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Fulfillment and Last Mile in Mexico

Essential Guide for Foreign Sellers on Marketplaces

The Mexican Consumer: Speed and Trust

86%

Prefers Home Delivery

Convenience is the main purchasing factor. (Source: AMVO)

7 days

Maximum Delivery Expectation

Exceeding this time increases the risk of cart abandonment.

67%

Values Ease of Returns

A clear and simple return process builds trust and loyalty.

Fulfillment Models for Marketplaces

Fulfillment by Marketplace (FBM)

Ex: Amazon FBA, Mercado Libre Full. The marketplace stores, packs, and ships your products.

Advantages:

  • You get the "Prime" or "Full" badge.
  • Simplified logistics management.
  • You leverage the marketplace's network.

Considerations:

  • Higher fees (storage, shipping).
  • Less control over packaging and branding.
  • Strict product preparation requirements.

Logistics Operator (3PL)

You delegate your operation to a partner specialized in logistics and warehousing in Mexico.

Advantages:

  • Greater flexibility and brand control.
  • Solutions for multiple sales channels.
  • Local logistics expertise.

Considerations:

  • Requires finding and managing a reliable partner.
  • Variable costs depending on the provider.
  • You need a legal entity in Mexico for the operation.

Import Strategies: Traditional vs. Fiscal Deposit

Traditional Importation

All taxes (VAT and tariffs) are paid in a single payment when the merchandise enters the country.

Characteristics:

  • Heavy initial capital outlay.
  • The merchandise is fully nationalized.
  • Less flexibility if demand is uncertain.
  • Ideal for high-turnover products with secure demand.

Fiscal Deposit

The merchandise is stored in an authorized warehouse, deferring tax payment until its final sale.

Benefits:

  • Optimizes cash flow (you pay when you sell).
  • Allows for partial nationalization of inventory.
  • Facilitates re-exportation without paying taxes.
  • Mitigates the risk of having capital tied up in inventory.

Key Recommendations for Foreigners

1

100% Local Inventory

To compete in marketplaces, your product MUST be in Mexico. Cross-border shipping is not a viable option due to costs and delivery times.

2

Plan for Reverse Logistics

Define a clear process for returns. Poor management can lead to high costs and damage your store's reputation.

3

Customs and Tax Compliance

Ensure your products comply with all Official Mexican Standards (NOMs) and import requirements before shipping them.

4

Geographic Diversity

Consider having inventory in different regions of the country (North, Central, South) to reduce last-mile times and costs.

The Last Mile: Comparing Delivery Options

Traditional Courier Services

Ex: Estafeta, DHL, FedEx

Ideal for: National coverage and predictable volumes.

Advantages:

  • Wide coverage
  • Robust tracking
  • Prepaid shipping labels

On-Demand Platforms

Ex: Rappi, Uber, Lalamove

Ideal for: Ultra-fast urban deliveries (same-day).

Advantages:

  • Unbeatable speed
  • Flexibility
  • Handling demand peaks

Local / Specialized Logistics

Ex: Regional carriers

Ideal for: Niche markets or specific geographic areas.

Advantages:

  • Optimized local routes
  • Potential cost reduction
  • Personalized service

The Solution: Your Logistics and Legal Ally

Global Gateway México

Operating with FBM or a 3PL requires a legal entity in Mexico to import and manage inventory. Global Gateway México acts as that fundamental bridge.

  • We manage the importation and regulatory compliance (NOMs) of your products.
  • We allow you to operate with any 3PL or fulfillment center in the country as if you were a local company.

Strategic Alliance for Your Logistics

Global Gateway México

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Promologistics

Through our alliance, we connect your legal operation in Mexico with a leading 3PL partner specializing in e-commerce fulfillment, offering a comprehensive and trustworthy logistics solution.