How TracksRacks Is Revolutionizing The Future Of Fashion PR
Pick-ups and returns- we all have to do ‘em but let’s be honest, it’s probably the least fun part of the job. Sample trafficking is essential to the fashion industry and there’s no way to get around it-or is there? That’s where entrepreneur Tara Robinson’s new app, TrackRacks comes in to save the day.
TracksRacks is an all in one web based management service for fashion companies. TracksRacks plans to revolutionize sample trafficking by using product recognition, QR codes and client databases to simplify the process and decrease sample loss; from check-ins to returns.
Could our days of hauling around our weight in garment bags be over? Let’s hear it straight from Tara herself on how she’s planning to change the game with this app!
Hi Tara, tell us about your background in fashion, how did you get started in the industry and what led you to the idea for TracksRacks?
I decided I wanted to pursue a career in Fashion PR my junior year of college. I didn't know how many career paths existed in the industry before this point. I decided after I completed my undergrad degree to obtain my MBA in Fashion Management and Entrepreneurship at LIM College. After completing my MBA, I worked in sales, then as the Marketing Manager for a Canadian shoe retailer with over 116 stores.
While I was interning for a stylist during my MBA I saw how chaotic and archaic the sample management process was and I knew that it could be digitalized and streamlined. I fully formed the idea for TracksRacks during a Launching New Ventures course I was taking that semester.
Walk us through how the app works
TracksRacks digitalizes the sample management process with a web and mobile based platform. You simply snap or upload the pictures of the items you want to check in and tag all the designer information to correctly identify the sample.
This information is stored in our system and provides each sample order with a unique QR code so when its time to return the samples you won't mix up items. Customers can use the camera in their phone or computer as QR code reader which allows the samples to be returned in simple 2 minute process. They also have the option to access our messengers who can deliver and pick up samples for them!
Was it a tough decision to leave fashion to pursue more of the tech side or was it a no brainer
It was difficult because it was my dream job in fashion and I had more goals I wanted to achieve in the industry but I just couldn't not create this solution that I knew the industry needed and I was really excited about getting into the fashion-tech space.
What distinguishes TracksRacks from other messenger services
The fact that we aren't only a messenger service, we manage the entire sample management process from start to finish. We provide a virtual showroom, we help with employee accountability and lower company liability. We put all the available messengers services on our platform allowing you to access all of messenger companies in one location without ever leaving the platform. Also it's fully mobile accessible so you can access it at anytime and any place.
How have you been able to get the word out for companies to trust you with these samples
I provide a free 30-day trial so that companies can see the solution for themselves. Since I am from the industry I can talk to clients in their language to show how this can solve the current issues they are having. I also use social media by having fashion industry influencers talk about my product to my target audience.
If you were pitching this to Vogue or one of the big Parisian fashion houses what would you say why do they NEED Track Racks
The industry is evolving and in order for fashion companies to keep up with the industry we need efficient, affordable and digital tech based solutions to streamline how we operate our business.
What’s the vision? Where do you see TracksRacks going in the next couple years because the industry is constantly changing very quickly and now with social media things are moving faster and faster
I see so much for TracksRacks in the future, we want to integrate with other retail products to help the entire logistic ecosystem. We also want to get into the share economy with messengers so we can expand our reach even quicker.
We are targeting all the major fashion hubs so that we can have our solution available everywhere. We are creating digital documents such as pull letters and letters of responsibility so all of those documents can be signed and stored online. Our goal is to keep creating SaaS solutions for the business of fashion.