Who Does Duke Cannon Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

Duke Cannon uses Sherpack as their primary third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfillment partner.

Introduction to Duke Cannon

Duke Cannon is a premium men's grooming supply company that makes "superior-quality grooming goods that meet the high standards of hard-working men." Their brand philosophy hails from a simpler time when being a handyman was just being a man, and values like chivalry and patriotism were commonplace. With a distinct masculine approach to personal care, Duke Cannon offers a wide range of products including their signature "Big Ass Brick of Soap," THICK Body Wash, hair care products, face care items, beard and shave essentials, cologne, and specialized hand repair products.

The brand has positioned itself in the market as the antithesis of flowery, over-designed men's grooming products, instead focusing on rugged, no-nonsense formulations with masculine scents that appeal to their core demographic. Their product line has expanded significantly over time, growing from a few simple offerings to a comprehensive collection of over one hundred SKUs that cater to every aspect of men's grooming needs.

Why Duke Cannon Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

When Duke Cannon began their journey, they faced several challenges that made partnering with a capable 3PL essential:

• Initial small-scale operations: Starting with just one pallet of soap, Duke Cannon needed a fulfillment partner that could scale with them as they grew.
• Multi-platform sales strategy: The brand was selling through multiple platforms including Amazon, Shopify, and direct ordering, requiring complex order management.
• Need for a stress-free process: As a growing brand, Duke Cannon needed to focus on product development and marketing rather than logistical headaches.
• Future growth aspirations: The company had ambitions to grow significantly, requiring a 3PL that could adapt and scale alongside them.

These challenges demanded a fulfillment partner that could provide flexible, customized solutions while supporting their ambitious growth trajectory without adding operational complexity.

Partnership Details and Results with Sherpack

The partnership between Duke Cannon and Sherpack has yielded impressive results that demonstrate the value of finding the right 3PL for your specific business needs:

• Exponential growth management: From handling just one pallet initially to managing thousands of pallets currently
• SKU expansion: Successfully scaled from a few products to over a hundred SKUs
• Order volume increase: Went from processing approximately ten orders per week to fulfilling thousands of orders daily
• Seamless scaling: Created infrastructure to handle Duke Cannon's growth without service disruptions

This remarkable growth trajectory demonstrates how a successful 3PL partnership can enable an eCommerce brand to focus on product development and marketing while the logistics partner handles the increasing complexities of order fulfillment and inventory management.

The Sherpack Solution

Sherpack, a fulfillment center based in Michigan, implemented several key solutions to address Duke Cannon's specific needs:

1. Customized fulfillment processes: Tailored their services to match Duke Cannon's unique requirements rather than forcing the brand into a one-size-fits-all approach.
2. Warehouse Management System migration: Integrated Duke Cannon into their WMS to streamline inventory management and order processing.
3. Flexible service model: Provided services on an as-needed basis, allowing Duke Cannon to use only what they required at each stage of growth.
4. Multi-channel fulfillment: Seamlessly handled orders from all of Duke Cannon's sales channels including Amazon, Shopify, and direct sales.

As an eCommerce fulfillment specialist, Sherpack was able to develop new business processes specifically for Duke Cannon that were so effective they now benefit other clients. This demonstrates their commitment to creating truly customized solutions rather than applying a standard approach to all clients.

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The successful partnership between Duke Cannon and Sherpack offers several valuable lessons for other eCommerce brands considering 3PL partnerships:

• Start small but plan for growth: Duke Cannon began with just one pallet but chose a partner with the capacity to scale significantly. Finding a 3PL that can grow with you is crucial for long-term success.
• Seek customization over standardization: Look for a 3PL that adapts to your needs rather than forcing your business to conform to their standard processes.
• Multi-channel expertise matters: As your brand expands to different sales channels, having a 3PL that can integrate with all of them becomes increasingly important.
• Partnership mentality yields innovation: The best 3PL relationships are true partnerships where both parties work together to develop new processes and solutions that drive mutual success.

Is a 3PL Like Sherpack Right for Your Business?

When evaluating whether a 3PL like Sherpack is appropriate for your business, consider these factors:

• Growth trajectory: If you anticipate significant growth, a 3PL with proven scaling capabilities is essential.
• Product specifics: For beauty and cosmetics brands, including men's grooming products, specialized handling may be required.
• Sales channel strategy: Multi-channel sellers need 3PLs with integrated solutions for all platforms.
• Geographic considerations: Michigan-based fulfillment offers central US distribution advantages for brands with nationwide customers.
• Business stage: Even small startups can benefit from professional fulfillment if they choose a partner willing to start small and scale up.

The best way to determine fit is to speak directly with potential 3PL partners about your specific needs and growth plans. Many quality 3PLs offer consultation services to help determine if their offerings align with your requirements.

Final Thoughts

The Duke Cannon and Sherpack partnership exemplifies how the right fulfillment partner can be a critical component of an eCommerce brand's success story. From humble beginnings with a single pallet of soap to managing thousands of daily orders across hundreds of SKUs, this relationship has enabled Duke Cannon to focus on creating superior grooming products while leaving the complex logistics to experts.

For brands in similar positions—whether just starting out or looking to scale—finding a 3PL partner that offers customized solutions, flexibility, and room for growth is essential. The right partnership doesn't just solve today's logistics challenges; it creates a foundation for sustainable future growth.

If you're seeking your own ideal fulfillment partner, consider using a 3PL matchmaking service to find providers that specifically meet your unique business needs, just as Sherpack did for Duke Cannon.