For a sec, think about how was 2020, I know it’s a nightmare for the majority of middle-class and lower-middle-class people all around the world. But it was the year the eCommerce industry unleashed its full potential.
Let me give a glance at what is eCommerce,
eCommerce means the online exchange of currency for goods or services. The term eCommerce is so open-ended that it covers all the buying and selling that takes place online and the major types include B2B, B2C, C2B, C2C. Let’s not go deep into what is eCommerce instead I’ll explain the impacts of Covid-19 on the eCommerce industry and how businesses can adapt, overcome and improvise those challenges to their advantage.
How Covid-19 changed eCommerce in recent months
Is it safe?
Some may doubt whether it’s a good idea to order online during a pandemic situation?
Let me clear that,
According to CDC, the probability that the Covid-19 spreading through transportation and delivery of products is low to zero. This is because the shipping conditions are not suitable and favorable for viruses to survive. Hence, it’s safe to say that you would not be exposed to Covid-19 from packages you order online.
The WHO also supports it. The following statement has been published on their official website “The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.” Still, we can never be too careful, right? I would suggest you wash your hands with soap after the delivery which is an extra precautionary step you can follow.
2020- a fine year for eCommerce business owners
Think about how we used to buy things before the pandemic situation, ordering products or goods online is one of the many options. Some may have even hesitated to order online due to fear of bad quality, product missing, payment processing issues, etc., but the situation after the pandemic has changed drastically. Ordering online is the primary and better option nowadays.
Covid-19 pandemic changed the game of the eCommerce business. Many companies in this industry struggled at the beginning but eventually emerged successful. They have tried and tested various working models as to how to deliver products effectively despite increasing demand.
We have witnessed how people suffered during the pandemic period, many small businesses shattered, but I would say the eCommerce industry benefited from it. People are getting used to purchase online.
What are the next trends of eCommerce?
Coronavirus is indeed changing the trends of the eCommerce industry. The practice of social distancing and staying home has pushed customers to buy products online. It becomes their only choice, hence people who do not prefer online buying or who are not interested are getting used to it now. Guess what? People may become addicted to buy products online in 2021, Who knows anything may happen.
So, what are you waiting for, gear up, and start your eCommerce business? If you are already running it, try to improve and develop it. This can’t be stressed further.
To become successful in this eCommerce business, you should have a reliable mobile app with the latest graphics and designs. Additionally, an app equipped with dynamic content and animations will lure customers to buy more products. The more you sell the more you make profits.
I have listed some checkpoints that can be useful to make your eCommerce business successful.
Make necessary changes:-
Adapting to Covid-19 and making slight changes in your business operation will play a vital role in 2021. Some may hesitate to buy online due to the risk of Covid-19, it’s your duty those remove the risk factors. You can go after these ideas,
- Online payments – Motivate customers to buy online. Encourage customers to make online payments, this prevents cash from being exchanged through hands which is an outstanding safety measure.
- Proof of delivery – Follow contactless delivery, taking photographs instead of signatures as proof of delivery will be effective here. This is now being followed by almost all delivery businesses.
Follow proper procedures:–
Training staff to follow hygiene and safety measures like wearing masks and gloves, using sanitizers, checking the body temperatures, etc., will help to prevent Covid-19 outbreak and customers will be more satisfied. If you provide a superior delivery service that helps to achieve a convenient buying experience, customers may not worry about the price being high, they will be ready to pay more for quality products and services.
Make customers loyal to you:–
Every business aims to increase its brand popularity, customer satisfaction, audience base, and revenue generation. This can be achieved if you acquire customer loyalty. Optimizing your eCommerce app or website is also important when you desire to attract more customers. Consider these points,
- Make sure to deliver only quality products
- Make refunds when the customer demands it with a valid reason
- Exchange a product if the customer finds a quality issue.
Know what’s the high demand sectors:-
eCommerce businesses operating in some sectors like basic and essential goods and services will always have demand. If full lockdown comes into effect, the delivery services of essential goods like milk and dairy products, grocery items, fruits, and vegetables will continue to operate with government permission. So, these businesses will continue to operate, even there will be a good chance to earn more.
The shift in demand from usual retail to eCommerce:–
Covid- 19 has given a taste of how eCommerce can help to make buying process comfortable and convenient. This will encourage new entrepreneurs to enter this field which results in increased competition. To stand out practice some unique selling techniques. eCommerce is such a field which demands up-to-date websites or app to keep running a successful business.
Wrapping up:
Anything comes in the way of eCommerce, if it’s lockdowns, work from home situation, social distancing, Government precautionary measures, etc., One thing for sure, 2021 will be a great year for eCommerce industry.
“Make hay while the sun shines” Now’s the best time to start your business in the eCommerce industry.