Enjoying healthy sales revenues and profit margins can be increasingly difficult in modern business. Every year, more companies enter the marketplace and aim to gain a market share, often at the expense of more established firms. One key factor is the exponential growth of the e-commerce sector of business. Due to the nature of online commerce, customers can make purchases from companies that may not operate in their native country.
If delivery timescales, prices, and quality are attractive, customers may choose these firms over native organizations. Put simply, this can create a situation where many types of businesses need to compete with international traders, even if they do not focus on e-commerce. As every form of business becomes more competitive, firms must adopt unique strategies to ensure their longevity and continued profitability. This article will examine some key ways to remain competitive in a crowded marketplace.
Build Consistency In Delivery Timescales
As e-commerce continues to grow, there is a greater reliance on receiving goods via courier and postal services. However, while many consumers will take advantage of buying goods cheaply from large producers such as China, the delivery timescales are often longer. Sea freight shipping (the most cost-effective method) can typically take between 20-40 days. Companies can gain a competitive advantage by offering a range of delivery timescale options (including one-day delivery) that seek to differentiate them from larger foreign exporters.
However, choosing a delivery company with a proven track record for reliability and reliability in their timescales is vital. Companies such as Shiply provide spaces for people to bid on your jobs. The companies present have extensive experience in this field and may be ideal for shipping larger or bulky items that cannot be transported cost-effectively by traditional postal services.
Build strong working relationships with your delivery agents and ensure that they deliver to their stated timescales, with the goods arriving in perfect condition for the customer. This will help your firm cultivate repeat customers and gain a competitive advantage over foreign firms that would struggle to deliver as rapidly for the same price.
Product Differentiation
In any crowded marketplace, it is vitally important that your products and services are distinctly separated from the offerings of competitors. In marketing, this is known as product differentiation. This broad term encompasses the design and features of the product, how it is marketed, and even the packaging, branding, and price of the goods.
If your product offers features that set it apart from the competition, you may be able to charge a higher price for the goods or cultivate consumer preference over broadly similar goods. It is important to note that differentiation in price is not a sustainable strategy for the long term. This is because it can lead to “price wars” with competitors, which can damage the profitability of both companies.
Eco-Friendly Credentials
It is important to consider that modern consumers are more likely to buy products and services from companies with eco-friendly credentials. For example, recent research showed that 60% of consumers are prepared to pay more for recycled or sustainable packaging products. This is just one way to demonstrate your company’s eco-friendly mission but could also include committing to eradicating waste from production processes, supporting eco-charities and foundations, or moving to a carbon-neutral method of production.