What do e-commerce customers want? Free and fast
Free shipping is a crucial decision factor for 99 percent of small businesses when ordering supplies online, according to a recent survey commissioned by Staples.
One in two small businesses in the survey order supplies online, but they weigh the benefits carefully against the cost. The main benefit of online ordering was saving time, cited by 86 percent of survey respondents. Why don’t entrepreneurs shop online? For 50 percent, the reason was shipping costs; 51 percent said it’s more convenient to go to the store.
The survey confirmed what I’ve long known as a Staples customer: People are looking for value, so if you own an e-commerce business, free shipping is a must.
Of course, convenience is key too: 25 percent of respondents in Staples’ survey said the company’s Fast and Free Delivery has “saved the day” for their business at least once. (I can relate: I remember one time when we had a massive project that involved printing out tons of documents. Just as we were packing up to head home, our toner cartridge ran out! Thanks to Staples, a new one was waiting when we arrived at the office the next morning.)
Staples is thinking entrepreneurially these days: With 27 percent of entrepreneurs in the survey having shopping capability on their mobile phones, Staples has enhanced its website so you can shop on any web-enabled phone. There’s even a free iPhone app you can download at the iTunes App Store.
Similar Posts:
- Small Business Plan to Boost Marketing Budgets in 2011
- Surviving the not-so-great recovery
- Christmas may not be as rosy as expected for SMEs
- Restaurant Owners Get More Pessimistic
- e-Readers Outpacing Tablets
