Why e-commerce businesses need more than a web presence
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Posted On :
Oct-10-2011
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Article Word Count :
447
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When thinking of e-commerce businesses, many people only consider the online store itself. Although this is the true definition of e-commerce—selling online—it is not the only aspect of owning an e-commerce business.
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When thinking of e-commerce businesses, many people only consider the online store itself. Although this is the true definition of e-commerce—selling online—it is not the only aspect of owning an e-commerce business. In fact, there are many businesses that integrate their online presence with their in-person store—presenting a multichannel solution that covers all their customers' wants and needs. Here are a few reasons that e-commerce business owners should consider integrating their online presence with a brick-and-mortar store.
Customers expect you to have a store they can go to. Even if you don't think you need a store, if you sell a large amount of goods and want to really expand your business, then you'll have an in-person store that customers can visit as well. Local customers may want to drop by your store instead of waiting for their order to arrive or paying for shipping. It also makes it more convenient when customers can browse through your selection and physically see it, touch it, and ask questions about it. At the very least, you need an office space or a business address.
Customers expect store discounts and coupons to apply online. If you offer a special in store, be prepared to make it available online as well. Not only is this good for business, but customers expect to receive the same benefits online as they would in person. Offering the same discounts and specials is easy to do, and though allowing customers to use the same coupons online may seem difficult to do, it isn't if you allow them to type in the promotional code or number on the coupon. Regardless of what you offer, you should try to make the experience match as closely to your in-store one as possible.
Customers are concerned about security. No matter how secure web sites are, and no matter how secure they become in the future, there will always be customers who are not willing to fill out all the information that is required in order to make a transaction. Because of this, it is important to have a brick-and-mortar store that customers can go to where all they have to do is browse and pay up front at the cash register. Although there are still going to be concerns, customers feel more secure talking and doing business with someone they can see, someone who they can match a face and a name to.
When you're first getting started with brick-and-mortar integration, it can be difficult; however, once you get started and have your systems and business practices in place, it will become second nature. Let an e-commerce provider help you with your business integration today.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Why e-commerce businesses need more than a web presence_90355.aspx
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Author Resource :
About Infigra E-Commerce:
Infigra E-Commerce is a Charlotte, NC based company that offers software as a solution (SaaS) and enables retailers to increase their sales by offering sophisticated e-commerce management tools. Our mission is to help move inventory by increasing the product visibility on different online global marketplace segments, such as Ebay and Amazon.
For more information, visit www.infigra.com
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Keywords :
e-commerce, eCommerce, brick-and-mortar, integrated e-commerce, multichannel business,
Category :
Internet Business
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Ecommerce
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