Even if you’re just starting your own ecommerce business or are years into your reign as an ecommerce store owner, you’ll probably find you will have to overcome a number of myths surrounding ecommerce as a platform. By addressing three of the biggest myths, this guide should help store owners avoid falling into various traps surrounding the industry.
Myth: No experience is needed to start an ecommerce store
As the proliferation of the internet on desktops, laptops, mobiles, and tablets has allowed a huge number of entrepreneurs to start their own online store, you’d be fooled into thinking that almost anyone with an internet connection can run a successful store. Not true; you still need a sound business plan, a marketing strategy, superb customer service, and knowledge of your target market for your business to even get off the ground.
While you might not need experience in setting up the basic elements of your business (Shopify is a powerful but simple ecommerce solution, for instance), you will almost certainly need some business ability when trying to keep it afloat.
Myth: Parcels are considered delivered once they leave the warehouse
When organising your ecommerce business, you would be forgiven for thinking that a user buying an item is the be-all and end-all of their customer journey. However, similar to how you wouldn’t be satisfied if a product you ordered didn’t arrive, your responsibility as a seller doesn’t stop until the order is right at the customer’s door.
Therefore, you have a duty to ensure that your courier delivers the item quickly, efficiently, and without damage. For this, consider using an electronic proof of delivery system (EPOD). This ensures that deliveries are tracked, recorded, and monitored effectively.
Consequently, this also allows you to make modifications to how your organisation handles deliveries – meaning your business can constantly evolve.
Myth: Price is the only thing that matters
Simply not true. Competing on price attracts a certain type of customer but it is not guaranteed to bring back return customers. It is the overall shopping experience that matters most as you can align yourself as a market leader and industry authority through customer service, usability, delivery and – of course – product quality.
That’s not to say that price isn’t important. It’s still a crucial part of the ecommerce process and can have a significant impact on your traffic levels. However, it is the overall shopping experience that will keep customers coming back for more.
These are just three of the myths you’ll have to overcome to ensure your ecommerce venture is a successful one. If you can think of any more then let us know in the comments section below.
