $500/month
Charged by month for the duration of the integration engagement. Scale up as more channels and integrations are added.
Starter
$500 / month
Single marketplace, basic payment & label setup. Good for first-time sellers starting with one channel.
  • 1 marketplace setup
  • Payment gateway
  • Label printing setup
  • Monthly check-in
Most popular
Growth
$TBD / month
Multi-channel, inventory sync, 3PL integration, and accounting connection. For sellers scaling across platforms.
  • Up to 3 marketplace channels
  • Inventory & accounting sync
  • 3PL integration
  • Bi-weekly check-ins
Full stack
$TBD / month
All channels, social commerce, full automation, and reporting dashboards. For sellers with complex multi-platform operations.
  • Unlimited channels
  • Social commerce setup
  • Automation workflows
  • Custom reporting
Service 3D
Process design & documentation

Throughout your launch journey, we observe, document, and analyze every operational flow — then deliver a structured post-mortem and process package so your business can scale, delegate, and improve systematically.

And if you need a system to run those processes — from a Google Sheet to a fully custom app — we build that too.

  • 🧠Everything lives in the founder's head — impossible to delegate, impossible to scale
  • 🔄The same problems keep recurring because the root cause was never documented or fixed
  • 📋No standard operating procedures — every team member does things differently
  • 💻Frankensteined systems — disconnected spreadsheets, manual workarounds, data everywhere
The Three Flows framework
Every business runs on three flows
Our process documentation framework maps every operational activity to one of three fundamental flows. When all three are documented and optimized, your business can run — and scale — without you being the bottleneck.
💰
Cash flow
Where money comes in, where it goes out, when it moves — purchase orders, invoices, payments, refunds, and reconciliation
📦
Material flow
Where products move — from supplier to warehouse to customer and back. Every physical handoff, inspection point, and inventory event
📡
Information flow
Where data moves — orders, tracking numbers, customer communications, supplier updates, reports. The nervous system of your operation
What we deliver
From observation to operating manual
🔭
Observation & discovery

Throughout the launch engagement, we observe how your business actually operates — not how you think it does. We capture every process, exception, and workaround.

📊
Post-mortem report

A structured analysis of what worked, what didn't, and what to improve for the next production run. Honest, data-driven, actionable.

📋
Process documentation

Written SOPs for every core workflow — order intake, fulfillment, returns, resupply, customer service — mapped across cash, material, and information flows.

💻
Custom system (optional)

If your processes need a system to run on, we design and build it — from a structured Google Sheet to a fully custom web app. Three Flows manages designers and developers.

Pricing
Documentation from $1,000 — system build quoted separately
Documentation only
$1,000 +
Post-mortem report and process documentation across all three flows. No system build included.
  • Observation throughout engagement
  • Post-mortem report
  • Process documentation (SOPs)
  • Three Flows framework map
Most popular
Docs + Google Sheets system
$TBD custom quote
Documentation plus a structured Google Sheets system tailored to your specific processes — low cost, easy to use, immediate.
  • Everything in Documentation
  • Custom Google Sheets build
  • Data validation & automation
  • Team training
Docs + custom app
$TBD custom quote
Full custom web or mobile application built to your exact operational requirements. Three Flows manages design and development.
  • Everything in Documentation
  • Custom app design & build
  • User testing & QA
  • Ongoing maintenance option

The $1,000+ fee covers documentation and process design only. System design and implementation (Google Sheets or custom app) are quoted separately based on complexity and scope.

Summary
All four workstreams at a glance
All workstreams are optional and can be engaged individually or together. Continuity discounts apply when you've completed earlier steps with Three Flows.
3A
Brand assets
$1,500 +
Optional — recommended
3B
Launch lot supply
$150 / wk+
Optional — 6-week program
3C
System integration
$500 / mo+
Optional — 3–6 months
3D
Process design
$1,000 +
Optional — system build extra
FAQ
Common questions
Do I have to take all four workstreams? +
No — all four are optional. You can engage any combination. That said, we recommend at least completing brand assets and launch lot supply together if you're launching for the first time, as they have the most direct impact on your launch success.
What does "continuity discount" mean in practice? +
If you completed Services 01 (pre-launch) or 02 (sourcing) with Three Flows, we already understand your business, product, and goals. That context saves time — and we pass that saving to you as a discount on Service 03. The exact discount depends on how much prior work we've done together. New clients joining at Service 03 go through an onboarding interview first so we can get up to speed.
Why do you use human designers instead of AI for brand work? +
AI tools can generate visuals quickly — but they produce work that looks like everything else AI generates. Your brand needs to be distinctive, considered, and built for your specific customer. Professional designers bring craft, cultural context, and judgment that AI currently can't replicate for brand identity work.
What if something goes wrong during the launch lot supply program? +
That's exactly what the 911 support is for. Production delays, compliance surprises, customs issues, shipment problems — we've seen them all. You contact us, we assess the situation, and we tell you exactly what to do. In most cases, having an experienced person on-call prevents a crisis from becoming a disaster.
How long does system integration take? +
The core foundation (marketplace, payments, labels) can be done in 4–6 weeks. Full integration including 3PL, inventory sync, accounting, and social commerce typically takes 3–6 months depending on complexity and how quickly you can make decisions and take action on your end.
Does Service 03 naturally lead into Service 04 (back office support)? +
Yes — and it's designed that way. The process documentation from 3D becomes the operating manual for Service 04. The system integration from 3C is what Service 04 runs on. Clients who complete Service 03 transition to Service 04 with minimal onboarding, and with a continuity discount applied.

Ready to launch with confidence?

Tell us which workstreams you need — we'll design the right engagement.

← Services
Service 04 — Ongoing

Ongoing back office support

You built the business. Now focus on what only you can do — and let us handle everything else. Outsource the must-haves that aren't your competitive advantage, so every hour you spend goes toward growth.

Best for
  • E-commerce businesses past launch and generating revenue
  • Founders spending more time on operations than on growth
  • Businesses with no clear processes, messy books, or rising costs
  • Growing sellers who need operational capacity without full-time hires
Business operations

Let's talk about what you need

Back office support is custom-scoped. Tell us what's eating your time.

Submit an inquiry
Or email contact@threeflows.com
Continuity discount
Completed Services 01, 02, or 03 with us? The process documentation, system integrations, and supplier relationships we built together carry forward — which means faster onboarding and lower cost. New clients go through an intake interview so we can get fully up to speed before we begin.
The philosophy
Know your core. Outsource the rest.

Every business has a core competency — the thing that makes you different, that customers value, that only you can do. Maybe it's your product design. Maybe it's your relationships. Maybe it's your selling ability.

Everything else — the repetitive, the administrative, the operational — is necessary but not differentiating. That's what we take off your plate.

You keep this
Brand & product decisions
What you sell, how it looks, what it stands for — these define your competitive advantage
You keep this
Customer experience ownership
Product quality, customer relationships, and service standards — these build loyalty
You keep this
Compliance & legal
Regulatory decisions, licensing, and legal accountability stay with you — never outsourced
We handle this
Everything operational
Orders, fulfillment, resupply, vendor payments, bookkeeping — the engine room
Services
Core bundle + optional add-ons

Two services form the required core — they work together and can't be separated. Everything else is optional and can be added as your needs grow.

Required core bundle
Order management & fulfillment
The heartbeat of your e-commerce operation. These two services are always active together — they're inseparable because an order that isn't fulfilled isn't really managed.
  • 📥 Order intake & management Monitor incoming orders across all channels, flag exceptions, manage order status updates, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks
  • 📦 Fulfillment & return/refund management Coordinate with your 3PL or warehouse, track fulfillment, manage returns processing, and handle refund workflows on your behalf
Optional add-ons
Additional services
Activate any combination as your business grows. Each add-on integrates with the core bundle seamlessly.
  • 💬 Online customer service Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback across email, marketplace messaging, and social — within your brand voice guidelines
  • 🔄 Resupply management Monitor inventory levels, trigger reorder alerts, coordinate purchase orders with suppliers, and track inbound shipments
  • 💸 Vendor follow-up & payment Manage supplier communication, track invoices, coordinate payment schedules, and follow up on outstanding items
  • 📒 Bookkeeping & CPA coordination Monthly bookkeeping, P&L reporting, and coordination with your CPA for tax preparation — scaled to your business size
How we work
The control tower model

We don't just execute tasks — we maintain visibility across your entire operation and surface what matters to you. Think of us as your operational control tower: monitoring everything, flagging issues before they escalate, and giving you the data you need to make decisions.

You stay in command. We keep the runway clear.

🔭
Maintenance & monitoring
Day-to-day execution of all active services — nothing missed, nothing delayed
📡
Control tower visibility
Cross-function view of your operation — we see issues forming before they become problems
📊
Data analysis & reporting
Regular performance reports with insights — not just numbers, but what the numbers mean for your business
🚨
Proactive escalation
When something needs your attention, we bring it to you — clearly, with context, and with a recommended action
Operations control tower
Boundaries
What Three Flows never touches

We're explicit about what stays with you — because your competitive advantage, your customer relationships, and your compliance obligations are not things to outsource.

🎨
Brand image & identity
What your brand stands for, how it looks, and how it speaks. We operate within your brand guidelines — we never make brand decisions on your behalf.
e.g. Logo updates, brand voice, visual direction, marketing messaging
⭐
Customer experience standards
Product design, quality standards, and what "great customer service" means for your brand — you define it, we execute to it.
e.g. Product specs, quality thresholds, service response standards, return policies
⚖️
Compliance & legal decisions
Regulatory compliance, licensing, tax strategy, and legal accountability always remain with you. We flag issues, but decisions and sign-offs are always yours.
e.g. Tax filings, business licenses, product certifications, legal contracts
The long game
We encourage you to grow into your own operations

Our goal isn't to keep you dependent on us forever. As your business grows and you build internal capacity, we actively encourage you to bring functions in-house — and we help you do it.

Early stage

Three Flows handles everything

Core bundle active plus any needed add-ons. You focus entirely on product, sales, and growth. We run the operation.

TF: All operationsYou: Product & growth
Growth stage

Selective insourcing begins

As you grow, some functions make sense to bring in-house — typically customer service first, as it's closest to the customer relationship. We help you hire, train, and transition smoothly.

TF: Core ops + oversightYou: Customer service + growth
Scale stage

Three Flows as control tower only

Your team handles day-to-day operations. Three Flows provides oversight, data analysis, and strategic input — the control tower without the execution. Lower cost, higher leverage.

TF: Oversight & analysisYou: Full operations team
Pricing
Monthly minimum + volume surcharge

All engagements start with a monthly minimum that covers the core bundle. As your transaction volume grows, a surcharge applies — so the fee scales with your success, not against it.

Starter
$TBD / month
Core bundle only — order management and fulfillment. For businesses just past launch with modest transaction volume.
  • Order intake & management
  • Fulfillment & returns
  • Monthly performance report
  • Monthly check-in call
Most popular
Growth
$TBD / month
Core bundle plus 2–3 add-ons. For businesses with growing transaction volume that need broader operational coverage.
  • Core bundle (order mgmt + fulfillment)
  • Choose 2–3 add-on services
  • Bi-weekly reporting
  • Bi-weekly check-in calls
  • Proactive escalation alerts
Full service
$TBD / month
Full back office — all five services active. For businesses ready to fully delegate operations and focus entirely on growth.
  • All five services active
  • Weekly reporting dashboard
  • Weekly check-in calls
  • Dedicated operations contact
  • Quarterly business review
Volume surcharge — scales with your business
When monthly transaction volume exceeds your plan threshold, a per-transaction surcharge applies. This keeps the base fee accessible for early-stage businesses while ensuring Three Flows can scale its support as your operation grows. Thresholds and surcharge rates are set at onboarding based on your product category and average order value. Reviewed quarterly.

All pricing is custom-scoped based on services selected, transaction volume, and business complexity. Contact us for a quote.

FAQ
Common questions
Why are order management and fulfillment always bundled? +
Because they're two halves of the same process. An order that isn't tracked through to fulfillment creates blind spots — you won't know if something went wrong until a customer complains. We manage both together so there's a single accountable party for the complete order-to-delivery cycle.
How does Three Flows handle customer service within my brand voice? +
During onboarding, we build a brand voice and response guidelines document together — covering tone, common scenarios, escalation triggers, and what you never want us to say. We operate entirely within that document. For anything outside the guidelines, we escalate to you before responding.
What does "CPA coordination" mean — do you do my taxes? +
We don't file taxes — that's your CPA's job and it stays with them. What we do is keep your books clean and organized throughout the year so your CPA has everything they need when tax season arrives. We coordinate directly with your CPA to deliver reconciled financials, categorized transactions, and supporting documentation — so they spend less time on cleanup and more time on strategy.
What happens as I grow and want to bring things in-house? +
We actively support this. When you're ready to insource a function, we help you write the job description, define the handoff process, and train your new hire using the SOPs we've built together. You don't lose the institutional knowledge — it transfers with the role. Your monthly fee adjusts down as services are removed.
How is the volume surcharge calculated? +
Thresholds and surcharge rates are set at onboarding based on your product category, average order value, and expected transaction volume. They're reviewed quarterly — if your volume increases significantly, we adjust. If you have a slow quarter, the minimum still applies. The goal is a fee structure that grows with your business rather than punishing you for success.
Do I need to have completed earlier Three Flows services to use Service 04? +
No — Service 04 is available as a standalone engagement. That said, clients who completed Service 03 (launch hypercare) transition into Service 04 with minimal onboarding and a continuity discount, because we already have the process documentation, system integrations, and supplier context in place. New clients go through a structured intake interview.

Stop running the back office.
Start running the business.

Tell us what's eating your time — we'll design the right plan.