This Digital Nomad Built a Global Supply Chain Business

Building a business from a bedroom, home office, or garage is not uncommon. Succeeding in seeding a startup organization while constantly on the move is quite a bit more challenging.

Lansil Global founder and CEO Alan Coughlan built his multi-million dollar end-to-end supply chain service business from a backpack as a digital nomad, a person who travels while working remotely using technology and the internet.

Coughlan conceived his quest to create and operate his entrepreneurial endeavor during a trip to China at the age of 27. In 2014, he was living in China, teaching English for a living and learning Chinese on the side.

At first, the tasks seemed uncomplicated. Coughlan had all he needed for communication and business records stored in his laptop and mobile phone. Or so he thought. He toured Asia on buses, doing business out of a backpack and staying in budget accommodations.

He soon learned hidden challenges lurked beyond the knapsack office. One major hurdle was the lack of convenient digital nomad visas, first introduced in 2020. A second big challenge was handling product purchases and supply chain connections.

Setting up a business in a different country brings its fair share of challenges for foreigners. If you are not a permanent resident or citizen in a particular country, your rights can be limited, Coughlan mused about his learning experiences.

“Things like registering a company, opening corporate bank accounts, and obtaining licenses always require more time and resources from foreigners compared to citizens,” he told the E-Commerce Times.

Startup Lessons

While in China, Coughlan visited a bicycle manufacturing plant in Shanghai. On a whim, he bought some of them to sell back in his homeland, Ireland. When he went to collect his order, however, he checked the quality of the bikes and found that 38 out of 50 were damaged.

After having them repaired or remade, he tried selling them online through the DoneDeal website, an Irish marketplace. They failed to sell. He eventually brought a sample bike into two bicycle stores in Ireland. The first shop rejected him automatically, and the second bought the entire order, making him a small profit.

That is when he realized the need for a middleman between sourcing quality goods and getting them to their destination for resale.

A year later, in 2015, Coughlan established Lansil Global in Hong Kong. It took him two years to have his own physical office. When he established Lansil Global, he worked from multiple locations in China, including a studio apartment, before setting up an office in the city.

Coughlan later moved to the U.K. to run the company remotely. He left behind a reliable team to handle the business from China, overseeing their operation from afar. He continued that strategy as he expanded his operations. The Shenzhen office is still his company’s main headquarters.

“It has undergone multiple expansions to have a 45,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center serving e-commerce businesses from around the world,” he said.

Global Growth Through Remote Operations

Coughlan did not stop there. In 2020, he took a big leap by setting up his first fulfillment center abroad, opening a warehouse in Nevada, and hiring a team to take care of U.S. operations.

“This venture has paved the way for more growth in the States, as we started offering sourcing and fulfillment services to U.S. clients,” he added.

In 2023, the company expanded even further. The owner built a new 32,000 sq. ft. fulfillment center in Pennsylvania to cover the East Coast and provide faster delivery.

That same year, Coughlan also opened a dedicated marketing department and set up an office in Dubai to expand operations in the Middle East.

Managing Global Teams Remotely

Managing global locations from a distance became key to Coughlan’s success. Lansil Global now has offices in Shenzhen (China), Nevada, and Pennsylvania in the U.S., and Dubai (UAE).

Currently, he stays in Dubai most of the time. To support his growth and expanding client base, he hired experienced managers capable of taking ownership of their work and making independent decisions.

“We also established a process with clear guidelines and a supportive structure,” he noted. “Every quarter, I visit all of our locations. These visits help me build rapport with the team, address their concerns, and align our goals across different regions,” he said about his strategy.

During his visits, he organizes company outings where the team can relax and bond outside the workplace.

China Sourcing for E-Commerce Success

Coughlan’s initial experience buying bicycles from a local factory and selling them in Ireland led to his business mission. He decided to try his hand at product sourcing.

While he moves about globally, his focus remains only sourcing from China. Since day one, his focus has been on China sourcing and manufacturing.

“We help e-commerce brands source quality products at competitive prices from reliable Chinese suppliers,” he offered, noting that he now provides global fulfillment from China and local fulfillment in the U.S.

“We also help online businesses sell more on Amazon by offering Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) prep services through our prep centers in China and the U.S.,” he added.

However, Coughlan focuses his sourcing efforts exclusively on China. He recognizes that other countries can compete by leveraging China’s low-cost labor and accessible trade lanes.

“It turns out China is still leading the charge with its manufacturing might,” he explained.

Backpack Business Tips for Entrepreneurs

According to Coughlan, beginning a backpack enterprise has never been easier for newcomers. He suggests starting with a list of anticipated issues your business may face working remotely.

“Those challenges can vary greatly depending on the type of business you are running. When an online business grows to a certain level, setting up a physical office should be the next step,” he said.

For example, establishing a dedicated office is essential when a company has grown enough to have its own local customer service and marketing departments. The rest of the operation can remain remote.

This local presence allows the team to meet, discuss strategies, and bond. It helps create a strong culture and improves efficiency.

“It also means all team members are working in one time zone, so it’s easier to organize virtual meetings with them remotely,” Coughlan added.

Digital Nomad Visas Support Remote Work

A digital nomad visa, also known as a freelance visa, allows someone to work remotely while residing in another country longer than tourist visa holders. In his case, Coughlan does not need one because he constantly travels.

“These visas are gaining popularity among countries aiming to attract more entrepreneurs and remote workers,” he said. “Digital nomad visas are very important in the digital age.”

The desire to work from anywhere is no longer a business necessity but a dream for many entrepreneurs. Recent technological advancements and the rise of remote work, especially post-pandemic, have made digital nomad visas increasingly relevant, he noted.

As of November 2024, more than 60 countries and territories offer digital nomad visas.