E232: 📦B2B Commerce Corner #8 | HOW A SUSTAINABLE BRAND WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE BUILT THEIR B2B BUSINESS ON MARKETPLACES - Andrew Kemp, Bare Kind

Exploring the Unique World of Bare Kind Bamboo Socks with Andrew Kemp

Are you someone who loves socks and animals while also caring about the environment? If so, Bare Kind is a brand you need to know about. Andrew Kemp, the co-founder and director, has created something truly special: fun and collectible socks made from sustainable bamboo fabric, each pair representing a different animal. What's more, 10% of the profits from every pair sold go to animal charities. In this post, we dive into Bare Kind's journey and its mission to make a positive impact.

The Origins of Bare Kind

Almost five years ago, Bare Kind was just an idea Lucy, Andrew's partner, brought to life. Andrew joined in full-time around a year and a half ago. This bamboo sock company isn't just another apparel brand. They've adopted a business model that goes beyond profits—it's about giving back. Their socks don't just look good, they do good by supporting animal welfare organizations.

Product Evolution and Channel Mix

Bare Kind has evolved significantly over the past few years. They started with metal straws, ventured into t-shirts and bags, and even experimented with plastic t-shirts, before finally landing on bamboo socks. The last three years have seen this product flourish and become their main focus.

When it came to sales, Bare Kind initially dabbled in both direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) models, but they've recently deep-dived into B2B due to rising customer acquisition costs and changes in the digital marketing landscape. Now, they're seeing a mix of one-third B2B and two-thirds D2C sales.

Overcoming Challenges

The shift from D2C to B2B wasn't without its challenges. Initially, Bare Kind relied on basic tools like Outlook, Excel, and Word for their transactions, creating a manual and time-consuming process. They recognized the need for automation and began using Shopify apps to improve their B2B sales experience. Now, they're using a wholesale plugin called Makata to streamline their Shopify integration.

Customer Acquisition and Scaling

For Bare Kind, the journey started with an inbound lead—a retailer who wanted to sell their socks at church fairs. This led to exploring wholesale marketplaces like Fair, Brandboom, and Anchor, where they could reach more retailers without the need for aggressive outbound sales strategies.

The Role of Technology in Growth

As Bare Kind expanded, they realized the importance of technology in scaling. From manual processes to sophisticated Shopify apps, they've adapted their tech stack to suit their growing needs. The goal is to continue improving customer service and tracking freight, ensuring a seamless B2B buying experience.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Bare Kind plans to grow sustainably and expand into new markets. They aim to establish a presence in the US by setting up a warehouse to reduce shipping costs and times. They're also eyeing entry into larger retail platforms and exploring various growth hacks to establish their brand in different geographies.

Supporting a Cause

What sets Bare Kind apart is their commitment to giving back. This is not just another marketing strategy but an integral part of their business DNA. It has opened doors to new opportunities and partnerships, showing that businesses can be successful while also making a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

Bare Kind's journey from a small idea to a successful business with a strong social conscience is an inspiring story. Andrew Kemp and his team have shown that it's possible to create a profitable, sustainable business that gives back significantly to society. Their approach to business—focusing on product quality, sustainability, and charity—provides valuable insights for any entrepreneur looking to make a positive impact through their work. If you're a retailer or reseller interested in carrying Bare Kind products or simply want to learn more about their mission, be sure to check them out.

To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: