New Ecommerce Tools: July 25, 2024
We publish a weekly rundown of new products and services for ecommerce and omnichannel merchants. This installment includes updates on AI-powered customer service agents, post-purchase platforms, logistics, business research resources, payments, and financing for ecommerce companies.
Got an ecommerce product release? Email [email protected].
New Tools for Merchants: July 25, 2024
Salesforce launches autonomous Einstein Service Agent for chatbot experiences. Salesforce has announced Einstein Service Agent, the company’s first fully autonomous AI agent. Unlike traditional chatbots, Einstein Service Agent uses generative AI to create conversational responses, grounding its responses in a company’s data and tailored to a company’s brand voice, tone, and guidelines. Currently in pilot and generally available later this year, Einstein Service Agent can be set up in minutes with user-friendly interfaces, pre-built templates, and low-code actions and workflows, per Salesforce.
Loop and ReBound announce omnichannel returns partnership. Two returns technology providers, Loop and ReBound, have announced a partnership. Retailers using the Loop platform can now access ReBound’s omnichannel returns management services. The integration allows Loop users to leverage ReBound’s global logistics offering, including return shipments, advanced local processing, and consolidation. The companies stated they aim to maximize margins, improve customer service, and increase customer retention for retailers.
Clearco and Boundless partner to provide capital for ecommerce merchants. Clearco, an ecommerce invoice financing service, and Boundless, a capital marketplace for small and medium businesses, have partnered to provide access to working capital for ecommerce brands. Clearco will offer businesses direct access to Boundless’s marketplace, which includes lenders, financiers, and funding providers. Adding Clearco to Boundless’s marketplace provides a working capital provider specific to ecommerce.
WP Engine acquires NitroPack for managed WordPress site performance. WP Engine, a provider of premium WordPress hosting and other products, has acquired NitroPack, an all-in-one SaaS tool for improving site speed and performance metrics, including Google’s Core Web Vitals. NitroPack was previously introduced to WP Engine customers with the launch of Page Speed Boost, which leverages NitroPack’s WordPress optimization technology. The acquisition will further strengthen WP Engine’s website performance capabilities, providing customers with innovative features and flexibility for site optimization.
ReturnGO brings returns and exchanges to Salesforce Commerce Cloud. ReturnGO, a post-purchase service for ecommerce stores, has expanded its platform to include Salesforce Commerce Cloud, enabling retailers to benefit from automated returns and exchange processes. Key features for Salesforce Commerce Cloud merchants include streamlined returns, a user-friendly return process, and data-driven insights. This strategic move is part of ReturnGO’s broader initiative to support enterprise-scale ecommerce markets and enhance post-purchase experiences across diverse platforms.
Fashion marketplace Depop removes selling fees. Depop, a community-powered marketplace for secondhand fashion, is removing its 10% selling fee for U.S.-based users. The removal of selling fees is part of a wider Depop pricing update. A marketplace fee will continue to support investment across the platform. The new fee structure in the U.S. follows Depop’s move to remove selling fees in the U.K. earlier this year.
Logistics provider Cirro E-Commerce integrates with 17Track for post-purchase experience. Cirro E-Commerce, an ecommerce logistics provider, has integrated with 17Track, a global shipment tracking service platform. The integration improves access to real-time tracking information for marketplaces, ecommerce merchants, and consumers. By automatically sharing tracking data with 17Track’s partners and users, it becomes easy for all parties to stay informed about their orders. The tracking platform enhances traceability, ensuring updates are always available and accurate, boosting Cirro E-Commerce’s reliability with consumers.
Reshop launches returns platform featuring instant refunds. Reshop has launched a platform to manage refunds for consumers and merchants, debuting with premium lifestyle brands such as Alo Yoga, Steve Madden, and Orveon’s premium cosmetic brands, as well as post-purchase provider Narvar. According to Reshop, the platform removes the wait time for shoppers to get their money back, freeing up funds that normally sit dormant.
LexisNexis launches Nexis+ AI, a generative AI platform for company research. LexisNexis, a provider of information and analytics, has announced the commercial launch of Nexis+ AI, incorporating generative AI to transform and accelerate corporate research, intelligence gathering, and business decision-making. Enhanced by more than 700 hours of in-depth customer interviews, Nexis+ AI offers companies the ability to quickly research and analyze business and legal information, summarize documents, compile and share content, create first drafts or outlines, and derive actionable business insights.
Embedded lending platform Jifiti introduces tap now, pay later. Jifiti, an embedded lending technology company, has released its tap now, pay later technology, enabling consumers to add approved loan or credit funds into any digital wallet. Tap now, pay later requires no integration with the merchant and can go live within hours. Jifiti’s white-labeled embedded lending platform enables banks, lenders, and merchants to offer financing options at any point of sale via virtual cards, API integration, or ecommerce plugins.
Design.com launches AI design tools for small businesses. DesignCrowd, an Australia-based design company, has launched Design.com, an online design platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The platform offers design tools to help small businesses and entrepreneurs launch and grow their ventures, including 500,000 design templates. With the launch of Design.com, the company also announced two new AI products — an AI business name generator and an AI logo generator.