How Dossier Used ShipBob To Scale To 1M+ Orders And Expand Into 4,000 Walmart Stores

Affordable luxury doesn’t have to be an oxymoron, and Dossier is proof of that.

By offering high-quality, vegan, and eco-friendly fragrances starting at just $29, they’ve made premium scents accessible to everyone. But scaling a business to ship millions of orders and support retail distribution across nearly 4,000 Walmart stores isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about having the right infrastructure. Dossier found that partner in ShipBob, a fulfillment powerhouse that handles both direct-to-consumer and B2B operations with precision. Together, they’ve turned logistical challenges into growth opportunities, allowing Dossier to reach more customers without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Understanding Dossier’s Unique Value Proposition

Dossier’s rapid success isn’t just about smart logistics. It’s their unique value proposition that truly sets them apart in a competitive market. By redefining how people view luxury fragrances and blending it with mindful practices, they’ve built a brand that resonates with today’s conscious consumers.

Affordable Luxury in Fragrance

Imagine buying a fragrance that feels luxurious without the hefty price tag. That’s exactly what Dossier delivers. They’ve mastered the art of providing scents that rival high-end brands in quality, but at a fraction of the cost. Starting at just $29, their perfumes deliver the richness and complexity you’d expect from designer labels—without the inflated markups.

How do they do it? By cutting out excessive branding overhead and focusing on what really matters: the product itself. While other brands might charge hundreds for the same ingredients, Dossier keeps their pricing honest, ensuring everyone can indulge in a touch of luxury. This transparency has struck a chord with budget-savvy shoppers who want elegance without financial strain.

Eco-Friendly Practices

Dossier’s commitment to quality doesn’t stop at affordability. They’re equally dedicated to protecting the planet and respecting its resources. Every perfume is crafted with cruelty-free and vegan practices, reflecting a deep respect for both people and animals.

Their ingredients are sourced from Grasse, France—a region known as the heart of the fragrance world. Yet, unlike many traditional perfumeries, Dossier prioritizes clean production methods. They use only 100% non-toxic ingredients, making their perfumes a guilt-free choice for health-conscious buyers.

Additionally, Dossier’s eco-friendly ethos extends to their packaging. By using sustainably sourced materials, they reduce waste and environmental impact. For those seeking to align their purchases with their values, buying from Dossier becomes more than a transaction—it’s a statement.

Dossier’s blend of affordability and eco-consciousness proves that luxury can have a conscience.

Initial Struggles and Finding the Right Fulfillment Partner

Every thriving business encounters hurdles on the road to success, and Dossier was no exception. As their orders started to grow, handling fulfillment internally became less of a manageable task and more of a problem that needed solving—fast. From cramped workflows to logistical bottlenecks, Dossier’s early struggles in fulfillment underscored the importance of finding a partner who could match their ambitions.

Manual Fulfillment and Its Challenges

In the beginning, Dossier’s fulfillment process was entirely manual. Imagine packing and shipping every single order by hand, day in and day out. For a startup, this hands-on approach might seem cost-effective and personal, but as order volumes scale, the cracks in that system quickly start to show.

For Dossier, this meant constant trips to the post office, countless hours spent labeling boxes, and endless attention to small but essential details. The workload didn’t just burn time—it consumed any semblance of work-life balance. When a founder spends more time taping boxes than leading their team, something has to give.

What’s more, this system introduced the risk of errors. With each package prepared manually, the likelihood of mislabeling or shipping delays increased. For customers, this could mean frustration and unmet expectations, which weren’t risks Dossier could afford to take.

The turning point? When the late nights and early mornings spent on shipping overshadowed the big-picture priorities of growing the brand. That’s when Dossier realized that continuing down the manual fulfillment path wasn’t just unsustainable—it was holding them back.

Why ShipBob Was Chosen as a Partner

Finding a fulfillment partner isn’t as simple as picking the first name that pops up in a Google search—it’s about alignment on needs, values, and the ability to grow together. Dossier needed more than just a warehouse; they needed a partner who could handle today’s demands while scaling with tomorrow’s opportunities.

So, what made ShipBob the ideal choice? It came down to a few critical criteria:

• Transparent pricing: For a growing business, every cent counts. Dossier appreciated ShipBob’s straightforward pricing structure without hidden fees or complicated terms. This clarity allowed them to budget accurately and plan confidently.
• Scalability without limits: As a brand with big plans—including expanding into global markets and retail distribution—they required a partner that could handle both direct-to-consumer orders and bulk shipments for their B2B channels. ShipBob’s robust infrastructure offered exactly that, ensuring they wouldn’t outgrow their fulfillment provider.
• Tech-forward solutions: ShipBob’s easy-to-use dashboard provided real-time visibility into orders, inventory, and shipping performance. This functionality empowered Dossier’s team to make smarter, data-driven decisions about inventory placement and operational efficiency.
• No long-term contracts: Startups often need flexibility. ShipBob’s absence of binding long-term agreements gave Dossier the freedom to adapt as their business evolved, while still providing the reliable service they needed.

With ShipBob in their corner, Dossier gained more than just storage space and shipping support—they secured peace of mind. They no longer had to worry about whether their operations could keep up with demand. Instead, they could direct their energy into perfecting their product and reaching new customers.

Growth Metrics and Achievements

Scaling a business is no easy feat, but Dossier’s numbers tell a compelling story of determination, strategy, and execution. From humble beginnings to dominating both online and retail spaces, Dossier’s growth is a testament to their sharp focus on building a scalable foundation while maintaining their commitment to quality.

From Startup to Scale

Starting in 2019 with an online store, Dossier quickly proved that accessible luxury had a massive audience. With the global fragrance market often dominated by high-priced legacy brands, their proposition of $29 vegan and cruelty-free perfumes resonated with savvy, value-focused shoppers. The result? Millions of orders shipped by 2024.

Dossier’s approach to growth wasn’t just about selling more—it was about selling smarter. They diversified their distribution channels by expanding from direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales to partnerships with retail and online marketplaces like Walmart and Amazon. This multi-channel strategy allowed them to tap into entirely new customer bases while reinforcing their brand’s credibility.

Key milestones include:

• Rocketing order volumes: Dossier rapidly grew from a bootstrapped operation to fulfilling millions of orders globally.
• Operational efficiency: A small, agile fulfillment team of just three people was supported by ShipBob’s seamless infrastructure, proving that you don’t need a massive team to achieve big milestones.
• Retail visibility: Securing distribution in nearly 4,000 Walmart stores represented a major leap, not only in revenue but also in mainstream brand recognition.

This type of scale wasn’t accidental—it required the right partners, sharp execution, and the ability to adapt to growing customer demands.

Expansion into Walmart

Breaking into Walmart isn’t just another milestone—it’s a game-changer for any brand. With nearly 4,000 stores carrying Dossier’s perfumes, the brand gained access to millions of potential customers who may not have ever discovered them online. But this scale came with a unique set of challenges, particularly in logistics.

Retail distribution is a different beast compared to direct-to-consumer orders. It surrounds a brand with strict requirements for packaging, labeling, and delivery deadlines. Any slip-ups could harm relationships with large retailers like Walmart or even lead to penalties. This is where Dossier’s choice to partner with ShipBob became critical.

ShipBob stepped in as more than just a provider—they became an extension of Dossier’s team. Their B2B fulfillment solution ensured every order met Walmart’s compliance standards, from barcoded labels to organized shipments. ShipBob’s ability to scale up seamlessly meant that even during high-demand periods, like holiday seasons, Dossier could meet retailer expectations without missing a beat.

Why does Walmart matter so much in this growth narrative?

• Massive exposure: Being in Walmart stores not only drives sales but also puts Dossier in front of shoppers who prefer in-store purchases.
• Revenue diversification: Retail partnerships create additional profit streams, insulating brands from fluctuating online trends or algorithm changes.
• Brand authority: Walmart’s rigorous vetting process gave Dossier a new level of credibility, signaling trust to both retailers and consumers alike.

Scaling into Walmart’s ecosystem might have seemed daunting without the logistical backbone that ShipBob provided. With this partnership, Dossier turned potential roadblocks into stepping stones, solidifying their path as an accessible luxury brand at scale.

Optimizing Supply Chain and Fulfillment Strategies

Scaling to millions of orders and entering nearly 4,000 Walmart stores takes more than just a great product—it requires a logistics strategy that operates like a well-oiled machine. For Dossier, achieving this meant partnering with ShipBob to master both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and business-to-business (B2B) fulfillment, while strategically positioning inventory for faster, more efficient shipping.

B2B Fulfillment with ShipBob

When Dossier expanded into retail, fulfilling orders for Walmart stores introduced a new set of challenges. B2B logistics are far more intricate than DTC; shipping pallets to thousands of retail locations isn’t the same as sending individual packages to customers. Yet, the opportunity Walmart provided was massive—not just in revenue, but in brand recognition.

ShipBob’s B2B fulfillment solution became the cornerstone of Dossier’s retail logistics. Through ShipBob, Dossier ensured every shipment met Walmart’s strict requirements for labeling, organization, and on-time delivery. This was critical. Failure to comply with these standards could mean penalties, delays, or even strained retailer relationships. Instead, ShipBob allowed Dossier to focus on growth while leaving the operational headaches of B2B logistics behind.

Here’s what set ShipBob apart for Dossier’s retail distribution:

• Seamless compliance: ShipBob’s system ensured each shipment matched Walmart’s complex routing and labeling protocols.
• High-volume capacity: From holiday surges to everyday restocking needs, ShipBob managed large-scale packaging and fulfillment with consistency.
• Peace of mind: With ShipBob handling B2B logistics, Dossier didn’t need to juggle multiple partners or processes. Everything stayed under one roof.

ShipBob’s reliability didn’t just “tick a box” for Dossier—it became a competitive advantage. Retail distribution isn’t forgiving; missed deadlines can cost more than just money. For Dossier, having a partner like ShipBob minimized risk and allowed them to scale their retail footprint with confidence.

Inventory Placement Program Benefits

Fast shipping isn’t just a luxury—it’s an expectation. In the U.S., most customers anticipate delivery within two days or less, which can put significant pressure on fulfillment operations. Dossier used ShipBob’s Inventory Placement Program (IPP) to meet this demand while cutting costs and keeping customers happy.

Here’s how the program worked: ShipBob’s IPP analyzed Dossier’s order data to strategically distribute inventory across its network of fulfillment centers. Instead of storing all products in one location, inventory was placed closer to customers, reducing both shipping times and costs. ShipBob’s technology automated this once-complicated process, turning it into a data-driven solution.

Why does this matter? Let’s break it down:

• Faster delivery times: By shipping from regional warehouses, Dossier ensured most customers received orders in 1-2 days—no more waiting a week for a package.
• Cost efficiency: Shorter shipping distances led to significant savings on shipping fees, which Dossier could reinvest into growth.
• Customer satisfaction: Quick delivery isn’t just a perk; it’s a trust signal that drives repeat purchases and brand loyalty.

Dossier’s use of the IPP also meant less manual intervention from their team. Once products arrived at ShipBob’s receiving hub, the system took over, dispersing inventory automatically based on demand patterns. This streamlined process meant Dossier’s small team could focus on strategic decisions rather than tracking shipments or coordinating warehouse transfers.

In the world of e-commerce, speed matters. But speed paired with cost savings? That’s a winning combination, and one Dossier has harnessed effectively through ShipBob’s Inventory Placement Program.

International Expansion and Localized Fulfillment

For e-commerce brands scaling across borders, logistics can either be your biggest barrier or your greatest advantage. Dossier, in its climb to shipping millions of orders globally, turned international fulfillment challenges into opportunities, thanks to a blend of strategy and the support of ShipBob. Here’s how they approached the complexities of cross-border shipping while keeping the customer experience front and center.

Shipping Across Borders

Expanding internationally isn’t as simple as packing boxes and slapping on a new label. Different countries come with unique shipping regulations, customs processes, and logistical hurdles that can slow you down—or even derail operations. For Dossier, which sells perfumes containing alcohol (classified as a “dangerous good”), international shipping presented an added layer of complexity.

So how did they navigate this? By working strategically with ShipBob’s global fulfillment network. ShipBob’s multiple international centers allowed Dossier to store inventory geographically closer to their customers. This wasn’t just about convenience—it solved several critical issues:

• Customs complications: Storing products in-country allowed Dossier to skip many customs processes altogether, avoiding delays that often frustrate international buyers.
• Regulatory compliance: ShipBob helped ensure shipments adhered to local regulations for products like perfumes, cutting the risk of rejected or returned packages.
• Streamlined operations: With fulfillment centers in Australia, Canada, the UK, and now Europe, Dossier eliminated the hassle of organizing multiple third-party logistics providers for different regions.

ShipBob acted as an extension of their team, managing the nitty gritty of cross-border logistics so Dossier’s small team could focus on growth. The result? A smoother expansion process and a global presence without the headaches.

Customer Experience Enhancements

At the heart of every operational decision Dossier makes is its customers. And when it comes to international buyers, expectations are no lower than for domestic ones. Long shipping times, high fees, or uncertainty due to customs hold-ups can sour the experience quickly. Dossier solved this by doubling down on localized fulfillment.

When customers in Australia place an order, they’re not waiting for a package stuck in customs halfway across the world. Instead, ShipBob’s regional warehouses ship orders directly from within the country.

This localized model benefits the buyer in key ways:

• Faster delivery: No one likes to wait two weeks for an order to arrive. Shipping locally cuts delivery times dramatically—often to a few days or less.
• Lower costs: International shipping fees can be a deal breaker. By shipping from nearby facilities, Dossier cuts costs and avoids passing hefty fees onto customers.
• Increased trust: Customers feel more confident when tracking shows their package moving within their country, not bouncing through customs or overseas transit hubs. It’s a small but significant trust factor that builds brand loyalty.

But it’s not just about speed or price. When a brand shows attention to these details, it communicates respect for the customer’s time and money. And that’s why Dossier’s approach to localized fulfillment has been a cornerstone of their international success.

In the ever-competitive e-commerce space, convenience often wins. By solving for both cross-border shipping hurdles and enhanced customer expectations, Dossier didn’t just scale internationally—they set a new standard for what international buyers expect from a brand.

Technology and Data-Driven Decision Making

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, data isn’t just another tool—it’s the foundation for smarter operations and better customer experiences. With millions of orders shipped and an ever-growing retail presence, Dossier relies heavily on technology to guide their decisions and streamline operations. ShipBob’s tech-forward approach plays an essential role in supporting this data-driven growth.

Leveraging ShipBob’s Dashboard

The ShipBob dashboard is more than just a logistics tool for Dossier—it’s an operational command center. Managing fulfillment across direct-to-consumer (DTC), retail, and international markets can easily become overwhelming without the right systems in place, which is why Dossier’s team uses this data-packed platform daily.

The dashboard provides a clear, real-time overview of every order’s journey, from processing to delivery. For a small team like Dossier’s, having this transparency is a game-changer. By categorizing orders into stages—such as “processing” or “on hold”—the team can instantly identify and address delays or issues, ensuring customers aren’t left waiting.

But the value doesn’t stop there. The dashboard also offers insights that help Dossier fine-tune their fulfillment process:

• Order trends: Visibility into high-demand periods enables better staffing and inventory adjustments.
• Shipping performance: Tracking delivery timelines helps them spot and resolve bottlenecks quickly.
• Warehouse productivity: Monitoring activity by location ensures optimal use of ShipBob’s multi-center network.

In a busy e-commerce environment, these tools save time and reduce guesswork. Instead of sifting through scattered data or relying on manual checks, Dossier can focus on making swift, informed decisions.

Data Insights and Inventory Tracking

In e-commerce, inventory missteps can cost more than money—they can damage customer trust. With ShipBob, Dossier taps into real-time data that informs both day-to-day actions and larger strategic moves. This prevents inventory headaches and keeps operations running smoothly.

One of the standout features is ShipBob’s inventory tracking capabilities. Knowing exactly how much stock is available and where it’s located allows Dossier to avoid the dreaded “out of stock” message that can frustrate customers and lead to missed sales. By syncing their inventory data with the dashboard, they can keep their supply aligned with customer demand effortlessly.

Here’s how real-time data creates an edge for Dossier:

• Proactive restocking: With automated alerts when stock runs low, Dossier avoids scrambling to replenish products last minute.
• Demand forecasting: Analyzing sales trends helps predict which items will sell faster, so they can adjust production and placement accordingly.
• Geographic insights: Pinpointing which regions generate the most orders helps Dossier distribute inventory to minimize shipping costs and speed up delivery.

The ability to track every bottle of perfume, from warehouse to delivery, ensures Dossier’s operations remain efficient. It’s not just about moving products—it’s about perfecting the process, ensuring every decision is backed by data, not assumptions. For Dossier, this kind of operational intelligence transforms logistics from a challenge into a strength.

By leaning on ShipBob’s tech capabilities, Dossier gains more than operational clarity—they build a stronger connection with their customers. After all, when packages show up on time, every time, it’s not just logistics—it’s brand trust in action.

Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities and Challenges

As Dossier continues to grow, they face both exciting opportunities and inevitable challenges. Their ability to adapt to trends and fine-tune their strategies will be instrumental in remaining competitive. Here’s how they plan to navigate the future.

Sustainability and E-commerce Trends

The e-commerce industry is rapidly shifting toward sustainability and ethical practices, and Dossier is well-positioned to thrive in this evolving environment. With a foundation built on eco-conscious values, they’ve already shown that it’s possible to marry environmental responsibility with profitability. But what’s next?

Consumers are demanding more. They’re looking for brands that go beyond recyclable packaging and vegan standards. Many now expect companies to take a proactive stance in reducing waste, lowering carbon footprints, and sourcing materials responsibly. Dossier is exploring ways to embrace these demands through initiatives like carbon-neutral shipping and further innovations in sustainable packaging.

Emerging trends, such as the rise of refillable products and minimalistic designs that reduce waste, present intriguing possibilities. Could refillable perfume bottles be the next logical step for Dossier? It’s an approach some luxury fragrance brands have begun to adopt, and with Dossier’s accessibility-focused model, it could open new doors in customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

Moreover, growing awareness around supply chain transparency is reshaping consumer expectations. People don’t just want to know what they’re buying—they want to know how it was made and who was involved. Dossier’s focus on clean, ethically sourced ingredients from Grasse, France, provides them with a compelling story, but the challenge will be in sharing it effectively. Expanding transparency could mean showcasing behind-the-scenes content or even traceable ingredient sourcing, giving customers deeper insight into the brand’s practices.

The rise of Gen Z buyers, who value authenticity and ethical alignment, also underscores the importance of staying ahead in these areas. As this demographic continues to dominate purchasing power, brands like Dossier must balance innovation with staying true to their core values.

Continued Growth Strategies

Dossier’s growth trajectory is impressive, but sustaining this momentum requires sharp strategies. The key lies in balancing retail expansion, international markets, and e-commerce innovation.

1. Deepening Retail Partnerships: While entering nearly 4,000 Walmart stores is a game-changer, Dossier can build upon this by targeting additional retail partnerships. Big-box retailers, boutique chains, and even subscription box collaborations could further expand their footprint. Engaging distribution partners like ShipBob to handle the scalability ensures they can meet these demands flawlessly.
2. Improving Customer Retention: Growth isn’t just about acquiring new customers—it’s about keeping the ones you have. Expanding their loyalty programs or introducing exclusive “member-only” products could deepen customer engagement. Personalization efforts, such as custom fragrance recommendations based on past purchases, could go a long way in securing repeat business.
3. International Domination: Although they’ve tapped into markets like Europe, Canada, and Australia, there’s plenty of room to grow. Key emerging markets—such as Southeast Asia or South America—offer untapped opportunities. By tapping into ShipBob’s global fulfillment network, Dossier can ensure faster delivery and fewer logistical headaches as they scale.
4. AI-Driven Insights: Investing in advanced analytics tools could help Dossier make data-backed decisions around inventory, product launches, and customer behavior. For example, by identifying slower-moving SKUs earlier, they can make adjustments before it impacts their bottom line. This is particularly crucial as they handle both direct-to-consumer and retail operations.

The challenges? Staying nimble in a highly competitive market. Speed and efficiency are no longer just bonuses—they’re expectations. Offering two-day shipping or faster is becoming the norm. With tools like ShipBob’s Inventory Placement Program, Dossier has the framework to stay competitive, but operational excellence must remain their priority.

Dossier’s future hinges on the delicate balance of continual innovation and staying true to the values that made them successful. By doing so, they can ensure not only sustained growth but also a loyal customer base that shares their vision for accessible, ethical luxury.

Conclusion

Dossier’s journey from manual fulfillment to a thriving global operation highlights the power of the right partnership. By aligning with ShipBob, they’ve transformed logistical challenges into a streamlined system capable of handling over one million orders and supporting nearly 4,000 Walmart locations.

This collaboration allowed Dossier to focus on what they do best—delivering affordable, high-quality, and eco-friendly fragrances—while ensuring every customer interaction feels seamless. Whether through faster shipping, localized inventory placement, or compliance with retail standards, this partnership showcases how operational efficiency goes hand in hand with customer satisfaction.

For e-commerce businesses aiming to scale without compromise, Dossier’s success story serves as a lesson in pairing smart strategies with a reliable fulfillment partner to unlock sustainable growth and global reach. It’s not just logistics—it’s the backbone of a brand’s potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Dossier scale to handle 1M+ orders?

Dossier partnered with ShipBob, whose logistics and fulfillment solutions streamlined operations while ensuring scalability for high order volumes.

Why is ShipBob’s Inventory Placement Program important?

It positions inventory near customers, cutting delivery times to 1-2 days and reducing shipping costs, translating to better customer experience.

What sets Dossier apart from traditional luxury fragrance brands?

Dossier offers high-quality, cruelty-free, eco-friendly perfumes at $29 by avoiding excessive branding overhead and focusing on product quality.

How does ShipBob ensure compliance with Walmart’s logistics standards?

ShipBob manages labeling, packaging, and distribution to meet Walmart’s strict guidelines, ensuring smooth retail logistics without penalties.

How did eco-friendly practices benefit Dossier’s growth?

High consumer demand for sustainability gave Dossier a competitive edge in attracting value-aligned customers and building brand loyalty.

What are the challenges of international fulfillment for fragrances?

Shipping perfumes, classified as “dangerous goods,” involves complex customs rules. Dossier overcame these hurdles with localized fulfillment centers.

How does ShipBob’s tech platform help Dossier?

The dashboard provides real-time data on orders and inventory, enabling efficient operation, demand forecasting, and proactive problem-solving.

What role does retail distribution play in Dossier’s success?

Nearly 4,000 Walmart stores expanded Dossier’s audience, enhanced brand visibility, and diversified revenue streams alongside online sales.

Why should startups consider avoiding manual fulfillment?

Manual systems lead to errors, delays, and inefficiencies, making scaling difficult. A fulfillment partner like ShipBob can prevent these challenges.

How can brands replicate Dossier’s logistics success?

Partner with scalable logistics providers like ShipBob, analyze demand patterns, and invest in eco-conscious practices to attract modern consumers.