Open Talk @DSIM
An Interview with Co- Founder of Stitchwood.com, Ajit Shegaonkar
Stitchwood is an online customized furniture store that empowers you to design and create furniture that fits your requirement. Stitchwood was founded by Ajit Shegaonkar and Vikas Nair.
Stitchwood not only offers an easy-to-use online customization interface but it also allows you to visualize your creation to the finest detail. Stitchwood bring to you beautiful, unique and personalized furniture at affordable prices in an easy and hassle-free manner.
Ans. Firstly, I would like to thanks to DSIM for inviting me and giving me opportunity to speak about my company and let the world know about my business. Before starting Stitchwood, I worked as an investment banker with Deutsche bank for six years. I have completed my graduation from IIT Bombay in Mechanical Engineering, B.Tech in the year 2004. Soon after I pursued my masters in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and completed it in the year 2007.
Ans. It all started with my personal unpalatable experience when I was looking to have a wardrobe made. While running from branded stores for readymade furniture to local carpenters, I realized that the space is poked with problems. Even if the local carpenters customize furniture, issues of aesthetic sense, pricing, quality, delivery, installation or after-sales support leaves a lot to be desired.
Vikas Nair (Co-founder and COO) and I took time and brainstormed over couple of meetings and discuss various business ideas. But this idea struck us during these discussions and finally we decided to take the plunge and do something about all these pain points.
Ans. Being an online portal most of our marketing efforts are focused on digital marketing and social media marketing. In the offline medium – events and other focus group activities have worked out immensely good for us.
Search Engine Optimization & Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Engaging Evangelists and Influencers, creating Blogs, etc. have been at the core of our overall marketing strategy.
Through all these mediums along with some offline effort we intend to increase traffic to our website so that the users experience our interface and make an informed buying decision.
Social media marketing activities have allowed Stitchwood to actively interact and engage with existing and potential customers.
For example: We have built communities on social media platforms like Facebook. Where we invite and engage people who are interested in home and furniture decor.
Ans. E-commerce has witnessed a paradigm shift from viewing customers as passive receivers of value to co-owners of it. Their engagement in the product creation/ production process has become extremely critical. Customers no longer buy online rather they ‘shop’, which means we have to focus on enhancing their shopping experience. Technology is going to play a key role in creating effective solutions in our business model.
Our goal is to enable the consumers to use technology to not only design their furniture but also help them visualize it even before they decide to buy it. We are investing heavily in technology to continuously improve and enhance customer experience.
“It was fantastic talking to you Mr. Ajit. Thank you so much for giving your time and providing us valuable information. Team DSIM wishes you all the best for your future.”
