With more consumers shopping online than ever before, and with the peak sales season almost upon us, businesses need to start preparing now for the post-pandemic holiday rush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help plan for the upcoming post-pandemic holiday season, ShipStation has launched a new eBook, The Ultimate SMB Holiday Prep Guide: A Month-by-Month Checklist After an Unprecedented Year<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The guide is based on survey findings conducted by ShipStation and Kickstart Communications from more than 2,000 online shoppers around the world including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only are businesses navigating the new normal of online demand, but they are also having to adapt to the expectations and behaviours of the post-pandemic shopper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In ShipStation\u2019s survey, 62% of respondents stated COVID-19 has pushed them to buy items online that they would typically only purchase in-store before the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, the survey highlighted how COVID-19 has shaped ecommerce buyer behaviours, including a newfound commitment from consumers to support local and independent businesses. Here\u2019s what we found:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, consumers are increasingly looking to shop small ahead of this year\u2019s holiday season. Here\u2019s three ways to capitalise on the shift to support local and turn a website visitor into a customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consumer delivery expectations for ecommerce<\/a> are changing quickly and becoming more demanding by the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A merchant who delivers on time, automates refunds and returns, plans appropriately for demand, and accurately tracks inventory across channels will stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In ShipStation\u2019s survey, 62% of respondents stated free shipping as the top reason for transitioning from a website visitor to customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to offer free shipping without ruining margins is by offering free shipping over a certain spend, such as free shipping for orders over $75. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, 91% of shoppers will spend more to reach free-shipping thresholds, so this promo also drives sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When preparing for the post-pandemic holiday season, transparency is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In ShipStation\u2019s survey, 43% of small\/local\/independent-business-centric shoppers agree small businesses are more trustworthy than big-box retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this in mind, it\u2019s vital to ensure that during the busiest shopping period of the year, real-time shipping rates, and accurate delivery timelines are available to the customer at checkout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to ShipStation, 48% of respondents stated easy to understand costs, such as taxes, shipping, returns<\/a>, would persuade them to shop with small and independent retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 84% said visibility into shipment status is important when shopping with small, local, and\/or independent brands. This will especially apply during peak season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, 63% will turn to large retailers when small\/local\/independent retailers have unclear shipping or return policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To be transparent with taxes and shipping costs, at a minimum, add a \u201c+ shipping\u201d line at checkout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you charge different shipping rates based on location or methods, consider including a shipping calculator on your product pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During peak, purchases must be as frictionless as possible. Put simply, make finding products easy and make buying products easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to ShipStation, 47% of online shoppers are persuaded to shop with a retailer that offers a simple check out process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having a usable and effective user experience<\/a> is the key to ensuring that your customers see the purchase through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customers want a single checkout page<\/a>, not a long chain of confusing steps. Include a short summary of completed steps on your payment page so customers can check their payment and shipping information without backtracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, include one-click payment options and consider offering instalment payments if you sell big-ticket items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ShipStation has worked with its partners and merchants to provide actionable insights so you can go into the holiday season with confidence and a clear checklist for how to better strategise on, engage, support, and win over customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Download <\/strong>The Ultimate SMB Holiday Prep Guide: A Month-by-Month Checklist After an Unprecedented Year<\/em><\/strong><\/a> to learn more.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nConsumers Support Local Post-Pandemic <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Capitalise on the Shift to Support Local<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Free Shipping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Easy-to-Understand Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. A simplified checkout process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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