When it comes to selling online, it seems that people are always looking for ecommerce sales conversion tips and ecommerce advertising tips.
With that, e-commerce sales advice related to logistics may be a more important topic, says Rob Tillman, Rakuten’s vice president of operations.
In this webinar below, Tillman leverages his rich experience to help your e-commerce business meet important challenges and avoid blunders. It also offers some advice on logistics and holiday e-commerce sales.
Watch the webinar now!
Holiday Ecommerce Sales Challenges
What challenges do e-commerce sellers face during the holiday season? Tillman shows some of the big things below.
work restrictions
No doubt you have seen restaurants closed lately due to not being able to find the right help. The truth is that this challenge extends to the e-commerce industry as well.
During the pandemic, those limitations have evolved. At first, it was about being able to bring in and keep workers safe. Today employees working at various points along the supply chain are simply unavailable – at least not in the required numbers.
Capacity limitations
Another challenge involves how much product moves through the supply chain and the speed with which sellers can get products from their suppliers.
A major port in China was recently closed for an entire week due to COVID concerns. Similarly, congestion at ports from California to New Jersey has greatly slowed the flow of products.
Problems with small parcel shipping companies
Small parcel carriers are critical to online sellers when it comes to delivering products to customers. However, services such as Federal Express and UPS have been in operation since March 2020.
This puts additional pressure on e-commerce businesses even after a sale has been made.
Extra charge
Constant delivery delays are just one challenge created by these carriers. Most of them have applied surcharges over the past year and a half.
These costs, once implemented, show no signs of going away. This leaves the e-commerce companies to decide whether to pass on the additional cost to their customers.
Product Availability
Finally, sellers may have issues with availability of some products – at least in the short term. This shortage results from some of the same capacity constraints that already affect the supply chain.
However, it may also extend the holiday shopping season. Sellers may need to wait until after the holiday to stock some of the most sought-after products by customers.
What can e-commerce sellers do to address these challenges, especially with the festive season approaching? Tillman suggests the following ecommerce sales tips.
be transparent
First, be upfront with clients and customers about the challenges you face. Explain how you are trying to meet their needs.
At the same time, be clear about issues arising from supply chain issues and delays with carriers. Be honest about the factors you cannot control.
Give regular updates
Keep clients and customers up to date with regular updates. Tell them about delays and product shortages as soon as possible.
Try to prepare them for bumps in the road. Also tell them what you’re doing to help alleviate these issues when they occur.
set expectations
Customers and customers need to adapt to the new normal when it comes to product delivery and availability.
Use regular communication to make them aware of what is possible and what is not realistic.
This gives customers and clients a better understanding of the limitations that you and other e-commerce businesses face. It also prepares them for potential pitfalls and avoids surprises.
Detailed management of your supply chain
Prepare for issues and keep customers and customers informed by carefully managing your supply chain.
Keep track of what’s happening with manufacturers, suppliers, and delivery services at every point along the way.
Use this information to adjust the supply chain when necessary and to anticipate difficulties.
Track your products carefully
Know where your products are at all times. Track their journey carefully.
This allows you to see upcoming problems and respond accordingly. For example, if your products are not on their way by air or sea in the next four weeks, you may miss peak holiday shopping times.
asking for help
For tips on preparing for the challenges ahead, expert insights on improving efficiency, and tips on logistics for your e-commerce business. Watch Rakuten’s webinar below.
Watch it now!
