Why I Created Racko

Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of running a successful small cosmetic manufacturing business. From formulating unique products to building a loyal customer base, the experience was both exciting and rewarding. But as the business grew, so did its complexity—especially when it came to managing inventory.

The Struggle with Existing Solutions

In a fast-paced manufacturing environment, a proper inventory management system isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s essential. It needs to handle raw materials, track product batches, and streamline the process of assembling finished goods. On top of that, my business sold products across multiple channels—from our own online store to major marketplaces like Shopify and Amazon. We needed a tool that could bring all these moving parts into one unified system.

Yet, when I looked for software solutions that could handle build/assembly processes, lot tracking, and multiple sales channels, I kept hitting the same roadblocks. Tools like SOS Inventory, Katana, and Fishbowl offered pieces of the puzzle but lacked the flexibility and deep integrations I required. While these platforms do serve many businesses well, they simply weren’t nimble enough for our unique workflows and growth ambitions.

The Integration Headache

To compensate for missing features, I tried integration tools like Zapier and Make.com. I hoped that connecting different software would give me the seamless functionality I needed. Unfortunately, this approach came with its own set of challenges. Integrations would break without warning, workflows would become unstable, and I found myself spending more time troubleshooting than actually focusing on the core of my business—creating and selling great products.

When Off-the-Shelf Isn’t Enough

It was frustrating. I was juggling multiple platforms and spending too much on labor just to keep everything running smoothly. At one point, I realized how much manpower went into simply managing inventory processes. It became clear: the right software didn’t seem to exist for my specific needs. If I couldn’t find it, maybe it was time to build it.

Building Racko

I started outlining exactly what I needed:

• True Build/Assembly Management: A system that allows me to track the transformation of raw materials into finished products, with complete visibility at every step.

• Lot Tracking: A platform that easily handles batch numbers, expiration dates, and regulatory requirements—crucial in a cosmetic manufacturing environment.

• Deep Sales Channel Integration: Software that plays nicely with Shopify, Amazon, and other sales platforms without requiring half a dozen plugins or unstable integrations.

• Customizable Workflows: Tools that can adjust to my processes, instead of forcing my business into a rigid, one-size-fits-all mold.

• Built-In Shipping Solutions: Integrations that connect directly to popular carriers, allowing me to generate labels, track shipments, and manage fulfillment all in one place—without cobbling together multiple third-party apps.

What began as a personal project to solve my own inventory woes grew into something bigger: a new SaaS platform, Racko. With the right technology stack and a user-friendly interface, I was finally able to simplify my business operations. In fact, I could reduce my team’s overhead—going from three full-time inventory management staff members down to a single part-timer. The time and resources I saved could be reinvested into product innovation and customer experience, rather than back-office busywork.

A Tool Built by a Business Owner, for Business Owners

What sets Racko apart is the perspective behind it. This isn’t just software dreamed up in a vacuum—it’s the result of real-world problems faced in a growing manufacturing operation. I know firsthand what it’s like to sift through clunky interfaces, wrestle with unstable integrations, and pay for features I don’t need, all while still missing the ones I do.

By creating Racko, my goal is to help other small to medium-sized manufacturers, retailers, and brand owners break free from the limitations of generic inventory tools. I want them to focus on what truly matters: improving their products, delighting their customers, and growing their business.

Seamless Fulfillment and Shipping

One of the most significant pain points I encountered was handling the shipping process. In my previous setup, I was forced to manage separate shipping software, carrier accounts, and spreadsheets just to keep track of parcels. With Racko's built-in shipping solution, you can instantly generate shipping labels, pick and pack orders efficiently, and track packages right alongside your inventory data. No more juggling accounts or wrestling with clunky integrations—just straightforward, reliable fulfillment that saves both time and money.

Looking Ahead

Racko isn’t just about solving my past challenges—it’s about looking forward. As the platform grows, I’m committed to iterating based on user feedback and keeping up with emerging trends. We’re building a community of entrepreneurs who need a tool that’s both flexible and stable, and I’m excited to see the positive impact this software can have.

In Short…

I created Racko because I needed a solution that didn’t exist. It’s been a journey from a frustrated cosmetic manufacturer to a SaaS founder with a clear mission: to make inventory management simpler, smarter, and more customizable for businesses everywhere. If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with inventory spreadsheets, patchy integrations, or limited software that doesn’t truly fit your needs, then Racko might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.