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E-Commerce

E-Commerce


E-commerce, short for ‘electronic commerce,’ entails the trading in products or services using computer networks such as the Internet.

E-commerce draws on technologies such as mobile commerce, electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems.

Below you’ll find a bunch of our posts related to e-commerce. Some of the topics that our company bloggers cover include magento e-commerce, and the best ecommerce sites that are currently active on the web. Because e-commerce is a wide and expansive field that is constantly growing, our team is constantly on the go to cover all the latest and greatest news associated with e-commerce.

Since Hara Partners is an e-commerce solutions company, all of the e-commerce going-ons in the world are of the most maximal concern to us. Some of the topics that we covered in the past include Asian e-commerce, mobile e-commerce platforms, and e-commerce trends.

For your information, we’ve also listed some of the common types of e-commerce platforms below:
 

  • On Premise E-commerce:


    • On-premise E-commerce software usually requires initial one time purchase investment in terms of licensing fees. Also, it implies extra costs related to hardware and installation services as well as data migration and on-going maintenance fees that are usually charged on a yearly basis for software updates and support. Some examples of typical on premise E-commerce platforms are Hybris, Sanna Commerce, Oorjit, and IBM WebSphere.

  • Software as a service (SaaS) E-commerce:


    • Software as a Service (SaaS)- is a cloud based delivery model in which applications are hosted and managed in a service provider’s datacenter, paid for on a subscription basis and accessed via a browser over an internet connection. Two examples of typical SaaS E-commerce solutions are Shopify and Demandware.

  • Open Source E-commerce:


    • Open source e-Commerce is a free of charge platform that doesn’t imply licenses fee. Furthermore, open source users are also responsible for installing, maintaining, securing and configuring the software on their own servers. In order to set up an open source platform, basic technical expertise is required in the areas of web design and development. Software products that are distributed as open source are generally free, and users can access and modify the source code. Three examples of typical open source E-commerce platforms are PrestaShop, osCommerce, Magento and Thelia.

    Opportunities in the Digital transformation of E-commerce to improve workflow

    Opportunities in the Digital transformation of E-commerce to improve workflow

    Opportunities in the Digital transformation of E-commerce to improve workflow

    Improve workflow with the digital transformation of E-commerce

    Today, digital transformation has negative and positive connotations with forming the traditional retailer, wholesaler, and manufacturing. A decline in the foot traffic is located with the brick-and-mortar; many retailers like Walmart, Best Buy and Nordstrom are achieving the selling online success.

    The scaling demand is important to satisfy the technology in the wholesale and the online retailer store. You must be implemented with the multichannel, omnichannel, cloud e-commerce and the marketing tool solutions. The necessary step is to develop the solution of the e-commerce which comes in the early process. It depends on you what platform you are choosing for planning server architecture and tech stack. At this stage, single mistakes can lead you to the risk of high development that needs to change or redevelop the situation.

    Initial E-commerce Workflow Consideration:

    Building the solution of B2B e-commerce, it involves the enhancement to improve the current situation like extending and workflow, which match to the expansion plan of e-commerce. Here are some workflow value that is prioritizing the business model

    Analyzation of the team’s workflow: what you like in jettison? Or what approach should be considered?

    Sales streamline: your workflow is based on how you proceed the client’s value, for instance, if you considering the B2B company you can check out and ordering the implementation of the process.

    Consider the best workflow system: first decided that how the existing system should be integrated with the new e-commerce solution system, also the integrated with ERP, CRM or another system just to simplify the process.

    Reduce the headaches: it is like the comprehensive dashboard, which is implemented with the option of the managerial workflow.

    Teach your staff to improve workflow: always ready for the staff guidelines because it enhances the key to success. The consumer can easily buy products when there are full considerations. 

    Problems faced by customers in e-commerce

    Some of the problems faced by customers

    Buying products on e-commerce site can be a drag for a non-savvy eye. Sometimes you have the problem of buying counterfeit brands, and buying the wrong size or being scammed out of your hard-earned money. Scammers are almost everywhere on the internet. Sometimes you receive emails claiming that you have won a lottery and you need to pay a small fee in order to be paid the full amount. These are some of the problems faced by the e-commerce sector. Problems faced by customers in the e-commerce sector are sometimes based on the type of product they are buying. Sometimes you can buy an oversized product.

    Problems faced by customers in the clothing industry

    Some e-commerce sites tend to have counterfeit products. This is especially true with Aliexpress. Customers trying to find Nike or Adidas shoes tend to buy fake or counterfeit products. Another problem with buying clothes faced by buyers, is shipping. Shipping clothes across international borders attract customs duty or value-added tax. The apparel industry has the largest amount of counterfiets mainly originating from Asia.

    The problems faced by customers from other countries

    Buying products online has become a hassle for international customers from some countries. Imagine you live in Zambia or Afghanistan and you are trying to buy an iPhone from the apple website. This is going to be a very difficult task. The best you could do is to buy the iPhone and use package re-shipping companies which will charge you a hefty shipping fee. Another problem faced by customers internationally is the inability to receive your package in time. Sometimes you need to wait for more than 2 months in order to receive your product. As an international custome it is also hard to post a return if the product you purchased is not as described. Full satisfaction is hard if you are shopping from certain countries.
    #problems faced by customers
    #problems faced by customers internationally

    Opportunities of E-commerce in Digital transformation

     Digital transformation has the connotation of negative and positive aspects for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers. Decline foot traffic has seen on the locations of brick-and-mortar. This also increases the chance to enlarge the retailers like Nordstrom, Best Buy and Walmart, as they are selling online for achieving the success.

     For technology, the Scaling demand can satisfy the wholesaler or retailer. Meanwhile, you must consider marketing tools, omnichannel, cloud e-commerce and multichannel solutions. For developing the platform of e-commerce, planning architecture and tech stack are the most important steps. At this stage, a single mistake will lead to the high risk of development. For most companies, technology redevelops and changing is not an effective option.

     For the successful transformation, here are some points which can be considered first:

     Consideration of initial workflow:

     The best extending and current flows depend on the BB e-commerce solution, as their main function is to match the plans. So start with workflows, current business models and values.

     Sale’s team workflow analysis: What you like for jettison? Which approach should be considered for the use of rep’s sales?

     Sale’s streamline: Your workflow adoption is based, on how you manage your clients. Likewise: if you are a B company, then by speeding the order you can checkout procedures by making cross sales and one-click checkout.

     Get from previousSystems: Use your old systems by considering the best part from it. Implement it in a new way to improve the existing process of systems. Use them to simplify the process transition.

     Structure’s product Catalogue: The product catalogue must be easily available for all customers. It must consist of detail products various options which need to be discussed with the vendor and data that is requested on the data interface. These elements motivate customers a lot.

     Managerial Difficulties: The dashboard of the interface must be concise, so the customer can easily take decision on the products.

     New System Introduction: The new system must be introduced to the staff. Thereafter, all worksheets must be given to each team. The goal of every team is to provide a simple way for the customers to purchase.

     Platform Choice and Architecture Planning:

     The answer to the question cannot be satisfied by which platform or the technical way the business prospers. Moreover, the choice can be made by considering the following points:

    • Ability to manage the product solution at high speed of page loading

    • Enable the security at the safe transaction

    • Load and scalability balancing for business’s growth solution

     It’s still not enough, but it includes the basic factors that can be considered like one wants. This is an open-source that has the ability of company integrals to make marketing, payment and delivery on time. It depends on your child hosting that enhances the e-commerce project’s life, so you can balance the business planning with the help of available budget or production. However, it depends on the project or what you are looking for at Cloud server or Virtual Private Server (VPS). Thus, the initial stage can assist the e-commerce development.

    E-commerce management tools suitable for your business

    E-commerce management tools

    E-commerce management is integral to running of your e-commerce business. Using applications and platforms that are e-commerce friendly is one sure way to increase the user experience. Ecommerce management tools and software includes software used for marketing products and brands, especially online tools. The main objective of e-commerce management is to increase sales and brand awareness. In a pool of millions of brands and product online it is important to increase your visibility. In simple terms e-commerce management is a way for e-commerce business owners to smoothen the running of their e-commerce business.

    Analytics and traffic e-commerce management

    When it comes to e-commerce management nothing is more important than tracking the traffic that comes through your websites and the bounce rate. You need to know that your products actually captures the eyes of your customers. One thing about customers is that they quickly leave if the products or contents of the e-commerce website is not interesting. This is where analytics and traffic management tools come to play an important role. This is a critical tool if you want to create the best content and represent you e-commerce website well. Most e-commerce platforms such as shopify, woo-commerce, and amazon have these types of tools already installed in their platforms. However when you need more enhanced analytics and traffic management tools it is advisable to use paid third party analytics like google analytics. Some of the best features in analytics websites is the ability to track how much page views, visitors and sales you received over a period of time.

    Accounting e-commerce management

    Accounting in e-commerce management is very important. It is important to know how much profit you are making in any business model. In simple terms you need to know whether you are making profits or losses, therefore a proper accounting software or ecommerce management tool is very important. One very amazing software is the sage software. It comes with all tools designed for any level type of business, from small e-commerce business to large businesses.
    #e-commerce management 
    #e-commerce management tools
    #e-commerce management accounting tools

    Messenger marketing tools for e-commerce

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    The importance of messenger marketing

    Messenger marketing is a relatively new thing in ecommerce marketing. The rise of messenger apps has also increased their importance in the marketing of products and brands alike. They are different types of messenger apps. One very important messenger app is whatsapp. The messenger app has taken the e-commerce marketing sector by storm. The best part about this app is that it comes totally free. A large number of online businesses depend on messenger apps to keep their customers on their sites or to help their customers need any help on their website.

    Chatbots messenger marketing

    Chatbots have become a very integral part of e-commerce messenger marketing. They are especially good for small e-commerce businesses which do not have the finance to hire 24 hour staff for their business. Therefore chatbots offer a path for e-commerce business owners to service their customers automatically without the hassle of hiring twenty-four hour virtual assistants to chat to customers. Chatbots can be programmed to a high level of efficiency. Imagine siri the voice app. It can be programmed to serve your customers to any level you want. Some chatbots are highly sophisticated and they have a CTR of more than 40%. This is higher than the click through rate of email marketing.

    Integrated Messenger marketing tools

    Integrated messenger marketing tools tend to be easy to use for prospective customers especially if they want inquire on a product they want to buy. Let’s imagine you are running a nutrition supplement e-commerce business. It is most likely that customers will ask for some advice on the product they want to buy. Therefore it is important that the e-commerce store have live chat and messenger apps in order to help the customers efficiently. It’s a method designed to enable better customer and virtual assistant care.  Platforms such as Woo commerce and Shopify have live chat messenger apps that you only need to install on your host.
    #messenger marketing
    #the use of messenger marketing tools
    #messenger marketing techniques

    Magento and Shopify

    Magento and Shopify: Comparing the Two Popular E-Commerce Platforms

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    Magento and Shopify

     

    Any online merchant wanting to become successful will have to decide first what e-commerce platform to use. Two popular e-commerce platforms—Magento and Shopify— have features that can help online entrepreneurs to achieve their goal. But how do these two platforms compare with each other?

    Magento is a robust e-commerce platform available in hosted and self-hosted versions.  It is packed in features, from built-in SEO extensions to order management tools.  However, Magento isn’t the most user-friendly e-commerce platform.

    Shopify, on the other hand, is easy to use. It’s the ideal platform for individuals with limited experience in building websites. It is easy to set up, too. However, one does have to pay a monthly fee.

    That’s just the tip of the iceberg in the Magento and Shopify comparison. Let’s take a closer look at these two e-commerce platforms.

    Magento and Shopify Ease of Use

    Magento may have a reputation for not being user-friendly but it does have a sleek dashboard. Depending on the web host, setting up the platform can be a breeze. However, users should have a background on web development to be able to fully exploit its various functionalities.

    Shopify’s main advantage over Magento is its ease of use. For one, users don’t have to set up the platform. There is also substantial documentation available to guide them.

    Magento and Shopify Extensions

    Both platforms allow their users to extend their functionalities. With Magento, extensions are available from its Marketplace. Meanwhile, Shopify calls its extensions as ‘apps’ which are available on the Shopify store.   However, Magento beats Shopify in this area because it has more free extensions.

    Magento and Shopify Setting Up Costs

    Users don’t have to pay to download or install the Magento platform. However, they will have to look for hosting. For the budget-conscious, there are shared plans that they can tap. Moreover, Magento is scalable meaning users can upgrade their plans when they feel to.

    On the other hand, Shopify has plans starting at $29 a month. The basic plan lets users list as many products but they can’t get access to reports. They are also allowed to set up only two staff accounts.

    In contrast, Shopify plans start at $29 for the platform’s most basic features. This tier enables you to list as many products as you want, but you can only set up two staff accounts, and you don’t get access to in-depth reports. These are restrictions that Magento users don’t have to deal with.

    To sum it up, users will be paying a premium amount to be able to benefit from the ease of use of Shopify. But Magento is a cheaper option with fewer limitations.

     

     

    WooCommerce and Magento Comparison

    WooCommerce and Magento Comparison: Which is Better for You?

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    WooCommerce and Magento Comparison

    WooCommerce and Magento are two of the more popular e-commerce platforms today. But which is one’s the winner in the WooCommerce vs. Magento face-off?By taking a look at the features, performance and other attributes of these platforms can help you decide which e-commerce solution is best for you.

    WooCommerce is a powerful plugin with useful features. It is a fully customizable platform built for WordPress. On the other hand, Magento is an e-commerce platform with robust features and designed for medium to large online stores.

    WooCommerce and Magento:  Which is better for beginners?

    WooCommerce is more appropriate for beginners. It helps if you have some working knowledge of WordPress, but if you don’t have, then you can always refer to the many online tutorials.

    Magento isn’t exactly user-friendly which makes it a poor choice for beginners. While there’s extensive documentation available for novice Magento users,  you should have basic knowledge of web development to fully utilize this platform.

    WooCommerce and Magento: Which is more secure?

    While both e-commerce platforms are secure, Magento clearly wins this category because it has dedicated security patches.  Users, though, may have to be warned that the security patches of Magento can be difficult to apply.

    WooCommerce and Magento: Which is better for product management?

    In WooCommerce, it is easy to set up new items with its user-friendly interface. It is also relatively easy to add extension products such as add-ons. But Magento beats WooCommerce in terms of other features such as product reviews, wish lists, advanced pricing rules, and product personalization, amongst others.

    WooCommerce and Magento: Which is cheaper?

    Budget will always be a key consideration in choosing the best e-commerce platform. WooCommerce is free. Magento also has a free version, the community edition. However, the enterprise edition of the platform comes with a monthly fee.
    So, which is better? It really depends on your needs. WooCommerce is free and user-friendly. It’s more appropriate for use in smaller websites. But if you have a big online store, then you should opt for Magento.

    Using influencers in marketing

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    Using influencers for e-commerce marketing

    Over the past couple of years there has been a rise in the use of social media marketers to market products and brands alike. This is due to the popularity of social media stars. Social media stars mostly attract small online businesses hoping to increase their sales or to increase the number of their subscribers. Using influencers for e-commerce marketing has become very important in the e-commerce sector. Imagine you want to sell a new product that you have just patented. The best choice you have is to get a popular Instagram star with one million followers, mostly in your niche to market the product for you. Another fantastic idea is to reach out to a YouTube star with hundred thousand followers give your product a positive review.

    How to reach out to influencers for e-commerce

    The best way to reachout to influencers on websites such as instagram is to send them a direct message. Some influencers already have their details up on their instagram profile. If you find an email written, the best way to reach out influencers is to contact them using email. You need to make sure you sound and look as professional as possible when doing this. For example you could try and use a more professional looking email. Emails such as [email protected] will surely catch the influencer’s eye. Business emails tend to have a certain effect on people and they heighten the belief that the email is very important. You need to make the influencer understand that you mean business.

    Success in contacting influencers

    A person with so much followers typically receives dozens of emails every day. This is why you have to state your intentions clearly in the first two lines of your email. When reaching out to YouTube influencers you can use third party websites where these influencers are members. This includes websites such as reachout and famous. This is how you can find specific influencers in your niche.

    #influencer marketing #how to contact an influencer
    #influencers in e-commerce

    Walmart Partners for Online Grocery Delivery Service ​​​​​​​

    American retail giant Walmart has joined hands with one of the top e-commerce firms in Japan for an online grocery delivery service to be launched later this year.

    Walmart announced that its subsidiary, Seiyu GK, will be partnering with Rakuten for the online grocery deliver service to be called “Rakuten Seiyu Netsuper” which will be launched in the second half of the year. The initiative will enable both firms to increase their foothold both in Japan and the United States.

    The move is seen to cash in on the growing trend of Japanese consumers relying more on Internet-based services for their food consumption. According to the Yano Research Institute, Japanese consumers spent approximately $19 billion on food deliveries in 2017.
    Seiyu GK presently has its own online grocery delivery service and reports indicate that this will be rolled into the new online service. The upcoming service will also get orders from Seiyu stores.  It will also feature products and meal kits from merchants on Rakuten’s platform. The Japanese firm is expected to lend its expertise in e-commerce in creating a website for the online grocery service.

    Walmart to sell e-books, e-readers

    Walmart is also said to sell e-books and e-readers from Rakuten division Kobo. Walmart will be the sole mass retailer of Kobo in the United States, allowing it to sell millions of Kobo titles through its website, Walmart.com, later in the year. All content from Kobo will be made available through an app that users can access on their mobile devices, PCs and Kobo e-readers.

    It remains to be seen how this move will enable the new partners to compete with Amazon, which is the overwhelming leader in e-book sales in the United States. Kobo accounted for a measly .3 percent of e-book sales in the US compared to the 83 percent of Amazon. Things are different in Canada, though, where Kobo has been giving Amazon some competition. Amazon accounts for 57 percent of the sales in the country while Kobo has about 25 percent.

    The partnership with Rakuten is one example of how companies like Walmart are moving to compete in the ever-competitive digital market. While Walmart has grown its own e-commerce capabilities,  it appears that it is looking for more strategic partnerships with other e-commerce firms in a bid to grow. The firm had previously worked Google by selling its products on Google Home and Google Express. The new partnership with Rakuten signals that Walmart plans to continue this strategy.

    Effective marketing techniques for e-commerce

    The use of effective marketing techniques in e-commerce

    Let’s imagine you want your brand or product to be seen by your prospective client. Imagine that your customers continuously browse through different devices and web pages. This means that you will have to give them a reason to view your product brand or website. This is where effective marketing techniques are essential. There are several effective marketing techniques for ecommerce.

    Search Engine Optimization

    Search engine optimization is an effective marketing technique used by marketers in order to get their site, product or brand on the top page of search engines like Google. They are more than 5 billion websites on the internet most wanting to take the top spot on the internet. Most web users use search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo to find what they are looking for on the Internet. Therefore in order to be found on the Internet marketers have to use search engine optimization techniques such as keyword density and keyword ranking.

    Social media marketing

    The world of e-commerce has become more competitive than ever therefore the use of effective marketing techniques has become more important than ever.  Amongst millenials social media has become part of their daily lives. Targeting this very specific group on social media will be a good marketing techniques. Visuals tend to play an important role in what social media users visit on the internet. This means that one important marketing technique are eye catching pictures. Eye catching pictures tend to have a specific effect on people. This is why social media sites such as Instagram have become so popular among teenagers. The visuals tend to attract the users.

    Effective marketing techniques conclusion

    This involves using the right visuals and using the write keywords to get your website noticed by the audience. For your product or brand you need to use these marketing techniques to have your product or brand found.
    #effective marketing techniques
    #effective marketing techniques for e-commerce

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