The holiday season is upon us and, for eCommerce sellers, Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the beginning of the busiest time of the year. According to recent statistics, the eCommerce sector witnessed a 2% growth in 2022 compared to the previous year, highlighting the increasing significance of online shopping during this time. As sellers gear up for the rush, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. In this article, we’ll provide valuable insights and tips to ensure a successful Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Why is Black Friday Still Important for eCommerce Businesses?
Black Friday holds immense significance for eCommerce businesses, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Originating in the United States, Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving and has become a global phenomenon. Here are some reasons why Black Friday is crucial for eCommerce businesses:
- Revenue boost: The high volume of sales during Black Friday translates to a substantial revenue boost for eCommerce businesses. Many retailers offer exclusive online deals, encouraging customers to shop from the comfort of their homes. This contributes significantly to the overall annual revenue of online retailers.
- Customer acquisition and retention: Black Friday presents a unique opportunity for eCommerce businesses to acquire new customers and retain existing ones. The allure of special promotions and limited time offers motivates consumers to explore new brands and make purchases. Additionally, businesses can capitalize on this influx of customers by implementing strategies to encourage repeat business and loyalty.
- Globalisation of eCommerce: As eCommerce continues to globalise, Black Friday has transcended borders. Online retailers can attract customers from around the world, making it a truly international shopping event. This globalisation presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring businesses to be equipped to handle cross-border transactions and customs clearance efficiently.
The strategic preparation and execution of marketing initiatives during this time can have a lasting impact on an eCommerce business’s success throughout the holiday season and beyond. So, it’s vital that businesses are well prepared, and have the right strategies in place for Black Friday.
How to Prepare for Black Friday
There are a few things you can do to ensure that your business is ready for Black Friday, so your shoppers can avoid any nasty surprises while shopping.
Audit your checkout process
One of the critical aspects of preparing for Black Friday is ensuring a seamless checkout process. User experience (UX) plays a pivotal role in customer satisfaction. A smooth and efficient checkout process can prevent cart abandonment, ensuring that potential customers complete their purchases. Hurricane’s Kona solution aids in optimising the checkout process, streamlining the journey for both sellers and buyers.
Start on-site promotions
On-site promotions which are prominently displayed on your website are a quick way to entice the user. They create awareness about ongoing Black Friday promotions, ensuring that customers are always informed about special deals and discounts.
Leveraging on-site promotions is a strategic move to capture the attention of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers. Displaying promotional offers through captivating banners often feature clear and compelling calls to action, directing visitors to explore deals, view products, or make a purchase. These tactics, when employed effectively, can drive traffic and boost sales during this peak shopping period.
Optimise product descriptions
As transaction volumes surge during Black Friday and the festive period, it’s crucial to have optimised product descriptions — especially for global eCommerce businesses. Clear and optimised product descriptions aid in the proper classification of goods, helping determine accurate Harmonized System (HS) codes, a key factor in customs procedures. This not only expedites the clearance process but also minimises the risk of delays, fines, or seized shipments.
The increased traffic demands streamlined customs processes to prevent bottlenecks, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers. By prioritising clear and accurate descriptions, businesses can navigate the complexities of international trade smoothly, contributing to the success of Black Friday promotions and overall global eCommerce operations. Hurricane’s Zephyr solution facilitates this optimisation process, ensuring that your product descriptions meet the necessary criteria for customs procedures.
Advertise correct shipping information
Ensuring accurate shipping information is paramount for eCommerce businesses during Black Friday promotions as it directly influences customer satisfaction and overall brand reputation. Misleading shipping details can result in delayed deliveries, leading to frustrated customers and potential damage to the business’s credibility.
Additionally, the distinction between Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU) and Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) becomes crucial, especially for international orders. Clear communication on whether customers are responsible for import duties and taxes (DDU) or if these costs are covered by the seller (DDP) prevents unexpected charges upon delivery, fostering transparency and trust. Failure to accurately convey such information can result in customer dissatisfaction, disputes, and may adversely impact the business’s performance and customer loyalty during this critical sales period.
Automate as much as possible
The benefits of using automation for these customs-related tasks during Black Friday are manifold. Automation improves efficiency by reducing manual workload, accelerating processes, and minimizing the potential for human error. It enhances accuracy in product descriptions, HS code assignments, and landed cost calculations, leading to smoother customs clearance processes and minimizing the risk of delays.
Automation also ensures compliance with international trade regulations, such as denied parties, reducing the likelihood of fines or legal issues. Ultimately, by leveraging AI-enabled data solutions, eCommerce businesses can enhance their operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and provide a seamless and reliable experience for customers during the high-demand Black Friday period.
Hurricane’s AI-enabled data solutions, including Kona and Zephyr, offer automation capabilities for tasks like generating product descriptions, determining Harmonized System (HS) codes, calculating landed costs, and screening denied parties. By automating these processes, sellers can enhance efficiency and focus on meeting the increased demand.
Unleash Kona and Zephyr for Seamless eCommerce Success
As the holiday season approaches, eCommerce sellers can benefit immensely from strategic preparations. Hurricane Commerce’s Kona and Zephyr services stand as valuable allies during this busy festive period. Kona streamlines the checkout process, while Zephyr optimizes product descriptions, facilitating customs declaration and clearance. By incorporating these solutions into your Black Friday strategy, you can navigate the challenges of global eCommerce with confidence, ensuring a successful and stress-free holiday season.
