Sandeep was looking online for a tripod for his new camera as he was too busy to go to a shop for the same. He browsed a few websites selling the stuff but didn’t make the purchase as the model he was looking for was not available at that time. A couple of days went by and he was unable to find time to do further search due to time constraints. On the third day to his utter surprise, Sandeep got an email from one e-commerce website suggesting him a tripod with the options he searched earlier. Not only did the website shortlisted tripod models based on his browsing, they even offered compatible filters and lenses for his camera at an attractive discount. What’s next, Sandeep instantly placed his order without looking other websites. Yes, the e-tailer was using technology here to lure a potential buyer, and this is the new technique of e-commerce sites which are going beyond just discounts
The Growing Popularity of Analytical Tools: E-commerce retailers are using various analytical tools to understand the shopping behavior of their customers. There has been a lot f innovation and technological advancements in tracking customer behavior and analyzing the same into customer analytics. For example some of the leading e-commerce firms including Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal had collaborated with mobile internet browsers and other analytics companies to get information about the browsing and purchase history of customers. This information is used by them to offer customized solutions or similar products to the customer that may be of interest to him. Since analytical tools are not using any stored information or selling any cookie based information to the retailers.
Refer a Friends Discounts: Instead of offering simple discounts that have been used in traditional markets, e-tailers are now offering refer a friend discount to their customers. Refer a customer discounts work in two distinct ways. One is by way of referral links which customers can use to send traffic of prospective buyers to the e-tailers website. If any person buys a product through the referral link, the customer gets an incentive or a discount for his next purchase. The other way of refer a friend discount is for recommending contact details of any friends or relatives to the website resulting in a purchase.
Personalized Product Suggestions: Everyone likes a personalized touch while out shopping. E-tailers have taken a cue on this from the traditional brick and mortar stores where a dedicated sales man is offering personalized product suggestions to various clients. For example if a person has a history of buying electronic gadgets, the e-tailer is likely to offer a personalized suggestion of new gadgets on the block excluding the ones already owned by the customer. A person seeking to buy organic food may not get any suggestions of starch rich food products while getting product suggestions of new organic food and beverages in stock in the store.
Awareness Campaigns: Many e-tailers are coming up with various awareness campaigns to help raise the social and moral index of the society while enhancing their sales. Television ads of leading e-commerce sites are intended for mass awareness. And so are the outlets of stores in leading city spots.
Good old Discount Coupons: Everyone like a discount on the product irrespective of whether he or she is a first time customer or a regular client. Online stores while embracing new ways to increase their sale and brand loyalty are still offering discount coupons galore allowing users the mental and monitory gratification of getting a discount for shopping online.
While things are being like this, customers can take maximum advantage of it and get the best deals. After all, if a good chunk of money can be gained by simply referring a friend, its much easier than bargaining with a traditional sales man!