We have seen a lot of online stores being put up last year as entrepreneurs took advantage of people not being able to go out of their houses to purchase essential goods and services. But now that things are slowly getting back to normal, will all these online stores be able to adapt to the changes?
While some of these online stores are still thriving, it is sad that others have already ceased their operations when things are easing up. The reason can be is that some online businessmen were not able to anticipate that there will improvements so soon. This has resulted to lack of a solid alternative after their customers are now on the streets buying what they used to purchase online at the height of the pandemic.
This should be a lesson to all those planning to have their own online store soon. Indeed, you should be aided with the best ecommerce tools to ensure that you will make it through no matter the business climate may be changing. This will help you reap the following benefits of having an online store.
Improved Customer Loyalty
With direct interaction with your customers, it may be easier to build trust and loyalty. This is one factor that makes online stores have a huge client base in such a short period of time. Indeed, when you communicate with your customers on a more personalized manner, they will look at your business as a friend’s store that they should patronize. Being consistent with your dealings with customers will result in customer retention.
Wider Scope
Putting up a land-based store may mean that you will only be catering to local customers. With an online store, there are no boundaries, except those areas that have no internet at all. You can easily go global if you have the right e-commerce tools.
More Time to Gain
An online store can actually operate 24 hours a day. This does not mean that you will not be sleeping. Even at the unholiest hours of the night, customers can drop their orders. You may just have to send them during day time.
No Need for a Big Start Up Capital
Unlike a land-based store that needs a huge sum of money before it can operate, an online store may not need that much. You can start with a few products or get some tie ups with manufacturers. This means that they can provide you with goods when you need them. There also less costs to pay. You will not be paying rent and other expenses.