Online Shopping- WinterABC2021

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Week 3

It is a New Week which means New Theme.
Have you been following the #WinterABC2021 challenge by #Afrobloggers.
It’s worth checking out here. https://afrobloggers.org.zw/winterabc2021-22-days-blogging-festival/

We onto Week Three and we are talking Business and Technology.

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Image source- Google

I decided to set it off with Online Shopping and am honestly asking how is it going in your country?
Leave a comment and tell me about it.

Online Shopping is one of the things personally I would high jump with a fist in the air and shout ‘Yes’ you were thinking of some of us.

I believe am one of the few ladies that would say I don’t enjoy shopping, nope I don’t enjoy a stroll down lanes and lanes ,or looking through windows to admire items I may or may not afford, I don’t look forward to the crowds downtown and people grabbing your hand or rather shoving stuff in your face and hands, I generally have never enjoyed shopping.

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Image source- Google

I would gladly swipe a phone and order in something i need so if you have an online business keep it in my face I will be tempted to hit you up anytime.

I wish it was that easy in my country Uganda that you can swipe and order in and receive your order with as less hiccups as possible.
The only ones it’s worked out well are probably the food people…I mean menu is clear you just order for exactly that.

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Image source- Jumia foods

It’s more difficult when it’s in area of fashion, services etc.
I have witnessed horror stories of people and what they interface with online businesses.
Today people put up your page in hope to discredit you which I believe is hard to come back from.

Am not calling out names today but it is a wake up call technology today is gasoline, it is finding its place in our world today.

Some of the things that have had me shaking my head about Online Shopping in Uganda.

TAKING LONG TO REPLY MESSAGES

It’s an online business and you have stated business working hours the least you can do is have someone check and reply all messages if you are unable to.

Online business means there many others to browse you might miss a chance while being  too busy.

Ignoring online marketing is like opening a business but not telling anyone.

HAVING NO PATIENCE WITH A CUSTOMER

I have seen business owners complain that people ask so many questions of them and then don’t buy the items so it annoys them.

Isn’t that what window shopping is like??
You gaze, look, admire, ask prices, poke the dress even try it on but you don’t actually buy.

Do you throw them out?
Nope that is what they call a potential customer.

Be assured if I asked questions about something and you treat me right i will definitely be back.
I currently have a particular seamstress whose work I saw online she made me something and she’s been my go to for years with a growing list of clientele referred by me. I can guarantee her always.

Do not address your readers as thou you are gathered together in a stadium. When people read your copy they are alone.
Pretend you are writing to each of them a letter on behalf of your client.
~David Ogilvy~

UNCLEAR INFORMATION

Okay so some things have to be clear, Price, location (if any) , Pictures (not internet images but of the actual items) , Sizes of the content etc.
Let information be clear before you venture out to sell anything.

TIME MANAGEMENT

I understand in Uganda the most common type of transport for goods is use of motorbikes which most of the people run their own errands before they deliver.

I have faced this many times.
We once had a cake delivered at the end of a party as the bike guy ran personal errands before delivering.

Have a relationship with the guys who do delivery you cannot leave it to chance.

In Uganda it’s important to have a boda guy so you can escape alot of things (time, traffic, curfew, costs etc).
Just get some trustworthy boda guys.

Clients don’t care about the labor pains they  want to see the baby.
~Tim Williams~

I decided to highlight a few of the concerns so we can build this section in Uganda, Africa.

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Image by onyait odeke

It is a shame that before anyone uses an online business in Uganda you do research as if it’s for some antidote or antibiotics somewhere on Earth.

I have seen alot of places discredited for poor services but I have also tasted of those that have impeccable service.
Why not learn from these?

The food section is headed in a good direction..Can we fix the other sections too?

Am always on the side of the customer service because if you are good to the people it means referrals and definite come backs.
The Customer is indeed Boss.

You can’t convince anyone of anything. You can only give them the right information so that they convince themselves.
~Eben Pagan~

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Image source- visuals

I look forward to the day I can browse and shop without having to be fearful of not much whatsoever.

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