For most small- and medium-sized businesses, there are a number of affordable e-commerce solutions, which can make choosing one a challenge. Fortunately, many come ready out of the box and allow businesses to start selling products immediately. Cloud e-commerce solutions have the added benefit of flexibility, allowing businesses to begin with a basic setup and add on functionality as needed.
After signing up, businesses log into the cloud solution, choose the layouts and settings that best fit their company, industry and specialty, and enter in the products and services they would like to sell. The store can then be opened, products ordered, and goods delivered to customers. This entire process—from set-up to inventory management to order fulfilment—is fastest when the e-commerce solution integrates with other software these businesses are using, such as inventory and financial systems.
Professional layouts
Businesses can customise the appearance with their own brand logo and colours
Responsive design
The web store should look great and function flawlessly on all devices
Vital integrations
Solutions should already work with payment, shipping, accounting, and other solutions
Customisation options
Optimise customer experience and sales by using free add-ons to the basic package
The latest in AI
AI personalisation is helpful to end customers and profitable for business in the long run
Powerful functionality
Filtering capabilities (by size, price, and category) are just one example
Cloud-based SaaS system
The provider is responsible for technical performance, security, and data storage
World-class support
The people behind the product should help businesses use it to its full potential
Industry-specific expertise
The possibility to obtain extra marketing or design services is an added bonus
High security
Businesses use their own domain while offering the best SSL (https) security
Shipping agreements
Agreements with freight companies extend discounts to customers
End-to-end solution
Solutions should include order processing, product administration and reporting
e-Commerce is another testament to the usefulness of cloud solutions, particularly during times when in-store traffic is down. To keep sales flowing, businesses need flexible and versatile solutions that allow them to not just sell but also attract, deliver, and delight. This applies always—regardless of whether in-store traffic is up or down.
Cloud solutions for e-commerce offer distinct advantages. By relying on established software providers, businesses can leave the hardest work to the experts. They can trust uptime to be well above 99.9%; they can count on unlimited bandwidth on store traffic; they can offer their customers the highest security protocols; and they can connect with third-party accounting, payment, and inventory apps that make online sales even more seamless than in store.
Most importantly, cloud e-commerce solutions provide omni-channel businesses with the versatility they need, and traditional brick-and-mortar businesses with a “Plan B” to stay afloat. In light of these clear benefits, Plan Bs are becoming a go-to method for maintaining sales and loyal customers.
Other cloud solutions are also helping organisations right now.
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