July 2, 2010
We’re very excited about the latest version of UBIshop – our own full feature e-commerce system.
It’s been a while in production as we wanted to get it right, but it’s now being implemented into a number of client sites, the latest of which is Electric Fencing Direct (EFD), one of the country’s leading electric fencing and agricultural supplies specialists.
What sets EFD apart from the competition is their dedication to their customers. The free advice they offer and the lengths they go to to satisfy their ever-growing customer base is second to none. We can relate to that here at Ubisan! Their old system relied heavily on a positively creaking Microsoft Access database and this has been replaced by a fast and user friendly e-commerce and customer management system which will help the company grow it’s online profile, and sales considerably.
Further features are also in the pipeline to maximise the online shop’s sales potential and this will be further boosted by our involvement in ensuring EFD remain ahead of the pack when it comes to marketing their products and search engine optimisation
August 27, 2009
We’ve just started working with Electric Fencing Direct, one of the country’s leading online suppliers of electric fencing and related products. Their current site and e-commerce system is over five years old and ripe for an overhaul, kicking it off by leveraging our extensive e-commerce development experience.
It’s a fairly competitive market and we will deliver a site that will differentiate it from their competitors so that their customers will know why it’s compelling, valuable and better than the rest. UBIshop, our own bespoke e-commerce system is pretty comprehensive and will deliver the following:
- a suite of browsing and searching tools that will provide rich, detailed information about EFD’s products and services. Customers should be able to find the items they were looking for and the ones they didn’t realise they needed through as many avenues as possible.
- a strong focus on accessibility as it’s important the site is accessible to as many people as possible.
- search engine optimisation tools built in at every stage of the process.
- every page will include clear links to privacy, security, shipping, handling and return policies as well as frequently asked questions. We believe nothing turns a customer off more than hidden charges or misleading information.
- customers will be able to collect items in one place and check out quickly, with the minimum amount of distraction.
Does your e-commerce system deliver all of this successfully? It it doesn’t then contact us.
July 7, 2009
Despite the recession and favorable weather we’re having this summer, online sales are still on the increase meaning that more and more consumers are enjoying the speed and convenience that shopping online provides. Selling your products online is not without it’s challenges but if it’s done properly, the benefits can be substantial.
We are often approached by clients who are interested in selling items online but just don’t know where to start or go about it. Part of the process of providing clients with e-commerce systems that are right for them is getting the client to think clearly about what they are trying to achieve. This list is by no means definitive, but should be enough to get you thinking.
- How many products do you intend to sell online and will there be many variations?
Think about product categories, sizes, colours and how much information and imagery you have for each product.
- Which locations will you be delivering to and which currencies will you accept?
Whilst this may increase your potential market size can you really afford to accept alternative currencies when the exchange rate is so poor. You may also need to assess the competition from rival stores in the territories you wish to sell in.
- Will you require your e-commerce system to be linked to any other in-house systems?
We like to think that the e-commerce systems we create will not only generate income but actually increase profit margins by acting as a labour saving device. Do you have any internal stock control or accounting systems that could be integrated into your online shop admin area?
- How will you take payments?
Our e-commerce systems can be linked to practically any payment network from web-based solutions such as Google Checkouts and Paypal, to external services such as a branded Worldpay payment page. Alternatively, you may already be set up with an online Merchant ID and a secure payment provider so that users do not leave your site to process an online payment.
- How strong is your company’s branding and logos?
It goes without saying that the internet is a highly visual medium and if you want to create as strong impression as possible with potential customers this area needs to be addressed properly.
- How will you generate sales?
This is a key question and one that is often overlooked. Whilst more and more potential customers are choosing to shop online, it may be that your products are already available via existing online sources. The standard rules of ‘physical’ retail apply just as heavily within the online retail environment. You must think about how you are going to advertise your products so that potential customers visit your site.
Blogging, Twitter, link building, Google Adwords….all of these and more may need to be in the mix and they all take up valuable time. Have you got the time or the resource to commit to it?
