Case Study: Inker Supply achieves 36.78% shipping cost reduction and $45K annual savings with ShipStation

Inker Supply Ships With UPS to Get More for Less

Inker Supply, founded by Allen Bark and two partners, grew from selling pens out of a condo to operating a warehouse and its own ecommerce site for higher-end writing instruments. When COVID‑19 disrupted supply chains and shifted buying habits, the company paused new product development, pivoted to existing stock and in-demand items like thermometers, and faced a surge in online orders that outgrew USPS‑only shipping.

By adding UPS through ShipStation, Inker Supply accessed discounted UPS rates with no minimums, avoided certain surcharges, and gained faster delivery options—cutting shipping costs 36.78% (about $45,000 annually). ShipStation’s automation rules also reduced manual label work and saved time, letting the team focus on product and growth while UPS handled reliable, expanded delivery.

Inker Supply

Allen Bark

Founder