Adapting Businesses to the Cost of Living Rises

01/08/2022 | Share:

The E-commerce Businesses’ Ever-Changing Landscape

The covid pandemic forced businesses all over the world to change the way they operate. In particular, the e-commerce landscape saw a dramatic shift in a short space of time. The demands of customers changed, and businesses had to adapt in order to keep up.

One of the most notable changes has been the move toward contactless delivery. With people becoming more and more cautious about interacting with others, companies had to find ways to get products to their customers without coming into contact with them. The covid pandemic has had a profound impact on the e-commerce landscape and businesses had to react quickly or risk going under.

No sooner were we beginning to see the light at the end of the covid tunnel than the war in Ukraine created another problem for businesses. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has led to a rise in the cost of living, which is having a knock-on effect on businesses all over the world. The price of oil has risen, and this is likely to continue in the short term at least. This hike in prices is being passed on to consumers, who are already feeling the pinch from the pandemic.

UK inflation is at a 40-year high and the cost of living is on the rise,  having a profound effect on businesses all over the world, especially e-commerce businesses. If you’re an e-commerce business owner, then you need to take steps to ensure that your business can weather the storm. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Streamline

Once they have been operating for a while, many businesses can drop into the habit of continuing to do things in the same way. Take this opportunity to look at your processes, and see which are cost-effective and what is not working for you anymore. If you want to avoid increasing prices, then you need to find new ways to reduce costs. This may mean making some changes to the way you operate, but it’s worth it if it means that you can keep your business running.

Offer More Lower-Priced Products

If you’re struggling to increase prices, then you may need to consider offering more products at lower prices. This is a common tactic used by businesses in order to attract more customers and show existing customers that you understand what they are going through. It’s important to strike the right balance, though, as if your USP has been high-quality high end you do not want to weaken your brand image.

Use Technology to your Advantage

Technology can be a great way to reduce costs and increase efficiency. If you’re not using technology to your advantage, then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity. There are a lot of ways that technology can help you reduce costs such as automating processes, using data to make decisions and streamlining your operations.

Review your Marketing Strategy

You may be tempted to cut back on your marketing budget but is this really the time? Your marketing strategy is likely to be one of the biggest costs for your business. If you’re not happy with the results you’re getting, then it’s time to review your strategy.   If you want to stay afloat, then you need to make sure that your marketing strategy is as effective as possible so cutting out the deadwood is one thing but don’t be afraid to invest in new marketing tactics.

Communicate with your Customers

Brand loyalty will really help you weather the storm and the best way to create brand loyalty is through communication.  Keep your customers updated on what’s happening with your business, both good and bad. Let them know about any changes you’re making, such as price increases or new product offerings. Customers appreciate honesty and transparency, so make sure you’re communicating with them regularly.

Focus on Customer Retention

It’s easier and cheaper to keep existing customers than it is to find new ones. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your customers happy. If they’re happy, they’re more likely to stay with you. Offer loyalty rewards, discounts, and anything else you can think of to keep them coming back.

Diversify your Income Streams

If you have all your eggs in one small basket, you could be putting your business at risk. What would happen if that income stream dried up? You need to have a Plan B so that you’re not left high and dry. Diversifying your income streams is a great way to protect your business.

Review your Expenses

It’s important to review your expenses on a regular basis. This is something that all businesses should do but it’s even more important when the cost of living is on the rise. Make sure you’re not spending money on things that aren’t important to the success of your business.

Make Sure your Fulfilment is up to Scratch

Delivery has fast become one of the biggest deal-breakers for the E-Commerce sector in the UK, with one report finding ‘that 69% of respondents are much less or less likely to shop with a retailer in the future if an item they purchased is not delivered within two days of the date promised’ and ’16 % of respondents will abandon shopping with a retailer altogether if they receive an incorrect delivery just one time’. With customers being especially careful with spending in the current climate, it’s crucial that you offer a delivery service that meets their needs and expectations.

If your fulfilment isn’t up to scratch, then now is the time to make some changes. Review your fulfilment process and see where you can make improvements.

Accept that you may Need to Raise Prices

If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still struggling to make ends meet, then you may need to accept that you’ll need to raise prices. This is a difficult decision to make but it’s one that you may need to make in order to keep your business running. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s one that a lot of businesses are reluctant to do. They worry that increasing prices will drive away customers, but the reality is that if you don’t increase prices then you’re likely to go out of business. If you have worked on your communication and brand loyalty your customers are more likely to accept a price rise.

Keep Going

This is a difficult time for businesses, but it’s important to keep going. Review your strategy and make sure you’re doing everything you can to weather the storm. If you need help with your fulfilment, don’t be afraid to reach out to us at www.ogdenfulfilment.co.uk. We’re here to help you make sure your business is successful.

https://www.websitemagazine.com/blog/the-impact-of-late-and-inaccurate-deliveries-on-customer-loyalty