How Can I Use AI for My Ecommerce Store?

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Here are our tips for using AI for eCommerce. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been making headlines in recent months. While you might think it’s meant more for computer experts, any kind of business can use AI. In fact, combining AI usage with other services, such as a fulfillment warehouse, can help businesses exceed customer expectations. From email automation to chatbots, learn more about how AI for ecommerce can help your online business succeed.

Virtual Personal Assistants and Chatbots

AI tools can offer a convenient way for customers to get assistance while visiting your online store. Chatbots have been in use for many years. This tool can answer questions or give other information while interacting with customers.

Virtual personal assistants provide a more sophisticated way for customers to get help while doing business with your online store. These AI tools help ensure that customers can get assistance around the clock if needed.

Personalized Communication

Chatbots and virtual personal assistants aren’t the only AI tools you can use to personalize customers’ experience with your business. You can use AI to create personalized automated emails for your customers.

Personalization tools can also recommend products to customers based on past shopping experience and other factors. These kinds of tools can help customers feel more welcome in your online store.

Advanced Search Options

When considering AI for ecommerce, keep in mind AI technology allows online store owners to offer highly personalized search results to customers. These tools pull up search results that are more relevant for customers based on their interests. Providing personalized search results with AI technology can encourage customers to keep coming back to your online store for repeat business.

The Top Solution for Massachusetts & California Fulfillment Services

Your need for effective Massachusetts and California fulfillment services doesn’t end after a sale. Medallion’s comprehensive programs are specifically designed to accommodate the ebbs and flows of your company.

Our robust Amazon replenishment warehousing services meet all of Amazon’s standards at a cost-effective price point. Contact us for more information.

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Is Your eCommerce Business Ready to Outsource Fulfilment and Warehousing?

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No matter how competent and ambitious you are, you can’t do it all. Successful eCommerce entrepreneurs know when and where to seek help. Are you ready to outsource to a fulfillment warehouse? Use these questions to guide your decision.

1. What type of product do you sell?

Many fulfillment warehouses offer general services that fit a wide range of products. Other companies support specific categories, such as clothing or appliances. Keep in mind that you’re likely to pay more for specialized services.

2. Does the cost fit your budget?

Outsourcing is counterproductive if it eats into your profitability. Crunch the numbers to make sure the value of the expense outweighs the cost.

3. Does the fulfillment company provide complete customer support?

Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, eCommerce businesses can’t provide face-to-face customer service. Email support is helpful, but it’s only part of the solution. A first-rate fulfillment service includes phone and online chat in their communication options. And don’t forget that you are also a customer who deserves quality support.

4. How does the fulfillment company handle mistakes?

While 100 percent fulfillment is always the goal, the reality is that mistakes happen. A customer may receive an incorrect or damaged item, or the order may be lost entirely. Get the company’s policies and procedures for damaged, lost, or incorrect shipments spelled out in detail so you don’t get unpleasant surprises down the road.

5. Are the fulfillment services scalable?

As your business grows, a fulfillment company’s services should grow with you. Don’t forget about short-term scalability, such as fluctuations in business during the end-of-year holiday season.

Experienced and Cost-Effective Fulfillment Warehouse Services

Our family-owned business has grown from a small operation located in a garage to a company with facilities on both coasts. Contact us at Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics to learn more.

Changing Trends in Apparel eCommerce Will Lead to Greater Need of Warehouse Space

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The rise in online shopping in recent years has affected many consumer markets, including apparel. An increasing number of shoppers are becoming more comfortable with purchasing clothing online instead of in brick-and-mortar stores. The latest trends in apparel eCommerce point to a growing need for online businesses to invest in warehouse space, such as partnering with an apparel fulfillment warehouse.

Increased Online Shopping

One of the biggest trends in eCommerce is that more consumers are shopping online, especially in some parts of the U.S. Consumers in the eastern U.S. are turning to online stores more overall. Online shopping is expected to remain stable. This makes it important for apparel eCommerce owners to make sure they have plenty of space for storing clothing items, so that orders can be handled right away.

Consumer Loyalty

More and more online shoppers stay loyal to certain retailers or brands when shopping for apparel. Many of these turn to fast-fashion stores and specialty stores that they have shopped at in the past. Building a loyal customer base can help online apparel stores thrive and stay ahead of the competition. Part of encouraging customers to remain loyal involves ensuring that their orders are fulfilled and shipped as quickly as possible.

Social Media and Influencers

Roughly a third of adults in the U.S. consider social media an influence on their apparel purchases. Some of these consumers are inspired to buy fashion products after watching or seeing social media influencers wear them or recommend them. Making use of social media can help apparel eCommerce owners benefit from this trend.

Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics Your Apparel Fulfillment Warehouse

If you are looking for a fulfillment warehouse for your apparel eCommerce store, please contact Medallion Fulfillment and Logistics. We can provide your business with the space and fast shipping times needed to fulfill orders promptly in order to ensure customer loyalty.

Smart Tips for Increasing eCommerce Sales – Many That Are Actionable with Minimal Effort

Female entrepreneur sitting at a desk with orders.

Does the term “marketing plan” conjure up visions of intricate programs requiring large investments of time and money? While it’s true that increasing ecommerce sales involves some effort, the adage, “Work smarter, not harder” also applies to online retailing.

Watch your sales grow when you incorporate these quick, easy and effective tips. Our ecommerce fulfillment services are ready to handle your needs every step of the way.

1. Honesty Is the Best Policy

How important is customer satisfaction? Studies show that companies have an average success rate of 60 to 70 percent when selling to existing customers, compared to 5 to 20 percent with new ones. Combine that with the five times more it can cost to acquire a new customer, and the picture is clear. Keeping existing customers happy is a top priority.

But you can’t assume that someone who bought from you once will buy from you again. If their customer experience falls short of the glowing promises made on your website, they won’t be back. Review your copy and make sure it’s consistent with your brand.

2. Foster a Sense of Trust

Thanks to the rise of social media, people post reviews about everything from restaurants to auto repair shops. Did you know that, according to Inc. Magazine, 84 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations?

Leverage this power by placing genuine testimonials in strategic spots on your website, such as product and pricing pages. Another way to build credibility is by posting trust signals, which are logos indicating membership in professional associations and other reassuring information.

3. Create a Sense of Urgency

Social media has given rise to an astounding amount of acronyms, with one of the more popular ones being FOMO, or “fear of missing out.” If buyers are still on the fence, you can often tip the scales with limited-time offers such as discounts, free shipping or bonus gifts. Have your marketing perform double-duty with pop-up windows displaying opt-in offers, such as a 10 percent discount for joining your email list.

4. Avoid Information Overload

Have you ever been lured into an online rabbit hole, where you had to make so many decisions you finally became intimidated and quit? Having an extensive product offering may seem like an advantage, but it can backfire if it creates paralysis by analysis in your potential customers.

Stop trying to be all things to all people. Give shoppers well-defined categories and a carefully curated selection of options that will appeal to the broadest range possible without veering into overload.

5. Streamline the Checkout Process

Online checkout is another black hole in which customers frequently get lost. Business Insider reports that a staggering $4 trillion worth of purchases were left behind in shopping carts last year. For an ecommerce business, any abandoned sales are too many.

Make a purchase on your own website and see where the procedure ranks on the frustration scale. Note any specific bottlenecks or time-eaters and have them corrected immediately.

6. Optimize Your Site for Mobile Searching

If your website isn’t optimized for mobile searching, what are you waiting for? Mobile usage has already overtaken desktop usage, and the share continues to grow. Can you afford to be left behind?

When your site is optimized for mobile, your products are literally at buyers’ fingertips no matter where they are. Even if the sale isn’t converted during the first session, it’s more likely to close later because you’ve made it easier.

Medallion: Your Premier Choice for Ecommerce Fulfillment Services

Partner with Medallion Fulfillment & Logistics, a fulfillment service that can grow along with you. Contact us to learn how we can handle your needs from both coasts today.