Who Does Frost Buddy Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

Frost Buddy uses ShipBob as their primary third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfillment partner.

Introduction to Frost Buddy

Founded by brothers Brock and Mitch Mammoser from Newton, Illinois, Frost Buddy is a rapidly growing e-commerce brand specializing in innovative drinkware products. Their flagship product, the Universal Buddy, revolutionized the beverage insulator market as the world's first universal can cooler that fits multiple container sizes including normal cans, slim cans, bottles, and 16oz cans/bottles.

Since their founding in 2020, Frost Buddy has experienced explosive growth, becoming the #3 Thermocooler on Amazon within just four months of launching on the marketplace. The company's product line has expanded to include various innovative drinkware solutions such as the Thicc Buddy (tumbler with lip balm handles), To-Go Buddy (for iced coffee), XL Buddy (for larger containers), and the Backpack Buddy (portable cooler).

With a commitment to "Faith, Family, Community," the brothers have built not just a product line but a lifestyle brand with a loyal customer base. Their creative product design and effective digital marketing strategy, particularly on platforms like TikTok, helped them build a viral sensation that has attracted millions of followers.

Why Frost Buddy Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

As Frost Buddy experienced rapid growth, they faced significant challenges in fulfilling the increasing number of orders while maintaining customer satisfaction. Some specific challenges included:

• Scaling operations to meet growing demand without compromising delivery times
• Managing inventory efficiently across multiple sales channels
• Controlling shipping costs while offering competitive delivery options
• Handling seasonal demand fluctuations typical in the beverage industry

These challenges prompted Frost Buddy to seek a professional 3PL solution that could provide the infrastructure, technology, and expertise needed to support their ambitious growth trajectory.

The ShipBob Partnership and Results

Frost Buddy partnered with ShipBob, a leading e-commerce fulfillment solution with a global network of over 45 warehouses across the US, Canada, UK, EU, and Australia. This strategic partnership lasted for approximately 2.5 years and delivered several key benefits:

• Scalable fulfillment infrastructure that could handle Frost Buddy's rapid order volume growth
• Distributed inventory placement across multiple fulfillment centers to reduce shipping times and costs
• Advanced technology integration with Frost Buddy's e-commerce platforms
• Enhanced customer experience through faster shipping and reliable order tracking

While specific metrics from the partnership aren't publicly detailed, the relationship supported Frost Buddy during a critical growth phase that saw them scale from a startup to a multi-million dollar operation with international reach.

The ShipBob 3PL Solution

ShipBob provided Frost Buddy with a comprehensive fulfillment solution tailored to their specific needs as a growing e-commerce brand. Their service included:

1. Inventory management - Real-time inventory tracking, synchronization with Frost Buddy's online store, and visibility into stock levels
2. Warehousing - Strategic storage in ShipBob's extensive warehouse network, including their 2 million sq ft facility in Yorkville, Illinois
3. Order processing - Professional picking and packing services with appropriate protection for Frost Buddy's premium products
4. Shipping optimization - Access to discounted shipping rates and 2-day delivery options through ShipBob's carrier relationships with FedEx, USPS, DHL, and UPS
5. Technology integration - Connection with Frost Buddy's e-commerce platforms through ShipBob's proprietary warehouse management system
6. Omnichannel fulfillment - Support for various sales channels including direct website sales, e-commerce marketplaces, and retail distribution

After 2.5 years with ShipBob, Frost Buddy ultimately decided to transition to in-house fulfillment, a move that co-founder Mitch Mammoser noted was "strictly based on cost of shipping and labor and having more control." This transition is common for companies reaching a certain scale, where the economics of in-house operations can become more favorable.

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The Frost Buddy and ShipBob partnership offers several valuable lessons for other e-commerce brands considering 3PL partnerships:

• 3PLs can enable rapid scaling: For fast-growing brands like Frost Buddy, partnering with an established 3PL can provide immediate access to infrastructure and expertise without massive capital investment.
• Consider your growth trajectory: 3PLs are particularly valuable during high-growth phases when building in-house capabilities might distract from core business development.
• Evolution is natural: As companies mature, their fulfillment needs may change, potentially making in-house operations more economical at certain scale points.
• Professional transitions matter: Mitch Mammoser specifically praised ShipBob for their professionalism during Frost Buddy's transition away from their services, noting how they coordinated exit orders and transportation of inventory with care.

Is ShipBob Right for Your Business?

When considering whether ShipBob might be the right fulfillment partner for your business, evaluate these factors:

• Business stage: ShipBob is particularly well-suited for growing e-commerce brands that need scalable fulfillment without building infrastructure.
• Order volume: Companies shipping at least 100-200 orders per month typically benefit most from 3PL services.
• Geographic reach: If you're selling nationally or internationally, ShipBob's distributed network in the California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and other locations provides strategic advantages.
• Integration needs: ShipBob works best for brands using major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and Walmart Marketplace.
• Product type: Consider whether your products align with ShipBob's specialties, which include apparel, beauty products, nutraceuticals, and consumer goods like Frost Buddy's drinkware.
• Future plans: Consider whether you expect to eventually bring fulfillment in-house, as Frost Buddy did, or if you prefer a long-term 3PL relationship.

For businesses unsure about their specific fulfillment needs, services like Fulfill.com's 3PL matchmaking service can help identify the ideal logistics partner based on your unique requirements.

Final Thoughts

The partnership between Frost Buddy and ShipBob illustrates how strategic fulfillment partnerships can support explosive growth for e-commerce brands. By leveraging ShipBob's established infrastructure and expertise during their critical scaling phase, Frost Buddy was able to focus on product innovation and marketing while maintaining reliable customer service.

As Frost Buddy eventually transitioned to in-house fulfillment after achieving significant scale, their journey demonstrates the natural evolution many successful e-commerce brands experience. The professional handling of this transition by ShipBob further reinforces the value of working with reputable 3PL providers who understand that business needs change over time.

For growing e-commerce brands facing similar fulfillment challenges, the lesson is clear: the right 3PL partnership can provide the operational foundation needed to scale rapidly while maintaining customer satisfaction.