Life as a consumer, professional and – overall human – have drastically changed as online spaces become the go-to (or only!) way to get things done.
New habits aren’t going to boomerang back when COVID-19 is more under control because they’ve become conditioned to a new way of doing things, especially if it’s more efficient. For example, people are finding that they are saving a lot of time and money purchasing goods and conducting business online since the start of the pandemic.
“Consumer habits can change after someone tries a new way of doing things two or three times out of necessity.”
Jonathan Silver, CEO of Affinity Solutions, Wall Street Journal
Elevated online demand hits the Promotional Products industry
At this point, the pandemic has accelerated eCommerce by 5 years – and there’s no sign it will lose steam. The companies that are coming out ahead right now are those that adapt to new technology quickly or already had it geared up pre-pandemic to meet the demand.
Similar to other industries, ASI reports that “suppliers and distributors have hosted fewer or zero in-person visits in recent months as clients opt for video meetings, quick sampling and immediate purchasing options directly from websites.”
ASI notes that while there is a large demand for online company stores, it can be expensive, which may deter you or your clients from making the leap.
But, guess what? Launching an online store actually does not have to break the bank, even for companies on tight budgets. There are very nimble and straightforward options that give you only the functionality that you need for a low or no cost to begin! Imagine what your clients could do with easy, affordable access to features, like:
- Single-Page Storefronts
- Product Options
- Countdown Clock
- Order Goal
- Payment Methods
- Shipping
- Sales Tax
- Email Marketing
- Order Management
- Report Suite & Custom Reports
- Personalization Fields
- Checkout Page
Don’t forget: saving time saves money in the long-run. An online company or pop-up show is a well-worth investment in today’s era of “engagement commerce,” according to PPAI.
“Marrying the efficiency of eCommerce with strategic and creative direction to solve customers’ problems provides value and leads to stronger margins.”
PPAI
Explore opportunities at the PPAI Expo
Our team members are eager to walk you through how you and ALL your clients can benefit from the efficiency of ordering from you online. “Stop by” our booth at the PPAI Direct-2-You Expo January 11-14th (FREE to attend!). Let’s take advantage of this digital event to stay connected in the industry! 12,000 distributors are registered thus far, making this virtual event an excellent networking opportunity.
We’ll squash any fears you have of making the transition by placing helpful information and demos right at your fingertips. And we’ll be right there to answer any questions you may have.
Remember, just as you are doing things online that you haven’t before and finding unexpected benefits… so will your clients by launching an online store for their promo needs!