Think about the last time you made a purchase. Was it after waiting in line at a brick and mortar establishment?
Chances are much higher, actually, that you clicked a button from the comfort of your home, or while you were on your mobile phone. In fact, it’s been reported that 34% of online retail purchases now happen on mobile devices.
And shoppers today aren’t just buying clothes or home goods — they’re also buying auto parts online. Hedges & Company reported that e-commerce auto parts sales “are projected to grow about 16% in 2016,” and researchers expect over $7 billion in online sales this year.
The numbers don’t lie — if you’re an auto parts vendor and don’t have a strategy for online and mobile sales, you’ll be missing out on a piece of that very large pie.
Where Do I Start With Mobile?
Running an online auto parts site can become complicated, but with the right information and mindset, you’ll be able to deliver exactly what your customers want — right into their hands, if you build a mobile app. The ease of purchasing through mobile is quickly becoming the industry standard, so offering this option to your clients will only benefit everyone involved.
So where do you start? What tactics will you need to employ to get your business mobile-ready?
1. Make it easy for the customer.
You want their mobile app experience to be easy to navigate and quick to load. If they’re purchasing from their phone, they’re likely in a hurry, so you want all of your inventory to load on their screens as soon as they tap it.
2. Don’t make searching for products a pain.
With an app, customers should be able to easily search any size inventory. You’ll want them to be able to find the exact item that they need, using smart product categories and an easy-to-use interface.
3. Give them the tools they need.
Features like a QR scanner allow customers to purchase items without having to search through pages of inventory items. Mobile apps also allow for push notifications, to remind customers when to repurchase items or if their favorite products are on sale.
4. Run a better, smarter business.
Your mobile app should provide you with the insights and analytics that you need to better sell your products. By tracking all of the purchasing information from your customers, you’ll have better insight into the items they want to buy and how to market new items to them, as well.
Get Started Today
Even if you run a brick and mortar auto parts store, preparing your business for online and mobile modes of selling will only make you a more attractive vendor. Especially because that’s where your customers spend most of their time looking for products and information on purchasing auto parts.
Talk to us today to find out how SEMBA can help you get your business mobile-ready!
