10 fundamental innovations for e-commerce

The history of commerce via the internet is inseparable from the importance of technology and innovation. Wanting to operate in e-commerce, whether as a seller or a buyer, involves exploring a complex world that has been and continues to be transformed by major innovations. In this article, we explore ten of the most important ones to know, covering all areas, from virtual reality to parcel shipping.

1. Virtual and augmented reality

One of the limitations of e-commerce is that we cannot physically try a product before buying it. Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming popular as ways to, for example, “test” how clothes fit or how makeup looks, even remotely.

2. Shipment tracking

Being able to locate a shipment during its journey is a source of peace of mind for sellers and buyers, reinforces the transparency of the process, and can be an especially important variable in the case of delays and setbacks. We see the ability to track each order in real time as indispensable in modern e-commerce. Visit our tracking page to locate an InPost parcel.

3. Digital wallet

A digital wallet simplifies shopping by keeping all the information needed to make payments in one place. Digital wallets can be linked to your bank account and store card information. In addition to making payments easier and faster, they can also make them more secure. This system has become quite popular, both for online shopping and for making in-person purchases without physical cash.

4. Chatbots

The absence of the traditional figure of the assistant behind the counter makes customer service a central concern in e-commerce. Chatbots, which are computer tools that imitate human speech, help provide faster responses to questions and requests, and are permanently available. They can access data about each customer and their past purchases or orders, so they can offer personalized help.

5. Lockers

The InPost Lockers or automated lockers are an example of an effective and simple use of extremely practical technologies. These lockers are permanently available, so the parcel can be collected at any time and autonomously, using an electronic code. A surveillance system and their robust structure ensure security. A notification is sent when the parcel is available for pickup.

6. Virtual marketing

Social media are an example of the domains of new marketing. In addition to their importance in promoting products, as well as in communication and building relationships between brands and customers, many of these networks now offer mechanisms that enable integrated sales. In another vein, results pages now feature in the strategy of all stores and advertisers. Competition to optimize websites in order to place them higher in search results can be intense. Another approach is SEM (Search Engine Marketing), which involves paying to increase the visibility of a page or ad.

7. Voice shopping

A significant – and growing – number of people now use voice command technology in their shopping. The result can be a significantly smoother and more convenient experience. In the case of regular purchases, for example, the technology eliminates practically all effort, requiring only a command to repeat a purchase.

8. Personalization of the customer experience

A more individualized treatment – for example, one that takes into account a person's purchase history or preferences – corresponds to a more efficient approach, as well as a more personal interaction to which most people respond positively. Several technological innovations have been important for personalizing the customer experience, such as artificial intelligence, which makes it possible to offer personalized product recommendations.

9. Fast checkout

Studies show how complications and added “effort” during the process can compromise the purchase. Fast checkout – typically, with just one click – makes use of information previously stored, with the buyer's consent, to complete a new purchase. The technology that enables this innovation depended on a patent that expired in 2017, and since then more and more stores have adopted it.

10. Out-of-home deliveries

One of the innovations transforming digital commerce is pickup-point delivery, in which InPost specializes. This shipping method, whose popularity continues to grow, offers major advantages in terms of efficiency, convenience, and even environmental sustainability. Visit our page to learn more about the advantages of sending and receiving parcels through InPost Pack Points and Lockers.