Some of the feedback I have been receiving has been enquiries about the possibility of adding an online store to the Neema website.
While designing the site I considered a store but discounted on the basis that
1) I enjoy the interaction that comes from selling in person.
2) Remote sales require packaging and I have not yet been able to source any that is local and ethical.
3) I think that educating about Fairtrade is as important as generating sales.
4) I think that a lot of the gifts have to be seen to be believed, I can’t imagine a photograph doing justice to the craftsmanship and materials of many of the gifts.
On the other hand
a) There is a market for online sales.
b) It would generate income between events.
c) It would allow people who have attended a sale to purchase more gifts easily.
I am aware that the issues raised are not unsurmountable and the idea is definitely appealing but I am still unconvinced.
What do you think? Would you consider buying from Neema online? Is an online store something you expected? Or are you less inclined to buy without seeing? Let me know your thoughts.
Sarah,
What about repeat orders? People will have seen the product and want more. An online shop is an excellent way to maintain an ongoing sales relationship after the initial face-to-face & education process that is key to a business such as yours.
You could consider some form of Live Chat or messenger function, which will give you the opportunity to interact with your online customers. Sure it won’t be as effective as face-to-face, but it is another channel that I don’t think can be ignored.
Most e-Commerce applications allow multiple pictures which may help boost the product. As an alternative, you could also use streaming videos: have an informational video for each product (or mainline products) where you describe the product to your visitors much as you would in a face-to-face scenario.
Some internet facts that I think emphasise the importance of having an online sales presence:
67% of adults in the UK use the Internet every day for an average of 1 hour!
- Over 22 million people use the web every month in the UK to search for information about goods, services and businesses just like yours!
- They spent over £30 billion pounds online last year!
Internet usage is at its highest in the evenings when many businesses are closed
- Over 15 million homes in the UK have Internet access and the majority of these have broadband!
- Over 65’s are called ‘silver surfers’ and they spend over 42 hours per month online!