There are many struggles scaling an indie beauty brand and warehousing and logistics is usually one of them. Most 3PLs are set up for low-touch high-volume shipping. Attending to the needs of a indie brand whose shipments are small and may want very particular details executed to create a personal touch to orders just simply doesn’t work with their business model. That being said, there are a LOT of indie brands, and they all have logistics needs. Pierce Prince and Three Crown Logistics are ready to fill that need.

What made you decide to get into the warehousing and logistics business?

I had previous experience of this in London, working from an Industrial Diamond Business, I also had spoken to a couple of niche brands when I accompanied my mother on a buying trip and heard the troubles they were having with the operational side of their business.

Why did you decide to focus on niche beauty brands?

My mother is in the industry, and so I was fortunate enough to meet with some of her suppliers and hear it firsthand, they all had a common tale regarding operations: it was either taking up too much of their time, or home space! They could not find 3PL, that could cater to their bespoke packaging needs, be flexible, and be reasonable.

What was the opportunity or white space you identified?

As above, I want to offer a service to brands who are managing this themselves, but where their limited resources would be better spent on growing their business, what should be the simplest part of the business appears to be causing the biggest issues. For a CEO to be focused on picking & packing is absurd. In LA, where we are based, there are so many emerging brands.

How do you explain the service you offer compared to other 3PL companies?

We are flexible, and able to cater to the needs of the customer. We use their bespoke packaging, where needed, and follow their specific guidelines. Whether it is a ribbon, a particular way of wrapping, sampling included, we are happy to do it all.

Are you positioned to be able to address sustainability issues in packaging and logistics for the growing clean, green brands?

Yes, where it matters to a brand, we again work within their guidelines or use their brand packaging. We are avoiding the use of plastic wherever possible, and using sustainable packaging. Whilst not all our brands are from the clean/green category, we appreciate that the use of sustainable packaging is of importance to us all.

Many niche brands do their own shipping and logistics out of what they feel is necessity. Why is this a bad idea?

It takes too much time! It’s that simple. And it is often price prohibitive to outsource.

How do you transition business from doing fulfillment themselves to effectively using a 3PL?

We offer a simplified model, aimed at the convenience of the consumer. Where feasible, we offer a weekly pickup service. We are available to our clients every day. We ensure our fulfillment platform speaks to their sales platform so we can share detailed reporting with them. We invite them to the warehouse during the transition to see how we are storing their goods and to train us on their (if any) specific needs. It is important that they feel complete trust in us as they pass this vital aspect of their business to us.

What do you think are the most important things a brand should look for in a 3PL partner?

Flexibility, great customer service, trust, and professionalism.

What are the most common mistakes businesses make when working with their 3PL?

From what I have heard from my clients who have used others in the past, it is not researching the level of flexibility they are willing to offer. We do not mind the size of a business, or the requirements of specific clients. When the recipient of the goods, be it consumer or retailer, gets their delivery, it has to be both perfect and represent the brand well. By offering our services to niche beauty brands only, we can do this, and then some.

What are your plans for the future of Three Crowns Logistics?

More clients, both B2B and B2C. We are already looking at bigger space. Also broadening our services to do more sampling services, specialty kit assembly, PR sends, goody bags, and influencer boxes. We will consider any logistics project.