High number of businesses plan to increase web channel investment

Despite the sour economy, 29% of NZ businesses plan to either upgrade their current e-commerce website or buy a new one in 2009, according to the i-Start 'Technology in Business' survey. Additionally, 23% of those surveyed intend to either upgrade their content management system or invest in a new one.  

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And why wouldn't you? ....

Looking to the internet for those 'elusive' sales and leads, businesses clearly recognise that the online channel is core to success in the 20th century. However, the pressure for performance is greater than it has ever been as businesses seek profits while customers demand more from every online experience.  

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To grow sales, businesses and retailers often turn to technology, and in this current economic climate there is certainly no better time to invest in the online channel - especially e-Commerce (that's shopping on the internet).    

Here's why:  

1. If you are a bricks and mortar retailer, how much does a new shop cost you? $250K? $500K more??? Well compare that to the price of setting up an e-commerce website. It's a no-brainer with a very strong business case.  

2. Purchases can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - I bet most of your businesses don't operate 24/7.  

3. Ease of purchasing goods - people can do it from their home, work, iPhone, tent ..  

4. Your marketplace is much larger - reach all those smaller centres and towns that we have scattered across this fine nation.  

5. Payment for your goods or services can be made immediately.  

6. It's often more convenient for customers - not all of your customers feel like driving their cars or catching a bus to see you (sorry)  

7. This is a test to see if you are reading all of these bullet points :)

8. Reduced overheads - less staff (yes, you WILL need someone to manage the website), no lease, etc  

9. Transactions can be processed quickly - excellent, more money in your bank is the plan here.  

10. You can quickly update prices online (as long as you have invested in a decent web store management system)  

11. Everything is completely measureable - test, trial, measure, refine ... test, trial, measure, refine ... success!  

12. Ability to integrate with back-end systems for real-time stock control - what a time and cost saver!    

This list goes on, and on, and on, and on and on and on ...........    

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So ... in Summary  

New Zealand businesses and merchants who truly optimise their website, whether it be e-commerce or for brand development, and those who make the most of multichannel potential with relevant and profitable selling solutions will survive and thrive as the dominant players in their categories.

The End.