Sharkbanz Rides the Wave of Success with Flow Direct: A Case Study in Streamlined Logistics

Introduction: Sharkbanz - Pioneering Shark Deterrent Technology

In the vast expanse of the ocean, safety has always been a concern for water enthusiasts and marine professionals alike. Enter Sharkbanz, a company that has made waves in the marine safety industry since its inception in 2014. Co-founded by Nathan Garrison and his father, Sharkbanz has revolutionized shark deterrent solutions for ocean-goers and fishermen facing the ever-present threat of shark encounters.

Sharkbanz's flagship product is a groundbreaking wearable band that surfers, divers, swimmers, beach-goers, and even Navy SEALS can wear on their wrists or ankles to deter sharks. This innovative approach to marine safety has not only captured the attention of individual water enthusiasts but has also found applications in various ocean-focused industries, including fishing, where it helps prevent sharks from consuming catches.

As we dive deeper into the Sharkbanz success story, we'll explore how this innovative brand tackled significant logistics challenges during its rapid growth phase, ultimately finding a solution that would propel them to new heights in the competitive e-commerce landscape.

The Challenge: Navigating Turbulent Waters in Global Logistics

As Sharkbanz expanded its e-commerce infrastructure both domestically in the U.S. and internationally, the company found itself facing a sea of logistics challenges. The primary hurdle was the inefficient handling of Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments across their entire supply chain. These inefficiencies manifested in various ways:

• Inconsistent shipping rules among partners regarding acceptable pallet types and sizes
• Deconsolidation inefficiencies in LCL shipments
• Compounding shipping delays
• Escalating logistics costs
• Pandemic-related shipping disruptions

While these issues might seem minor on the surface, their cumulative effect created significant bottlenecks in Sharkbanz's supply chain. The company needed a comprehensive solution that could streamline their logistics operations, reduce transit times, and provide greater visibility into their shipments' journey from factory to customer.

The Solution: Flexport's Flow Direct - A Tide-Turning Logistics Innovation

In their quest for a more efficient logistics solution, Sharkbanz discovered Flexport's Flow Direct - an end-to-end global shipping solution tailored for e-commerce brands. Flow Direct is powered by the Flexport Platform and leverages a growing network of third-party logistics (3PL) providers, including ShipBob.

The key features of Flow Direct that attracted Sharkbanz included:

• Faster inventory-to-market times
• Complete visibility and tracking for every step of the shipment journey
• Elimination of the deconsolidation process
• Improved communication between logistics partners
• Integration with trusted 3PLs like ShipBob

Nathan Garrison, Co-Founder of Sharkbanz, emphasized the transformative impact of Flow Direct: "The big benefit of Flow Direct is eliminating the deconsolidation process. In our case, ShipBob and Flexport talked to each other from the first day of the shipment creation process. I can say in all of my time moving products that this wasn't happening with other logistics partners. Flexport's Flow Direct brought us a huge improvement in communication."

The Benefits: Riding the Wave of Efficiency and Growth

By implementing Flow Direct, Sharkbanz experienced a sea change in their logistics operations. The benefits were both immediate and far-reaching:

1. Drastically Reduced Transit Times

One of the most significant improvements was the reduction in transit times. Sharkbanz now enjoys transit times that are nearly half of industry standards, allowing them to bring products to market faster and more efficiently.

2. Enhanced Visibility and Control

Flow Direct provided Sharkbanz with unprecedented visibility into their supply chain. The company can now track:

• Real-time shipment locations
• Remaining days in the freight journey
• Expected delivery dates
• Inventory levels at the SKU level
• Location of inventory units

This level of visibility has enabled Sharkbanz to make more informed decisions about inventory management and distribution, helping them stay competitive and maintain optimal stock levels.

3. Improved Inventory Management

The enhanced visibility provided by Flow Direct has allowed Sharkbanz to optimize their inventory management. Nathan Garrison noted, "Flow Direct allowed us to significantly shorten typical Asia to U.S. ocean freight schedules, which made our inventory available for customers to order more than two weeks ahead of traditional timelines."

4. Cost Savings and Increased Sales

The efficiency gains from Flow Direct translated directly into cost savings and increased sales for Sharkbanz. Nathan Garrison reported, "Flow Direct saved me over $15,000 so far both in direct cost savings but also in saved inventory that arrived in time for the holidays last year. We probably made an extra $70,000 in sales last year, which we couldn't have accomplished if we didn't have products in stock."

5. Freed Up Resources for Core Business Activities

By streamlining their logistics operations, Sharkbanz was able to redirect valuable time and resources towards other critical aspects of their business. As Nathan Garrison put it, "The more efficiency that someone can create, the better their business will be. Because I could focus my time on sales and marketing instead of shipping operations, Flexport's Flow Direct was a game-changer even for that reason alone."

The Future: Expanding Horizons with Efficient Logistics

As Sharkbanz continues to grow and expand into new markets, the benefits of Flow Direct become even more apparent. The company now seamlessly moves inventory between the U.S., Australia, and China, thanks to the greater visibility and control over specific SKUs that Flexport provides.

Looking ahead, Sharkbanz is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing global e-commerce market. With Flow Direct, they have the tools and capabilities to add more shipping lanes, reach new customers in emerging markets, and maintain their commitment to customer satisfaction regardless of location.

Conclusion: A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships

The Sharkbanz success story serves as a compelling example of how innovative logistics solutions can transform a growing e-commerce business. By partnering with Flexport and implementing Flow Direct, Sharkbanz was able to overcome significant supply chain challenges, reduce costs, increase sales, and position themselves for sustainable global growth.

As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, the importance of efficient, transparent, and flexible logistics solutions cannot be overstated. For brands looking to make waves in their respective industries, the lesson is clear: investing in a robust, technology-driven logistics infrastructure is not just beneficial - it's essential for long-term success in the digital marketplace.

At FreightAmigo, we understand the challenges faced by e-commerce brands like Sharkbanz. Our Digital Logistics Platform is designed to provide similar benefits, offering comprehensive visibility, efficient shipping solutions, and seamless integration with various logistics partners. By leveraging our Digital Logistics Solution, businesses can navigate the complex waters of global supply chains with confidence, ensuring that their products reach customers swiftly and efficiently, no matter where they are in the world.

As we continue to innovate and expand our services, we remain committed to helping businesses of all sizes ride the wave of e-commerce success. Whether you're a startup like Sharkbanz or an established enterprise, our Digital Platform is here to support your growth and streamline your logistics operations. Together, we can create a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable future for global trade.