Who Does Tb12 Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

TB12 uses ShipBob as their primary third-party logistics (3PL) and fulfillment partner.

Introduction to TB12

TB12 is a premium health and wellness brand founded by NFL legend Tom Brady. The company focuses on a holistic approach to health, offering a range of products designed to help people "do what they love better and for longer." Their product lineup includes:

• Plant-based protein powders derived from peas, available in various flavors including Vanilla, Chocolate, and Cookies and Cream
• Electrolyte supplements in flavors such as Lemonade, Blueberry Pomegranate, Fruit Punch, and Peach Mango
• Wellness supplements targeting specific needs like Sleep, Perform, Recover, and Protect
• Fitness equipment including pliability tools like vibrating spheres and hydration products

As a brand associated with one of sports' biggest names, TB12 positions itself in the premium segment of the health and wellness market, emphasizing clean, plant-based formulations that align with Tom Brady's well-known approach to nutrition, fitness, and recovery.

Why TB12 Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

Before partnering with ShipBob, TB12 faced several significant fulfillment challenges that were limiting their ability to scale and provide the premium customer experience their brand demanded:

• They were operating with just a single ecommerce fulfillment center, which restricted their shipping capabilities and coverage
• Limited fulfillment infrastructure meant longer delivery times for many customers across the country
• Higher shipping costs were cutting into their margins and making it difficult to offer competitive shipping options
• As a premium brand, they needed to ensure that the post-purchase experience matched their high-quality products
• Growth was constrained by fulfillment limitations, preventing them from reaching their full market potential

These challenges prompted TB12 to evaluate multiple 3PL providers in search of a partner that could help them overcome these obstacles and support their ambitious growth plans.

Partnership Details and Results

After conducting a thorough evaluation of numerous 3PL providers, TB12 selected ShipBob as their fulfillment partner. This strategic decision yielded impressive results:

• Expanded fulfillment network: TB12 went from one fulfillment center to three different fulfillment centers across California and other strategic locations
• 25% reduction in shipping costs: By switching to ShipBob, TB12 achieved significant cost savings that improved their margins
• Enhanced shipping options: The partnership enabled TB12 to offer free shipping thresholds and two-day shipping to customers
• Improved customer satisfaction: Faster delivery times and better shipping options led to a better overall customer experience
• Greater geographical reach: Multiple fulfillment centers allowed them to reach customers across the country more efficiently

These improvements not only helped TB12 enhance their operational efficiency but also strengthened their brand position by ensuring that the delivery experience matched the premium nature of their products.

The ShipBob Solution

ShipBob implemented several key solutions to address TB12's fulfillment challenges:

1. Distributed inventory model: By strategically placing TB12's inventory across multiple fulfillment centers, ShipBob reduced shipping distances, costs, and delivery times
2. Advanced technology integration: ShipBob's technology platform provided TB12 with real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and fulfillment performance
3. Optimized shipping carrier selection: ShipBob's relationships with multiple carriers allowed them to select the most cost-effective shipping options for each order
4. Scalable fulfillment infrastructure: As TB12 continues to grow, ShipBob's network can accommodate increasing order volumes without service disruptions
5. Two-day shipping capabilities: The distributed fulfillment network made it possible to offer expedited shipping options to meet customer expectations

This comprehensive approach to fulfillment allowed TB12 to focus on product development and marketing while ShipBob handled the complex logistics of getting products to customers quickly and cost-effectively.

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The successful partnership between TB12 and ShipBob offers several valuable lessons for other eCommerce brands looking to optimize their fulfillment strategies:

1. Strategic fulfillment center placement is crucial: Having multiple fulfillment centers strategically located near customer populations can significantly reduce shipping costs and delivery times
2. Fulfillment impacts customer experience: Fast, reliable shipping is no longer a luxury but an expectation for today's consumers, particularly for premium brands
3. Cost savings can be substantial: A 25% reduction in shipping costs demonstrates that the right 3PL partnership can have a meaningful impact on a company's bottom line
4. Scalability matters: As brands grow, their fulfillment needs become more complex, making it essential to partner with a 3PL that can scale alongside the business

These lessons highlight the importance of viewing fulfillment not just as an operational necessity but as a strategic advantage that can drive business growth and customer satisfaction.

Is ShipBob Right for Your Business?

While ShipBob proved to be an excellent fit for TB12, every eCommerce business has unique needs. Here are factors to consider when evaluating whether ShipBob or another 3PL might be right for your business:

• Business size and growth trajectory: ShipBob works with brands of various sizes but is particularly well-suited for growing brands that need a scalable solution
• Product characteristics: Consider whether your products require special handling, temperature control, or other specific fulfillment needs
• Geographic distribution of customers: If your customers are spread across multiple regions, a 3PL with a distributed network like ShipBob could be advantageous
• Technology requirements: Assess whether ShipBob's technology platform integrates with your existing systems and provides the visibility you need
• Budget considerations: While TB12 achieved cost savings, evaluate the pricing structure to ensure it aligns with your financial model

To determine the best fit for your specific needs, consider using a service like Fulfill's matchmaking service to find the right 3PL partner based on your unique requirements.

Final Thoughts

TB12's partnership with ShipBob demonstrates how the right 3PL relationship can transform an eCommerce business's operations and customer experience. By expanding from one fulfillment center to three, TB12 achieved impressive results: 25% reduction in shipping costs, ability to offer two-day shipping, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

For brands in the sports and fitness industry or any eCommerce business facing fulfillment challenges, this case study highlights the importance of finding a fulfillment partner that aligns with your growth objectives and customer experience goals.

Whether you're just starting your eCommerce journey or looking to optimize an established operation, the right fulfillment strategy can make a significant difference in your business's success. Consider evaluating your current fulfillment approach to determine if a partnership with a 3PL like ShipBob could help you achieve similar results to those experienced by TB12.

Ready to explore your options? Find the perfect 3PL partner for your eCommerce business today.