The Checkout Point by Blikket.co - Weekly eCommerce Insights Digest

Week 32 - Game-Changing eCommerce: Gamifying Carts, AI Disruptions, and Shopify's Ecosystem Unleashed

Alexander Benz Season 2 Episode 32

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🌟 Stay Ahead in eCommerce With a Dash of Fun!
Join Max and Rachel on “The Checkout Point by blikket.co” as they delve into the dynamic world of eCommerce! This week, we're at Episode 32, and it’s packed with cutting-edge strategies and the latest news to keep you at the forefront of the industry. Whether you’re over-caffeinated like Max or cruising through the week with Rachel, our bite-sized segments are perfect for every busy professional hungry for updates.

🚀 In This Episode:

  • Max and Rachel start off by exploring the playful side of eCommerce with insights on gamification in shopping carts. Making buying a game can elevate the shopping experience and potentially boost your sales!
  • The spotlight then shifts to how AI is revolutionizing platforms like BigCommerce. Stay tuned for fascinating tech updates that are keeping the market buzzing.
  • Don’t miss our deep dive into Shopify’s ecosystem. Find out why Max thinks Shopify might be the golden goose for eCommerce entrepreneurs. 
  • We also cover the latest movements of the giants Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. Know what strategies they’re implementing to stay at the top.


🎯 Main Takeaways:

  • 😊 Bring Fun to Cart Additions: Discover how gamification can enhance the shopping experience.
  • 🤖 AI Transformations: Learn how Artificial Intelligence is shaping the future of platforms like BigCommerce.
  • 💼 Shopify Secrets: Get insights into Shopify’s ecosystem and its potential benefits for retailers.
  • 🔍 Stay Updated on Giants: Keep an eye on what big players like Amazon and eBay are up to in the market.


👀 Looking for More?
Don't miss the rest, as we also dissect record-breaking advancements in companies like Carvana and Spryker, and discuss cybersecurity to help you protect your online store from vulnerabilities.

🌐 Subscribe and Learn
Each episode promises to arm you with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape. Don’t just keep up, stay ahead with "The Checkout Point." Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform or visit us at [blikket.co](http://blikket.co) for more insightful content! Let’s make this a great one together! 🌟

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Call to action & contact info 

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  • Want to be a guest? checkoutpoint@Blikket.co

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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of 'The Checkout Point.' We hope you found our insights into the eCommerce world both informative and inspiring.

Keep the conversation going by following us on Twitter at @blikket_co, follow us on LinkedIn and on Instagram @blikket.co.
For more in-depth analysis and the latest eCommerce trends, visit our website at blikket.co.

If you enjoyed today's roundup, please consider leaving a review and sharing the podcast with your network. We value your support and feedback. Join us next week for more updates from the digital marketplace. Until then, stay curious and keep innovating.

This is Max, signing off.

Alex:

Welcome to the checkout point. Your quick dive into this week's e-commerce boss with me, Alex, powered by Blikket. These 20 minutes pack, the latest trends, news and insights, let's navigate the digital marketplace together. Ready? Let's go.

Max:

Hey folks, welcome back to the checkout point by Blikket.co. I'm Max coming to you slightly over caffeinated as usual.

Rachel:

And I'm Rachel just cruising through another exciting week. We are thrilled to have you with us for week 32 of diving into the latest and greatest in e-commerce news and strategies.

Max:

Yeah, it's been quite the week, hasn't it? Hey, Rachel, did you ever think we'd get to say welcome to week 32?

Rachel:

Right? It's like every week has a new surprise up at Sleeve, and I love that for us and our listeners. Speaking of surprises, I'm super excited that we just published that blog post about gamification and shopping carts on our website.

Max:

Oh, that was a fun one. Making shopping. Feel like a game can really switch up. The usual add to cart routine. Can't wait to dive into that in our first segment today.

Rachel:

Definitely. It's all about turning every click into a rewarding adventure. And speaking of adventures, in our next bit, we're jumping into how AI's shaking things up with BigCommerce. The tech updates are just not stopping.

Max:

Then we've gotta look into Shopify's fascinating ecosystem. These guys might just be paving the way to make us all rich. Rachel. Well, fingers crossed, right?

Rachel:

Ha ha. From your lips to Shopify's ears Max. But let's not forget about the Titans. Amazon, eBay, Etsy, they're always up to something. We've got the scoop on their latest strategies to keep us all on our toes,

Max:

and we can't overlook Carvana and Stryker making waves with record breaking sales and tech triumphs. There's so much to explore in how they're stepping up their game.

Rachel:

Absolutely, and let's not brush off the cybersecurity angle here. We're rounding out today's chat by unpacking a recent WooCommerce plugin vulnerability. It's a reminder of how crucial it is to stay vigilant,

Max:

always a full plate at the checkout point. So whether you're sipping morning coffee or tuning in on your evening run, we've lined up everything you need to keep up with e-commerce this week. Buckle in, it's gonna be an informative ride.

Rachel:

Let's dive right in and make it a great one,

Max:

max.

Rachel:

Rachel.

Max:

Hey, Rachel. Did you ever think that adding something to your online shopping cart could feel like scoring points in a video game?

Rachel:

Max, that sounds like a trick question, but I know exactly where you're going with it. You're talking about our latest blog post, gamification in your cart, making shopping Feel like a game, right?

Max:

Exactly. It's fascinating how gamification can transform a mundane task like shopping into something that's actually fun and engaging.

Rachel:

Oh, totally. And the blog touches on some really cool points about how businesses are tapping into that to keep customers hooked. One of the first things the post discusses is the use of progress bars. You know, when you're shopping and you see how close you are to getting a reward or a discount,

Max:

that's right. It's like playing a video game where you're trying to reach the next level. Suddenly, you're not just shopping, you're on a quest to unlock achievements.

Rachel:

And it works because it taps into that instant feedback loop that games are so good at. Gives you a small dopamine burst like, Hey, congrats, you've earned free shipping,

Max:

which let's be honest, feels pretty great. There's also something in the post about personalization, like when sites show how other products can complete the look or compliment what you're buying. It turns the whole experience into a bit of a puzzle, matching items and seeing what fits best to maximize points or discounts.

Rachel:

Yeah, it's like being in control of crafting your own adventure story. And from the business side, it's genius because it not only increases the time spent on the site, but also boosts sales and customer loyalty. People love feeling in control and achieving these mini goals.

Max:

Absolutely. And speaking of feeling in control, the blog also dives into how choice can be a game element itself, like deciding between a regular checkout or a fast track checkout to earn rewards faster. It's a subtle thing, but adds a layer of strategy to your shopping.

Rachel:

It's all about making the customer feel smart and rewarded, which is such a powerful tool for engagement. We've seen examples out there already, but it's a trend that's only going to grow. I think any business that isn't thinking about how to incorporate some level of gamification is really missing out.

Max:

For anyone listening, if you find this as intriguing as we do, you'll definitely want to dive into the full post. There's a bunch more to explore, like how these strategies impact consumer psychology and even some tips on pitfalls to avoid.

Rachel:

Check it out at Blikket.co and maybe think about how you can turn your routine tasks into more of a game. It could change the way you view everything from shopping to completing daily chores.

Max:

Definitely a fun read and quite a fun approach to think about. We might just start gamifying the way we prep our podcast episodes, right? Rachel

Rachel:

Challenge accepted Max. Let's make it happen.

Max:

Check this out. Rachel BigCommerce is really diving into the AI pool. They're adapting their platform to integrate more AI features, kind of riding the wave of all these tech advancements we keep seeing.

Rachel:

Big commerce and ai. Huh? That reminds me of our chat about gamification and shopping. I mean, AI is just another way to keep online shopping exciting and more intuitive. Right, exactly.

Max:

It's like they're taking the fun and engagement from gamification and cranking it up a notch with ai. Imagine a shopping experience where the platform almost reads your mind about what you need or what you might like.

Rachel:

I'm not entirely convinced yet, though. I mean, AI sounds super cool, but sometimes I wonder how well it truly knows what I want. Have you ever gotten those bizarre recommendations?

Max:

Oh, absolutely. Once I bought a tent for a camping trip, and then for weeks all I got were suggestions for more tents, like how many tents did they think I need?

Rachel:

That's exactly it. The AI gets all excited, like, oh, you liked one tent, have all the tents in the world.

Max:

Right? But hopefully with updates like the ones BigCommerce is rolling out. AI is getting smarter, not just more enthusiastic.

Rachel:

Speaking of updates, did you hear about Descartes acquiring finale inventory for $40 million?

Max:

No way.$40 million. Tell me more.

Rachel:

Yeah, they're saying it's to boost their e-commerce support system, especially around inventory management, which honestly is a game changer for big and small businesses alike.

Max:

That's a serious move. Good inventory management means fewer headaches about stock levels or overselling items. You don't actually have. I guess that's like having a super meticulous planner in your pocket.

Rachel:

Exactly. And it ties back to our next segment about AI's role in e-commerce strategy. Efficient inventory systems powered by AI could revolutionize how businesses project stock needs and manage supplies.

Max:

Imagine coupling that with SEO strategies tailored by ai, it could really transform how businesses reach their customers and maintain their supply chains efficiently.

Rachel:

Absolutely. It feels like every piece of the e-commerce puzzle is getting smarter. Here's what I'm wondering. With all these AI advancements, what's the human touch going to look like in the future of online shopping? Will picking up a phone and talking to someone become a rare special feature?

Max:

It might just be Rachel. Maybe we'll reminisce about the good old days when you could actually call a store. Back in my day, we talked to real people.

Rachel:

We'll tell those stories while our smart devices order things for us without us even asking.

Max:

Exactly. Well, it's gonna be super interesting to see how all this plays out, especially with AI continuing to make big waves in the e-commerce sector.

Rachel:

Definitely. And for anyone out there running an online store, staying updated on these trends isn't just useful. It's essential.

Max:

Right? You are Rachel. Keeping an eye on how these platforms evolve could make or break your e-commerce game. So jumping right off from our chat about BigCommerce and AI shopping, it's super interesting to see how AI is not just a buzzword, but a real game changer in the e-commerce space. I mean, it's everywhere now.

Rachel:

Exactly, max, and speaking of everywhere, I was just reading about how Google's John Moeller is advising e-commerce sites to start testing their platforms for what's called Agentic ai. It sounds a bit sci-fi doesn't it

Max:

totally does. But here's the deal with Agentic ai. Think of it like your online shopping buddy who isn't just suggesting products, but actually helping steer your entire shopping experience. It's like having a super smart assistant who knows exactly what you need even before you do.

Rachel:

I see your point, but here's what I'm wondering. How does that impact the traditional roles in e-commerce? I mean, if AI starts making decisions, where does that leave us Humans?

Max:

Good question. It sort of shifts the focus, right? Instead of merely facilitating transactions, humans might need to focus more on the creative and strategic parts, like ensuring the AI behaves in a way that's beneficial to users and the business.

Rachel:

That reminds me of another interesting thing about AI's role in SEO. Now, there's this article discussing five ways to prove the real value of SEO in the AI era. Honestly, it's intriguing because it highlights how AI can actually make SEO strategies more effective, not just do the heavy lifting.

Max:

Wait, seriously? That's actually super cool because it aligns pretty well with what we've seen with BigCommerce adapting to ai. It's not just about automating stuff, but it enhancing the user experience and making strategies more data-driven.

Rachel:

Right? And think about the possibilities for personalization. AI can crunch huge amounts of data to optimize search results and suggestions In real time, we're moving beyond simple keyword stuffing to truly understanding what the customer wants to see.

Max:

And speaking of seeing, the latest buzz is around agentic checkout technology. Check this out. It's designed to streamline the entire checkout process using ai, no more abandoned carts, because the AI can predict hesitations and offer incentives or reassurances exactly when the shopper needs them.

Rachel:

Oh, that's a neat feature, though. I'm not entirely convinced yet. Sometimes I wonder if we're getting too dependent on technology. What if it glitches?

Max:

Well, that's the beauty and the beast of it, right? There's always a bit of unpredictability with new tech, but hey, think of the time we spend bouncing between product pages or wrestling with coupon codes. If AI can shave off those tedious parts, I'm on board.

Rachel:

True. It does free up more time for, you know, actual human stuff. Plus it ties back into our upcoming segment about Shopify. They're also experimenting with new features that might leverage AI to enhance user experiences, especially considering how they're dealing with so many businesses scaling up online.

Max:

Yeah, diving into those changes will definitely be interesting. AI doesn't just change things behind the scenes. It can totally transform the face of how e-commerce works. It's like watching a live evolution.

Rachel:

Absolutely. And as we keep this discussion going, I'm curious to see how all these platforms will keep up with each other's innovations. The digital shopping race is on and AI seems to be leading the pack.

Max:

No kidding. Alright, let's keep our eyes on this, and I guess we'll see soon how all these pieces fit together in the grand scheme of e-commerce, and that's gonna be especially exciting to explore next. All right, Rachel. After dipping our toes into AI's role in e-commerce, it's only fitting we glide into another hot button topic, Shopify. Have you caught up on Amber Kanwar's latest setup? It's not just about Shopify. There are mentions of Disney and a slew of earnings reports.

Rachel:

Yes, I saw that. And speaking of earnings, it's looking like a rollercoaster week with big names like Palantir and a MD. But let's zoom into Shopify. I mean, it's been all the buzz, right?

Max:

Totally. It's like every week there's something new popping up with these tech giants and, oh, check this out. There's this piece in the Motley Fool asking if Shopify could be your golden ticket to becoming a millionaire. Sounds super cool. I'm rubbing my crystal ball here, trying to see if that's actually doable or just a hype train.

Rachel:

I love that Max using a crystal ball might be the way to go with predictions like these, but honestly it does make you wonder, right? Shopify's platform really has empowered a lot of entrepreneurs. I'm not entirely convinced about The millionaire part, though. Feels like that could be a stretch unless you've got a really niche or booming idea.

Max:

Exactly. And you know, thinking about what we discussed earlier with AI and e-commerce. Imagine combining those insights with a platform like Shopify, it could genuinely be a game changer for small businesses trying to make a big splash.

Rachel:

Oh, absolutely. And you know, that just reminds me, Shopify isn't just making waves on its own. There's all this interplay with big tech companies. Like in that piece from Investors Business Daily, they were talking about how Shopify is part of this larger ecosystem, which includes, you know, a MD and even Palantir all highlighted during this zany earnings week.

Max:

Right? It's like watching all your favorite superheroes team up in one Epic movie. But here's the real kicker for me. How much is this influenced by the bigger tech landscape? I mean, we saw huge growth in North American e-commerce sales, thanks to giants like Amazon.

Rachel:

True, true. And speaking of which, in our next segment, we'll actually be diving deep into Amazon's strategies in the North American market. It's like these giant puzzle pieces from Shopify to Amazon are all coming together right before our eyes.

Max:

Oh, I just have to jump in here. Remember how we touched on SEO in the AI era earlier? Imagine leveraging that with a powerhouse like Shopify. Could that be the secret sauce to supercharging sales?

Rachel:

That would be something to behold. But then again, there comes the part about being strategic and not just throwing all your eggs into one digital basket, right?

Max:

Absolutely. Caution is key, but hey, for anyone dreaming big with Shopify, it might just be worth exploring those wild ideas, throwing a bit of strategy into the mix, and maybe just maybe hitting that jackpot.

Rachel:

Well, Dreamer's gonna dream Max. Who knows? Next thing you know, we've got a middle schooler out there turning their entrepreneurial spirit into the next big Shopify success story.

Max:

You heard it here first, folks, stay curious, keep exploring, and who knows? That next big idea might just be around the corner. So following up on our talk about Shopify's latest strategies, it looks like some other big e-commerce giants had a pretty interesting second quarter too, right?

Rachel:

Exactly, max Amazon, for instance, they've had an 11% increase in sales in North America during that period, which is super impressive.

Max:

Yeah. You know, that's like every other person deciding, Hey, let's throw an extra book or gadget into the cart. But here's the deal. I wonder how much of that growth is because of their push on faster delivery options. I mean, who doesn't want their stuff showing up at lights speed.

Rachel:

You have a point there. Fast delivery could be a game changer. I was just thinking about eBay too. They also saw growth about 6% increase in both revenue and sales. Not as high as Amazon, but still solid.

Max:

True that. And honestly, it kind of makes you think about the different strategies they're employing. eBay has been focusing a lot on their customer loyalty programs. It's like choose your fighter Speedy Amazon or rewarding eBay.

Rachel:

Ha ha. Definitely. And then there's Etsy. That's a bit of a mixed bag. Their sales actually declined, but their revenue still went up. I'm not entirely convinced on how that works out.

Max:

Yeah. It's like, wait, seriously? But here's what I'm wondering. They might be earning more per sale, even if they're selling fewer items. Maybe it's their unique products, you know, higher price, lower volume.

Rachel:

That's such a good point. It does make Etsy stand out as more of a niche player compared to the everything store vibe of Amazon and eBay.

Max:

Exactly. And oh. This ties in nicely with our next segment about Carvana mentioning they're refining their e-commerce model, kind of like how Etsy might be tweaking theirs to focus on profit per sale rather than volume.

Rachel:

Interesting connection there. It shows how diverse strategies can be across platforms. These companies are really trying different angles to catch that e-commerce magic,

Max:

right? And talking about magic. Imagine if these strategies were like potions in a video game. Amazon's got the speed boost. eBay's packing the loyalty Elixir and Etsy. Well, they have the charm potion might not work on everyone, but when it does, it really does.

Rachel:

I love that analogy. It really does put these complex strategies in perspective. It's fascinating how each platform plays up its strengths to attract different kinds of shoppers.

Max:

Couldn't agree more. Rachel. And speaking of strengths, I think these growth numbers, they aren't just dry stats. They tell us stories about consumer trust, technological advances, and even about our changing shopping habits.

Rachel:

Yep. And as we keep an eye on these trends, it'll be interesting to see how they evolve, especially with how much tech is playing a part in our everyday shopping experiences.

Max:

For sure. And hey, maybe we should start testing some delivery speed ourselves. What do you say? Should we order something right now just to test and compare?

Rachel:

Oh, max. Always looking for a reason to shop. But yeah, it might be fun for a future episode review. Let's keep that on our radar

Max:

deal. Looks like our carts and our minds will be pretty full. So, Rachel, hot off the press, Carvana just announced some pretty staggering figures hitting record quarterly sales. Seems like they've tweaked their e-commerce model just right, huh?

Rachel:

Oh, absolutely, max. It's like they found the secret sauce to online car sales. It makes you wonder what exactly did they change to hit those numbers.

Max:

You know, that's the million dollar question. It's all about refining the user experience. I bet it's like when you're playing a video game and you finally figure out the best strategy to beat the level. Super cool stuff.

Rachel:

Speaking of strategies that reminds me of our last segment about Amazon's growth strategies, Carvana's approach must be somewhat similar, focusing on customer engagement and simplifying the purchasing process. Just like Amazon.

Max:

Exactly, and it's not just Carvana in the news. Have you heard about Stryker Snagging the 2025 silver Stevie for tech excellence in E-commerce?

Rachel:

Yes, I did. That's a pretty big deal. Winning a Stevie is no small feat. It shows that Stryker is definitely doing something right with their technology. It's like being crowned the prom king of tech solutions.

Max:

That's one way to put it. And with e-commerce, having a robust backbone of technology is key. It's like. Your website's, the stage and your tech is the behind the scenes crew, making sure the show doesn't flop.

Rachel:

Right. Right. And on a similar note, there's also buzz about shop My, they are doubling down on their e-commerce ambitions. From what I've seen. They're really pushing to expand their reach. You've got to admire the hustle.

Max:

Oh, totally. It's like watching a small time actor landing a big role. You know, they've got potential and now they're just going all out.

Rachel:

And the ambition is key, considering the e-commerce space is so packed. But here's what I'm wondering. With all these companies ramping up, how will they ensure they stay secure? Like that ties in with what we're going to talk about next, the vulnerability in the WooCommerce customer review plugin.

Max:

Yep. Security's a huge part of scaling up. If you're building a rocket ship, you better make sure the bolts are tight, right?

Rachel:

Definitely. You don't wanna be going to the moon and back with loose bolts.

Max:

But jokes aside, these trends in e-commerce are fascinating from refining models to enhancing tech. It's clear that staying agile and secure in this digital market is more crucial than ever.

Rachel:

Couldn't agree more, max. It's going to be interesting to watch how all of these companies continue to innovate and adapt in this ever evolving E-commerce drama.

Max:

Drama is the right word, always keeps us on our toes. So right off the heels of talking about Carvana and their record e-commerce sales, which was super cool by the way. We've gotta shift to something a bit more serious in the e-commerce space. You ready for this, Rachel?

Rachel:

Oh, absolutely. Max. What's on the docket this time?

Max:

Well, here's the deal. It's about a recent security hiccup with WooCommerce. There's this customer review plugin, right? Super popular, used on over 80,000 sites.

Rachel:

Wow. That's a lot of websites relying on one plugin. What happened exactly?

Max:

So check this out. There's been a vulnerability discovered in this plugin, and when I say vulnerability. I mean a kind of digital weak spot that hackers could potentially exploit. Imagine it like your bike lock being super easy to pick,

Rachel:

right? And nobody wants their bike stolen. So this vulnerability, it could let hackers do what? Exactly. Mess with customer reviews.

Max:

Exactly that. And potentially more they could manipulate data spread malware. It's kind of like finding out there's a secret backdoor to your house that you had no idea about.

Rachel:

No way. That sounds terrifying, honestly. So what's being done about it? Any fixes?

Max:

Yeah. The good news is the developers are on it. They've rolled out updates to patch things up. It's like patching up that hidden back door with steel reinforcements.

Rachel:

Good to hear. It reminds me cybersecurity isn't just some buzzword, it's real and affects things as every day as customer reviews online.

Max:

Absolutely. And it's a game changer for trust in e-commerce. I mean, imagine you're buying something online. You totally count on those reviews being legit.

Rachel:

Right. It's all about trust. By the way, I'm, I'm curious, isn't it kind of wild how this ties into what we discussed about Carvana? They rely heavily on digital presence and trust for sales. Just like any website using WooCommerce, would.

Max:

You nailed it, Rachel. It's all interconnected. You've got bigger sales records on one end and on the other. You've gotta tighten security to keep that consumer confidence high. It

Rachel:

makes you wonder with buying and selling online becoming so common, how many of us think about the security of the sites we use?

Max:

Oh, totally. It's something I think about whenever I see a too good to be true kind of deal.

Rachel:

Exactly. And let's hope this wake up call helps everyone realize the importance of keeping digital storefronts secure. Speaking of security, think about all those young entrepreneurs our listeners probably dream about becoming. This is a crucial lesson in that journey, making sure your foundation is solid, cybersecurity wise.

Max:

True that Rachel, just think of it as building your castle as a king or queen of a realm in the realm of e-commerce. Your walls need to be fortified.

Rachel:

I love that analogy, max. Well, for all our budding kings and queens listening, keep your drawbridges up and moats filled. Always stay updated and secure.

Max:

Couldn't have said it better myself. It's all about staying sharp and staying safe. Wow, Rachel. Every week I think I can't possibly learn more about e-commerce, and yet here we are, week 32 and my mind is just blown.

Rachel:

Absolutely Max. I couldn't agree more. Diving into gamification and how it's making shopping such an adventure was fascinating for me. It's like every click brings a little bit of joy,

Max:

right? And let's not forget how BigCommerce and AI are totally changing the game. It's like one minute you're shopping online, and the next you're in this ultra smart digital marketplace.

Rachel:

For sure, and also bringing in the cybersecurity angle today was crucial. Knowing about those vulnerabilities in WooCommerce helps everyone stay alert and safe. It's one of those reminders of how dynamic the world of e-commerce really is.

Max:

Oh, totally. You know, if you loved hanging out with us today and learned a thing or two or just stayed for the terrible jokes, I'd say it was a win. We'd love it if you'd joined us again next week, where we'll dive more into e-commerce news and who knows, maybe my jokes will get better.

Rachel:

Or maybe they'll stay just as wonderfully terrible Max. But jokes aside, we truly appreciate spending this time with you all. Don't forget, swing by Blikket.co. For more cool resources and insider tips, there's always something new to discover.

Max:

Until next week, keep turning those carts into adventures and those strategies into successes. I'll be here, try not to buy everything I see because of these new tricks we learned today.

Rachel:

I'll be here reflecting on how these technologies are truly shaping the future. Take care. Stay savvy, and we'll catch you in the next episode.

Max:

Bosh, everyone. Keep rocking the e-commerce world.

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