In the past, distributors were slow to adopt e-commerce platforms because the existing methods of selling had always worked, with sellers going to customer locations. When distributors did choose to adopt e-commerce platforms, it was largely out of necessity, as a cost- and time-saving measure to avoid having to send sellers out to distant customer locations. The decision to adopt these e-commerce platforms was not strategic, and the platforms themselves were not particularly user-friendly, as they were lacking a lot of the information that customers would want to see and they were often hard to navigate.

Now the expectation from customers is that distributors will offer an e-commerce platform for ordering. Customers want the convenience of placing orders when it’s convenient for them and from any location and device. They expect seamless navigation and the ability to see their sales data, all of the products they can buy in easily searchable fields, and the promotions that are available to them, so that they can make the best buying decisions for their businesses.

Of course, the benefits of this move to e-commerce platforms isn’t just for the customers. Distributors can have their sellers focus more on strategic goals. Rather than acting simply as order takers who go to customer locations, they can focus on selling product. Sellers can work as partners with customers, coming up with the right strategic product mixes that enable these customers to sell more high value products, enabling a win-win situation for both the distributor and the customer. As your customers look for more order options, be sure to be ahead of their demands Talk to our sales team to find out how eoMarket can help you.

At eoStar, we have witnessed a shift in the digital commerce space and recognize the need for a competitive e-commerce platform. We understand that you’ve made a promise to your customers to support their growth efforts. This is a hefty promise to keep while managing your own set of challenges; increasing competition, thin margins, and the demand for lower prices.

What solutions are you offering to increase your customers’ sales, improve margins on product sold, shape the shopper experience, and build shopper loyalty while planning for the unexpected?

Understand That Business Practices Are Evolving

A younger generation of shoppers is entering the marketplace, and for these younger buyers who were raised on the internet, e-commerce is now the expectation. Customers want to access product information twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week from anywhere. They need the ability to find items anytime, whether it be after closing time, or when they first enter the office.

Be On the Forefront of Change

You need a business partner to help drive the changes in the industry and help keep you competitive to meet these expectations, rather than someone who merely follows what others have done. At eoStar, we’re listening to your requests and concerns in order to act as a key strategic partner in moving your business forward. With us, you’ll be at the head of progressive developments in e-commerce and distribution.

Put Your Data into Action

Better data means better business.  Our advances in data analytics will help you anticipate your retailers’ needs and identify buying patterns, leading to an increase in customer sales. With eoStar’s business intelligence models, predicting sales and recommended products will be simple for your customers.

The Bottom Line

Before you can successfully establish a competitive advantage, you must first know your customers and what they expect.  The fact is that buying habits have shifted, and you need a partner to help you stay ahead of the curve.  The online shopping experience is not just a standard; it is an expectation. eoStar will help you meet and manage the demands of your customers by helping keep their shelves stocked, all while optimizing spending on trade promotion. Book a demo with one of our sales specialists, here.