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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
JOTO PR™
727-777-4629
jotopr.com

Media Contact

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

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SOURCE RedCloud

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Arjo and Bruin Biometrics conclude distribution agreement, Bruin Biometrics resumes direct sales and marketing of Provizio® SEM Scanner

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LOS ANGELES and LONDON, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today Bruin Biometrics and Arjo announce the immediate transition of direct sales and marketing of the Provizio® SEM Scanner to Bruin Biometrics, following four years of cooperation between the companies.

As communicated earlier this year, the companies decided not to extend the distribution agreement for the Provizio SEM Scanner. Accordingly, and effective today, all sales and marketing of the Provizio SEM Scanner products transition from Arjo to Bruin Biometrics. Both companies remain fully committed to supporting customers throughout the process to ensure a continued high level of customer service.

“Supporting Provizio SEM Scanner users’ work to achieve a zero incidence of preventable pressure injuries in all care settings is our top priority and we look forward to supporting Provizio SEM Scanner users directly to help overcome this challenge,” commented Bruin Biometrics’ CEO, Martin Burns.

“Pressure injuries represent a significant economic challenge for healthcare systems worldwide, and Arjo has extensive experience in both prevention and treatment within this area. We see a growing interest for our other solutions and are fully committed to continue supporting our customers in their efforts to prevent pressure injuries,” says Joacim Lindoff, President & CEO of Arjo.

For more information about Bruin Biometrics, please contact:
Kate Hancock, EVP External Communications, Bruin Biometrics Tel: +447827315347
Email: khancock@bruinbiometrics.com

Media contact details:
Joanna Dodd, Alicia Barkle Rochester PR Group: joanna.dodd@rochesterprgroup.com, alicia.barkle@rochesterprgroup.com 

ABOUT Bruin Biometrics

Bruin Biometrics LLC is a pioneer in modernizing healthcare with biometric sensor technology for early detection and monitoring of chronic, preventable conditions in collaboration with clinicians. Bruin Biometrics work on SEM Assessment Technology has been recognized with multiple global healthcare innovation awards and is implemented in healthcare facilities across a variety of care settings. Bruin Biometrics HQ is based in Los Angeles, USA.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arjo-and-bruin-biometrics-conclude-distribution-agreement-bruin-biometrics-resumes-direct-sales-and-marketing-of-provizio-sem-scanner-302297639.html

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Opus IVS and Protech Automotive Solutions Announce Collaboration on Industry-Leading ADAS Identification Solution

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DEXTER, Mich., Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Opus IVS, a global leader in intelligent vehicle support solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Protech Automotive Solutions, the largest national provider of Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) diagnostic scanning and calibration services, which will enhance Opus IVS’s ADAS MAP (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Mapping) solution. This collaboration will deliver extensive ADAS identification capabilities, combining the advanced ADAS technologies of both companies – with Opus IVS licensing Protech’s ADAS ID3 technology to bring new innovations to the industry-leading ADAS MAP platform.

The Opus IVS and Protech partnership will create a seamless ADAS identification solution that enables technicians to quickly and accurately identify ADAS systems, empowering repair shops to make well- informed repair and calibration decisions. With Protech Automotive Solutions, the nation’s largest car- side provider, this partnership will offer an enhanced solution to power leading U.S. multi-shop operators (MSOs). Additionally, Opus IVS recently announced that major insurers now recognize ADAS MAP’s accuracy, which leads to increased reimbursement for repair shops and adds significant value for the industry.

“This collaboration between Opus IVS and Protech represents a breakthrough in delivering accessible ADAS insights,” said Brian Herron, CEO of Opus IVS. “By joining forces, we’re building a more powerful ADAS solution for collision shops, allowing them to serve their customers with the highest levels of accuracy and safety.”

Grant LaBarbera, GM and Senior Vice President of Protech, added, “We’re excited to partner with Opus IVS to enhance the industry’s capabilities in ADAS identification. This collaboration brings together the best of both companies’ innovations and will improve the way repair shops approach ADAS, driving greater accuracy, quality and consistency across the industry.”

About Opus IVS
Opus IVS provides diagnostic and programming support to over 50,000 workshops globally. With a suite of solutions for complex repairs and ADAS management, Opus IVS empowers shops to deliver accurate repairs using advanced technology, OE support, and live technician guidance.

About Protech Automotive Solutions
With the largest national footprint of Advanced Driver-Assistance System (ADAS) diagnostic scanning and calibration services, Protech Automotive Solutions is the leading provider of advanced diagnostics, calibrations and ADAS solutions for collision repair shops. Protech is committed to vehicle safety through innovative, reliable ADAS technology and offers expertise that helps automotive service providers keep their customers safe. More than 1,200 Protech technicians, across 41 states and growing, are expertly trained to scan, calibrate and diagnose vehicles during collision, auto glass and mechanical repairs, ensuring that complex systems like ADAS are restored to their proper function.

For more information, please visit www.protechautomotivesolutions.com.

For more information:
Justin Baronoff
Merit Mile
561-362-8888 – office
407-340-2247 – mobile
jbaronoff@meritmile.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opus-ivs-and-protech-automotive-solutions-announce-collaboration-on-industry-leading-adas-identification-solution-302297790.html

SOURCE Opus IVS

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Retail Fluent Media Network Announces Strategic Partnership with Save A Lot’s Independent Retail Partners

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Nearly 900 Stores to Utilize RFMN’s Dynamic, Ultra-Bright Digital Window Signs™ for Advertising; Number of Screens Projected to Double by End of Q4, 2024

LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Retail Fluent Media Network (RFMN), a top retail media and ad tech company that caters to independent grocers, mid- to large-scale chain supermarkets, and convenience stores, has revealed a new strategic partnership with Save a Lot’s independent Retail Partners. This partnership includes Save a Lot’s 750 independently owned and operated stores located across 32 states in the United States.

Through this partnership, Save a Lot’s independent Retail Partners will have the opportunity to utilize Digital Window Signs™ to promote weekly sales programs, special events, promotional items, and more. RFMN has already installed 400 digital screens in almost 100 Save a Lot stores, with plans to double the number of active Digital Window Signs™ by Q1, 2025.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Save a Lot’s independent Retail Partners to bring the power of our dynamic Digital Window Signs™ and an industry-leading ad tech platform to their extensive network of stores across the United States,” stated Joni Elmore, Chief Commercial Officer at Retail Fluent Media Network “This collaboration empowers local grocers to enhance their in-store advertising with real-time promotions and elevate engagement with customers and CPG partners. We look forward to giving more stores the opportunity to differentiate themselves in their market with stunning visuals.”

In addition to next-level digital signage, Retail Fluent Media Network provides end-to-end services for Save a Lot’s independent Retail Partners. RFMN manages the content shared by the Save a Lot, working with its vast network of artists and graphic designers, and launching dynamic advertisements through its proprietary ad tech platform to align with each location’s sales and promotions schedule. This allows Save a Lot’s independent Retail Partners to focus on business operations and meeting customer needs.

Retail Fluent Media Network has recently announced its spinoff from Retail Fluent, a prominent retail innovation, design, and décor firm. This decision was made in response to the high demand and growth of the company. RFMN currently owns and operates almost 5,000 Digital Window Signs™ in 28 states, with plans to more than double this number by the end of 2025.

About Retail Fluent Media Network:

Retail Fluent Media Network is a leading retail media and ad tech company for independent grocers, mid- to large-scale chain supermarkets and convenience stores. The company’s digital out-of-home (DOOH) model utilizes ultra-bright LCD and LED screens proven to attract attention to static or video advertisements. Beneficial for both grocers and CPG brands, RFMN’s expanding network already delivers over 50 million impressions weekly and over 200 million monthly to its advertising partners. To partner, advertise, or learn more, visit https://www.retailfluentmedia.com.

Media Contact

Javian Pereira, Fastlane Communications, 1 9736683003, javian@fastlane.co

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/retail-fluent-media-network-announces-strategic-partnership-with-save-a-lots-independent-retail-partners-302296168.html

SOURCE Retail Fluent Media Network

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