The power of E commerce over traditional physical retail stores is unmistakable. Thousands of store locations, some of which have been successful for several decades, closed in the past year due to lack of business. Large and well-established chains that planned ahead are able to survive because they also maintain a website. Their physical stores have closed, but their loyal customers can still patronize the retailer.
Pricing and Selection
A combination of low pricing and high variety of selections make websites hard to compete against. Add in the convenience of never finding a website closed and the eliminated hassle of navigating crowded aisles, and the success is not surprising. Shoppers can choose from more products, pay less money, and not have to wait in a checkout line. Of course that is the new preferred way to shop.
Competing Aggressively
Website owners are fully aware of the advantages they have and make the most of them. They provide shoppers with any item that is needed or desired. Low overhead costs allow sites to charge discounted pricing. That fact alone makes competition fierce. Websites also give customers access to Tools to save money online so purchases cost even less.
Coupons are offered via deal websites, special offers are promoted on social media pages, and reward programs encourage repeat business. Free shipping on select orders, free personalization or customization of gifts, and the opportunity for customers to design their own jewelry are other ways people can save money online.
Keeping Customers
Once shoppers stumble upon a website, there are many opportunities to leave an email address in order to receive coupons or newsletters. That also provides a way for the website to include you in digital marketing campaigns. Many sites will also send follow up emails thanking customers for their business and offering a ten percent discount on the next order. The tactic is no guarantee that people will make more purchases, but it is a safe bet that people will visit the site again.
Some sites offer added discounts for referring friends to the site. That may appear as extra points on their reward account, a rebate on subscriptions, or free shipping on the next order regardless of the total. Lives are getting more hectic every day and online shopping is fast, convenient, and cheap. Look for clearance sales and rock bottom prices from local stores because more will be forced to close in the coming year.