Why I Stopped DIY Shipping (And Never Looked Back)

• I save significant time by not handling merchandise shipping myself
• I can personally drop off inventory to Fulfyld’s nearby facility
• I’ve cut shipping costs by eliminating the need to ship to distant fulfillment centers
• I now focus fully on content creation and comedy performances while orders are fulfilled

Who I Am and What I Do: From First Joke to 300k+  Followers

I’m Ellen Skrmetti, a Mississippi-born, Alabama-based comedian and social media creator. 

My Southern charm and quick wit have helped me build a following of over 300,000 fans across my platforms since posting my first Instagram video in January 2022.

My journey into comedy started right before the COVID-19 pandemic. I took writing classes at my local comedy club, fell in love with stand-up, and then everything shut down. 

But remembering a friend’s advice that “Dreams Don’t Have Deadlines,” I used quarantine to keep learning through online classes with The Second City.

Now, I perform at venues like The Comedy Zone, Helium Comedy Club, and The Improv. My first show at Birmingham’s Stardome Comedy Club quickly expanded to four sold-out performances!

When Merch Success Became My Creative Roadblock

As my following grew, so did interest in my merchandise. At first, handling shipping myself seemed manageable.

I’d dedicate entire days to packing orders. 

But when you’re trying to write new material, create content, and tour across the country, those shipping days become a real problem.

The challenges kept multiplying:

• I found myself packing orders instead of writing jokes
• I couldn’t ship while traveling for performances
• My living space was overtaken by inventory and shipping supplies
• I worried about orders piling up while I was on the road

As a solo entrepreneur, every hour I spent on packaging was an hour I could have dedicated to activities that actually grew my business.

Finding My Breathing Room: Why Local Fulfillment Changed Everything

After researching options, I discovered that Fulfyld’s Alabama location made them the perfect partner. Their proximity to me was a game-changer.

When I learned I could drop off inventory myself rather than ship it to a distant warehouse, it immediately made sense. 

I’m saving money on those initial shipping costs and maintaining more control over my inventory.

What made Fulfyld perfect for my needs:

• Their warehouse is close enough for me to drop off inventory personally
• They understand the unique needs of content creators and performers
• Their systems scale quickly with my growing business
• I maintain visibility into my inventory levels even while touring

Reclaiming My Creative Hours

The impact on my business was immediate and substantial. I suddenly had my creative time back.

Since partnering with Fulfyld:

• I tour with complete confidence that orders are being fulfilled in my absence
• My fans receive their merchandise promptly and professionally packaged
• I’ve eliminated the shipping anxiety that used to accompany every merchandise launch
• I’m able to maintain consistent shipping even during busy touring periods

Perhaps most importantly, I’ve reclaimed time for creativity. As a comedian and content creator, my entire business depends on my creative output. 

Every hour I spend not creating is potentially lost income.

When to Outsource: Lessons from My Comedy Journey

If you’re a creator struggling to balance your craft with the logistics of merchandise, I’ve been there. The hours I spent packing boxes were hours I wasn’t writing jokes or connecting with my audience. 

Working with Fulfyld has been transformative—not just for my business but for my creative well-being. I’m no longer rushing home from tour to tackle a backlog of orders or stressing about inventory while I should be focused on performing.

Remember, your art deserves your full attention, and your business deserves professional fulfillment. If you’re ready to reclaim your creative time like I did, Fulfyld might just be the partner you’ve been looking for.