What is direct selling? How is it different from other forms of marketing? In today’s article, we learn the importance of e-commerce and all things direct selling. Living in a world crippled by a global pandemic can be challenging. With corporates cutting costs and workforce, unemployment rates have increased. Therefore, independent career opportunities can help people be their own boss and escape the burden of monotony. On the bright side, renowned direct selling brands focus on the importance of a holistic marketing experience. For example, QNET, a globally renowned direct selling brand, focuses on the importance of e-commerce and a strong online presence. With a diverse product portfolio at QNET, consumers have a wide range of alternatives to choose from. QNET products range from nutrition, home & living, watches to exquisite tableware. Therefore, the scope of e-commerce in direct selling is tremendous!
What is Direct Selling?
Traditionally, direct selling is a business idea that is essentially customer-centric. Meaning, success is measured in terms of interpersonal relations. With door-to-door selling in its prominence, people relied on a human touch. However, with the rise in urbanisation and technology, direct selling brands have resorted to e-commerce portals. For example, companies can cater to niche markets via the internet, launch multiple products, and provide personalised customer experiences.
Along with providing products via an accessible platform, the direct selling industry offers entrepreneurship possibilities. For example, as a QNET direct seller, people have the opportunity to be their own boss, rely on an alternate source of income and start their own business. E-commerce, in such cases, can be very handy. For instance, distributors can address customer grievances at the source and cater to specific customer requirements. In a fast-paced world, people usually prefer shopping online. Via e-commerce tools, agents/representatives can understand key requirements, deliver performance metrics and cater to a wider audience.
All right, time to shift our focus to the benefits of e-commerce in direct selling.
Flexibility for Customers
Be it any product or service offering; conscious consumers look for flexibility. Via an e-commerce platform, direct selling brands can provide customised product experiences. Also, customers have flexibility regarding product choices. Moreover, flexible e-commerce strategies can help consumers interact with service executives for refunds or product-related information.
Comparison Between Product Prices
Another scope for e-commerce strategies in direct selling is transparency. Via e-commerce portals like the QNET eStore, customers have the benefit of comparing products and prices to arrive at value-added purchase decisions. In a retail store or physical product demonstration, the process is time-consuming and is prone to inaccuracy.
Zero Geographical Hindrances
There are several drawbacks to the physical distribution of products. For example, having a retail store is great. However, the reach regarding product delivery is limited. A store may or may not be able to deliver products due to distance limitations. However, collaborating with e-commerce marketplaces can help direct selling brands capitalise on independent logistics and delivery systems.
Lower Capital Expenditure
Direct selling brans must constantly strive to reduce operational costs. This is when they can invest in automated systems and effective training structures. Although having a physical retail store can establish a physical presence, it takes a lot of money to maintain infrastructure. Be it rent, repairs, store layout or inventory management; a physical store has several disadvantages. An e-commerce store requires lower inventory as automated systems can forecast product demand. Eventually, capital investments are much lesser than physical retail stores.
Product Listing in E-Commerce
Imagine your visit a retail store, in this case, let us consider a shopping mall. Imagine how tiring and time consuming it is to figure out where your favourite product is located. It becomes more or less like a treasure hunt!
On the contrary, employing an e-commerce strategy allows customers to conveniently choose their product listing, create filters for accuracy and make quick purchase decisions. From a business perspective, brands can make their e-commerce portal look attractive, appealing and cater to multiple product views at the same time.
To conclude, considering the benefits, scope and importance of e-commerce, a career as a direct selling agent sounds promising. Register with QNET today and be your own boss!