This article was based on the interview with Laura Ritchey of Radial by Greg Kihlström for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
Customer expectations play a crucial role in the success of e-commerce businesses. In today’s fast-paced and competitive market, brands need to go above and beyond to meet and exceed customer expectations for a great customer experience throughout the buying journey. This includes setting clear expectations and delivering on those promises.
One aspect of customer care that successful e-commerce brands focus on is timely delivery. If a brand promises to deliver an order in four days, it is essential that they fulfill that promise. Customers expect their orders to arrive on time, and any delays or discrepancies can lead to dissatisfaction and a negative perception of the brand.
Another important factor in meeting customer expectations is inventory management. When a customer sees that a product is in stock, they expect it to be available for purchase. Brands need to ensure that their inventory is accurate and up to date to avoid disappointing customers with out-of-stock items. This requires efficient supply chain and fulfillment processes to ensure that products are readily available when customers place their orders.
Additionally, the rise of omnichannel customer experience has added complexity to meeting customer expectations. Customers now use multiple channels during their shopping journey, and they expect brands to seamlessly transition between these channels. Brands need to provide a consistent and cohesive experience across all touchpoints, whether it’s their website, mobile app, social media, or physical stores. This requires integration and synchronization of data and systems to provide a seamless experience for customers.
The strains of managing omnichannel customer experience can be significant for brands. The pandemic has highlighted these challenges, as many businesses had to quickly adapt to the closure of physical stores and a surge in online shopping. Brands that were able to pivot and meet customer demands in this changing landscape thrived, while those that struggled to manage inventory and fulfill orders faced significant setbacks.
This is where platforms like Radial can be instrumental in helping brands navigate the complexities of e-commerce and meet customer expectations. Radial provides a range of services, including fulfillment, transportation, customer care, order management, payment, tax, and fraud services. By leveraging Radial’s platform, brands can streamline their operations, manage inventory across multiple warehouses, and ensure timely delivery to customers.
Customer expectations are a driving force behind the success of e-commerce businesses. Brands that prioritize meeting and exceeding customer expectations throughout the buying journey are more likely to thrive in today’s competitive market. Timely delivery, accurate inventory management, and seamless omnichannel experiences are key factors in meeting these expectations.
