E180: eCommerce 101: Offering The Right Shipping Methods & Rates, to The Right Customers at The Right Time - w/ Nik Pasholok, Calcurates
Unpacking the Secrets of eCommerce Success with Nik Pasholok and Jason Greenwood
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, every entrepreneur dreams of having that killer strategy or tech wizardry up their sleeve that sets them apart from the competition. But let's be real - navigating the digital trenches of eCommerce is no small feat. It's like trying to stay stylish in a fashion world that changes trends faster than you can say "blockchain." Fear not, fellow internet dwellers, for I've stumbled upon a goldmine of wisdom that could very well be the Gandalf to your Frodo in the eCommerce realm.
Enter the scene: Jason Greenwood, a maestro of the digital commerce symphony, hosting the enlightening "At the Coalface" podcast. And who does he bring on board? None other than Nik Pasholok, co-founder and CEO of Calcurates. If the term 'eCommerce' had a LinkedIn profile, these guys would be its endorsements.
A Leap into the eCommerce Abyss
Nik's journey into eCommerce is like the plot of an inspiring indie film. Picture this: Russia, 2012, a group of friends with a vision that could change the game. Their brainchild? SocialMart - an entity born to marry social commerce in a beautiful ceremony officiated by Yandex, Russia's tech giant. Winning a startup competition and securing a grant from Yandex was just the beginning. Spoiler alert: It wasn't all rainbows and sunshine, but the best stories never are.
Flash forward, and we find our protagonist in Bratislava, Slovakia. Why? Because Nik's eCommerce saga needed a plot twist, and what better than an international pivot? Here, he crossed paths with Amasty, a name that any Magento enthusiast would tip their hat to. After all, who hasn't used an Amasty extension in their digital endeavors?
Enter Calcurates: The Hero We Didn't Know We Needed
Now, let's talk Calcurates - the brainchild of Nik's adventures and misadventures. Calcurates is not just a platform; it's a multi-carrier shipping software that's like the Swiss Army knife for your eCommerce shipping needs. If Magento, Shopify, and WooCommerce had a group chat, Calcurates would be the admin.
It's all about giving merchants the superpower to not just manage, but master their shipping strategies. From controlling your packaging destiny to conjuring the most cost-effective shipping rates at checkout, Calcurates makes shipping woes a thing of the past. And let's not forget the smart packaging algorithm that packs orders as efficiently as your grandma packs a suitcase - it's that good.
The Calculated (Pun Intended) Approach to Success
One of the secret sauces to Calcurates' success? Flexibility in pricing. They've cooked up a pricing model that's as palatable to small businesses as it is to the big fish in the sea. Their free plan is like a tasting menu - it gives you a sneak peek into the lavish feast that is efficient shipping management.
But wait, there's more. Nik and his team decided to focus like a laser on storefront shipping. Why? Because post-checkout processes were turning into a Hydra, and when it comes to shipping, you want to fly Pegasus, not wrestle monsters. That said, the possibility of revisiting post-checkout shipping remains on the table, like that last slice of pizza you're debating about at 2 AM.
What Lies Ahead: The Crystal Ball of Calculated Moves
Looking into the crystal ball, Calcurates plans to spread its wings further. Big Commerce, PrestaShop, and more are on the radar. Also, they're not just sitting pretty waiting for the future to unfold. The team is actively working on new features and contemplating the venture into the mythical land of LTL shipping.
As for the burning question: How do you reach the architects behind this marvel? A visit to Calcurates.com should do the trick. Whether you're seeking a demo or just want to nerd out over shipping algorithms, they're just a click away.
In Conclusion: The eCommerce Wizardry of Calcurates
To wrap this up before our digital ink runs dry, the journey of Calcurates, from its inception to its current status as an eCommerce wizard, is nothing short of a thrilling ride through the digital commerce landscape. With Nik Pasholok at the helm, it's clear that navigating the eCommerce seas is a grand adventure, armed with the right tools and a visionary crew.
So, fellow internet adventurers, whether you're a seasoned eCommerce captain or just setting sail, remember: the ocean of digital commerce is vast, but with ingenious solutions like Calcurates, you're never navigating alone. Here's to conquering eCommerce one calculated move at a time!
To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: