“Technology is not a choice anymore. Technology is essential to building a CPG brand that resonates with customers of today. Our industry is changing so quickly that all brand owners now need to be aware of these things and start testing, implementing, and integrating it into your workflow. Otherwise, you are going to fall behind and others are going to have competitive advantage”, said Zachary DeAngelo, CEO & Founder of RodeoCPG during the SFA Maker Prep webinar, Welcome to the Technology Age of CPG. DeAngelo and his colleague, Lanning Ardente, product manager at RodeoCPG, spoke of the importance of technology and offered solutions to some common challenges. Their suggestions included:
Operations
Implement an Inventory Management System and Order Management System. Tools like Cin7 allow for a brand to run inventory and order management seamlessly on one platform, they said. It is tailored to how you sell and allows for integrations across all channels.
Create efficiencies in Customer Service. Never write the same email twice and turn your customer service channel into a sales channel by starting with ecommerce helpdesk Gorgias.
Plug-and-Play Packaging. Utilize platforms like Arka and Lumi to create unique packaging that streamlines efforts.
Financing
Access a $100K in 48 hours. Platforms like Braavo Bank and Ampla allow for brand founders to apply for a line of credit by answering a few questions. The brand can then fuel the growth of their company without any non-dilutive financing.
Crowd-funding platforms. New concepts for crowd-funding startups like WeFunder and Kickfurther allow for brands to crowd source investment.
Sales
Own your customer data in every channel. Add a QR code to your packaging with Brij and learn about your end customer in the retail channel, just like you do when selling direct to consumer.
Encourage repeat customers. CPG brands use Repeat to give their customers faster, personalized reordering experiences via email and text.
Access independent retailers and automate your sales growth. Pitchable allows CPG brands to professionally and efficiently pitch their products to thousands of independent retailers and with no retainers, you only pay for inbound leads.
Product – What’s New?
DeAngelo introduced Rodeo’s new product, RodeoGPG.io, a free environment designed to create a landing page for all CPG professionals to help them build and scale more efficiently. Essentially, it gives brands the tools to sell into retail.
A similar tool available to SFA members is Infinite Aisle, noted Gretchen VanEsselstyn, director of education at SFA.
To learn more, access the webinar recording and slides in the specialtyfood.com Learning Center.
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