Selling For The Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and the busiest season of the year is about to hit the Internet. Now more than ever before people are rushing onto the World Wide Web, as a viable means of easy one stop shopping. The convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home and avoiding the Holiday crowds has become very appealing. There are more choices, more ways to shop and quality goods out there. Stores are realizing the power of the Internet and are fighting for supremacy in the online market with special discounts and other lures.

So how can you compete against these big stores and heavy hitters? It is easier than you think.

Consumer preference: Firstly statistics show that over 60% of shoppers intend buy online this year, and over 60% prefer to shop at small businesses. This gives you an edge in the market, due to consumer preference.

Better marketing: Added to this is the fact that small business on the Internet practice more intensified marketing than the big stores. They rely almost exclusively on the Internet to make a living, and the big boys are still relying on offline sales as well as online for profits. Therefore you have the edge on marketing to the online market.

Added value: Small businesses like yours are also in a position to give added value. Better customer service, and more support are just a couple of ways you can over deliver to your customers. Newsletters and building relationships with your prospects and leads is another thing you can do better than the big corporate companies.

Specializing: offer your visitors, and prospective buyers, items that they simply cannot get elsewhere. People like to give unusual gifts to their loved ones; they are just tired of giving the same old thing year after year. Innovative ideas and gift packages for the season will give you a big competitive edge over other business in your industry.

Fast shipping and reduced shipping costs: are extras that people look for when shopping for gifts. People often leave their gift purchasing to the last moment. Try to have rush shipping available and be sure you have reliable forms of shipping or better still make products digital if possible. Having discounts on shipping with larger orders is always popular, or better still, waive the shipping on orders over a certain amount.

Gift cards and coupons: are always popular. Remember that these are not just for offline purchasing but can also be applied online as well. If you have a cyber store, you will find that gift cards and coupons are very useful and will encourage buying.

Special packages and bundles: buyers love discounts and buying gifts in a package form. Bundling a group of popular, related items always sells well. When you add a discount on top of this you will sell more.  You can also offer seasonal discounts and special offers.
Do not think just because you do not have special seasonal items that you cannot cash in on the buying season. Remember that the New Year is traditionally one of the most popular times for people to start a new business, so be ready. If you are a consulting firm or sell products and services that can be used for e-commerce, then this can also be a busy time for you. Prepare now for an increase in business by intensifying your marketing and penetrating this large and growing market.

As you can see there are quite a few ways to take advantage of the season and get ahead of your competitors. However do not procrastinate on this, the time to act is now, before your competition takes your profit and leaves you in the dust.

November 22, 2006 – 5:47 pm by Constantin Chersin