Please Your Customers and Gain Increased Sales at the Same Time
A few years ago, most businesses had some type of physical location. But in a world where customers crave immediate access to goods and services, businesses can't afford to be stuck on the weekends. If you're wondering how you can comply with those changing demands without sacrificing your business, then here's an article that'll help!
It's always tricky when you want to please one set of customers — the ones who buy your products or services in person — while simultaneously satisfying other types of customers — those who are buying from online sellers. Answering the following questions will help you to please all your customers and increase your sales at the same time.
What are you selling? Is it best suited for online purchasing? If it's physical in nature, does it also have an online component? For example, you might be selling a home health care product that is designed to be used by a patient who is independently mobile. But patients can only use the product when a caregiver is present; therefore, this product has two components: the physical item and the service of someone who can assist with its application. When a patient buys the product online, they pay for both the product and the service.
Is it best suited for online purchasing? If it's physical in nature, does it also have an online component? For example, you might be selling a home health care product that is designed to be used by a patient who is independently mobile. But patients can only use the product when a caregiver is present; therefore, this product has two components: the physical item and the service of someone who can assist with its application. When a patient buys the product online, they pay for both the product and the service.
What price are you asking for? If the price is too low, consumers may think that the product is poor quality. On the other hand, if it's too high, you may risk losing business to another online seller. In general, you will want to stick with a price which is comparable to what you would ask in an offline transaction.
If the price is too low, consumers may think that the product is poor quality. On the other hand, if it's too high, you may risk losing business to another online seller. In general, you will want to stick with a price which is comparable to what you would ask in an offline transaction.
What time of week do you prefer to purchase? Most customers shop online on a Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. But it's important to realize that many people will shop when they're not expecting to have access to their computer or phone. Therefore, if you sell a product that is best consumed in the evening, it might be best to choose another day for online sales so as not to lose any high-end business from weekend shoppers who are more likely to make purchases at other times of the week but are still willing to receive deliveries on weekend days.
Most customers shop online on a Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. But it's important to realize that many people will shop when they're not expecting to have access to their computer or phone. Therefore, if you sell a product that is best consumed in the evening, it might be best to choose another day for online sales so as not to lose any high-end business from weekend shoppers who are more likely to make purchases at other times of the week but are still willing to receive deliveries on weekend days.
How long does your typical sale take? For example, if customers find what they want within two minutes and then purchase it immediately, you might want to offer an immediate discount if they purchase before a certain time on a certain day. Alternatively, if they have to carefully select among many products or services, you might want to offer a discount for a quick sale.
For example, if customers find what they want within two minutes and then purchase it immediately, you might want to offer an immediate discount if they purchase before a certain time on a certain day. Alternatively, if they have to carefully select among many products or services, you might want to offer a discount for a quick sale.
How does your product perform? This is one key that will help you determine how long each sale takes. For example, you might decide that the product is best bought at a discount if the consumer experiences an unexpected and uncomfortable side effect.
This is one key that will help you determine how long each sale takes. For example, you might decide that the product is best bought at a discount if the consumer experiences an unexpected and uncomfortable side effect.
How often will this product sell? If it's a seasonal item, then it might not even be worth attempting to sell online as it will likely only be sold during certain periods. However, if your product can be sold to everyone year-round or just in limited quantities throughout the year, then now is the time to start thinking about online sales.
Do you have any suggestions for how to sell online in a way that keeps your physical customers happy? If so, please share them in the comments section below.
Copyright 2017, Barbara Findlay Schenck
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Conclusion
In short, the key factors in determining the length of each sale on your online store will include your product's content and its intended audience. Whether you're selling something that's best consumed on a certain day or when it's unlikely to be sold at all, you will want to consider how long each sale will take so that you can mark it down appropriately.
As for why customers are buying online more frequently than ever before, this is a big reason: consumers don't have to leave work to get what they need and sell products online is easier than conventional sales channels like brick-and-mortar stores. As such, this allows businesses like yours to reach customers in ways that were never possible before.