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Ideas For Holiday Selling On The Internet
Lets face it -- the holidays are commercialized,
and one of the most opportune times for businesses.
Just because you do not have a physical "brick
and mortar" store is no reason that you shouldn't
also benefit during the holiday season -- Internet
businesses can capitalize on the holiday season
too! Consumer-oriented products will generally
have the most appeal during the holidays.
Tips To A Bang-Up Holiday Season...
Start Early
If you are launching a new product, it is important
that any press release be sent out in late August
or early September. If you send out a press release
at the right time, it has a much better chance
of making it into the print media in time for
the holiday season.
Discounts
Discounts are great incentives to encourage impulse
buyers. Spontaneity is abundant during the holiday
season, and a discount may be just enough to turn
an otherwise uncommitted "shopper" into a "buyer".
Holiday Spirit
Show your holiday spirit by including holiday-related
graphics and slogans on your website, in your
emails, and in other business-related communications.
Delivery / Packaging
Consider offering an option in which you "gift
wrap" your product for gift giving. This is especially
convenient for a buyer who is purchasing your
product as a gift that needs to be shipped to
someone in another location.
Existing Customers
Existing customers are a great source of future
business. When considering your holiday marketing
plan, be sure you include your existing customers
on your list.
Charitable Giving
Consider donating a portion of sales to a favorite
charity. After all, the holidays are primarily
about "giving", and customers may be more inclined
to make a purchase if they know that part of their
purchase price will directly benefit a worthwhile
charity.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are a great option for gifts
and presents. Be sure to offer this as an option
or you might miss out on some extra sales!
Free Shipping
Eliminate one of the distinctions between your
online business and a physical brick-and-mortar
store -- consider offering free shipping, or offer
free shipping "service" upgrades (for example,
an upgrade from standard "Ground" service to "2nd
Day" service), to help insure that packages arrive
in time for the holidays. This may give your customer
enough incentive to purchase from you, instead
of shopping at a local store in order to save
on shipping costs.
Partner
Partner with a related company or product line
and exchange a "special offer" between your companies.
You offer to promote the partners products and
offers to your customers, and in exchange the
partner promotes your products and offers to their
customers.
Take advantage of the holiday season, and capitalize
by positioning your product properly.
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an Effective Upsell or Cross Sell
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Ideas For Holiday Selling On The Internet