The eCommerce revolution has begun. With online shopping encroaching on our purchasing patterns and business plans, rumors and misconceptions are bound to get mixed in. We recall that it’s a blessing that we brought our prescription-strength glasses as the line between reality and fiction begins to blur.
You’ll be well ahead in your understanding of logistics and eCommerce by the time you’ve finished reading. Let’s get this party started!
#1. The Market Is Too Saturated
Is eCommerce a competitive industry? Yes. Is there still a chance for your firm to thrive? Yes, once again. The above claim is problematic in that it makes an equally wide generalization about a similarly broad area. To accurately assess the market, you must first identify the market in which you are competing because they are all quite distinct. If you look hard enough, you’ll discover nooks and crannies dedicated to your name.
#2. With Ecommerce, It’s more lucrative to generalize than to specialize
By far, this is one of the most common eCommerce myths, and it’s also one of the most frequent blunders made by inexperienced company owners. When you consider firms like Amazon and eBay, it’s vital to remember that they’re outliers rather than the rule.
It may appear to be a waste of time and money, but selling to a small group of people rather than attempting to sell to everyone is both smarter and more profitable since it is literally impossible. When you focus on an eCommerce topic, your marketing plan almost writes itself.
#3. Customers Prefer Price over Branding and Product Quality
False! Sure, there are always bargain hunters who only consider price. They’ll give up inflated delivery periods (in some cases, up to months!) and even quality in order to get a product for the lowest possible price. That’s one type of customer, but they aren’t typical. Now that expectations are at an all-time high, they’re certainly not representative of everyone.
Customers are seeking for personality and accessibility, which implies that establishing a solid and memorable brand is more essential than ever. The Apple example is a good one — their devices aren’t the cheapest, but their service is unmatched.
#4. It’s More Beneficial to Concentrate on a Single Platform
Yes, but it’s not always a good idea. We suggest starting slow and gradually increasing your dosage until you find what works best for you. Even if it appears to be more difficult (at first) to embrace many platforms, the power of multichannel eCommerce cannot be overstated. Multichannel eCommerce has a number of advantages, including increasing brand exposure, lowering risks, and raising income.
#5. To keep in mind with Ecommerce – Organic Traffic Is Instantly Available
Even lemonade stands have a lot of power! Organic traffic may be acquired through a combination of hard marketing effort (SEO, anyone?) and having an established brand that draws consumers to your website. In conclusion, if you do nothing, the only traffic you’ll see will be pixelated tumbleweeds.
#6. The Customer Journey Is Always Straightforward
You’re probably thinking, “That’s a given.” But in reality, customers don’t always make a purchase after seeing your product on the internet. Right? Wrong! Although it would be fantastic if it were true, the consumer journey is full of twists and turns.
Perhaps a potential customer hears about your brand but is only ready to buy in six months. Maybe they’re all about your products, but just before the deadline, get swept up by a competitor. Whatever the situation, these complexities keep digital marketers busy and occupied!
#7. It’s Simple to Start an Internet Business
If you’ve spent any time on the street, you know that eCommerce isn’t a get-rich-quick plan. Ask any serious business owner if they’d say that the recipe for success is made up of blood, sweat, tears, and a lot of eye strain.
#8. By Going with Ecommerce, You Have to Do It All Yourself
Entrepreneurs are a distinct species. After all, it takes enormous drive and commitment to break away from the pack and make your ideas a reality. That mentality has some negative side effects, as I discovered — namely, an inclination to overstuff a full plate.
When you’ve spent a lot of time and effort on something, handing it off to someone else is like the end of the world. We totally understand that! A helping hand (or several) might be the missing piece for long-term success and sustainable development for the lone wolves out there. eCommerce is a game that requires a winning squad, whether you’re bringing in new personnel or partnering with a 3PL.
It helps to get myths out of the way and to find some clarity. There are more helpful articles like Understanding Shipping Surcharges.