So we started week 4 after a nice long Chinese New Year with E-commerce. I've heard of it before, but of course, because i attended class, and watched the cool as videos Abel played in class, i am now filled with knowledge about E-commerce. :)
I just searched on Google (our friend!! >.<) about the top few common failures in e-commerce and this is what i paraphrased from it all. (I did not copy and paste. That would be too much to read.)
1. Weak Website Design
Gaining your buyer's trust is the most important thing to lock down on success yet maybe the most difficult thing to do. The number one thing that customers look judge you by is your website design, it also holds their attention. Things such as navigational structure, product presentation, testimonials, proof and security are key to gaining trust.
2. Inadequate Site Usability
The website fails to perform the function it was designed for. Instead of being helpful an useful, the site's purpose is unclear, does not help users find what they need, has is hidden content and has annoying sounds and blinking ads or animations.
3. Obstacles to Shopping
If the site becomes more of a burden than leisurely shopping, customers will leave instantly. Insufficient structure, demanding too much personal information, long processes to order items, vague content etc.
4. Poor Customer Service
Mistreatment of customers spreads like wild fire by word of mouth, a sure way to loose potential buyers and a direct ticket to failure. :(
5. Wrong Product Fit
Selling the wrong product online won't work as not all things can be sold online. Although i did have a teacher sell her natural red hair online for 500 dollars once...
6. Site Lacks Personality
I suppose no one would take a second look at a site that is as dull as a wall... Never even thought sites could have personality but i guess they do... one of the subconscious reasons i stay on a site.
7. Investing too much into Technology
Some low margin product selling businesses get carried away with high ambitions where some people tend to invest too into the technology and infrastructure expecting a high adoption rate to their product or idea. Eventually, they go bust!
8. Lack of Marketing Plan
One of the most important things in any kind of business is marketing. Many people forget they need to have a plan to attract people to their website therefore their business fails miserably.
9. Lack of Fulfillment
Products need to arrive on time and live up to their descriptions and the customers expectations. If not, bad news spreads like wild fire through word of mouth. Dooms day!
10. Poor Security
Probably one of the most important promises to keep to customers is that their details do not end up flying everywhere and land in the wrong hands- credit cards.
