Max Rhodes on technology
From Welcome to Reshaping Retail with Max Rhodes | Reshaping Retail | Faire · · Faire
“Technology platforms like Faire are giving smaller stores the power to compete with big box stores in new and exciting ways.”
On , Max Rhodes, CEO & Co-Founder at Faire, spoke about technology during Welcome to Reshaping Retail with Max Rhodes | Reshaping Retail | Faire on Faire.
About Max Rhodes
Max Rhodes, CEO and co-founder of Faire, has been focused on expanding the platform’s tools for independent retailers and brands. In late 2024 and 2025, he announced a major upgrade to the Insider free shipping program, doubling the number of brands on which retailers receive free shipping and introducing exclusive phone support. He also introduced Fair Pay, a payment option that gives retailers 3% back on purchases, and highlighted the rollout of product-level reviews, a no-import-duties filter, and volume pricing discounts. Rhodes stated that the company is using AI to improve search results and product recommendations, and that it has worked with FedEx to negotiate lower shipping rates for brands using the “Ship with Faire” service. Rhodes has also spoken about the company’s growth and strategy. He described a partnership with Shopify as an “incredible endorsement” and said the companies would deepen their integrations. In discussions about board management, he said that board members are like “executive hires that you cannot fire” and emphasized the importance of choosing them carefully. He noted that he regretted not heeding board members’ warnings in 2021 about overspending and excessive focus on competition. Rhodes has also discussed the challenges independent retailers face from inflation, but said their ability to buy inventory 30 to 60 days in advance gives them an advantage over larger chains.