Scaling Smarter: How GiftsOnline4U is Transforming the Gift Business with Asgar Dungarwalla (episode 513)

Asgar Dungarwalla is the Founder of GiftsOnline4U, the award-winning personalised gift retailer. They sell over 2,500 products via their WooCommerce website, marketplaces, and wholesale to both the B2C and B2B markets. Founded in 2012 they now do £750,000 per year. 

Asgar Dungarwalla  GiftsOnline4U on eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast

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Dive in: 

[04:55] Personalisation challenges: wrong info from customers, technology issues. 
[08:08] Overseas teams are cost-effective and skilled overall. 
[12:02] Focus on productivity over growth for better results. 
[14:29] Using AI early can increase business productivity. 
[17:58] Perplexity AI is a great search engine. 
[22:18] Customized gifts using input-based real-time images. 
[25:18] Listen to Asgar’s Top Tips! 

Personalization is the Key to Success 

GiftsOnline4U has thrived by focusing on personalisation. Customers are looking for unique and meaningful gifts that reflect their individual interests and personalities. By offering a wide range of products that can be customized with names, images, and other personal details, the company has been able to tap into a growing market and differentiate itself from competitors. 

Efficient & Effective Team Structure 

A lean and efficient team is important for running a successful brand. Asgar has downsized his team to 5 in-house staff, outsourcing the rest of the work to agencies. This has helped him to reduce costs, improve productivity, and focus on the core aspects of his business. He has also found that this structure has made his team happier and more motivated, as they are able to focus on their areas of expertise. 

Strong Ties with Overseas Teams 

GiftsOnline4U works with teams in India and China. Asgar says it’s important to build strong relationships with these teams, understand their cultural differences, and communicate effectively. 

Streamlining for Profitability 

Focusing on profitability is key to long-term business success. By analyzing product margins and discontinuing less profitable lines, GiftsOnline4U has been able to improve its bottom line without sacrificing overall business performance. This approach shows that sustainable profitability can be achieved through effective resource allocation and a focus on high-value products. 

The Value of AI 

Asgar says they use AI to streamline operations, personalise the customer experience, and create marketing content. For example, AI is used to generate product descriptions, create videos, and personalise greeting cards. For Asgar, AI is a game-changer, and businesses of all sizes can benefit from this technology.

eCommerce Book Top Tip 

eCommerce Traffic Top Tip 

  • Content marketing 

Tool Top Tip 

  • Artificial intelligence 

Carbon Top Tip 

  • Asgar says businesses can reduce carbon footprint by using solar panels and adjusting their work schedules. Base tasks on when renewable energy is being produced. 

Interview links 

*Thank you to Mike Shields from eCom One for the guest introduction! 

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