Historically, the last quarter of the year is when most Filipino online sellers make the most sales, thanks to double-digit shopping events like 9.9, 10.10, 11.11, and 12.12. By now, most Pinoys are already in a Christmas-y mood, so you better make sure you’re there when shopping activity starts to pick up.
With more and more Filipinos shopping online, you can be sure the season is going to be crazy. You’ll still get your last-minute shoppers, but many will be planning out their purchases way before the end of the year. They’re probably already window-shopping by now, checking out upcoming promos, and timing their purchases to get the best possible deals.
Gearing up for the last shopping season of 2021
Whether you sell through your own website, on ecommerce platforms like Shopee or Lazada, or on social media like Instagram or Facebook, preparing early is key.
Check out these tips from Ninja Van and end the year strong!
1. Prepare your storefront
Ensure that product descriptions are accurate and detailed enough for customers to make an informed decision – this will save you the trouble of needing to answer potential questions stemming from vague, confusing, or incomplete product descriptions. On top of this, double-check your inventory and item availability, and make sure you’re using high-quality photos, and that they showcase your products’ best features.
If you’re selling through your own website, make sure it works properly and looks good. Don’t forget to test and ensure that your website can handle a surge in traffic! Do a stress test using any of these seven tools.
It’s also important to plan your product prices. You can do this with the help of a spreadsheet, like the one in the photo below. By listing down your cost, usual product price, and sale price, you’ll be better able to track your profit margins per product. Our spreadsheet also has space for you to stay on top of sale period start and end dates, discount codes, and campaign types.
Download spreadsheet template here
2. Stock up on your best-selling products
What are your most in-demand products, the ones that always sell out? Make sure you have enough of these and promote them more. If you plan to sell these at discounted rates, let your customers and social media followers know early. This way, you’ll get a head start on competitors and avoid drowning in the marketing clutter in the days leading up to major sale events.
#NinjaTip: You could retarget customers who previously bought these products, viewed the products on your website but didn’t actually make a purchase or have these items sitting in their Lazada or Shopee carts.
3. Use data to understand sales trends
To get a better understanding of which products will sell and which won’t, use data analytics. Check out tools like Google Trends or Better Lemonade Stand’s Instant Product Evaluator Tool. You could also tap analytics to reveal your top sales channels. Where do you sell the most? Double down on selling there during sale season.
4. Cyberstalk the competition
Stalking doesn’t need to be creepy. It pays to check what your competitors are selling, what their pricing looks like, and how they’re engaging with their customers. Visit their website and ecommerce shops incognito. On your computer’s browser, go into incognito mode or open a private browsing session. On Shopee or Lazada, here’s how to do it. Visit their social media pages, too. This will give you a better idea of what you’re up against and will allow you to adjust accordingly.
Better yet, become their customer. Buy something from them and see what the experience is like.
#NinjaTip: Try to keep your pricing within the range of similar stores’ prices to stay competitive.
5. Supercharge your promotions
Announce discounts and promos early to give your customers something to look forward to. As they say, “Daig ng maagap ang masipag (being early beats working hard).” Check out these five promotion strategiesthat have been gaining popularity lately.
6. Make the most of social media
About 65% of internet users in the Philippines go on social media to research brands, so it should go without saying that having an active social media presence is so important for sellers. Post quality content regularly on your platforms of choice and talk to your followers. Maybe even explore TikTok if that’s where your customers hang out (and if you have the self-confidence for it!). Create attractive graphics with simple and free tools, like Canva.
But don’t just focus on your own social media channels; be visible on others’ pages, too. Consider engaging with influencers who are a good fit for your brand, and foster relevant, mutually beneficial brand partnerships.
7. Proactively engage your customers
44% of Filipino shoppers chat with sellers before making a purchase. As such, it’s important to leave a good impression. Keep it classy and respond promptly, politely, and cheerfully. Answer their questions thoroughly. You can find more customer service dos and don’ts in our guide here.
#NinjaTip: Consider deploying chatbots or hiring customer service agents to help ensure quality customer service throughout the shopping season. Don’t be scared of automation: turns out 55% of Pinoy shopperssurveyed are comfortable with talking to a bot for online store transactions.
8. Offer free shipping
Offering free shipping is one way to win customers and stand out in a sea of sellers. It could also prevent “abandoned carts”—sometimes, customers intend to buy something but change their minds after seeing how much the shipping will cost. Read our guide to find out how you can make free shipping work for you.
9. Pack your items properly
Seal everything and pack items tightly to prevent damage during transit. A good rule of thumb is to have three layers of packaging: the primary or innermost layer; the secondary layer, which is typically sturdier than the primary layer and helps protect the package from damage during delivery; and the outermost layer, which has details about the package to help logistics providers sort items.
#NinjaTip: Reinforce your branding in the primary packaging by adding your shop name, logo, and other relevant brand elements. If you’re new to branding, check out our Branding 101 guide.
10. Ship orders out on time
Make sure to hand over your parcels to your logistics providers on time. Customers hate late deliveries and will let you know in their reviews! Actively managing customers’ expectations is key. Because sale season is going to be super busy, shipping will definitely be delayed (trust me on this).
#NinjaTip: Try adding 3 more working days to the expected delivery date. If it arrives earlier, great! If it arrives later, then it’s not as bad.
For reliable service, partner with trusted names in last-mile delivery, like Ninja Van!
Navigating the online business world with the Ninja Van blog
Get a head start and make the most of the year-end shopping frenzy by preparing early. By offering great products and a stellar customer experience, you’ll be helping your customers end the year with their hearts—and their carts—full. Visit the Ninja Van blog to read the full article, and to know more useful tips and tricks for your online business!
innovative logistics solutions.
For more information, visit www.ninjavan.co/en-ph.
Wow a very helpful Tips for this coming holiday season 😍
ReplyDeleteWe all know that a lot of people keep on rushing out just to have gifts to share with thier love ones.
It does help us a lot !
ReplyDeleteFrom the most important thing we should consider and we should know.
This are actually going to be so perfect... As Holiday seasons are nearly coming
Oh that so good to see maam, I love this so much this is so much fun❤️Im so excited for xmas,And this is very great to Other
ReplyDeleteWow thank you for sharing this tips , tlgang malaking tulong ito lalo na na malapit na ang holiday season ❤️
ReplyDeleteNinja Van is one of my usual courier when I do online shopping. I agree with these, these points are some of the pointers I'm considering when buying online. These are helpful.
ReplyDeleteSuper Nice and Cool Tips Ms. Lou, really this Ninja Van is one of the trusted and nice Courier, Sobrang laking tulong po nito para sa mga May Online Business.. salamat sa pagshare ng tips na to, sobrang laking tulong po
ReplyDelete