How WOLFpak Scaled Global Sales 433% with Shopify Managed Markets

Background

WOLFpak launched with a standout functional backpack that quickly caught fire in the US market. But when the first wave of international orders rolled in, customers hit unexpected duties and fees, long transit times, and steep shipping costs that eroded trust.

The Challenge

Founder Michael Henderson recognized that failing to offer transparent, prepaid duties at checkout was hurting both reputation and conversions. Packages arriving weeks later with surprise $80 calls for extra fees drove cart abandonment and lost fans. Covering high shipping rates himself became a profit sink, and customs delays stretched delivery to three weeks.

Choosing Managed Markets

Shopify Managed Markets gave WOLFpak access to discounted carrier rates, localized pricing in customer currencies, and the ability to include duties in the final price. Checkout began showing exact landed costs. The merchant-of-record service handled tax compliance end to end, saving hours of admin work.

Operational Wins

Shipping label costs dropped dramatically, allowing the brand to test free shipping in key regions. New carriers cut transit from weeks to just days—customers actually messaged in surprise when international orders beat their local mail service speed. That shift alone triggered a 30% boost in global conversion rate.

Results

In 18 months, WOLFpak’s international sales soared 433%, doubling its US growth pace. Black Friday/Cyber Monday saw a 102% year-over-year lift in global conversion. Today, cross-border revenue is on track to hit 20% of total sales, freeing up Michael’s team to pour energy into ad campaigns and market expansion.

Key Lessons

Transparent pricing and faster delivery matter as much as product innovation. Prepaid duty options build trust and reduce abandoned carts. Optimizing carrier selection through a central platform streamlines operations and cuts costs, fueling reinvestment in growth.