Over 50% of the world’s population is now online according to Internet World Stats. 4.2 billion people around the globe now use the internet. It’s hard to find someone that doesn’t use the internet these days.
The prevalence of the internet means that there’s never been a better time for shopkeepers to have an online store.
For instance, this study by Cornell University found that online ordering systems led to significant increases in order frequency for hotels.
But the benefits don’t stop there, and they’re definitely not only for hotels! An increase in order frequency is only one advantage among a plethora of others.
Keep on reading to discover five key reasons to incorporate an online ordering system into your grocery store.
5 Benefits of Online Ordering Systems
Benefit #1: Improved Customer Experience
One of the greatest benefits of an online ordering system for selling your produce is its positive impact on the customer experience.
A well-designed system almost guarantees a quality customer experience. After all, online stores don’t suffer from staffing errors or unruly customers.
With a proportion of your customers ordering online the experience in store is likely to improve. There’ll be shorter queues at checkouts, easier access to popular products and fewer incidents in general.
Benefit #2: Convenient Online Ordering
Online systems allow customers to shop at all hours of the day and from anywhere they have an internet access.
Not only is this useful for your customers, but it also means you can now expect orders at all times of day and night. Shopping is no longer restricted to your typical store opening hours.
Customers can order their groceries online whenever its convenient for them and have them prepared and/or delivered by your store.
Again, say hello to an improved customer experience. Remember, a happy customer is more likely to become a repeat customer.
Another bonus for everyone involved is the ability to place future orders.
Ordering in advance means the customer saves time. But it also means that you know how busy you’ll be in the days/weeks to come.
Everyone benefits from easy and accurate business forecasting and inventory planning.
Benefit #3: Increased Revenue
One of the biggest benefits of an online ordering system is its positive impact on revenue.
We’ve already seen how you can expect sales at all hours of the day. But it doesn’t stop there.
Having an online system for ordering groceries opens up your store to a wider audience- i.e. the enormous number of people surfing the web.
It’s a giant boost to your store’s reach, and this can mean big business.
Not only can people visit your store in person, but they can also now pop by virtually too. People in different geographical locations are now able to buy from your store.
You can also up sell your products in a way that’s far harder to do in a physical location. For example, suggest popular items, include attractive images, provide discounts and offer incentives.
Such methods enhance the user experience even further and can increase your revenue at the same time.
Benefit #4: Lower Grocery Store Expenditure
Taking orders online not only opens the door to greater revenue but reduces store overheads too.
It’s because web online ordering systems are cost-effective.
The websites themselves often require little time to create and use. But the real benefit is that these online systems reduce the number of staffing hours required for managing and taking orders.
This minimises the running costs of your store and gives you a better chance of competing with larger competitors in your area.
Benefit #5: Marketing and Analytical Advantages
Online ordering systems are a marketer’s dream.
Customers can create a profile for themselves as part of the process of ordering online. This can speed up their future grocery shopping, which helps the user experience.
But it also filters them into your customer database.
Having access to this customer data (such as contact, demographic and product preference information) is crucial for maximising your marketing ROI.
It helps in all sorts of ways. For instance, you can:
- Keep track of popular and unpopular items, as well as inventory that needs restocking.
- Get to know your customers. How old are they? Where do they live? What’s their average spend? What’s the peak time and day for customers shopping online? Such information is crucial for effective targeting in your marketing efforts.
- Use contact information to send out emails/messages too. This can help to develop a relationship with your customers. Or to promote special discounts and deals. Or to send out important information about your store…and so on.
The opportunities are far-reaching. Online ordering systems provide a goldmine of information that can help you grow your business.
Our Systems Can Help Your Business Grow
There you have it: five amazing benefits of using an online ordering system for your grocery store.
Moving to an online platform might feel like a lot of work. But the rewards are worth the effort.
As we’ve seen, the ability to order anywhere and anytime means a better experience for your customers, both online and in store. The added convenience and reach it offers can be a major boost for your business too.
The major incentive is that online ordering can increase revenue and decrease expenditure (thanks to expedited systems and reduced staffing needs). Finally, they offer significant support to your marketing and data analysis endeavours!
There’s never been a better time to move your store online. Hopefully, the information here has persuaded you to do it!
Now we’d like to hear from you.
Which benefit of an online ordering system would mean the most to your grocery store? Would it be the improved customer experience? Or the major marketing and analytical advantages?
Let us know in the comments! And be sure to contact us here to see how our systems might be able to help.
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