Connect with us

Technology

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

Published

on

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
JOTO PR™
727-777-4629
jotopr.com

Media Contact

Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@jotopr.com, jotopr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/redcloud-revolutionizes-e-commerce-reducing-smbs-dependency-on-giant-fulfilment-ecosystem-302296933.html

SOURCE RedCloud

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

MyDataRemoval Proven More Effective Than Competing Data Removal Services [updated links]

Published

on

By

Internal and external reports show MyDataRemoval to be the most effective personal data removal service. MyDataRemoval has achieved over 70% data removal within the first week and 90% within four months, outperforming industry competitors who average 26% in the first week and 35% within four months.

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Recent findings from a consumer advocacy group have raised concerns about the effectiveness of people-search site removal services, revealing high rates of ineffectiveness among tested companies. Notably, MyDataRemoval was not included in this study. In response, MyDataRemoval conducted an internal audit [updated link] to evaluate its standing relative to the competition, revealing that it was already leading the industry. Building on this success, MyDataRemoval has since enhanced its methodologies and technologies for data removal. As a result, MyDataRemoval is now reaching a 90% removal rate within four months and exceeding a 70% removal rate within the first week—results that place it well above the competition.

MyDataRemoval will remove your data from people search sites more effectively than anyone else out there.

Over 70% of personal data removed within the first week: MyDataRemoval successfully removed over 70% of personal data from people-search websites within just one week, outperforming all other services tested by Consumer Reports.Effectiveness over time: MyDataRemoval maintained superior performance compared to other data removal services, with 80% of data removed within one month and 90% within four months.Competitor Comparison in one week: The average effectiveness for the first week across competing services was 30%, whereas MyDataRemoval removed over 70%, demonstrating a clear advantage.Competitor Comparison at four months: Competing services demonstrated significantly lower data removal rates, with some services removing only 27% of personal data within four months.

MyDataRemoval’s internal audits have demonstrated that the service is not only more effective in the initial stages of data removal but also continues to outperform over time. Its proprietary methods, commitment to ongoing audits, and dedication to continuous improvement ensure that it remains a leader in data removal.

MyDataRemoval acknowledges that while current effectiveness rates are industry-leading, there is still room for growth. The goal is to achieve over 90% removal rates across all categories and time frames. MyDataRemoval is committed to conducting monthly audits and making these results publicly available to ensure transparency and continuous improvement. You can see the most recent audit results here [updated link].

Privacy is more important than ever, and MyDataRemoval is here to help individuals reclaim theirs. Do not settle for ineffective data removal—trust the service that has been proven to deliver results. Find MyDataRemoval at www.mydataremoval.com or contact us at hello@mydataremoval.com or call (855) 700-2914 to start your journey towards a more private online presence.

Stay tuned for our monthly audit updates to see how we are continuously improving to make your personal information private once again.

Audit date: 8/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 85%Profiles removed within 1 month: 71%Profiles removed within 4 months: 73%

Audit date: 9/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 85%Profiles removed within 1 month: 78%Profiles removed within 4 months: 92%

Audit date: 10/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 59%Profiles removed within 1 month: 81%Profiles removed within 4 months: 90%

Audit date: 11/9/2024

Profiles removed within 1 week: 77%Profiles removed within 1 month: 81%Profiles removed within 4 months: 90%

Media Contact

James Wilson, MyDataRemoval, 1 8557002194, hello@mydataremoval.com, https://www.mydataremoval.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/mydataremoval-proven-more-effective-than-competing-data-removal-services-updated-links-302313853.html

SOURCE MyDataRemoval

Continue Reading

Technology

AABE, FPL and Partners Hosted the Blacks in Energy Event and Generator Build Competition at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School

Published

on

By

Black Energy Awareness Month event in West Palm Beach.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — In recognition of Black Energy Awareness Month, members of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), Florida Chapter, partnered with Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), and others, to host and conduct a Generator Build Competition at Palm Beach Lakes Community High School in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“It is such a joy and delight to witness the determination of these young and ambitious students who are focused-driven and eager to excel,” says Whitney Walker, Lead Community Relations Specialist with Next Era Energy/FPL.

During the event, high school students were provided with an overview of the energy industry and introduced to the field of engineering. The students met with and heard from engineers and senior managers in the industry, and took part in the generator build competition, where they learned the basics of generator theory and how electric voltage is created. Each member of the competition’s winning team received a $50 gift card.

“It is such a joy and delight to witness the determination of these young and ambitious students who are focused-driven and eager to excel,” says Whitney Walker, Lead Community Relations Specialist with Next Era Energy/FPL.

Other empowering speakers included: Dr. Michelle Saunders, Lead Project Manager – Distribution, Next Era Energy/FPL; Norman Riemer, SECME District Coordinator – Palm Beach County School District; Dion Watson, Director – Next Era Energy Resource Development – Next Era Energy/FPL; Oleg Andric, Department Chair & Professor, Electric Power Technology – Palm Beach State College, and Jasmine Govan, Community Relations Specialist, Next Era Energy/FPL.

This event was made possible by the generous support and involvement of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) – Florida Chapter, Florida Power & Light Company, NextEra Energy, Inc., the University of Florida – SECME of Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Lakes Community High School.

About AABE

Established in 1977, the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is an association founded and dedicated to ensuring the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies regulations. The national membership includes more than 1,600 professionals representing every sector of the energy industry. There are 40 chapters located in states, metropolitan areas and college campuses around the country. AABE utilizes the expertise of their members to analyze energy policy and serve as a resource for community leaders, consumers, policymakers and regulators on the impact that these policies have on underrepresented communities.

The members of AABE are committed to building the pipeline of African Americans in leadership positions in the energy industry. Through scholarship programs, students who plan to major in science, mathematics, engineering and technology have the opportunity to receive scholarships on the local, regional and national level. The AABE members have the opportunity for professional development at chapter meetings, regional and national conferences. For more information about the association, visit www.aabe.org.

Media Contact

Bernadette Morris, Sonshine Communications, 1 3059488063 201, bmorris@sonshine.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/aabe-fpl-and-partners-hosted-the-blacks-in-energy-event-and-generator-build-competition-at-palm-beach-lakes-community-high-school-302314611.html

SOURCE AABE

Continue Reading

Technology

Siemon Introduces Bundled Fiber Trunks for Faster, More Efficient Network Deployments

Published

on

By

The Siemon Company, a global leader in network infrastructure solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new Bundled Fiber Trunks. Designed to streamline fiber optic network installations and reduce deployment time, Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks offer a cost-effective and reliable option for a variety of projects.

WATERTOWN, Conn., Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Siemon Company, a global leader in network infrastructure solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new Bundled Fiber Trunks. Designed to streamline fiber optic network installations and reduce deployment time, Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks offer a cost-effective and reliable option for a variety of projects.

Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks are a game-changer for network installations. By simplifying the process and reducing installation time, we’re empowering our customers to achieve their project goals more efficiently and effectively.

Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks combine high-performance fiber cables into a single, easy-to-manage bundle, optimizing pathway fill and significantly accelerating installation. With up to a 50% faster deployment rate, this innovative solution helps businesses and organizations reduce project costs and time-to-market.

“Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks are a game-changer for network installations,” said Tony Walker, Siemon Fiber Product Marketing Manager. “By simplifying the process and reducing installation time, we’re empowering our customers to achieve their project goals more efficiently and effectively.”

Key features of Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks include:

Streamlined installation: Reduced pathway fill and faster deploymentExceptional performance: Equivalent to single-jacket fiberDurability: Robust construction for reliable performanceVersatility: Available in a wide range of configurations

For more information about Siemon Bundled Fiber Trunks and other Siemon products, please visit www.siemon.com.

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality, high-performance IT infrastructure solutions and services for Data Centers, LANs, and Intelligent Buildings. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global sales, technical, and logistics expertise spanning 150 countries, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suites of copper and optical fiber cabling systems, racks, cable management, and Intelligent Infrastructure Management solutions. With more than 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and the development of Industry Standards, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to its customers and the industry. Through an ongoing commitment to waste and energy reduction, Siemon’s environmental sustainability benchmarks are unparalleled in the industry.

Contact Information

Brian Baum

brian_baum@siemon.com

Media Contact

Brian Baum, Siemon, 1 8609454200, brian_baum@siemon.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/siemon-introduces-bundled-fiber-trunks-for-faster-more-efficient-network-deployments-302313831.html

SOURCE Siemon

Continue Reading

Trending