If you run a bricks and mortar retail business, you’ve probably been tempted to throw in the towel on more than one occasion.
It seems like it’s almost impossible to compete with online retailers like Amazon when they’re able to keep prices so low.
But, you know what? It’s not impossible, and instead of giving up, you should fight back. You don’t go into business to have it easy, and if you’ve made it this far, you must have the right stuff!
Here are some things you can do to fight back against those big online retailers and ensure your business doesn’t go under:
Play Up the Convenience Angle
Unless you happen to live in one of the few areas where Amazon offers same day delivery, it’s always going to be more convenient for local people to come to your shop for what they need.
They’ll be able to get their purchases on the same day from you, and that means no long waits to get their hands on that new release. Make sure you emphasise this fact when you speak to customers.
Go Online
Even if you don’t want to sell online, you should still have an online presence. This will enable local people to find you and see what you’re offering so that they can come along and make a purchase.
If you look at this piece on 15 Ways To Attract Customers Into Your Store, you will see that it mentions the importance of local SEO in attracting new customers who more often than not look online to find the best place to buy.
Setting up a website is fairly simple thanks to out-of-the-box solutions like Squarespace, so there’s no reason not to establish your own website.
Personalise Service
Adding the personal touch to all of your interactions with customers is a great way to get their repeat business and have them recommend your store to friends and family.
Although online retailers like Amazon are able to offer personalised customer recommendations, they can’t take the time to explain the pros and cons of a particular model or show a customer how to set up their new product. You can, and that is where one of your biggest advantages lies.
Go Local
If you read this piece on The Benefits of Local Sourcing, you will see that there are many good reasons to start stocking local produce.
If you’re trying to compete with online companies, one of the best reasons to go local, however, is due to the fact that locally produced items are rarely mass-produced and therefore are much more difficult to find online, giving you a major advantage over even big companies like Amazon and eBay.
Offer Payment Plans
There are still few online retail stores that offer flexible payment plans, so if you can offer weekly payments and interest-free plans, you might persuade more people to shop with you.
Do you run a bricks and mortar shop? How are you fighting back against online retailers like Amazon and eBay?
