Do you know why so many businesses, and even celebrities, use websites like Facebook? Social media is what marketers refer to as word of mouth. It is the modern version of a “friend of a friend” recommendation, and it works.
Here’s what we mean: In earlier decades, it was likely that most people asked friends, neighbors, and colleagues to recommend someone when they needed something. Dentists, house painters, tax consultants, tutors…whatever was needed, most people asked others to give them suggestions. Today, we still do that, but we do it electronically through social media. The “Likes” and so on are just updated versions of unsolicited recommendations, and they are becoming a “make or break” facet of business success.
The same can be said of good feedback, and one surefire way for any online retailer to get positive feedback is to live up to expectations, or even exceed them. That, however, can sometimes be much easier said than done, and it is why such multichannel management tools as Amazon shipping software are essential to success.
Timeliness is a Definite Thumbs Up
What is expected when something is ordered on a site such as Amazon? The buyer knows they get emails from Amazon indicating the status of the order. A notice verifying the order, another letting them know when something has shipped, and so on. So, what happens when the order is paid for and confirmed, but the shipment notice doesn’t go out?
This only happens when the seller fails to alert Amazon to the shipment, and that means that they are not living up to the most basic customer expectation. This can get them into trouble with Amazon, and it can certainly cost them the sale. Even worse is the fact that, even if the item arrives just outside of the deadline, the buyer may go and leave unfavorable feedback for the seller. This is likely to negatively impact future sales and make it even harder to succeed with this global marketplace. (Henry, 2013)
How to prevent this? Use Amazon shipping software. This is something that goes far beyond the basic seller’s tools available at the site, and, when integrated with other multichannel management resources, can become a key to success.
Multichannel Selling and Amazon Shipping Software
How can integrated Amazon shipping software be so valuable? Let’s create a simple illustration to identify the remarkable ways that software of this kind can enhance business performance and lead to further success.
As someone who sells on multiple channels it means you handle a lot of inventory. This can lead to glitches such as running out of an item and not even realizing it until you have over sold that particular product. With integrated multichannel management tools, you are alerted to this fact long before you are out of stock. You are also able to see where you stand in terms of pending orders, incoming returns or inventory, and more.
You may use your Amazon shipping software to send an item, for instance, and the client may return it. If you have not already started using shipping software, you may have failed to update all channels with this data. Integrated software eliminates this threat, but it does more.
Amazon shipping software will track orders, resend confirmations if needed, create return labels, and ensure that you are in total control of the shipping process. It guarantees that nothing falls between the cracks, and this gets the buyer their merchandise, and usually earns your firm a bit of positive feedback that helps to build your reputation. In this era of social media recommendations and customer feedback swaying sales, you need to use everything possible to boost your reputation.
Summary
Amazon shipping software puts a huge amount of control into your hands. It is a tool that can help to sustain and build a good reputation, and is a must when customer satisfaction is key.