
How to Source Products and Plan Production Runs — Lara Guevara | Why First Orders Risk Mistakes, Why Alternative Vendors Matter Most, How Third-Party Audits Save Money, What Supply Chain Optimization Requires, Why Fractional Support Fits Growth (#508)
In this episode, we dive into the hidden supply chain pitfalls that can quietly kill a direct-to-consumer brand when scaling from small batches to mass production. Lara Guevara, CEO and founder of Move Supply Chain, shares how proper product development, supplier auditing, and project management can help brands avoid costly mistakes, optimize inventory, and protect their bottom line. She also reveals strategies for finding alternative vendors, managing shipping risks, and navigating the complexities of scaling global supply chains. Topics discussed in this episode: How first production runs can become expensive mistakes for growing DTC brands. What steps are involved in the traditional new product development process compared to fast-paced DTC. Why calculating true landed costs prevents unexpected financial surprises. How alternative vendors protect businesses against global supply chain disruptions. What third-party audits do to catch product rejects before they ship. Why visiting suppliers in person builds long-term business relationships. How project management tools like PERT charts shorten production lead times. What split shipments accomplish to keep inventory moving while avoiding air freight costs. Why fractional supply chain support offers flexibility for emerging brands. What founders can do to educate themselves on supply chain optimization early on. - Learn more about Move Supply Chain: https://movesupplychain.com/ - Start your 7-Day Supply Chain Trial: https://7daytrial.movesupplychain.com/ Links & Resources Website: https://movesupplychain.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laarniguevara/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/larasupplychain Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movesupplychain Get access to more free resources by visiting the show notes at https://tinyurl.com/3962rrjr ______________________________________________________ Our Sponsors Xero is cloud-based accounting software that helps small businesses, including ecommerce sellers and DTC brands - manage invoicing, cash flow, bank reconciliation, and reporting from one place, on any device. Get 90% off for 6 months. Learn more at https://referrals.xero.com/ecb - T&Cs apply. Bizrate Insights: Star ratings tell you how customers feel. Bizrate Insights reveals what’s driving those ratings, helping ecommerce brands create smoother shopping journeys, inspire confident purchases, and build lasting loyalty. Turn verified shopper feedback into clear priorities and better customer experiences. Learn more at https://bizrateinsights.com/coffee ______________________________________________________ LOVE THE SHOW? HERE ARE THE NEXT STEPS! Follow the podcast to get every bonus episode. Tap follow now and don’t miss out! Join our free newsletter, read by 15,000+ Shopify merchants, Amazon sellers, and DTC brands: https://newsletter.ecommercecoffeebreak.com/ Partner with us: https://ecommercecoffeebreak.com/partner-with-us/













