This is one of the easiest wins in this business and barely anyone does it properly.
Every single purchase I make goes through a cashback stack. Not just one layer. Multiple. And it adds up to 4-6% back on every single buy.
Here is how it works.
LAYER 1: CREDIT CARD
Get a card with solid cashback on online purchases. In Canada there are cards giving 2-4% back on online spending. That is free margin on every order you place. I use mine for every retailer purchase. Every single one.
LAYER 2: CASHBACK PORTALS
Before you go to any retailer site, check Rakuten or TopCashback first. Most major Canadian retailers are on there. Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire, Best Buy, Walmart. You click through the portal, shop normally, and get an extra 1-3% back depending on the retailer and the day.
Some days they run boosted rates. I have seen Rakuten do 8-10% at certain retailers during promos. When that happens, I stock up on anything that is already on my buy list.
LAYER 3: LOYALTY PROGRAMS PC Optimum if you shop Shoppers Drug Mart or Loblaws stores. Canadian Tire Triangle rewards. Scene+ for certain retailers. These all stack ON TOP of your credit card and cashback portal.
Say you spend $5,000 a month on inventory. A conservative 4% stack gives you $200 back. That is $2,400 a year in pure profit you did literally nothing extra to earn. You just routed your purchases through the right channels. I know sellers doing $20-30K a month in purchases. Their cashback stack alone is paying their rent.
THE SETUP TAKES 30 MINUTES
Sign up for Rakuten and TopCashback (both free)
Install the browser extensions so you never forget
Make sure your go-to credit card has the best online rate
Sign up for loyalty programs at your top 3-5 retailers
That is it.
30 minutes of setup and you are making an extra 4-6% on every dollar you spend in this business for the rest of your career.