Why do shoppers decide not to buy from you during your check-out
process on your eCommerce website? According to a May 2010
Forrester Research study, respondents cited these top 5
reasons:
1. Shipping and handling costs (44%)
2. Not ready to purchase the product (41%)
3. Wanted to compare prices on other sites (27%)
4. Item was priced too high (25%)
5. Wanted to save products in my cart for later consideration
(24%)
Notice that website design or performance did not make the
list. People shopping online are just like people
shopping at the store. They are there to compare products and
prices.
The one big difference between the web and brick 'n
mortar stores is shipping costs. People know how much
money they spend in gas and car repairs to shop at stores. On
the web, shoppers are suspicious that a manufacturer or
distributor tries to increase profits with their shipping
costs. At TwinEngines, we suggest offering free shipping when
possible and using conditional promotions that lowers shipping
based on quantity or total cost of products.
All eCommerce software has coupons and promotions built in, but
there are times when we need to customize the software to meet a
company's unique offerings. That is one of the reasons it
makes more sense to use open source eCommerce software or purchase
eCommerce platforms that allow you to customize the source
code.
TwinEngines works with both types depending upon the size
of the small or mid-market manufacturing company and the
sophisttication required on the eCommerce website.
TwinEngines also focuses on lean operations starting with lean
web for eCommerce.
It is important that the web eCommerce data seamlessly
integrates with your financial or ERP system and your fulfillment
process. This is another reason when being able to customize
the eCommerce software makes sense - giving you the flexibility and
agility to synchronize information across your organization for
efficient, lean operations.