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Sometimes, great things come from unexpected beginnings. This is the story of Sodacrew, a company that started gift-giving as an add-on to its remittance service product but, later unexpectedly blossomed into an independent business serving hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. What began as a side project became one of the most trusted cross-border gifting services.
SodaGift’s Beginnings
In 2015, Sodacrew’s founders—Jake Kim, Daniel Lee, and Richard Kim—tirelessly searched for the next big thing in business. They toyed with various business concepts but landed on SodaTransfer, a digital wallet service that facilitates international money transfers. Officially launched in 2016, SodaTransfer garnered around 16,000 users who appreciate its cheaper and more convenient money transfer service than traditional banks.
The entrepreneurs saw the success of SodaTransfer, but to make it more appealing, they added a unique perk—a complementary offering that allows users to send gifts alongside their remittances called SodaGift. Both services received positive feedback, yet SodaGift’s growth outstripped the original remittance platform. The three founders saw an opportunity and immense potential in the gifting industry.
Jake Kim, Sodacrew’s current chief executive officer (CEO), adds, “Things seem to fall into its right place at that time. While SodaTransfer struggled with stringent financial laws, SodaGift was booming, giving us, as businessmen, an opportunity to think through and pivot.”
Recognizing the relative lack of regulations in the gifting industry, the co-founders boldly decided to pivot away from the remittance business and entirely focus on SodaGift. Jake Kim adds, “Although we know our remittance platform will benefit those needing a cheap, reliable international money transfer service, we felt the pivot was necessary to give SodaGift the chance it deserved. Though it still was a risk, we believe that risk is what we needed at that time.”
Scaling New Heights
The transition proved to be a turning point for Sodacrew. Officially launched in January 2019, its service, SodaGift, quickly established itself as a seamless platform for sending gifts internationally. By December 2021, the service had garnered 100,000 users; by June 2022, that number had surged to 190,000.
SodaGift’s unique selling proposition lies in its ability to simplify international gifting. Unlike traditional gifting services that often involve lengthy processes and delays, SodaGift allows users to send gifts with just the recipient’s email address, mobile number, or social media handle.
Through its app, gift-givers can effortlessly browse, select, and send gifts to recipients in eight countries within minutes. They can choose from over 4,000 items from 400 brand partners, including 150 US-based brands, and pay through diverse payment options, including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal.
Catering specifically to global consumers, SodaGift enables digital gift delivery via email, text message, or social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, or LINE. These are sent as links that the recipient can easily access.
SodaGift also facilitates sending physical items through local delivery options, even without knowing the recipient’s address. Unlike conventional delivery services that require the sender to have the recipient’s address beforehand, SodaGift streamlines this process via a URL link, which the sender can share with the recipient in any format they choose. The recipient can then enter their shipping address for delivery, ensuring a smooth and efficient gifting experience.
Business Spotlight: Sodacrew’s Journey From a Fintech Startup to Today’s Reliable Global Gifting Service
Technology has transformed how people connect, making even the most distant interactions feel close and personal. This advancement has reshaped numerous industries and gift-giving is no exception.
Los Angeles, California, United States - May 9, 2024 —
Technology has transformed how people connect, making even the most distant interactions feel close and personal. This advancement has reshaped numerous industries and gift-giving is no exception. Gone are the days when sending a gift across borders was laden with logistical nightmares and hefty shipping fees. Companies like Sodacrew Global Inc., through its service, SodaGift, have turned these challenges into a seamless experience, making international gifting straightforward and effortless.
SodaGift is a reliable international gift-giving service that removes the traditional complexities of sending gifts abroad. No more navigating through perplexing postal codes, grappling with customs regulations, or enduring long delivery windows. This service simplifies the process and enriches the experience, ensuring that gifts convey the warmth and thoughtfulness they are meant to deliver.
What SodaGift Solves
Sending a gift across international borders is one of the most thoughtful ways to express care and maintain connections. It transcends the physical miles that separate friends, families, or colleagues. For those living abroad or separated from loved ones, these gifts bridge and reduce the emotional distance, making significant occasions feel shared and celebrated together.
However, the complexities of international logistics—from understanding various customs regulations to dealing with potential delays and additional costs—can turn what should be a simple act of kindness into a stressful and sometimes costly idea.
SodaGift believes gift-giving should be simple, regardless of location. With its SodaGift mobile app and website, anyone can send gifts to eight countries—the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines—and can choose a variety of gift packs and cards to send their loved ones on any occasion.
The SodaGift Edge
SodaGift streamlines the international gift-giving process. Using its app, gift-givers can easily browse, select, and send gifts to eight countries within minutes. Catering specifically to global consumers, SodaGift enables digital gift delivery. Whether via email, text message, or social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, or LINE, gifts are sent as links that the recipient can easily access.
For Sodacrew Global Inc.’s CEO, Jake Kim, this method eliminates the need for physical shipping addresses, bypassing the logistical complexities of international postage and customs delays. It also reduces shipping costs, making the use of SodaGift's digital gift cards more convenient and economical.
However, for those who still prefer traditional physical gifts, SodaGift also facilitates sending physical items through its local delivery options, even without knowing the recipient's address. Unlike conventional delivery services that require the sender to have the recipient’s address before sending, SodaGift takes this process differently.
[Business Insider] Meet SodaGift, the International Gift-Giving Service Without the Hassle | Markets Insider
PANGYO, South Korea, Feb. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to purchasing a gift card online as a gift, even for the most tech savvies, all the cumbersome steps customers have to complete just to find the receiving end have to go through the same hassle would have shooed them away. But there is a South Korean startup specializing in a turnkey solution for an easier and more pleasurable online gifting experience. And it has just been launched in the United States and Canada. Meet SodaGift (https://sodagift.com/en).
SodaGift's app interface
From its incubation period, SodaGift's idea received attention due to the underlying demand and the potential target population. Due to the ever-increasing need for online gifting, SodaGift has met an unprecedented demand both domestically and internationally. With over 300 brands and 3,500 gifts, shoppers around the globe could purchase anything for their friends and family back in South Korea. Not to mention their hassle-free checkout process with no need for a Korean phone number nor Korean debit/credit card. To top it off, their mobile gift allows shoppers to send gift cards via text or email with a few clicks.
Soon after growing the market as a whole and becoming the industry's largest shareholder, SodaGift decided to take on the next milestone: launch a global-wide service. To meet the relentless demand of cross-border gifting, SodaGift has launched their global service that truly transcends borders; shoppers can now gift realtime to USA and Canada from overseas or within USA and Canada. Popular US and Canadian brands such as Amazon, Starbucks, Nike, Tim Horton, and Walmart are all available in the form of a gift card. With this new launch, SodaGift is striving to expand their cross-border services to other countries in the imminent future.
While there are numerous providers offering a similar service, the majority caters to corporate gifting in bulk quantities. On the contrary, SodaGift not only provides bulk purchases but gravitates towards individual purchases with attention to personal details such as including an e-note along with the gift card. And this is only the beginning, as they are preparing to roll out many more exciting features in the soon to come future.
[The Korea Herald] SodaCrew: SodaGift Expands Mobile Gifting to North America
Image courtesy of Sodacrew Global Inc.
Technology has transformed how people connect, making even the most distant interactions feel close and personal. This advancement has reshaped numerous industries and gift-giving is no exception. Gone are the days when sending a gift across borders was laden with logistical nightmares and hefty shipping fees. Companies like Sodacrew Global Inc., through its service, SodaGift, have turned these challenges into a seamless experience, making international gifting straightforward and effortless.
SodaGift is a reliable international gift-giving service that removes the traditional complexities of sending gifts abroad. No more navigating through perplexing postal codes, grappling with customs regulations, or enduring long delivery windows. This service simplifies the process and enriches the experience, ensuring that gifts convey the warmth and thoughtfulness they are meant to deliver.
What SodaGift Solves
Sending a gift across international borders is one of the most thoughtful ways to express care and maintain connections. It transcends the physical miles that separate friends, families, or colleagues. For those living abroad or separated from loved ones, these gifts bridge and reduce the emotional distance, making significant occasions feel shared and celebrated together.
However, the complexities of international logistics—from understanding various customs regulations to dealing with potential delays and additional costs—can turn what should be a simple act of kindness into a stressful and sometimes costly idea.
SodaGift believes gift-giving should be simple, regardless of location. With its SodaGift mobile app and website, anyone can send gifts to eight countries—the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and the Philippines—and can choose a variety of gift packs and cards to send their loved ones on any occasion.
The SodaGift Edge
SodaGift strealines the international gift-giving process. Using its app, gift-givers can easily browse, select, and send gifts to eight countries within minutes. Catering specifically to global consumers, SodaGift enables digital gift delivery. Whether via email, text message, or social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, or LINE, gifts are sent as links that the recipient can easily access.
For Sodacrew Global Inc.’s CEO, Jake Kim, this method eliminates the need for physical shipping addresses, bypassing the logistical complexities of international postage and customs delays. It also reduces shipping costs, making the use of SodaGift’s digital gift cards more convenient and economical.
However, for those who still prefer traditional physical gifts, SodaGift also facilitates sending physical items through its local delivery options, even without knowing the recipient’s address. Unlike conventional delivery services that require the sender to have the recipient’s address before sending, SodaGift takes this process differently.
According to Kim, once the sender finalizes the gift to send, a URL link will be created, which the sender can freely share with the recipient in whatever format he or she wants. Then, once sent, the giftee can enter his or her shipping address for delivery. This unique approach not only preserves the gift’s element of surprise but also enhances the thoughtfulness put into every gift sent.
Kim shares, “We are aligning international gift-giving to today’s digital and global consumers. We make it easy for them to maintain personal connections across borders, turning giving a joyful act rather than a stressful one.”
Serving the Best of Both Worlds
[Ritz Herald] Meet SodaGift, the International Gift-Giving Service Without the Hassle | The Ritz Herald
PANGYO, South Korea, June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global gifting service SodaGift launched their mobile app available both on Android and iOS early June.
SodaGift allows users to send digital gift cards and delivery gifts from abroad to Korea and are in the works to expand their gift coverage in North America by the end of 2021. Currently, digital gift cards from over 150 brands are offered and delivered via text message or link share. Delivery gifts range from flowers to gift sets that vary according to seasons and holidays.
Payment methods and language support have been the largest barriers in online gifting from Korean online stores for foreigners and expats. SodaGift accepts international cards and all aspects of the service including customer support is available in both Korean and English.
Daniel Lee, chief executive officer of SodaCrew, said “The demand for cross-border gifting has reached an all-time high and SodaGift plans to meet and exceed expectations with this launch as a mobile app has been the most requested product feature from users.”
With this launch, the brand featured a new pink brand logo and slogan “A little surprise, everywhere” to connect with users on a friendlier level.
SOURCE SodaCrew Inc
[AP News] SodaGift launches app to make gifting easier
PANGYO, South Korea, June 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global gifting service SodaGift launched their mobile app available both on Android and iOS early June.
SodaGift allows users to send digital gift cards and delivery gifts from abroad to Korea and are in the works to expand their gift coverage in North America by the end of 2021. Currently, digital gift cards from over 150 brands are offered and delivered via text message or link share. Delivery gifts range from flowers to gift sets that vary according to seasons and holidays.
Payment methods and language support have been the largest barriers in online gifting from Korean online stores for foreigners and expats. SodaGift accepts international cards and all aspects of the service including customer support is available in both Korean and English.
Daniel Lee, chief executive officer of SodaCrew, said "The demand for cross-border gifting has reached an all-time high and SodaGift plans to meet and exceed expectations with this launch as a mobile app has been the most requested product feature from users."
With this launch, the brand featured a new pink brand logo and slogan "A little surprise, everywhere" to connect with users on a friendlier level.
SOURCE SodaCrew Inc
Related Links
[PR Newswire] SodaGift launches app to make "gifting easier"
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Mother's Day is a cherished occasion to honor the incredible women who have raised and inspired us. In the United States, where this celebration is warmly observed with gifts and tokens of appreciation, eGift cards present a practical and thoughtful option that lets moms select precisely what they love. Whether your mother in the U.S. enjoys staying active, indulging in beauty treatments, savoring gourmet meals, or shopping for the latest trends, there's an eGift card perfectly tailored to her interests. Here are some top recommendations across various categories to delight any mom this Mother's Day.
1. For the Sporty Mom
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Callaway: Perfect for the golf-loving mom, a Callaway eGift card can be the ticket to new golf clubs, balls, or accessories.
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Columbia Sportswear: Ideal for moms who love the outdoors, Columbia offers apparel and gear that combine style with functionality.
2. For the Beauty Lover
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Sephora: With an endless selection of beauty products, a Sephora eGift card is a makeup enthusiast's dream.
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Ulta Beauty: For the mom who appreciates beauty in all its forms, Ulta Beauty offers everything from cosmetics to skincare and haircare products.
3. For the Spa Enthusiast
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SpaFinder Wellness: Give the gift of relaxation with a SpaFinder Wellness eGift card, which can be used at thousands of spa locations.
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Spa Week: Another excellent option for a spa day, allowing moms to indulge in massages, facials, and more.
The Perfect eGift Recommendations for Mother's Day
Kyle Lee (Sang Jae Lee) Marketer of SodaGift
When do you usually give gifts? Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays - there are many occasions. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts can vary greatly from one culture to another. Beyond universally recognized gift-giving days like New Year's Day on January 1st and Christmas on December 25th, let me introduce you to other occasions for exchanging gifts in the USA.
March, April - Easter: Celebrating New Life and Hope
Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a significant Christian event that coincides with the beginning of spring. It's usually celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21st, making the date vary between March 22nd and April 25th each year. In the USA, families and friends go to church together, and children enjoy Easter egg hunts. Easter is a wonderful opportunity to convey gratitude to loved ones. Gifts like baskets, flowers, chocolates, eggs, and bunny-shaped candies are particularly popular. Eggs symbolize rebirth, and there's a tradition that bunnies bring these eggs.
May 12th - Mother's Day, June 16th - Father's Day: Gratitude for Endless Love
Mother's Day and Father's Day are among the occasions with the most gift-giving worldwide. Is any explanation needed for expressing love and gratitude on these days? In the USA, it's customary to gift flowers, including carnations, on Mother's Day. While gifting flowers is becoming more common on Father's Day, practical and personal gifts are still preferred. Remember, the best gift is spending quality time with your parents.
Gifting flowers on Mother’s Day: https://sodagift.com/en/send-to-united-states/brands/Flower-Delivery_801
Gifting gift cards on Father’s Day: https://sodagift.com/en/send-to-united-states/brands/by-category/All_0
August - Back to School: Cheering for a New Start
The start of a new school term is also a great time for gifts. In the USA, students return to school at the end of the summer break, typically between late August and early September. The beginning of a new school year signifies an important change and a fresh start for students. It's a great opportunity to renew one's mindset with new school supplies, gadgets, and clothes.
When is the Best Time to Send Your Love to the USA?
SodaCrew Global Inc. 2024 Eng ver.