Author: Michael Cooper

New comment by fscherer in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (December 2023)"

Cleary.ai | Berlin, Germany (on-site) | Full-time | Founding Engineer We’re hiring our founding engineers. We are looking for Fullstack JS & Backend/ML Python Engineers (on-site in Berlin) and offer real equity far above market standards. You need to be excited about our vision to use AI to make regulatory approval for medical innovation 10x … Continue reading New comment by fscherer in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (December 2023)"

New comment by morgante in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (March 2023)"

Grit | Senior+ Engineers (ML, PL, Design, Backend) | New York, San Francisco | Full-time | $120–250k + equity

We’re building software to automatically fix technical debt. We do this by combining expressive static analysis tooling (we’ve built a developer-friendly query language for code) with machine learning to automatically migrate code to new patterns and platforms. We’re in private beta, but have already deployed thousands of successful changes for beta customers and have raised a $7M seed round from top investors.

We’ve got lots of fun challenges at the intersection of machine learning and programming languages. Our stack is Scala, Rust, TypeScript, Python, and Kubernetes. We’re hiring for both smart generalists and PL/ML experts who are interested in collaborating on problems like automatically inserting new types into codebases and using unit tests for reinforcement learning.

Here are a few reasons you might be interested in applying:

– We work fast and focus on shipping, with a single meeting per week (demos!).

– We’re working on the edge of the possible and doing deep technical work in parsers/language design and machine learning.

– We mostly work in-person in New York and San Francisco, but remote is also possible for outstanding candidates who have proven success in a remote model.

– I’m personally committed to giving real feedback to everyone who applies.

Find out more at https://www.grit.io/careers or email morgante@grit.io.

New comment by dbasedow in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2021)"

Aeditive | Software Engineer | Hamburg, Germany | Full Time | ONSITE | https://aeditive.de
We build robotic 3D printing solutions for manufacturing concrete elements.

There’s a cool video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_HL8diusK4

We are using Rust for most critical components and Python/TypeScript for user interfaces.

https://aeditive.jobs.personio.de/job/398183

If you have any questions you can email me at daniel.basedow@aeditive.de

Best Dropshipping Companies

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Dropshipping makes it possible to sell products online–without having to purchase, store, or ship inventory. That’s right, you can operate an ecommerce site from your couch without ever touching the products you’re selling. 

But in order to do this successfully, you’ll need to find a dropshipping company to handle the logistics of fulfilling orders. 

Whether you have an existing ecommerce business or you’re new to selling online, this guide will help you find the best dropshipping company for your unique needs.

Continue below to learn more about my top recommendations and strategy for evaluating different options. 

#1 – SaleHoo Review — The Best Wholesale Directory

SaleHoo splash page for Best Dropshipping Companies

SaleHoo is one of the most popular wholesaler directory platforms on the market today. A membership grants you access to 2.5+ million products from 8,000+ suppliers.

With SaleHoo, you can find products and start selling them online in a matter of minutes.

For 15+ years, more than 137,000 people have used SaleHoo to sell online with dropshipping services. Here are some other reasons why they come so highly recommended:

  • All suppliers have been pre-vetted
  • Unlimited dropshipping training
  • Award-winning customer support
  • Plans are backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee
  • Market research tools for hot products and high profit margins
  • Easy to navigate with a modern interface
  • Ability to automate your online store

Annual pricing for the SaleHoo supplier directory costs $67. Alternatively, you can pay a one-time fee of $127 for lifetime access. Try it risk-free. 

#2 – Oberlo Review — The Best for Shopify Stores

Oberlo for Shopify for Best Dropshipping Companies

If you’re using Shopify to sell online, look no farther than Oberlo. The platform integrates seamlessly with your Shopify store, so you can start dropshipping with ease.

More than 100 million products have been sold online with Oberlo. 

Oberlo is free for basic use, but you’ll definitely want to upgrade to a paid plan, or you’ll be limited with what you can accomplish. Some of the top features include:

  • Unlimited monthly orders
  • Free Oberlo Chrome extension
  • Bulk orders
  • Real-time order tracking
  • Variant mapping
  • CAPTCHA solver
  • Ebooks, guides, and free learning tools
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Customizable listing information 
  • Powerful product data

Paid plans start at $29.90 per month. This entry-level plan supports up to 10,000 products. You can join Oberlo for free to get started. 

#3 – Dropified Review — The Best for eBay Sourcing

Dropified is another popular dropshipping solution. It seamlessly integrates with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more.

Unlike other dropshipping tools, Dropfied is also compatible with eBay and AliExpress. 

If you’re using eBay or AliExpress for inventory, Dropfied eliminates the need to copy and paste customer order details. These orders can automatically be shipped to your customers directly from the supplier. 

Other top features and perks of using Dropfied include:

  • Automatic order fulfillment
  • Automatic price change updates
  • Dynamic Facebook feeds
  • Automatic product availability updates
  • Simple product variant setups
  • Easy product filtering
  • Product and inventory sync
  • Add to your ecommerce store with a single click
  • Product customization
  • Automatically import product reviews from vendors
  • Easy to change vendors for different products

This list of features and benefits goes on and on. It’s quite extensive, to say the least. Dropified plans start at $47 per month. The entry-level plan supports 15,000 products and unlimited monthly orders. Try it free for 14 days.

#4 – Inventory Source Review — The Best Dropshipping Automation Software

Inventory Source interface for Best Dropshipping Companies

Inventory Source is a bit unique compared to other dropshipping companies on our list. They provide software to facilitate dropshipping automation.

To improve the logistics with your existing suppliers, Inventory Source will be a great option for you to consider. 

Here’s why I like Inventory Source so much:

  • Integrates with 25+ ecommerce platforms (Shopify, eBay, Amazon, Walmart, Magento, WooCommerce, etc.)
  • Full product data integration
  • Dropship order automation
  • Automatic inventory sync
  • Free directory of 230+ suppliers
  • Ability to add your own suppliers outside of the Inventory Source directory
  • Bulk feed management tools

Overall, the software is really easy to set up. It will benefit you and your suppliers alike. Plans start at $99 per month. You can create an account for free to browse supplier product feeds, automation tools, and integrations.

#5 – Wholesale2b Review — The Best Free and Simple Dropshipping Company

Wholesale2b splash page for Best Dropshipping Companies

More than one million products are available on Wholesale2b. The platform makes it easy for anyone to integrate dropshippers to their online store.

Wholesale2b is compatible with multiple sales channels and online marketplaces like Amazon, WooCommerce, Shopify, BigCommerce, Ecwid, eBay, Magento, and more.

You don’t have to sign up with dozens of suppliers to get what you want–your single Wholesale2b account will give you access to more than 1 million products.

Here are some of the other top reasons why Wholesale2b ranks so high on my list:

  • Free to sign up; no credit card required
  • Easy to get started
  • Extensive product catalog with options from multiple categories and industries
  • 100+ dropshippers in the Wholesale2b network
  • Automatic order imports and inventory tracking
  • Ability to create a new turnkey ecommerce site from scratch

Whether you have an existing online store you’re planning to start a new ecommerce business, Wholesale2b has you covered. Sign up and try it today—it’s free.  

#6 – Megagoods Review — The Best for Consumer Electronics

MegaGoods splash page for Best Dropshipping Companies

Megagoods is my top recommendation for online retailers in the consumer electronics space. 

They provide fast shipping, efficient processing, and have a great selection of brand name electronics products. 

Here are some of the most popular product categories offered through the Megagoods platform:

  • Headphones
  • Alarm clocks
  • Car audio
  • Televisions
  • Speakers
  • Home theaters
  • DVD players
  • DJ products
  • Bluetooth products
  • PA systems
  • Portable electronics
  • Gaming products

In addition to the extensive electronics options, Megagoods also supplies items like watches, kitchen appliances, cutlery, cookware sets, and more. 

The interface is a little outdated, but a Megagoods subscription costs just $14.99 per month. This membership fee gives you access to exclusive pricing. Try it free for 30 days. 

#7 – Doba Review — The Most Versatile Dropshipping Company

Doba is one of the most popular dropshipping services on the market today. Its popularity is largely due to the fact that it can accommodate such a wide range of ecommerce shops with varying needs.

With Doba, you’ll have access to millions of products from hundreds of suppliers in a single online catalog. Keep all your products for sale synced, even if you’re selling across eBay, Shopify, Amazon and other online marketplaces.

Other noteworthy highlights of Doba include:

  • Compatible with 100+ ecommerce platforms including Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce, Volusion, eBay, Amazon, etc.
  • Information on each supplier (average processing time, fulfillment rates, cost, etc.)
  • Manage product lists and discover trending products
  • Advanced search and filtering
  • Data exports in a wide range of formats
  • Inventory management tools
  • Proactive inventory and price change alerts

Plans start at $29 per month. If you sign up for an annual subscription, you’ll get two months for free. Try it free for 30 days. 

What I Looked at to Find the Best Dropshipping Company

There are hundreds, if not thousands of different dropshipping companies on the market today.

Without a buying guide to follow, narrowing down your options can seem like an insurmountable task. To make your life easier, follow the methodology that I’ve outlined below. 

These are the factors that you should take into consideration as you’re researching and evaluating different dropshipping solutions.

Type of Dropshipping Company

There are a few different kinds of dropshipping companies. The first thing you need to do is determine what type of company will meet the requirements and goals of your business.

Do you need a manufacturer? Wholesale supplier? Supplier directory? In some instances, you might just be looking for dropshipping software to facilitate your existing supplier relationship.

Here are some of the major types of dropshipping options you are likely to encounter:

  • Dropshipping Marketplaces are online platforms with a network of different dropshipping companies. You’ll be able to facilitate your entire operation and manage the relationships between different dropshippers from a single place.
  • Manufacturers may let you buy straight from them, getting the lowest possible whole inventory prices. Not every manufacturer will let you dropship—you may have to use dropshipping software and set up the arrangement yourself.
  • Supplier directories don’t actually handle dropshipping. Similar to an online marketplace, it’s a single location for you to find various suppliers. Typicall, you have to pay a membership fee to the directory.
  • Dropshipping software is a great way for online stores to automate order fulfillment with their suppliers and manufacturers. These tools eliminate the need for ecommerce shops to manually enter order details after something is purchased through their online sales channels.

Ecommerce Platform

Next, you need to make sure that the company you’re considering supports your ecommerce platform. It’s worth noting that not all dropshipping solutions are compatible with every ecommerce website. 

For example, online stores using Shopify won’t necessarily be using the same dropshipping company as a business selling via eBay or Amazon. A brick-and-mortar retailer that wants to add an online sales channel won’t have the same needs as new business selling via Wix or WooCommerce. 

So verifying the compatibility between your online sales channel and the dropshipping company’s logistics will be a great way to narrow down your choices. 

Wholesale Pricing

In addition to the logistical benefits of dropshipping, you’ll also have access to wholesale rates. But like any type of inventory, those prices will vary from supplier to supplier. 

Some dropshipping companies force you to pay a monthly or annual membership for access to wholesale pricing. In many cases, these membership fees are well-worth the discounts you’ll get as a result. But usually, the manufacturers will offer the best rates if you buy directly through them. 

You’ll have to walk the line between what makes sense for your convenience vs. profit margins. 

Industry and Products

What products are you selling? What are you planning to sell online?

The answer to these questions will definitely impact the dropshipping company you choose. If you’re selling shirts and hats, you probably won’t have the same dropshipping needs as an online store that sells computers, headphones, and other electronics. 

Are you selling brand name products? Or will you be putting your own logo on inventory? 

These are other questions to consider as you’re evaluating prospective solutions. 

Process Automation

The best dropshipping companies leverage automation, which allows you to be as hands-off as possible. 

You need to understand the logistics between how orders get processed from company to company. What happens after a customer buys something online? How does that order ultimately end up at their doorstep? The answer varies depending on the solution you choose.

In some cases, you’ll have to manually enter those order details from your own website to the dropshipping platform. But with an automated process, you won’t have to do anything. An online order will automatically be sent to the supplier without any extra steps on your end. 

For those of you who already have relationships with suppliers, you can leverage dropshipping software to automate your fulfillment process. 

Quality and Speed

Even though you’re not touching the products with dropshipping, your company is still responsible for the product itself. 

The customer doesn’t care where the product came from or who shipped it. They expect high-quality products delivered quickly. If the dropshipping company you’re using takes weeks to ship and delivers defective products, it’s going to be a poor reflection of your company—not theirs.  

So choose a company with an established reputation in this space. You might have to pay a little extra for the inventory, but it’s worth it to keep your customers satisfied. 

Conclusion

The concept of dropshipping is extremely appealing for anyone interested in selling online. But it only works well if you’re using the right dropshipping company. 

Which dropshipping company is the best? It depends on your needs. Let’s review my entire list of recommendations:

  1. SaleHoo — Best Wholesale Directory
  2. Oberlo — Best for Shopify Stores
  3. Dropified— Best for eBay sourcing
  4. Inventory Source — Best dropshipping automation software
  5. Wholesale2b — Best free and simple dropshipping company
  6. Megagoods — Best for consumer electronics
  7. Doba — The most versatile dropshipping company

So Wholesale2b is my top overall pick. It’s going to work really well for most businesses. But as you can see, other options may work better depending on how your business is set up.

Just use the recommendations and buying guide explained in this post to find the best dropshipping services for your online store. 

How to Target Generation X Through Paid Ads

Finding new audiences to target is a constant challenge for marketers. If you’ve never tried marketing for Generation X, you could be missing out on a valuable group of consumers.

Why should you customize ads for a Generation X target market? Your customers are individuals, but they also belong to a group based on what year they were born. As unique as each might be, they move through some experiences and stages of life together.

What makes Generation X so valuable? We’ll take a look at who these consumers are, what experiences might influence how they respond to advertising, and a few best practices to make sure you hit the mark with your ads.

How Old is Generation X?

1965 to 1980 are typically known as the Generation X years.

The name “Generation X” was adopted from a 1991 novel written by Douglas Coupland called Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. Some say the name also gained popularity due to the generation’s refusal to be defined. The X refers to the variable “x,” allowing them to be named but perhaps not limited by one definition.

What is Unique About Generation X?

Generation X has often been ignored as marketers instead targeted the larger baby boomer and millennial generations. However, a look at their spending tells us that this is a worthwhile audience to target in our marketing.

While stereotypes can be harmful, we can look at their shared experiences to consider what motivates them, what they value, and what they might worry about in their current life stage.

The oldest of this generation grew up during the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Others remember the Berlin Wall coming down.

Generation X adopted computers and the internet, lived through Y2K, and lived through the AIDS epidemic. Gen X is the first generation to have exposure to the internet for most of their lifetime, though most didn’t have access in childhood.

People often characterize Generation X as self-reliant, adaptable, independent, and ethical, with “big picture” thinking. They are occasionally viewed as skeptical, but you could also call them critical thinkers. They’re currently considered to be financially stable but also deal hunters.

Why You Should Target Generation X Through Paid Ads

Why should you target Gen X in marketing? Spending power is one reason. They make up about 25 percent of the population but bring home about 31 percent of the income.

There are about 65 million Generation X, and they outspend millennials by 41 percent and baby boomers by 18 percent.

What brands does Generation X like right now? In their top 10 brands, you’ll find tech, retail, media and entertainment, automotive, and apparel companies. Other categories can include solutions for the worries they currently face, such as aging parents, preserving their health and wellness, protecting their families’ safety, or helping them plan for retirement.

SaaS platforms offer flexibility and affordable ways to make consumers’ lives easier and better, both of which appeal to Generation X.

Strategies for Targeting Generation X Through Paid Ads

It’s wise to remember that the oldest of this group may act more like baby boomers, while the youngest may act more like millennials. Generation X marketing strategies should include paid search ads, email marketing, social media, and occasionally even direct mail.

Your online presence matters. Gen X shoppers tend to be careful researchers of companies and products before making purchasing decisions.

Ensure your website is clear, up-to-date, accurate, and full of reassuring information and reviews. If they don’t like what they see online, they’re going to move on, probably to one of your competitors.

Generation X is tech-savvy enough to use Google regularly and frugal enough to search for coupons and promotions. You can target them with promotional paid ads that use the language they’re likely to use for this type of search. Ensure your ad copy uses terms like “discount” or “promo code,” and be clear and authentic about your promotion.

Missteps to avoid? A strong sell isn’t needed or welcomed and could be off-putting, so avoid overpromising. Additionally, 66 percent still shop in brick-and-mortar stores.

Run Paid Ads on Social Channels They Use the Most

Generation X consumers like social platforms, with nearly 78 percent of them being active on social media. Which platforms do they prefer? Statista shows:

  • 76 percent use Facebook
  • 70 percent use YouTube
  • 47 percent use Instagram
  • 40 percent use LinkedIn
  • 39 percent use Twitter

Don’t forget platforms like Pinterest and Etsy. Thirty-five percent of Pinterest users are between 30 and 49 years of age, and 27 percent are aged 50 to 64. The average Etsy seller is around 39 years old. The content on Pinterest leans heavily toward their interests, including DIY, cooking, and home projects.

Generation X - Pinterest DIY ideas

Create campaigns on each platform that target this group directly, and remember to use a range of ad types to ensure you’re capitalizing on these channels. For example, knowing they are heavy Facebook users, you’ll want to use all kinds of Facebook ads including images, dynamic ads, videos, and carousel ads to catch their attention.

Just remember that if they’re following brands on social media, they’re doing it to find out about promotions and discounts. Build some promotions and special offers into your social posting calendar just for followers and fans.

Create Ads That Appeal Specifically to Generation X

Generation X are loyal to their favorite brands but wary of invasive advertising. They don’t enjoy aspects of digital marketing that seem intrusive to their personal lives and aren’t fans of text messaging or retargeting.

They are more open to email marketing, and including offers and promotional codes in emails can be a great way to attract these customers.

Be authentic, and demonstrate that quality and service are essential elements of what you offer. You’ll need to create ads that speak directly to them, with ad copy and messaging that speaks their language. Use images that reflect real people and the daily lives of Gen X.

They’re mobile-friendly, and 90 percent of them own smartphones. Ensure your website and e-commerce store are optimized for mobile to deliver a great experience and convert visitors to customers.

Incorporate Reviews in Your Paid Ads for Generation X

Brand loyalty means building trust, and this generation wants social proof. Show and tell them they can trust you to deliver on your promises.

Share case studies, display testimonials, enable platforms that invite reviews, and share your best reviews via your advertising.

Enlist strategies to garner more reviews, then use them in your advertising. Use the insights you gain from studies to create ads that feel even more relevant and meaningful to your audience.

How can you inspire your customers to leave more reviews?

  • Offer multiple ways for them to leave reviews.
  • Make sure the review process is quick and easy for your customer to use.
  • Share positive reviews from other customers.
  • Offer incentives.
  • Respond to all reviews.
  • Work to find solutions with frustrated customers.

Watch for signs that your customer is happy enough to leave a positive review before asking. Good times to ask might be after they’ve expressed satisfaction, when they reordered a product, when they refer you to a friend, or mention or tag you on social media sites.

What can you do with the feedback you gain from customer reviews? Add snippets to your paid ad to help coax searchers choose your ad to click and use reviews, ratings, and testimonials in your ad creative.

Adding social proof to your paid search listings can help you stand out and increase click-through rate (CTR). This can increase your Quality Score, eventually lowering your costs per click (CPC) and increasing your sales.

Get creative and use customer reviews in paid social media ads, being careful to protect your customers’ privacy. Add a quote or line of a testimonial to your email marketing. Add them to your homepage to help attract organic traffic as well.

Create Paid Ads That Appeal to Generation X Emotions

Generation X is currently at an age where nostalgia can be an effective element in advertising. They like reboots and throwbacks.

Is it that they’re more emotionally connected to the past or nostalgic than other generations? Not necessarily. Generation X has access (and the first significant access) to all their memories and old favorites. They also have access to platforms that allow them to share this content and connect with others based on it.

Generation X is interested in past events, entertainment, pop culture, and music. Seventy-five percent of Generation X spends their YouTube time watching nostalgic content, such as videos relating to past events or people. They also like to watch video content to learn DIY skills and to follow news and current events.

This McDonald’s commercial featuring Jason Alexander from Seinfeld has over 2.5 million views on YouTube. While there may be a few younger viewers catching these classics, you can bet that many Generation Xers remember watching it when it first aired on TV.

How can you use this in your advertising? Stir up nostalgia with throwback elements that remind them of their favorite TV commercials, programs, or movies from when they were younger.

Build and Advertise a Loyalty Program in Your Paid Ads for Generation X

Creating a loyalty program can be an excellent way to reach Generation X. Known for brand loyalty, Gen X is likely to appreciate and respond to companies who reward their loyalty.

They like to stick with brands they trust, so relationship building is important. Often overlooked by marketers, Generation X can be won over by feeling part of an exclusive group.

Building these connections over time will help ensure Generation X shoppers stay loyal and not wander to competitors. If you can show them you care with excellent service and programs that make them feel important, they’ll stick around.

What should loyalty programs include? Generation X likes special treatment, limited offers, and extra attention on special occasions. They’re likely to appreciate birthday promotions, recognition on special anniversaries, and special discounts and events.

Examples of Paid Ads for Generation X

The best Generation X marketing examples will use platforms that they use and target their interests and values. Typically, effective ads with this group will target Generation X marketing characteristics and use elements of nostalgia to help build connections quickly.

Watch for crossover ads that use nostalgia to catch the attention of Gen X, like the Domino’s and “Stranger Things” commercial. In this ad, one of the main characters from a popular TV show of the past few years recreates a memorable sequence from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a 1986 movie well-known to this generation.

Younger consumers will recognize the “Stranger Things” actor. Nearly every Gen Xer will catch the reference and the cameo from one of the original actors.

When a company decides to tap into “Transformers,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and “Robocop,” they’re targeting a specific audience.

These movies came out during formative years for Generation X and when used in ads, can create instant rapport between a Gen X consumer and the brand.

Conclusion

It’s true that each generational group behaves differently, has different motivations and views, and consumes media differently than the others.

Learn a little about how Generation X lives and what they love before writing your ad copy, then let your language and ad copy show that they are your focus. Often ignored, this “middle child” generation is likely to respond positively to being noticed and understood.

Learning more about these differences can help you target these groups with paid ads that are likely to resonate instead of blanket advertising that misses everyone.

Remember, you don’t have to master this yourself! Reach out for expert help with digital marketing so you can connect with valuable audiences in effective ways.

What could targeting Generation X with paid ads do for your business growth?

New comment by mahnen in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (September 2020)"

Positrigo | Full Stack Software Developer | Zurich | Apply: https://positrigo-ag.breezy.hr/p/234b41567cba-full-stack-sof…

Our vision at Positrigo is to image everyone by bringing nuclear medical imaging to the patients. That is why we work to develop the smallest and most affordable brain PET system – combining cutting-edge medical imaging technology with simplicity to enable the early and reliable detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. We are an ETH Zurich spin-off which has just closed its Series A investment round. With your help we want to take our first product NeuroLF to the markets!