Ecommerce businesses need to start looking for new e-commerce tips against coronavirus if they are to survive this health crisis that is sinking the economy. Coronavirus is completely changing the daily lives of people and companies. As uncertainty continues to grow, consumers see online shopping as a reliable means of supply. Italy, one of the most affected countries, has seen the online sales sector increase by up to 80%.
In a situation where everything changes overnight, shopify store owners must pay close attention and try to ensure normal sales. It remains to be seen what ecommerce business tips against coronavirus are adopted by Shopify store owners.
Is Coronavirus Affecting E-commerce?
The harsh measures taken by various countries are having a significant impact on online commerce. Investment in advertising fell by 35% due to the slowdown that occurred in various sectors. Economic uncertainty has also reached consumers’ pockets, which have reduced purchases by 50%. In addition, total revenue decreased by around 40%.
The online stores that most noticed the general decline were those that depend on physical production. Dropshipping is failing as Suppliers are not delivering orders on time and several logistics companies are failing. In addition, one of the strong campaigns of the year, Father’s Day, has been significantly reduced. Others have had to stop their delivery services, such as Mercadona in Madrid.
Ecommerce Tips Against Coronavirus
During this crisis there are several actions you can take to minimize the impact of the virus on your online business. The important thing is to guarantee the supply chain, but it is also necessary to maintain quality customer service.
1. Close Relationship With Suppliers
We recommend monitoring the situation with local suppliers and distributors. You must always be informed, from official sources or from suppliers. Try to have a good relationship with them, then the flow of information will be better and you will have less unexpected surprises.
Now is a good time to get detailed information on international regulations and protocols for crisis situations. China, for example, has changed several points in its legislation due to the impact of the virus on New Year’s celebrations.
Several restrictive measures have been activated. Many workers will not go to work, which limits the capacity of the factories. It is essential to check all the factors of your business so that you are not the last online in your sector.
2. Increase Quality Control
Rumors of Chinese factory production are creating uncertainty in many European online stores. The Chinese New Year is the festive season for many employees and with this crisis many have not returned to work. This explains many delays in shipping and distribution, as production has been reduced. The holidays were “forcibly” lengthened for many employees and factories note this shortage of staff. This led to a drop in product quality in order to meet all needs.
Quality checks have even been reduced to increase shipments. Therefore, be careful with your orders and be sure to offer only warranty products in your shopify store.
3. Inventory Always Well Stocked
All e-commerce tips against coronavirus that are published require adequate stock. Although many factories are lowering quality to maintain shipments, other suppliers have not opted for this tactic. Stocks will be reduced in the coming weeks, so it’s time to be proactive.
If you can, buy more than usual, as it’s not clear when it will return to normal.
4. Manage Sales Correctly
In case of shipping and inventory problems, you should protect the total margin and placement on Shopify. Take note of current sales and current inventory. Also, be aware of possible supplier delays and sales distribution. With this data in hand, rethink your e-commerce tips against coronavirus and ask yourself: how long can I endure this situation based on the market?
We recommend that you adjust the discounts, promotions and prices of all your items to check sales. Maximize the inventory margin you currently have and make sure you guarantee a minimum of shipments to your customers.
5. Intensive and Personalized Customer Service
It should not be forgotten that without consumers willing to buy from online stores, they don’t make sense. For this reason, e-commerce tips against coronavirus must place great importance on consumer concerns.
In times of crisis you must offer attentive and humane customer service. You have to prepare yourself to solve numerous problems with patience and a lot of empathy. Also get cool shopify themes to improve user experience
We recommend that you strengthen the team of people who are dedicated to this task in your company. Why not expand with external structures located abroad? Any measures that benefit the relationship with your consumers are positive. This section should be prepared for all questions that customers can ask. For example, delays in shipping, such as picking up packages and the safety of opening the packaging.
Tips for Alleviating the Effect of the Crisis On Your Ecommerce
For new e-commerce tips against coronavirus you need to think about providing services to users. The suggestions that you will find below are the actions that will help you manage your communication:
A. Offer Special Promotions
Design an extraordinary campaign with reduced prices to free up the stock you have in stock. You can also make promotions like 2 × 1 on popular items at the end of the current crisis. Winking at your consumers will improve their perception of your brand.
B. Adapt Your Communication Plan
In such a situation, you can do more than you think for your followers. Change your social media strategy and offer content related to the current problem. You can provide relevant information or opt for friendly posts that distract them from everything that is happening.
C. It Offers Different Payment Methods
This new crisis will be a serious blow to the economy of many families. One way to continue selling is to offer delivery earlier in the following month. Another interesting proposal is interest-free financing. You will collect a sale later but better than none.
D. Design New Newsletters
Email marketing is still an excellent tool for spreading messages and promotions. Develop campaigns to promote new discounts in your catalog and recommend your customer service to the customer. Likewise, you can also send a newsletter simply with a positive message, without the intention of selling. Now is also the time to join and strengthen the relationship with your community.
Author Bio: My name is Dave Wilson and I am the Marketing Head at Debutify. We here at Debutify help you to build a high converting Shopify store in minutes, not hours, without any technical knowledge at all.
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