eCommerce and the Future
Every year companies are seeing more of their revenue being generated from ecommerce platforms. The internet allows companies to sell products direct to consumers and enables businesses to downsize brick and mortar operations in favor of digital avenues. A business cannot be successful without some sort of online presence and companies must continue to modernize as the internet evolves.
Brick-and-Mortar
There will always be a place for brick-and-mortar stores in our economy and in our communities. People need a place to go when they need something in a hurry or if they need fresh items. Grocery stores will always exist because shoppers like to look at produce and products before they purchase. However, online delivery services offer convenience and the ability to get all the same products. A symbiotic relationship has developed between these online grocery companies and local stores. Most local stores have partnered with at least one delivery company to ensure they are not getting left behind in the times. These stores need the revenue they gain from partnering with delivery companies and the delivery company needs the fresh products that the store can offer. Times has forced these businesses to modernize to stay profitable.
The same comparison can be made when talking about clothing companies. Consumers like the experience of seeing mannequins and trying on different options, but sometimes we feel like ordering online. Most major American retailers have blended these two ways of shopping. Major stores offer free returns to any physical store location, the ability to order online and pick an item up in the store, and often online orders are shipped out from retail locations. Most retailers prefer to have as much product in the store as possible. This makes stores look full and provided a better shopping atmosphere but shipping from these locations ensures one store does not sit on too much merchandise. If it doesn’t sell in one location or area a business can avoid taking a loss on the merchandise by filling online orders and shipping it to a location where the item might be in high demand.
Website Quality
Presentation is a huge part of what makes a retail store successful. Customers want to be able to visualize outfits, products for their homes, and just about anything else they will purchase. The same rule applies for online ecommerce websites. A websites construction, ease of navigation, and the ability to convey exactly what an end user is purchasing is crucial to any website’s success. People need to be able to find what they are looking for in as few of clicks as possible. A website that is tough to navigate or a product page that is confusing can be a turnoff for any serious buyer. However, it is important to have some patience when shopping online as well. To get the best price, you might have to explore websites that put less cash into their website construction. Website upgrades are expensive and companies with smaller budgets might not be as fast to modernize as other businesses. The ultimate rule of shopping online is not to be afraid to ask questions. If you are confused about a product, ask, any creditable company and they should happily provide you with an answer.
Advertisement
Most of us get more emails a day then we think should be possible. Unlike traditional mail and other printer advertisements, emails are cheap. All you need is a list of email addresses and a template to send out. That is why almost every company sends daily e-mails. Most end up in spam filters and some of us block these emails or even unsubscribe to them. However, there is value in being patient and looking at them. You never know what deals you will see in these sales emails, and you might even find something you must have. Companies are betting that at least a few people will see the email, look at them, and remember the company. It is good business. If it takes 100000 emails to get one purchase it is worth it. The cost of sending the advertisement is so low and the benefit is gained revenue.
Security
The final key to running any online business is to ensure consumer confidence in your product. A website must be secure and offer a range of protection of personal information. No one likes it when their private information or even their credit card numbers are exposed and the damage a security breach can cause for any business is unimaginable. When shopping online look for a few simple things to ensure your safety. First, companies that offer the ability to sign up for accounts are a must. These accounts allow you to create your own password that limits access to personal information. If a website asks for your name and credit card number without offering at least some type of account set up it should be questioned. Second, most websites should have clear terms and conditions posted. It is always a good idea to read these terms and conditions so you can understand what to expect from a transaction. Finally, do not be afraid to reach out to a company if you are unsure. As stated earlier any reputable business should reply to you within a reasonable amount of time.
As the world moves forward and technology and infrastructure continue to improve the amount of business conducted online should continue to grow. We must embrace this change and be on the forefront of progress. Do not be scared to shop online and embrace the convenience of the internet.