Shipfusion has been tracking the spread of COVID-19 and is committed to being both responsive and responsible, navigating these times with everyone’s safety and our client’s operations in mind. We aim to educate our clients and readers with how eCommerce brands are stepping up during this difficult time.
Many eCommerce brands have been quick to extend help and update company policies to create a positive user experience. Changes including faster delivery times, to safe no-contact drop-offs and item discounts, everything helps in a time like this.
eCommerce Businesses Care
Many brands are adapting to the current pandemic climate, making it easier and more cost-effective for those stuck at home. What are a few simple things your brand can do to help and showcase your product during COVID-19?
STARBUCKS: The world-famous coffee company is offering any customer who identifies as a front-line responder ( hospital and emergency staff, firefighters, police, grocery store workers) to the COVID-19 outbreak a tall brewed coffee at no charge.
WELLTOLDCO: The popular organic botanicals brand is offering large discounts to all healthcare workers who are working tirelessly and courageously to manage this crisis for all of us. As a show of gratitude, the company has already sent care packages to healthcare workers in Vancouver and NYC this past week.
NOMAD NUTRITION: The popular nutrition company is offering proceeds of products sold to help donate meals to underprivileged children whose parents have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HEYDAY: The A.I. chat support company has unveiled a ‘ Retail Relief Program’, to help eCommerce businesses support their customers at this uncertain time. Heyday is offering its chat solution free of charge for the next 3 months. No credit card required to receive the promo.
eCommerce Businesses Take Care of Their Customers and Communities
Many companies are going the extra mile for their customers during COVID-19 by offering additional services free of charge. Examples include free streaming services, free take-out on delivery apps and free shipping on eCommerce retail stores. You can implement simple measures to help support your customers and communities, and remind them why they partnered with you. Check out some promotions many eCommerce companies are offering:
- Free Delivery
- Prioritize your product stock for existing customers over new visitors who are looking for single-product purchases
- Support your customers who are facing troubles by offering additional return options or extending invoice payment dates
- Provide extra promo codes or discounts on product during COVID-19
- Can you set aside any stock to help health organizations during this time or donate some proceeds to charities in need?
- Can you offer a payment installation plan so customers don’t have to pay for everything upfront?
Fulfillment Services During COVID-19
Common fulfillment issues include out-of-stock retail due to supply chain issues with imports from China, manufacturing delays, and increased demand as many consumers stockpile products. Online retailers should take a proactive step in their communications with consumers about delays in shipments. As many consumers will turn to online stores as their only means of purchasing certain products, consider helping out by removing premium shipping items during this crisis as there is no guarantee that one-day or two-day delivery will be on time due to circumstances beyond your control.
If you are currently fulfilling with Amazon during this time you may have noticed Amazon warehouses have slowed down, taking up to two or three weeks to check inventory. The eCommerce giant also announced last week that it would prioritize orders of staple products which is leaving a large number of merchants on the site to be abandoned and labelled as nonessential therefore not allowing items to move and sell.
Supplying your fulfillment company with as much inventory right now as possible is the key to ensuring customer’s demands are being met. This is also a great time for smaller brands to boost their products as bigger brands are going out of stock.
Simplify Returns
At this time you are likely to experience many shifts and fluctuations in customer’s purchasing habits, many are suffering financial troubles this uncertainty will likely result in a rise in returns. Why not help out by making the returns process stress-free, if possible allow them to authorize returns and track the progress themselves. This will not only be more convenient for your customers, but it will also prevent any surges in calls and emails for your service team.
Shipfusion eCommerce Order Fulfillment
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have received a lot of questions about our fulfillment services and the status of operations. Shipfusion’s fulfillment network remains fully operational and fulfillment specialists are happy to answer any questions you may have along with our COVID-19 FAQ blog. We’re taking all safety measures and precautions to keep our employees safe. If you need help fulfilling orders, request a fulfillment quote here.
