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RedCloud Revolutionizes E-Commerce, Reducing SMBs’ Dependency on Giant Fulfilment Ecosystem

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Despite initial hopes for equitable e-commerce, many small businesses now face operational and financial challenges within restrictive ecosystems dominated by major players. Justin Floyd, CEO of RedCloud, advocates for Open Commerce technologies that empower SMBs and FMCG sellers to reclaim control over pricing, inventory, and fulfillment, fostering a healthier and more competitive digital marketplace.

LONDON, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — According to a recent survey, 91% of small business face operational challenges and 93% struggle with financial difficulties, primarily due to inflation, rising cost of goods, services and wages. (1) Major e-commerce giants —controlling over 37.6% of the market— have leveraged their dominance to impose rules that place smaller players at a disadvantage. (2) The promises of e-commerce as an equalizer have failed, with small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and distributors increasingly challenged in navigating these dominant platforms. “Restricted access to quality inventory, shrinking margins, and heavy reliance on third-party fulfillment services have pushed many to rethink their strategies”, points out Justin Floyd, Founder and CEO of RedCloud. “The first generation of e-commerce was supposed to bring us a world in which we had more choice, more convenience, lower pricing. That’s not happening.”

“Open Commerce technologies empower SMBs to control pricing, inventory, and fulfillment independently, breaking free from restrictive ecosystems. ‘We create a better market for everyone, lifting all boats,’ says Justin Floyd, CEO of RedCloud.”

E-Commerce Under Siege: Rising Counterfeits and Customer Discontent
Data indicates that the current e-commerce landscape is contributing to several significant issues:

Decline in product Quality and “Junkification”: The internet is flooded with countless identical products featuring the same photos but listed under different names and prices. (3) Third-party sellers are purchasing generic items from manufacturers, rebranding them, and listing them at inflated prices. These listings are often accompanied by generic or fake reviews, misleading consumers into believing they are legitimate user-approved products.Increased Counterfeits: Over 7 million counterfeit products were identified and disposed of in 2023, an increase of one million compared to the previous year. (4) These counterfeits range from luxury bags covered in cadmium paint to makeup containing harmful levels of aluminum or bacteria, both of which can cause rashes, eye infections, and allergic reactions. (5)Customer dissatisfaction: Reports indicate a decline in U.S. customer satisfaction with the largest traditional e-commerce retailer, as shown by the American Customer Satisfaction Index, which monitors over 400 major companies. The retailer’s score fell to 83 out of 100, down from its peak of 88 in 2013. (6)

Squeezing Every Penny with Restrictive Pricing
One of the most harmful practices is exploitative, restrictive pricing, where e-commerce giant’s pressure smaller sellers into restrictive pricing agreements. Retailers must adhere to these agreements, dictating prices they can charge, which often results in razor-thin margins.
Businesses are cornered into accepting lower profitability just to maintain their presence on these platforms. Their algorithm reinforces this by applying incentives or penalties based on how well sellers maintain their stock levels.
This is especially damaging for FMCG sellers, who already operate on thin margins. Any inventory disruptions lead to penalties, further squeezing profits in a fast-paced e-commerce environment.

Additionally, many sellers face restrictions on their ability to sell the same products on competing platforms or through their own websites, being penalized for offering lower prices elsewhere, effectively cornering businesses into relying on them as their primary sales channel at unprofitable terms. (7) “This system forces suppliers to comply, even if it requires offering products at a loss elsewhere to maintain high rankings on the platform”, points out Floyd.

Locked into Fulfilment Services and Inventory Control
Many small businesses depend on these e-commerce platforms not just for selling but also for fulfillment services, such as warehousing, shipping, and customer support. This creates an unhealthy reliance on these platforms because businesses become locked into their ecosystems.
They rely heavily on search engine rankings on the platform’s marketplace and pay fees for every service, often reducing profit margins to nearly unsustainable levels. If they don’t comply with the platform’s pricing or policies, they risk being de-prioritized in search results or penalized in other ways. (7)

Adding to this, inventory control has become another major obstacle. Even when SMBs manage to source inventory from alternative channels, e-commerce platforms may reject it if it doesn’t meet their stringent requirements.
This creates a bottleneck that prevents businesses from diversifying their supply chains or operating independently from the platform. As Floyd notes “Sellers find themselves caught in this complete crossfire. They are forced to buy from the giant’s platform with anti-competitive pricing, restrictive access to quality inventory, and locked into their distribution capabilities. It’s completely one sided.”

A vision for the future
E-commerce doesn’t have to be monopolized by a few giants, disruptive technologies like Open Commerce can reshape the landscape. Open Commerce platforms, such as RedCloud, can empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to break free from restrictive ecosystems, giving them control over their pricing, inventory, and fulfillment processes.
By decentralizing the digital marketplace, these platforms enable businesses to regain autonomy and avoid the pitfalls of excessive pricing and dependency on third-party services. Floyd highlights: “That’s what Open Commerce stands for: we create a much more accessible and better market for everybody, and when we do that, all the boats rise together. Small businesses are empowered with the tools that they could have only dreamed of 20 years ago.”

About RedCloud    
Based in London, UK, RedCloud Technology was founded in 2014 and stands as a “Rebel Alliance,” leading a bold, second-generation e-commerce transformation. Rejecting the high fees of tech giants, RedCloud leverages AI-enabled supply chain solutions to empower smaller businesses to compete with major corporations. Their democratized, platform provides financial visibility, offering a level playing field that breaks free from the dominance of conventional marketplaces. RedCloud embodies a fairer, more inclusive digital commerce future where Davids can stand tall against Goliaths. Visit https://redcloudtechnology.com/.

References:
1.    Corcoran, Emily Wavering , et al. “2023 Report on Employer Firms: Findings from the 2022 Small Business Credit Survey.” Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS), 8 Mar. 2023, https://doi.org/10.55350/sbcs-20230308. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.
2.    Chevalier, Stephanie. “U.S. Leading E-Retailers by Market Share 2023 | Statista.” Statista, Statista, 22 May 2024, http://www.statista.com/statistics/274255/market-share-of-the-leading-retailers-in-us-e-commerce/.
3.    Herrman, John. “Why Does It Feel like Amazon Is Making Itself Worse?” Intelligencer, 30 Jan. 2023, nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/01/why-does-it-feel-like-amazon-is-making-itself-worse.html.
4.    Amazon. Brand Protection Report. Mar. 2024. https://brandservices.amazon.com/progressreport
5.    Steele, Chandra. “The Ugly Truth about Amazon Beauty.” PCMAG, PCMag, 17 Sept. 2019, http://www.pcmag.com/opinions/the-ugly-truth-about-amazon-beauty. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.
6.    Coppola, Daniela. “U.S. Customer Satisfaction with Amazon.com from 2000 to 2024.” Statista, http://www.statista.com, 18 Sept. 2024, http://www.statista.com/statistics/185788/us-customer-satisfaction-with-amazon/.
7.    Dudley, Renee. “The Amazon Lockdown: How an Unforgiving Algorithm Drives Suppliers to Favor the E-Commerce Giant over Other Retailers.” ProPublica, 26 Apr. 2020, http://www.propublica.org/article/the-amazon-lockdown-how-an-unforgiving-algorithm-drives-suppliers-to-favor-the-e-commerce-giant-over-other-retailers.

Media Inquiries:
Karla Jo Helms
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727-777-4629
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IgniteTech Delivers MyPersonas for Jive AI, Redefining Human-AI Collaboration

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Groundbreaking announcement made at Financial Times’ Future of AI Conference

LONDON, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IgniteTech, a leader in enterprise AI solutions, today launched MyPersonas™ for the Jive AI platform at the Financial Times (FT) Future of AI Conference, where CEO Eric Vaughan shared insights during a fireside chat with FT Technology Reporter Stephanie Stacey.

MyPersonas represents a breakthrough in knowledge sharing by creating AI-powered digital clones of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) that interact with users through natural-language, multi-modal chat sessions. The solution, which supports over 160 languages, addresses a universal challenge: making expert knowledge accessible without creating bottlenecks around key personnel.

What sets MyPersonas apart is its patent-pending dynamic learning capability. When the AI encounters questions it cannot answer, it automatically connects with the human expert through iOS, Android, Slack, or Microsoft Teams. The expert’s response is not only delivered to the user but also permanently enriches the AI’s knowledge base, ensuring continuous improvement and reducing repetitive inquiries over time.

“MyPersonas transforms the AI narrative from job replacement to human empowerment,” said Vaughan during his “AI Resistance to Renaissance” fireside chat. “We’re enabling organizations to multiply the impact of their top performers while freeing them to focus on strategic initiatives.”

The solution helps prevent SME burnout while enhancing team collaboration and accelerating decision-making. Organizations from small businesses to global enterprises can now provide around-the-clock access to expert knowledge without overwhelming key personnel.

First previewed at the ImagineAI Live Conference in Las Vegas in March 2024, MyPersonas demonstrates IgniteTech’s commitment to AI-first innovation. The rapid development cycle – just eight months from concept to market – showcases the power of AI-enhanced software development and IgniteTech’s successful transformation to an AI-first organization.

About IgniteTech
Founded in 2010, IgniteTech is a leading AI-first enterprise software company. With a track record of successful acquisitions and rapid innovation, IgniteTech’s solutions power businesses worldwide. The recent announcements of AI product visions and enhancements across its entire portfolio highlight IgniteTech’s commitment to transforming its offerings with AI-centric innovative solutions.

About Jive AI Software
Jive AI is an industry-leading Employee Experience Platform uniting people, knowledge, and content in a secure hub across mobile and desktop devices. It is an indispensable tool for millions of users and many of the world’s most successful organizations who depend on Jive-powered collaboration hubs to get work done. Part of the IgniteTech Software portfolio, Jive AI continues to transform the landscape of collaboration, making every interaction meaningful.

Experience the Future of Work with MyPersonas
To learn more about how MyPersonas can revolutionize your organization, visit MyPersonas.ai or contact your Jive AI account representative.

For Media Inquiries: meridith@mk-bridge.com or teena@teenatouch.com
For Business Inquiries: software@ignitetech.com
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ignitetech-delivers-mypersonas-for-jive-ai-redefining-human-ai-collaboration-302296790.html

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EVN Ho Chi Minh City Reinforces its Commitment to Maximum Reliability and Resiliency

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Top executives from EVN Ho Chi Minh City (one of the largest electricity providers in Vietnam) visit Survalent to strengthen partnership and receive 2024 Industry Leadership Award.

BRAMPTON, ON, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Survalent had the honor of welcoming a delegation of power executives from EVN Ho Chi Minh City (EVNHCMC), one of the largest electricity providers in Vietnam, to its global headquarters on October 8, 2024. The visit marked a pivotal step forward in the partnership between Survalent and EVNHCMC, driving forward the modernization and optimization of the power grid in Ho Chi Minh City.

“We are proud to celebrate EVNHCMC’s remarkable accomplishments,” said Steve Mueller, CEO of Survalent. “Their use of SurvalentONE FLISR and SCADA systems has significantly improved the reliability of their grid, and we are excited to continue our partnership on future projects.”

EVNHCMC and Survalent have previously collaborated on deploying Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) technology to EVNHCMC’s 872 feeders, which yielded immediate, substantial results. In the first year of running SurvalentONE FLISR, EVNHCMC reduced their System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) by 95% and their System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) by 93%, earning them a spot among the top 50 power companies on Smart Grid Benchmarking Results 2022.

EVNHCMC’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including a perfect score of 4 out of 4 in grid monitoring and control by the Singapore Power Grid’s Smart Grid Index in 2022, the prestigious “Digital Enterprise” certification from the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications, and POWER magazine’s “2024 Smart Grid Award” for their Distribution Automation System (DAS) project. Additionally, EVNHCMC won the “Smart Grid Project of the Year” award at Enlit Asia in both 2023 and 2024, demonstrating their continued innovation and excellence in smart grid development.

During the visit, EVNHCMC representatives provided an update on their success with SurvalentONE SCADA and SurvalentONE FLISR which has been fully operational across their entire distribution network since 2021. The system supports 5 independent regions with 100,000 datapoints and connects to 12 substations at 220kV, 62 substations at 110kV, and over 3,000 medium voltage switching devices. EVNHCMC has been able to remotely operate all 22kV circuit breakers, monitor the grid in real-time, and handle 91% of the incidents on their 22kV grid through automation in 2023.

The delegation also discussed future plans to expand the SCADA and FLISR systems, aiming to enhance the resiliency and efficiency of the power network further. It’s critical that EVNHCMC deliver high-quality, reliable power to support the city’s citizens, to attract and retain commercial and industrial enterprises to the city, and to uphold electricity’s important role in economic, social, and political stability.

To commemorate EVNHCMC’s outstanding achievements in grid modernization and reliability, Survalent presented them with the Survalent 2024 Industry Leadership Award. This award recognizes select utilities that demonstrate leading-edge utility processes, and extraordinary commitment to maximum reliability, resiliency, and to future grid advancements.

“We are proud to celebrate EVNHCMC’s remarkable accomplishments,” said Steve Mueller, CEO of Survalent. “Their use of SurvalentONE FLISR and SCADA systems has significantly improved the reliability of their grid, and we are excited to continue our partnership on future projects to meet Ho Chi Minh City’s evolving energy needs.”

Survalent looks forward to building on this strong foundation, continuing to support EVNHCMC in their pursuit of innovation and excellence in power grid modernization.

About Survalent:
Survalent is the most trusted provider of ADMS and DERMS for electric, water/wastewater, oil & gas, renewable energy, and transit utilities across the globe. More than 800 utilities in 40+ countries rely on SurvalentONE ADMS and DERMS solutions to operate, monitor, analyze, restore, and optimize operations and better integrate renewable resources into their network. Our SCADA, OMS, and DMS solutions enable utilities to significantly increase reliability & resiliency, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiencies. Our DERMS solution enables utilities to monitor, control, report on, plan and optimize renewable energy assets in the grid. Our comprehensive substation automation solution, StationCentral, delivers real-time control and monitoring to help utilities enhance network performance and protect their investment in mission-critical substations. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and to our customers has been the key to our success for over 60 years.

To learn more about Survalent, please visit http://www.survalent.com or contact:

Debbie Gallo
VP, Marketing
press@survalent.com
(905) 285-9528

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Survalent Press, Survalent, 905-826-5000, press@survalent.com, https://www.survalent.com/

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SOURCE Survalent

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The Goodman Group Announces Kevin Carden as Vice President of Investments

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CHASKA, Minn., Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Goodman Group has appointed Kevin Carden as vice president of investments at JBG Design & Development, an affiliate specializing in interior design services, project planning, development, acquisitions, and renovation services for The Goodman Group’s managed communities.

The Goodman Group has appointed Kevin Carden as vice president of investments at JBG Design & Development.

Founded in 1965, The Goodman Group is a recognized national leader in developing and managing senior living and health care communities, residential communities, and commercial properties. With over 65 properties across eight states, the company provides homes for over 10,000 residents and employment for over 4,000 individuals. Platinum Service® is the customer philosophy of The Goodman Group and serves as each managed community’s ongoing commitment to residents and families to deliver the highest-level quality of service.

Carden holds a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on finance and international business and brings more than 25 years of experience in sourcing and completing real estate investments, conducting market research, and leveraging strategic investment platforms, particularly in the senior living industry. Carden will lead the origination, evaluation, and execution of beneficial acquisition and development opportunities for The Goodman Group and its managed partnerships, including The Goodman Family Operating Foundation (TGFOF).

The Goodman Group’s investments are focused in both senior living and residential properties, as well as for-profit ventures and not-for-profit initiatives. The company aims to achieve strategic growth through the management and development of extraordinary communities, innovative technologies, and life enriching programs and services, while remaining committed to its mission and the mission of its nonprofit partners.

“I’m very excited to join The Goodman Group. I believe that The Goodman Group’s ability to self-fund the entire equity stack, hold and execute long-term strategies, access tax-exempt financing for its partners, and maintain traditions of high-quality resident service for over half a century, uniquely positions the organization and its partners to aggressively pursue and complete acquisition and development opportunities,” Carden says. “The Goodman Group is a long-standing organization with continual growth, and I’m excited to be part of the acquisitions and developments that are to come.”

With careful consideration of third-party management opportunities, The Goodman Group will continue contributing to its legacy, building relationships, and planning for the future. The company takes pride in expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and new developments in select markets.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-goodman-group-announces-kevin-carden-as-vice-president-of-investments-302297005.html

SOURCE The Goodman Group

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