Before COVID-19, eCommerce businesses around the world were gaining a good amount of momentum. Many small business owners were making a profit from the online market. However, the lockdown and ongoing trouble caused by this pandemic have sent eCommerce businesses off balance.
Now, there are many limitations and doubts about “what” to buy and “when” to buy. Most consumers are watchful of products that are not classified as essentials. Also, when the number of functional delivery agencies comes down, shipping orders is a challenge for any eCommerce business. Yet, life needs to go on. And eCommerce businesses, like every other venture, need to get on track.
Before the Pandemic
Before COVID-19, the attitude towards eCommerce businesses was very exciting. People who wanted to stay at the convenience of their homes and make purchases were granted great relief. Whether it was a recreational item or basic groceries, there were many online brands to help. But the pandemic has now created a “big” shift. Customers think twice and behave differently with the sound of an eCommerce business. Today, most consumers choose to buy only essentials and important medicines from the internet. No one is willing to spend beyond necessities. This has introduced many opportunities and challenges to eCommerce businesses.
The prediction!
Market studies before the pandemic revealed that the eCommerce industry would be worth more than 200 billion USD in countries like India. Studies after the outbreak reveal that this goal will be reached at a faster pace. When compared with the original prediction, consumers will opt for online deliveries over outdoor ones. If your eCommerce business is able to meet this demand, you will have a better chance of making revenue. After all, every business must adapt and respond appropriately to COVID-19. Otherwise, the survival of the business will become a major question.
The decline!
Now, this doesn’t mean that the eCommerce industry is going to flourish in the upcoming days. There are many hidden and known challenges. When Digital Commerce conducted a survey in the month of March, a majority of eCommerce businesses felt a strong drop in sales. Nearly 50 percent of the businesses declared a shift in confidence amongst customers. Also, many eCommerce businesses struggled with minimal staff. They couldn’t attend to existing orders.
To be more precise, E-commerce giants like Amazon had to suspend the delivery of their products and stick to essentials. Every eCommerce business is bound to suffer a logistical and staff crisis because of COVID-19.
