Anna Kukec with The Daily Herald interviews AIS Media, Inc. CEO Thomas Harpointner regarding December 17th as being the cut-off date for retailers to implement online sales and free shipping. Harpointner explained that retailers are embracing the Internet more than ever before and are using interactive media to drive in-store traffic. Harpointners comments included in an excerpt below:
“Besides sales and promotions, free shipping has been the big hook to get online shoppers to order. December 17th represents the last day most retailers will offer free shipping to ensure the product arrives in time for Christmas. Ground shipping is usually the free promotion, but the closer you get to the holiday, the more it will likely cost – especially for express or overnight shipping,” says Harpointner.
Click here to read the full article: Expect more promos, free shipping as days wane for holiday shoppers
Top 5 Must-Do’s for Retailers Before Christmas:
- Display Your Policies: Do not burry your store policies in mice print or at the end of the checkout process. Keep shipping, return, and coupon information at the forefront of the checkout process. Don’t send your customers to the competition by letting them assume you have reason to hide your policies.
- Offer Promotions: One thing online shoppers look for is value – they are looking for special promotions, free shipping, online coupons and special deals. Customers also go back to these retail websites after the holidays, so it’s a great business-building model.
- Embrace Mobile: Nearly a 5th of Americans are using Smart Phones. Consumers price shop on their mobile handsets while inside the retail locations which creates an opportunity to close the sale.
- Make Inventory Available: Out of stock products are extremely frustrating to customers, especially if they’ve had to fight traffic and crowds to get to the store. Publish in-store inventories and enable customers to purchase online for convenient in-store pickup.
- Show the Cost of Shipping: Shipping cost is the most-cited frustration about online shopping. Offer free shipping incentives and clearly publish the cut-off days.
AIS Media has been helping businesses cut costs and increase productivity for since 1997. With consultants worldwide, AIS Media assist performance-driven companies implement and manage interactive strategies. To contact an AIS Media consultant in your area click here.
