New Tools, New Opportunities

September 26, 2024

New Tools, New Opportunities

Growing Your Brand with DoorDash and Gemini

Welcome to XENA INSIDER. Today we're zooming in on some exciting developments that are not just changing the game but are setting new rules for how businesses engage with customers. This time, we're highlighting a pivotal move by DoorDash into a realm far beyond food delivery and a significant AI leap by Google that could redefine efficiency in e-commerce

DoorDash’s Commerce Platform: The Ultimate Merchant Toolkit

DoorDash, long known for connecting restaurants and customers, is now offering a more comprehensive way for businesses to manage operations. This new Commerce Platform allows merchants to:

  • Create Direct Channels: Build branded mobile apps or manage online and phone orders with ease. This gives businesses control over their customer experience and relationships.

  • Maximize Delivery: Offer delivery via the merchant’s own app or website, alongside DoorDash’s marketplace.

  • Smart AI-Powered Solutions: Table-side ord

  • +er and pay features, AI-driven phone ordering, and real-time business management tools create a seamless, scalable experience for merchants.

  • Easy Sales Tracking & Marketing: Track payouts, run marketing campaigns, and get personalized action items with the updated DoorDash Business Manager App.

According to DoorDash COO Prabir Adarkar, the goal is to empower local merchants with the tools they need to grow and deepen relationships with customers across various channels.

Impact on E-Commerce Brands

DoorDash’s latest offering isn’t just for restaurants. The ability to integrate delivery and direct sales channels opens the door for a range of businesses, from grocery stores to retailers, to enhance their customer engagement and build their own branded apps. This can be a game-changer for businesses looking to increase brand visibility andcustomer loyalty.

Full-Time Delivery Employees: A Shift in the Gig Economy

In another bold move, DoorDash is experimenting with a significant shift in its business model: hiring full-time, W2 employees to make deliveries. Traditionally reliant on gig workers, DoorDash’s partnerships with local delivery providers in select markets signal a move towards a more stable, predictable workforce.

This change could reshape the gig economy, addressing long-standing concerns about gig worker pay and benefits. For e-commerce businesses, it means greater reliability in deliveries and enhanced customer satisfaction as the system becomes more streamlined.

AI Integration in E-Commerce: Google’s Gemini 1.5 Boosts Capabilities

Google is making waves in the AI sector with its new Gemini 1.5 models, offering major improvements in performance, cost efficiency, and functionality. This is particularly important for e-commerce businesses, as these models excel in product recommendations, inventory management, and customer service automation.

With processing capabilities for massive datasets and long documents, Gemini 1.5 can handle complex tasks, opening up new opportunities for personalized customer experiences. The price cuts and improved processing speeds make it more accessible for businesses looking to implement AI without breaking the bank.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

  1. DoorDash Commerce Platform: Allows merchants to create their own sales channels, including branded mobile apps and direct delivery solutions.

  2. New Delivery Model: DoorDash is piloting a full-time employee delivery system, shifting away from gig workers.

  3. Google Gemini AI: New models improve AI’s role in e-commerce, making it faster, smarter, and more cost-efficient.

Stay Connected with XENA Intelligence

At XENA Intelligence, we're passionate about empowering e-commerce brands with AI-driven insights while championing a balanced approach to success.

Let's unlock your e-commerce potential together!

Written by Akhil Suresh Nair, the founder & CEO of Xena Intelligence - the AI tech for eCommerce brands