Why do I need an online store as a retailer?

It's no secret that online retail is becoming increasingly prevalent, replacing active shopping in stores. This phenomenon particularly affects individual retailers. While walk-in customers are not absent, the proportion of actively buying customers is continually decreasing. Retail is increasingly becoming a tourist attraction, the "last-minute stop" for gifts, or simply a leisure activity. The incentive to go out and buy something that can be obtained much more conveniently on the internet is simply no longer there. Because ordering on the internet is time-saving, offers a wider selection, and most importantly, you know immediately whether something is still available or not.

This does not make retail any less important! It enhances the atmosphere of pedestrian zones, you can take home what you buy directly, and generally get an overview of what is currently available. In addition, specialty stores offer face-to-face advice tailored to your interests and also provide opportunities to look beyond the horizon.

However, it is no longer enough to simply be a retailer. The age of digitalization is relentless. And that's not the only problem. The general situation of businesses has worsened due to the pandemic. Those without reserves do not survive the lockdowns. Even large chains are struggling to stay afloat.

And an online store simply brings only advantages.

In this blog post, we would like to dispel your doubts and explain the advantages of an online shop.

What are the advantages of an online shop?

Many advantages of an online shop are obvious:

• Larger target group, as not only customers from the region are reached
• Direct overview of the available goods
• No stop in revenue due to forced store closure (e.g. during a lockdown)
• Easy and convenient shopping from home
• And much more.

But you are probably already aware of the advantages. So why don't you have an online shop yet? Quite simply: Because of the effort that such an online shop entails. And we will go into these in more detail in the following.

I have no idea how to open an online shop, let alone how to build it...

Understandable! It's usually not among the hobbies one cultivates in their free time or learns in school!

But basically, it's quite simple if you spend a little time with it. There are now several providers who offer a simple template for websites to click together yourself.

If you don't want to spend hours clicking through countless options and then spend more hours sifting through the numerous customization options after finding the right provider, you can simply contact us! This saves time and the result is definitely worth it!

In the shortest possible time, we will work with you to create a ready-to-use framework for your very own online shop via Shopify! An introduction to all features is included, so you can manage everything yourself afterwards and are no longer dependent on us.

How do I get my products integrated into the online shop?

A valid question. This can indeed be time-consuming, or it can be done very quickly.

If you already have a list of all your products, you can easily upload it to your online store. There is a detailed description for this on the designated page. Admittedly, it's a bit harder for those who don't have such a list. Then the products all have to be entered into the shop individually. But after a one-time effort, you've made it! For example, you could combine this work with the annual inventory that is due anyway and kill two birds with one stone! Or we can help you with this and do it directly when setting up the shop!

New items must be added using the same method, but if you receive already registered goods again, you can simply adjust the existing quantity without having to go through the effort of entering them again.

An inventory list with the details of the available quantities of a product also gives you an overview of your stock at a glance!

What happens if I sell a product from my online shop in the store?

Since you have full control over your online shop, you can adjust the existing quantity of a product with a single click right after the sale in the store.

Of course, we understand that you probably don't have the time to constantly manage your online shop. However, we can alleviate your fear of potentially selling a product twice, which could reflect poorly on the store.

Shopify's "Point of Sale" feature offers you the opportunity to integrate in-store sales into your online shop.

With Shopify Point of Sale (POS), you can combine in-store and online sales through unified statistics. This maintains an overview of your in-store and online inventory of products. You can also manage your business with POS, advertise your products, and sell on various channels. Based on inventory forecasts and performance reports, you can create orders. If you have multiple locations, you can transfer your inventory to these.

Merge in-person and online sales with POS. Simplify shopping for your customers and thereby increase your profit.Your customers can view your products in your store and then comfortably order from home. It can also work the other way around. Your customers can order from your online store at home and then pick everything up at your location. Is the inventory low on site? No problem. Your customer can also simply order their desired product for a fee on site and have it delivered to their home. Don't lose any more sales with POS.

What about shipping costs?

You have the option to choose and specify your shipping options yourself. The respective shipping costs are added to the value of the goods and are therefore borne by the buyer. Free shipping options, for example from a certain purchase value, can also be set up.

If you want to avoid shipping, you can offer the option of in-store pickup.

How does the tax work?

You include this information directly under your personal user details. An invoice is provided for each order. You will not have any additional effort in this regard through the online shop!

I still don't have the time or desire to take care of it...

This problem can also be solved. If possible, you can of course hire or retrain an assistant or employee to take care of the online shop.You can do this from home too!

Or you can also turn to us on this matter! We offer to take care of your shop and keep it up to date. However, you would need to support us a bit when it comes to your goods.

Any questions? Let's get started!

We hope to have alleviated some of your doubts with this. But of course, something new is always a challenge that can be scary. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us!

And if you've said to yourself: Let's do this!, then click here, because we are of course ready and would be happy to help you!