E325:🎙️HOW BUILDING AN ECOMMERCE BRAND BIRTHED A NEW OMNICHANNEL TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM
BEHIND THE SCENES OF STORE AUTOMATOR: AN INTERVIEW WITH GÖKHAN ERKAVUN
eCommerce has taken the retail world by storm, and platforms that help businesses manage their online presence have become essential. Today, we dive into an insightful conversation with GÖKHAN ERKAVUN , co-founder and CEO of Store Automator, as he shares the journey of building a company that began with a personal need and evolved into a solution trusted by many.
A NEED BEGETS INNOVATION
Store Automator wasn’t always a comprehensive solution for eCommerce merchants. In its early days, it was a tool developed out of necessity. GÖKHAN and his family owned an online brand called Beauty Bridge. When Amazon approached them to list their products on its platform, GÖKHAN realized there was no existing technology to manage this new venture. So, he took matters into his own hands and built an in-house system, which eventually became Store Automator.
GÖKHAN's journey into eCommerce began over 20 years ago. With a background in chemical engineering, it wasn’t until his wife started selling products on eBay that GÖKHAN ventured into the digital selling world.
THE DUAL ROLE: A MERCHANT AND A SOLUTION PROVIDER
What sets Store Automator apart is GÖKHAN's firsthand experience as both a merchant and a solutions developer. His deep understanding of the challenges eCommerce businesses face comes from running Beauty Bridge. He understands the intricacies of inventory management, multi-channel listing, and maintaining a seamless customer experience.
Initially, Beauty Bridge dealt with product listings, pricing, and inventory management manually. As eCommerce evolved, managing these aspects across multiple platforms became daunting. The need for a centralized solution that could handle product feeds, inventory updates, and sales across various channels became apparent. Enter Store Automator.
TACKLING THE eCommerce EVOLUTION
Over the past decade, the eCommerce landscape has transformed dramatically. Where once Amazon was just one of many emerging platforms, today it’s a behemoth that has reshaped how retailers operate. Store Automator evolved in parallel, from a simple feed engine into a robust system supporting multiple sales channels, currencies, and languages.
Key aspects of Store Automator include:
* Product Information Management (PIM): Handling diverse product data requirements.
* Inventory Synchronization: Real-time updates across platforms to prevent overselling.
* Order Management: Streamlining order processing from multiple channels.
* Multi-Channel Listing: Connecting one product database to multiple sales channels.
ADAPTING TO NEW MARKETPLACES
As new marketplaces like jet.com and Walmart emerged, Store Automator expanded its integration capabilities, supporting additional platforms and helping merchants diversify their revenue streams. Store Automator’s flexibility allowed it to adapt quickly, incorporating features like multi-currency support and international shipping logistics.
The rise of FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) introduced new complexities. Store Automator integrated these services, allowing merchants to manage FBA and their own warehouses seamlessly. GÖKHAN emphasized the importance of content accuracy across platforms—ensuring that the right product details are displayed correctly.
BUILDING A HOLISTIC eCommerce ECOSYSTEM
Running a successful eCommerce business today requires a suite of integrated tools. From PIM systems to ERP solutions and shipping integrations, the complexity can be overwhelming. Store Automator recognizes this and aims to be the glue that holds these disparate systems together.
To support this, Store Automator has built a partner network, collaborating with agencies, integrators, and other service providers to offer a comprehensive solution. Ensuring that each piece of the puzzle fits perfectly helps eCommerce businesses run smoothly and scale efficiently.
THE FUTURE OF eCommerce
GÖKHAN discussed the importance of two key concepts: channel diversification and digital transformation. Diversifying sales channels reduces risk and expands reach. Digital transformation, on the other hand, is an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation and integration of new technologies.
eCommerce is ever-evolving. New challenges and opportunities arise frequently. Platforms like Store Automator help businesses stay ahead by providing the tools necessary to manage their growth and adapt to changes swiftly.
CONCLUSION
The journey of Store Automator is a testament to how solving a personal need can lead to the creation of a solution that benefits many. By continuously evolving, adapting to new challenges, and maintaining a practical understanding of merchant needs, Store Automator remains a pivotal player in the eCommerce space. With GÖKHAN at the helm, there’s no doubt the platform will continue to innovate and support merchants around the world.
For more insights and to stay updated on all things eCommerce, visit Greenwood Consulting [https://www.greenwoodconsulting.net] and learn how we can help you scale your business.
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