Working in the fashion eCommerce industry means having the world at your feet. Even this might seem like an overstatement, the fact is that millions of people are turning to online shopping. As reported by Statista, online sales in the apparel and accessories field grow at an annual rate of 14.2% in the US. A growing number of people are getting connected on the Internet, so it’s becoming a global trend, as well.
So, if you’re about to start a fashion eCommerce business, you’ll have a bright future. Still, it’s vital to bear in mind some effective strategies for cutting corners and getting the most of this niche.
Providing continuous customer support
New eCommerce businesses need to be aware of their vulnerability. In other words, thousands of people are trying to do the same thing as you. While having a potentially global audience at your disposal, it’s also a burden. That’s why providing continuous customer support is a must-do for all these business people. There are many options you can use, from chatbots and an informative FAQ section to fast email support and call center. All these features will help you cover as many bases as possible to be there for your clients.
Implementing a flexible return policy
Every country has a special law related to trade. Within each of these laws, there’s a section that discusses return policies. International eCommerce retailers need to bring their own rulebook related to this matter. The best tactic here is to implement a flexible return policy. If you agree that the customer is always right, you won’t earn a bad name as a stingy and strict retailer. Make sure to write a return policy and put it on your website, as this will inform all your clients about your rules in advance.
Narrowing down the focus
The modern fashion market is roughly divided into two key categories: online stores that sell clothes in general and those that sell handpicked products. Of course, it’s not easy to narrow down your audience at the beginning, but it should be your long-term goal. Clothes stores that sell all sorts of items often look like flea markets. If you want to make steady progress in your niche, think about that in advance.
What’s more, your apparel sends a branding message. In the modern world, communicating your attitude is crucial. Fashion brand and/or beauty products or services should be oriented so that the communication process with the market is as efficient as possible, claim the people behind IED Forward online course in fashion marketing and communication. With this in mind, you should formulate your branding message and narrow down the number of items and brands you sell accordingly.
Avoiding misleading features
Every link on your eCommerce clothes website needs to link to a valid landing page. Also, there should be no misleading links or prices on any page or section. Make sure that your customers get what they paid for and don’t hide any additional costs or fees. Treating customers dishonestly always backfires at every business, especially in such a saturated market as online fashion trade.
Optimizing for mobiles
Online fashion traders at least need to make their websites optimized for mobiles and tablets. Some business owners might decide to launch an app in addition to their website. This is a handy option to cover the audience that likes to buy clothes on their mobiles. Also, you can have two different versions of your website, one for desktop users and the other one for mobile customers. The bottom line is that you need to take this market share into consideration.
Uploading top-notch photos
Selling clothes accompanied by stock photos is a short-term solution that won’t work properly. Since other websites have but the bar high here, it’s vital to follow suit. Therefore, hire a professional photographer and provide top-notch photos of your products on your website. This will add to the authenticity of your business. Also, it will win over some pickier customers.
Offering special deals
A new business in any niche has to start with lower prices and special deals. Therefore, prepare some special deals for your customers at the beginning of your eCommerce business quest. For instance, the first registered users can get some huge discounts. While these initial sales might be without any profits or right on the profit margin, it will put your eCommerce machine into motion. It’s highly likely that those first rewarded customers will come back to buy more items at regular prices, as well.
Finding your place in the fashion eCommerce industry is no cakewalk. Competition is harsh and the market is saturated. Still, if you focus on more unique clothes brands and items, you’ll have a more exclusive offer. Also, if you use the potential of mobile customers and approach all your buyers honestly, you’ll ensure a proper reputation for your business and increase the likelihood of boosting your sales and reaching business success.