How to Sell Online
Industry Canada measures Canada's progress in becoming a fully integrated digital economy and its impact on Canadian companies, individuals and governments. These statistics provide information at the household level as well as at the firm, industry and economy level and are gathered through the following surveys:
- Value of online sales (private and public) in 2006 = $49.9 billion 2005=$35.8)
- Value of online sales (private only) in 2006 = $46.5 billion (2005 = $32.8)
Value of business-to-consumer (B2C) sales in 2006 = $15.1 billion (2005=$9.4) - Value of business-to-business (B2B) sales in 2006 = $31.4 billion (2005=$23.4)
- Percentage of firms (connected to the Internet) using high-speed Internet access in 2006 = 85% (2005=81%)
- Percentage of firms (connected to the Internet) using low-speed Internet access in 2006 = 10.2% (2005=18.2%)
As an “etailer” (online store business owner), what can you do to attract customers and buy your products over the internet? Here are some tips to succeed in selling online this holiday season.
1. Make Yourself Known
Before customers buy from your online store, they want to know: who you are; where you are; and how you can be contacted. If you cannot provide these answers quickly and easily, then they are less likely to purchase from your online store.
Create an About Us page that introduces your company and provide contact information preferably at the bottom of every page.
2. Provide Shipping Information
Nothing is more frustrating for customers than going through the checkout process and then finding out the shipping will be more than anticipated. More experienced customers will not even start the checkout process if you don’t provide shipping information at the start.
Provide your customers with shipping information, or estimates of, at the start of the transaction. A statement like: “The average shipping cost of this product being shipped from Miami to Vancouver is $12.00” will be enough information for most of your customers.
3. Mention Security and Protection Measures
In the new age of identity theft, your customers are more vigilant in guarding their personal information. If you don’t assure them that you have taken steps to protect their information, they will assume that you have not secured their personal information and will leave your store.
List the steps you take to protect them. Use easy to understand terms on the things you are doing to protect their personal information.
4. Offer Customer Support
Another reason for people to stop shopping online is the lack of support before and after the sale. Your customers will likely select an online store that provides ongoing support.
Display your contact information throughout the checkout process. If they contact you, respond quickly and efficiently. Do not ignore your customers. Show that you care and you want to provide the best online shopping experience for them before and after the sale.
Allan
