E81: Talking the future of eCommerce w/ Mike Angell, Carted
REVOLUTIONIZING ECOMMERCE: THE JOURNEY OF Carted WITH Mike Angell
In the digital age, the eCommerce landscape is ever-evolving, with new technologies and innovations continuously reshaping how consumers interact with brands and make purchases online. One such transformative approach is being pioneered by Mike Angell through his latest venture, Carted. This innovative platform aims to revolutionize the eCommerce industry by enhancing the connection between consumers, influencers and retailers through a uniquely orchestrated network.
THE GENESIS AND EVOLUTION OF Mike Angell'S CAREER
Mike Angell’s journey in eCommerce is a testament to his passion for innovation and his deep understanding of the online retail space. Starting his career in the nascent stages of eCommerce in Australia, he quickly became a key player in the industry. His early work with Black Milk Clothing, a brand that became renowned for pioneering user-generated content on their eCommerce platform, set the stage for his future endeavors.
Over the years, Angel transitioned through various significant roles, from handling operations at Culture Kings to spearheading technological advancements at Shopify. His experiences have uniquely positioned him to understand both the technical and commercial aspects of eCommerce, allowing him to identify and fill gaps within the industry effectively.
INTRODUCING Carted: A NEW WAVE IN ECOMMERCE
Carted is not just another eCommerce platform. It is a visionary project aimed at creating a distributed marketplace where information and sales channels are not just about competition but about collaboration and connectivity. Angell’s goal is to build a network that allows every player, big or small, to benefit from the ecosystem.
The platform functions by integrating various online stores into a single, cohesive network that manages and processes transactions seamlessly. This integration is handled so subtly that consumers can shop across multiple platforms without the usual hurdles like multiple checkouts or disjointed user experiences.
THE TECHNICAL BACKBONE: HOW Carted OPERATES
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of Carted is its checkout system. Unlike traditional eCommerce traffic, which relies heavily on redirecting users to different sites, Carted maintains the user's experience by handling transactions dynamically across different platforms. This system not only simplifies the buying process but also helps manage real-time inventory, pricing and shipping details across various vendors.
Additionally, Carted serves as a merchant of record, which means they handle transactions on behalf of other retailers, reducing complexity and enhancing security for all parties involved.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL COMMERCE
Angel's vision extends beyond just simplifying eCommerce transactions. He is keen on integrating social commerce, where influencers and consumers interact more fluidly. The traditional affiliate models used today are often cumbersome and not transparent, which can lead to mistrust and inefficiency.
Carted aims to modify this by ensuring influencers can tag products in their content, directing consumers to a simple, one-stop checkout experience without leaving their social media platforms. This direct-sales model not only benefits the influencers and platforms but also ensures that consumers receive the best deals by comparing prices and availability across the network.
CHALLENGES AND THE ROAD AHEAD
Despite the clear advantages and innovative approach of Carted, the journey is not without its challenges. Convincing large platforms to integrate and collaborate, rather than building in-house solutions, remains a significant hurdle. Moreover, the technical complexities involved in creating a seamless yet expansive network like Carted require substantial resources, both human and financial.
CONCLUSION
Mike Angell's Carted is poised to change how we think about online shopping fundamentally. By bridging gaps between consumers, influencers, and retailers, Carted could very well set the stage for the next big revolution in eCommerce. As the digital marketplace becomes even more intertwined with social media and other online platforms, solutions like Carted will be crucial in shaping a more integrated, efficient, and consumer-friendly eCommerce environment. Angell’s journey reflects a blend of visionary leadership and technical prowess, driving forward a project that might soon become a cornerstone of global eCommerce.
To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: