Who Does Vessi Use for Warehousing & Fulfillment?

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

Introduction to Vessi

Founded in 2017 by three innovative entrepreneurs from Vancouver, Vessi has disrupted the footwear industry with their revolutionary 100% waterproof sneakers. Their unique product line combines functionality with style, offering shoes that are not only completely waterproof but also sweat-free, comfortable, and environmentally conscious. Co-founder Mikaella Go and her team have positioned Vessi as a forward-thinking direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand in the competitive footwear market.

Since their founding, Vessi has experienced remarkable growth, achieving approximately $42.7 million in global net sales as of 2024. The brand maintains a strong presence in both the United States and Canadian markets, establishing itself as a notable player in the eco-friendly footwear segment.

Why Vessi Needed to Optimize Fulfillment

As a rapidly growing DTC brand with an innovative product, Vessi faced several challenges that required a sophisticated fulfillment solution:

• Scaling operations to match their increasing sales volume while maintaining quality customer service
• Managing inventory across multiple markets in both the United States and Canada
• Maintaining transparency throughout their supply chain as they expanded
• Handling unexpected challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when their business model needed to adapt quickly

These challenges highlighted the need for a reliable logistics partner that could scale with their business and provide the infrastructure needed to support their growth trajectory.

The Shipfusion Partnership and Results

Shipfusion became Vessi's first product fulfillment center, establishing a foundation for their logistics operations. The partnership proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic when Vessi launched initiatives to support frontline workers.

Key results from the partnership include:

• Successfully managed the fulfillment of over 1,000 pairs of shoes donated to frontline workers during the pandemic
• Facilitated the distribution of more than 300,000 masks to healthcare workers
• Enabled Vessi to allocate 40% of profits from every shoe sale toward purchasing masks during their COVID-19 initiative
• Provided the infrastructure for Vessi to focus on customer communication rather than logistics
• Supported the brand's expansion across both the United States and Canadian markets

The Shipfusion Solution

Shipfusion implemented several key solutions that addressed Vessi's specific needs:

1. Multiple fulfillment centers strategically located across Canada and the United States, reducing shipping times and costs
2. Transparent inventory management systems providing real-time visibility across all locations
3. Dedicated account management ensuring consistent communication and personalized service
4. Custom platform integrations tailored to Vessi's specific e-commerce operations
5. Flexible fulfillment services, demonstrated by Shipfusion's willingness to provide free fulfillment for Vessi's charitable initiatives during the pandemic

This comprehensive solution enabled Vessi to maintain focus on product development and marketing while Shipfusion handled the complexities of order fulfillment and inventory management.

Lessons for Other eCommerce Brands

The Vessi-Shipfusion partnership offers several valuable takeaways for other e-commerce brands:

1. Early 3PL partnership can facilitate growth - By establishing a relationship with Shipfusion early in their journey, Vessi built a scalable foundation for logistics that could grow with their business.
2. Multi-location fulfillment centers reduce shipping times and costs - Having fulfillment centers in both the US and Canada allowed Vessi to efficiently serve their primary markets.
3. Logistics partners should align with brand values - Shipfusion's willingness to support Vessi's charitable initiatives demonstrates the importance of partnering with a 3PL that understands and supports your brand mission.
4. Inventory transparency is crucial for scaling DTC brands - Real-time visibility across all inventory locations enables better decision-making and customer service.

Is Shipfusion Right for Your Business?

When considering whether Shipfusion might be the right 3PL partner for your business, evaluate these factors:

• Geographic needs - Shipfusion's multiple locations across the US and Canada make it ideal for brands selling in North America
• Growth stage - Shipfusion has demonstrated capability in supporting brands through rapid scaling phases
• Product type - While particularly successful with apparel and footwear brands like Vessi, Shipfusion can accommodate various product types
• Technology requirements - Consider whether your e-commerce platform will integrate smoothly with Shipfusion's systems
• Service level expectations - Determine if dedicated account management aligns with your customer service philosophy

To find the perfect 3PL match for your specific business needs, consider using a 3PL matchmaking service that can help identify the right partner based on your unique requirements.

Final Thoughts

The partnership between Vessi and Shipfusion demonstrates how the right fulfillment partner can be transformative for a growing e-commerce brand. By handling the logistics complexities, Shipfusion enabled Vessi to focus on their core competencies – creating innovative waterproof footwear and building customer relationships.

Most notably, the partnership showcased resilience during challenging times, with both companies collaborating to support frontline workers during the pandemic. This flexibility and shared commitment to social responsibility underscores the importance of selecting a 3PL partner whose values align with your brand's mission.

For e-commerce brands seeking to scale efficiently while maintaining quality customer experiences, finding the right fulfillment partner is a critical decision. Whether you're in the apparel industry like Vessi or operating in another niche, the right 3PL relationship can provide the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth.