The growing popularity of online shopping has led to the development of e-commerce market. Still rather fresh, the field of electronic trade is constantly changing. So are its customers – Internet-savvy buyers are now more demanding than ever. If you are still struggling to finally hit it big in the online shopping industry, the odds are you are making at least one of the mistakes discussed below. Without further ado – here are the 5 key things that may put the future of your e-commerce business at stake.
1. Hidden shipping costs
Many online stores still remain faithful to the good old trick of adding up shipping costs at the very end of order preparation. It is believed that this way the customer will become lured by the initial price of the product and just accept the extra charges. However, an unexpected rise in overall costs usually puts the customer off, making them resign from the purchase.
Solution: shipping costs information should be easily available and visible, regardless of the status of the order. Customers are more likely to buy a product if they know the full price in advance and can be certain no surprises are awaiting at the end.
2. Untimely shipping
Having to wait for an already purchased item is something that rarely happens in real life. Hence, shortening the time of wait to a minimum while buying online is every shopper’s dream. If the shipping takes longer than promised or is just generally slow, your site will be dumped in favor of one whose delivery is quicker.
Solution: seek a delivery service that offers the shortest period of shipping at a relatively acceptable rate. Make sure the company also has a wide range of shipping options on their list, so that the customer will be able to pick one that suits their individual needs.
3. Compulsory registration
Most online shoppers opt for this kind of purchase because they want to save time. The obligation of creating an account not only prolongs the whole process, but also puts off those customers who only come to grab an item and leave. Additionally, sharing personal details makes the customer feel controlled and rebel.
Solution: make registration optional – this way those who want to keep track of their purchase history or sign up for a newsletter will do so, and those who don’t will still carry out the purchase, but not get discouraged from visiting your site again.
4. Too few payment options
Customers use different debit cards and always expect the site to provide information on any extra charges or commission. Also, paying through specially designed websites such as PayPal has become a norm. Sites like this allow the customer to protect their personal details and still complete the deal.
Solution: give the customer a choice as to what type of payment they want to make. Provide them with as many options as possible – both for the debit cards and websites, adding advice and information for each.
5. Lack of coupon codes and discounts
Customers simply love bargains and sales while out shopping, and the same rule applies to online purchases. Failing to take this into consideration in your business may send a negative message to the potential buyer, who gets an impression of overpaying on every made purchase.
Solution: in case your business doesn’t go well with seasonal sales – which also appeal to the online shoppers – try providing a regular discount coupon code to be found on a website. Even a few per cent off make the customer feel like they got a good deal buying at your store.
These five simple reasons may be nothing revelatory, but they are also surprisingly often ignored. Hence, if you fear that your e-commerce endeavor may be showing its wrong side to the clientele, incorporate the presented solutions in your business strategy and sit back to watch your company thrive.
