Could You Run an E-Commerce Site? - More Features
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Customer Login
You may want your site to remember repeat customers, keeping their billing information and past purchases “on file,” so to speak. By requiring your buyers to register a user account, you can keep track of any regulars you may be getting. Often, these customer registries require that users provide their e-mail address and create a password. This is a great tool to include if you’d like to send out promotional offers like coupons, or special announcements on upcoming sales. Customer recall also makes online shopping easier for your consumers. This way, they can use your site many times while only entering their information once.
Tax Calculator
Sales tax varies by state. Since you are dealing in money, you want to make sure everything is on the up and up. Put software in place which will automatically calculate the appropriate sales tax, and charge your customers accordingly.
Inventory
You can’t have your customers ordering a bunch of items that aren’t in stock. Make sure your site knows exactly how many of each of your products are available. You can still display products which aren’t in stock, but a helpful disclaimer will pop up to let customers know this. Having the inventory tools right on your site helps you easily keep track of what you’re selling, as well. The last thing you want with e-commerce is a bunch of customer orders you simply can’t fill.
Security
Even in today’s tech-friendly world, many people are wary of using e-commerce for their transactions. You want to offer completely secure purchasing to your customers. You’ll also want to display that your site is secure, so visitors know they’re in good hands. Have security features and measures in place to give your traffic the safe experience they crave.
Shipping
Make sure you offer more than one shipping option for your customers. It’s common to offer standard shipping, express delivery, overnight mail, etc. Clearly display the cost of all shipping methods for every single purchase. Customers want to pick and choose what’s best for them, so you want them to have plenty of options.
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