Between 2009 and 2013, electronic commerce in the UK has more than doubled. It has long ceased to be a marginal sales channel and has been integrated into our lives naturally. Even television commercials now include many spots for all kinds of digital services. But are you taking advantage of this growth? How do you integrate the online market into your business strategy?
A market that continues to grow strongly
According to data from the National Markets and Competition commission, electronic commerce in the UK moved 12,731 million euros in 2013, that is, 22% more than the previous year. In all the years of the crisis, the growth of the sector has been in double digits. The year with the least growth (2009) it grew by 11%.
There is scope for much more
You probably have not had the opportunity to read it, and that is why I quote again an article that I published on the blog a few months ago where I risked stating that electronic commerce in The UK still had the potential to quadruple, at least if we assume that it can reach the same maturity as the British market, which is not unreasonable seeing the convergence between the European economies in the modes of consumption.
Being present on the Internet is very simple
Nowadays, you no longer need to know programming for your business to have an online presence. There are companies that provide you with a hosting service with tools that allow anyone to create their site without having technical knowledge. Even to have an online store there are “turnkey” services that make your life easier such as a Paypound merchant account. You need a payment gateway or card payment or even payment by hundreds of different options and without any hassle, then just Just mail at [email protected] or call at +44 800 832 1733.
E-commerce has already changed the way we shop
When I see that my parent’s generation has become used to looking for a product on Amazon and buying it online, I realize the path we have travelled in recent years. I still remember the sceptical comments when I bought my first airline tickets online many years ago. The ways of consuming have changed a lot , and that is why it is important that you take it into account for the business you are thinking of starting.
Implement continuous improvement
The job of managing purchases is endless. Once you have selected your suppliers for each product or service, you cannot rest and forget about it. Just as an individual you would look each year at which insurer offers you the best price for your car policy, as a purchasing manager you have to always be aware of the market and update the situation to have the provider that can offer you the best quality/quality ratioprice.
On the subject of stocks, it is even more obvious. You will put some indicators to measure the rotation of your stocks and you will always seek to improve it without ever breaking down.