The current situation has led us into an unexpected world. On one side, Government and Medical Organisations are working on the damages and controls, other side people are adjusting to the new normal either by staying at home, working from home, and maintaining social distancing.
Coronavirus pandemic has arrested the liquidity of markets and businesses. Since supply chain and logistics industry are facing a massive burden, businesses are also beefing up their elbow grease to respond to the pandemic and ease the fallout.
There are no estimates of COVID-19 crisis to get rid off but retailers can use technologies to elevate their sales.
So here are five simple Dos’ for retailers to fight the COVID-19 impact.
1. Let your customer know you are available for them
It is very important that customers know your service is open for them now. It is courageous and welcoming as well.
Instant messaging service is the tool to notify your customers about your service, promotions and important information for which they were waiting for. It is one of the technologies that works as an adhesive to stick your customer in such hard times.
2. Be specific and selective while accepting online orders
As long as these challenging times persist, it will be tough to manage your labour. So say yes to time, money and labour only on things that reciprocate in any form. There will be many orders via phone calls or whatsapp which will make weary to keep eyes on every tab loaded with orders. And this is mainly because of increase in customer’s demand especially, if they are coming from several channels.
So, take a smart step and preserve your limited labour for something that needs more attention because integrated online ordering apps can only simply the process of order taking. The single most effective way of processing sales orders is that the customer’s order products mobile apps only which can save a chunk of your time and labour.
Currently, all the big online retailers are facing a massive shortage in stock due to supply chain slowdown and are not able to provide adequate service to the customers. So it is better to capitalise on this and serve your customers by taking business online and build a strong bond.
3. Follow Contactless Deliveries to attract customers
Customers who have ordered products online want it to be delivered at their doorstep on time. So make them believe that your home delivery service is on work instead of calling them at your outlets.
Although, adopting delivery service may be challenging for you due to lack of workforce or skills of your labour but it can be easy through integrated delivery and payment management system.
Go for contactless deliveries with digital payments to provide service to your customer on time and facilitate convenience to your delivery person with quickest route navigation and tracking facility.
4. Stock your store as per customer’s need
Stop following your supply routine and focus on only what is essential for your customers. This is advised as logistics would be challenging and supplies would start to dwindle.
There is a need to study the recent sales trend in your store and then place orders with your suppliers accordingly. At the end of the day, it is a best option to open your stores with lesser but essential products.
5. To reach more customers, operate from multiple service points
There is a huge demand for goods and services at every place. Plan effectively to serve at multiple locations rather than just serving your community. There are some stores that are shutting down just because they are unable to cater the demands of customers of that locality. This is the time to grab an opportunity for you to see revenue as well as serve customers who need your service.
Van sales is an effective way to expand your boundary and operate from multiple service points. A handy mobile POS, which is already adopted by some of the supermarket retailers, can be a helpful to take your business with you.
Therefore, retailers can be the real difference makers against the powerless and fluctuating feeling amid COVID-19 crisis. Retailers can spread hope and positivity by providing their services to the customers at their doorstep and making the worldwide quarantine comfortable.