6 myths about online sales

The world of online commerce is full of misleading ideas: intuitions that do not always correspond to the truth and narratives that seek to simplify a complex reality.

In what follows, we investigate six of these misconceptions, and show more rigorous ways of thinking about your business and approaching e-commerce.

Of course, in everything that concerns online commerce, it is impossible to overstate the importance of shipping. Visit our page to find out more about everything InPost can do for you and your store, and see our offer for businesses.

1. That selling online is only for large companies

Although large multinationals may have more resources to invest in cutting-edge technology and big advertising campaigns, companies of all sizes have succeeded in e-commerce. In fact, for small businesses it is sometimes easier to build a personal relationship with the customer, explore a market niche, or stand out by offering an exceptional shopping experience. Marketing strategies such as social media or the use of email are potentially effective and inexpensive. It is possible to do a lot to promote your products without having to spend a fortune.

2. That digital commerce is supplanting traditional commerce

Despite the growth of e-commerce, physical stores are not going out of style. Consumers continue to use both channels, which can reinforce one another: a loyal customer of a store may choose to order online from that store when, for example, it is not convenient for them to leave home.

Digital commerce can, in the same way, help energize a physical store: the InPost service is based on the use of pickup points located in street stores and has been a factor in boosting traditional commerce. Click here to consult our extensive list of locations throughout the country.

3. That price is everything

It is undeniable that the online world makes price comparisons very immediate, and that no one is interested in spending money unnecessarily, but the idea that any reduction of cents in a final amount justifies devaluing the product, the customer experience, or a thousand other factors does not correspond to reality. Buyers' preferences between different stores are not based solely on price.

A fundamental differentiator is being able to communicate the added value of a product. On the other hand, price is not, statistically, the main factor that leads people to buy online, but access to more choices and convenience. A better product, a well-designed website, or good reviews can help attract and retain customers as much as or more than price.

4. That the online audience is made up only of young people

However much we associate information technologies with the generations that have already grown up with them, the reality is that the convenience and other advantages of online commerce are attractive to people of all ages, and increasingly so. Not only that, older consumers tend to spend more on their purchases. Do not direct your communication only toward the young, and if your target audience is older, do not assume for that reason that it cannot succeed in the online world.

5. That the international market is not viable for small stores

Businesses of modest size may understandably feel hesitant before the vast world of international markets. And yet, they may also be missing opportunities.

Selling in another country no longer requires a physical presence. Many companies sell internationally using resources such as e-commerce platforms or social media.

The our international delivery service is available for several European countries and has been designed to be the perfect logistics solution to meet the demands of e-commerce in the modern world. Talk to us today to find out more about InPost international shipments.

6. That customer experience is not a priority

There is a very common tendency in small and medium-sized businesses to assume that their consumer experience offering is satisfactory. The truth is that, unless concrete data and customer reports confirm it, it is quite possible that it falls short of what is imagined.

The data show that offering good products at good prices is not enough, and the focus on customer experience must be permanent. This involves the continuous improvement of all touchpoints between the buyer and the brand, such as a reliable delivery service, a smoothly navigating website and efficient support service.