Update on Shipping and Distribution Globally
Hello Everyone,
Today, we want to share a few thoughts about customer service — specifically, the important role that shipping, handling, tariffs, and now global distribution will play in delivering a great experience for our customers as we expand our reach worldwide.
When it comes to shipping, price matters. Elizabeth and I have been surprised by how expensive it can be to ship heavy Pilates apparatus within the U.S. and around the world.
How Gratz Is Reducing Shipping Costs on Equipment
We’ve been working hard to tackle these high shipping costs. Part of the solution has been negotiating better rates with our carriers. There is only so much that can be had through negotiations. The harder and more interesting part has been finding creative solutions. For example, with low folding mats, we realized that by separating the mat from the foot boxes, we could fit each piece into standard-sized packages that FedEx and UPS can deliver through their regular routes. It's faster — and dramatically cheaper.
So far, shipping costs to our customers are down between 10% and 15%. And — we’re committed to finding new ways to reduce shipping costs and will continue to aggressively negotiate with shipping companies and find new, smart, high-quality shipping solutions for you.
Understanding the Challenges of International Shipping
Shipping internationally is even more challenging. For most international orders, we typically airfreight the shipment to a local airport. After that, customers must handle customs clearance paperwork, manage the clearance process, and arrange for delivery — often coordinating multiple heavy boxes totaling hundreds or even thousands of pounds. It's not easy, and for all of you outside the U.S. reading this, we want to say: thank you. We know how much effort this takes, and we truly appreciate it.
We're now actively working on plans to make things easier for our international customers. Our dream is simple:
- Order
- Pay
- Receive.
Ideally, white-glove delivery. While we're not there yet in most locations, we do have wonderful local partners in a few markets who help make things easier.
Navigating Tariff Challenges
Some of our plans for new distribution can we impacted by tariffs. New tariffs are creating significant challenges for Gratz and our classical studio customers in some countries. Tariffs and tariff announcements are changing so rapidly that making smart decisions and plans is hard to do. We’re monitoring the situation carefully and will do all we can to best serve our classical studio customers.
The Future of Global Partnerships: Gratz Pilates Around the World
Looking ahead, our goal is to do even more. In larger countries, we plan either to hire local teams to manage customs and delivery or to appoint trusted distributors to provide the level of service we envision. In both cases, part of the strategy will involve organizing container-sized shipments, which will dramatically reduce shipping costs for customers in these regions.
We’ll keep you informed as we make progress. In fact, very soon, you’ll see an announcement about Gratz in Israel and how we’re upgrading our service there with a new local distributor.
Faster, Better, and More Affordable Pilates Apparatus in Israel
Updated 5/16
As we alluded to earlier this week, we are happy to share the appointment of Efi Gal-Ed as our distribution partner for Israel. Efi is the co-owner of Fit House studios, and the co-owner of Fit Pilates imports. He also manages importation and distribution of other contemporary Pilates apparatus. We have gotten to know Efi over the last months of meetings and discussions. He and his team are passionate about Pilates, and his Pilates companies have good national presence in Israel. They are committed to provide great service for Gratz’s customers in Israel.
This marks an exciting step forward for Gratz in Israel.
By setting up direct distribution in Israel we will accomplish three overall goals for Gratz and our customers. We will get you the Gratz Apparatuses you order faster. We will ensure you get better service, for everything from customs clearance to delivery. We also will be more cost-effective for you, taking advantage of the freight savings for full container shipping, substantially reducing shipping costs. Faster, Better, and Cost-Effective.
That’s it for now — thanks, as always, for being part of the Gratz Pilates community.
All the best,
John and Elizabeth
Join the Conversation Below, or email us at community@gratzpilates.com
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