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Creating an Online Store for Digital Goods with CS-Cart: A Guide to Setup and Cost Estimation

Ksenia Cheburova — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:58:28 +0000

CS-Cart stands out as a leading e-commerce platform, catering to the launch of various online businesses, from basic children’s goods stores to complex event marketplaces. This versatile platform facilitates the sale of both physical and digital products. Having covered the essential information regarding the sale of digital products and the selection of a website in our previous article, we will now delve into the process of establishing a straightforward online store on the CS-Cart platform for selling digital goods. We will address the necessary requirements to begin, the series of steps to follow, and an approximation of the total costs involved.

Introduction

CS-Cart is a popular ecommerce platform that can be utilized to build a website selling demo access to cash gambling games. Some popular cash gambling games that can be offered include:

Aviator – This is a crash-type game where players bet on how long a virtual airplane will fly before it crashes. The longer the flight, the higher the potential payout.
Space XY – A spaceship flying game where players cash out before the spaceship crashes. This game has a space exploration theme and multiplying payouts.
Aviatrix – A medium volatility crash game featuring an aviation theme and NFT integration, allowing players to customize planes.
Magnify Man – A superhero-themed gambling game featuring expanding symbols and focusing on instant wins.
JetX – A fast-paced crash game featuring a jet plane theme and elements of skill-based gambling.

Steps to Create the Gambling Games Website

Install CS-Cart and activate a gaming demo data addon which contains base templates for a gambling site.
Create product categories for each type of cash gambling game offered. Configure category settings.
Add each gambling game as a digital product within the appropriate categories. Enter product descriptions, pricing plans, demo access details, and media.
Setup online payment methods to allow visitors to purchase demo access or play money for the games.
Design the frontend of the site through templates and skins to have a gambling aesthetic.
Add dynamic blocks and widgets to promote top games and new additions.
Configure shipping and order management rules for digital fulfillment.
Launch the site and continue adding new cash gambling games over time to expand the offerings.

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6 Essential Steps for Establishing a Digital Goods Online Store

Platform Selection: Selecting a platform with robust functionality, scalability, customization, security, and support for digital goods is critical for the project’s success. CS-Cart is recommended due to its extensive digital goods selling capabilities, open-source flexibility, and resilience under high loads.
MVP Development: Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) with essential functionality enables a quick market launch to identify the target audience for future expansion. Prioritizing core store features in the initial phase is crucial for accessibility and simplicity.
Prototyping: Employing prototyping as a mandatory stage ensures the identification and rectification of inaccuracies before integrating the design, minimizing project delays.
Design Development: The creation of website pages is based on the prototypes, incorporating unique store features that differentiate it from competitors and optimize user experience and behavior.
Development: Post-MVP and prototype creation, core feature development involves coding, algorithm creation, integration with third-party services, and payment gateway connections, leveraging CS-Cart’s default marketing tools and extensive payment system support.
Testing and Launch: Step-by-step testing to minimize errors, parallelism for early error correction, and final testing precedes the market launch of the online store.

This comprehensive plan outlines the ideal approach for establishing an online store or digital marketplace that meets diverse business needs. Whether it’s launching an online school, publishing agency, digital art gallery, NFT platform, or music marketplace, we are here to support your venture. If you have a small project and require a simple online store, cost-effective ready-made solutions can help save time and resources. Below, we will detail the essential requirements for launch and associated costs.

Why CS-Cart is Suitable for Digital Goods

CS-Cart inherently supports the sale of digital goods, allowing for the establishment of a niche store or an entire marketplace for downloadable products.

Other Benefits of CS-Cart:

Swiftly download and configure digital products.

To initiate sales, it is necessary to download and set up a digital product using the administrative panel. CS-Cart offers the capability to configure diverse product characteristics and variations, as well as to establish rules for product display on catalog pages.

Furthermore, this functionality is applicable for service provision as well. For instance, if you operate an online store specializing in household appliances and seek to enable the online ordering and payment for equipment installation or repair services, CS-Cart allows for the seamless integration of services, treating them similarly to digital goods but with the option to disable delivery.

Just activate the downloadable products feature in your settings. You can establish a time limit for product loading and authorize customers to download the product immediately after full payment or according to the seller’s preference. Alternatively, you can provide a comprehensive description of the service without attaching a downloadable file.

Efficient management.

CS-Cart offers a comprehensive set of tools for order management, enabling the use of various payment systems and the selection of suitable methods to deliver digital goods to the buyer. For instance, you can choose to deliver a digital product in the traditional way, provide unlimited file access, or set a specific period for download key availability.

Accurate product pages.

In CS-Cart, you can customize detailed descriptions and additional attributes for digital products. The standard product card features reviews and ratings, as well as photos and video reviews to enhance conversion. Providing thorough and current information on the product card enhances customer trust in the store and increases the likelihood of repeat purchases.

Analytics and reporting.

CS-Cart gathers detailed analytics and reports on sales, visits, and other crucial metrics for your store, facilitating well-informed decision-making.

Seamless and rapid communication.

CS-Cart incorporates a dedicated Message Center to consolidate all client communications, including order clarifications, questions about products, and other inquiries. Integration with the Retail CRM system, as well as the option to set up a Telegram chat and an SMS notification system, ensures that no customer query goes unanswered.

Unique functionalities for digital products.

As an illustration, for the sale of NFTs, the “Auction” add-on can be utilized. Buyers have the ability to monitor auctions and receive email notifications, or opt to purchase a token without engaging in the auction. The auction conditions are entirely customizable, and the process is conducted automatically. Notifications are sent to participants, guests, and administrators, and the entire auction history is retained.

Should certain features prove insufficient or specific integrations be required, we can enhance the functionality of CS-Cart to align with your individual needs.

Requirements and Minimum Costs for Getting Started

If you currently have an existing website or a presence on a social network, you can leverage your content to promptly establish a CS-Cart online store. When the need arises to expand, you have the option to enhance the basic functionality with any components that may be lacking.

For instance, if you’re an artist aiming to sell downloadable prints through your own website, the minimum requirements would include:

1. License

The license fee for CS-Cart Store Builder Plus is $1,350.00, designed for a basic store with a single domain. The price for CS-Cart Store Builder Ultimate is $4,500.00, suitable for managing multiple storefronts or online stores from a single panel.

2. Hosting and domain

The cost of hosting and domains varies based on the type and length of the hosting plan, domain registration, and additional services. Shared hosting plans often cost between $2 to $7 per month, while VPS hosting can range from $5 to $20 per month. Dedicated hosting can cost anywhere from $10 to $400 or more per month, depending on the resources needed. Domain registration costs around $10 to $15 per year, but this can vary based on the top-level domain (TLD) and length of registration.

It’s essential to compare prices and services from different providers to find the best hosting and domain plan that fits your needs and budget. Keep in mind that as the project grows, you will need more hosting resources, which means the cost will be higher.

3. Design theme and uniqueness

An exclusive design theme will set your store apart from competitors. You can tailor store pages to complement your digital products, incorporate eye-catching banners, and adjust the appearance of menus, sections, and more. The starting cost for a theme is $119.00. Select from CS-Cart Themes and Templates.

If the pre-made design does not sufficiently accentuate the uniqueness of your online store, customization of specific design elements can be requested. In this case, the total cost will encompass the services of a designer (from $30 per hour) and a frontend developer (from $40-45 per hour).

4. Customized modifications or add-ons

The hourly rate for a backend developer begins from $50-60. If complex modifications are unnecessary, you can enhance your online store using add-ons. These are designed to address specific issues, such as the “Auction” add-on, with costs starting from $30.

As observed, in our experience, swift launches of online stores, even with modifications, can fit within a budget of $900 to $1,400.

For expansive marketplaces and trading platforms featuring a substantial volume of digital goods, distinct licensing and modifications will be necessary. In such instances, we recommend commencing with MVP versions of CS-Cart Multi-Vendor. This approach allows for the swift creation of a project, subsequently enabling gradual complexity enhancements and cost savings on unnecessary add-ons.

Examples of successful platforms for selling digital content.

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To summarize, the process of creating an online store for digital goods using CS-Cart involves several essential steps, starting from platform selection and culminating in the testing and launch of the store. CS-Cart’s suitability for digital goods is due to its comprehensive features, including efficient management, accurate product pages, analytics, reporting, and unique functionalities for digital products such as auctions. The minimum costs associated with setting up such a store include the CS-Cart license fee, hosting and domain costs, design theme, and uniqueness expenses, as well as customized modifications or add-ons.

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Boosting Revenue: Effective Monetization Options for Restaurants Expanding Online Presence

Ksenia Cheburova — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 10:06:00 +0000

Based on Statista forecasts, it is projected that by 2027, approximately 2.5 billion individuals will be utilizing food delivery services, representing about 30.8% of the global population. This suggests that approximately one in every three individuals will be placing orders for food through online platforms.

In recent years, the prevailing global trend has been omnichannel, wherein a brand engages with its customers through various sales channels, including offline, websites, applications, and social networks. This trend has had a significant impact on the restaurant industry, particularly evident during the 2020 lockdown. Restaurants that successfully adapted and implemented delivery services were the ones able to survive.

Food delivery is not the only option for restaurants to generate income online. Below, we will offer effective monetization options for restaurants expanding online presence and how they can attract new customers.

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Benefits of a Restaurant Going Online

Expand audience reach: By going online, a restaurant can appeal to customers who are unable to visit the physical location due to factors such as distance or time constraints.
Enhanced competitiveness: In today’s market, having an online presence can be a critical differentiator in the competition for customers, particularly as many consumers prefer the convenience of ordering food for home delivery.
Customer flexibility and convenience: Online ordering offers customers time-saving and effortless options, eliminating the need to physically locate the restaurant, wait in lines, or prepare meals themselves. Customers can select and pay for their orders at their convenience, contributing to improved customer loyalty.
Access to customer feedback: Online platforms enable restaurants to gather and utilize customer reviews to enhance the quality of their services.
Transparent analytics: Online platforms and aggregators compile order information, presenting it in user-friendly reports, allowing restaurants to access valuable analytics for decision-making purposes.

Online Ordering via Delivery Platforms

The most straightforward choice for a restaurant is to collaborate with a food delivery service like UberEats, DoorDash, or GrubHub to deliver food from the restaurant directly to customers’ doors. The service lists the restaurant’s products and dishes available for home delivery. Restaurant staff access a dedicated application where orders placed through the service are shown.

Drawbacks include:

High service commissions.
Loss of brand uniqueness, as customers only see product cards.
Inability to maintain control over the final dish quality, as delivery is handled by the service's employees.
Challenges in swiftly updating the menu due to service moderation constraints.

Online Ordering via Restaurant’s Own Ecommerce Platform

Operating its own delivery service gives a restaurant full control over orders, from the kitchen to the customer’s hands. This allows for direct monitoring of dish quality, freshness, and timely delivery, consequently shaping the restaurant’s reputation and fostering trust with customers. This model can be realized through the functionality of an online store or a dedicated showcase on the restaurant’s website.

A client can visit the website, choose a dish based on visual and descriptive information, and select pickup or delivery. The administrator then reviews the order, confirms details with the client via phone, and subsequently forwards the order to the kitchen.

CS-Cart contains over a dozen delivery add-ons and integrations with external services. This empowers restaurants to exercise full control over delivery operations, including setting different tariff zones, offering free delivery, or disabling delivery for pickups. Additionally, the platform supports the implementation of various loyalty programs, coupons, gift certificates, and promotions.

Meal Kits and Semi-Prepared Food Items for Delivery

Offering semi-prepared food and meal kits for delivery can serve as an extra revenue stream for a restaurant. Recent research indicates a consistent rise in the demand for semi-prepared food. In fact, some studies project that the market for such meals is set to expand at an annual growth rate of 7.5% between 2021 and 2028.

A meal kit business model involves delivering pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to customers who want to prepare healthy and easy meals for themselves, families, or coworkers. The business can offer a variety of meal plans, from dietary restrictions like vegan or gluten-free to specific culinary preferences such as Italian or Mexican cuisine. The business likely operates through an online platform where customers can order and track delivery, with the option to customize their meal selections or skip orders if necessary. Meal kit companies often have a subscription model, but one-time purchases are also possible. They usually charge a fee per meal.

This approach involves incorporating an additional catalog section in the online store, where customers can add products to their cart and place orders as they normally would. Restaurant staff can then view and process received orders from the administrative panel.

What it should look like online food store to bring in more orders, said our UX/UI designer.

Meal Subscriptions

Provide customers with the opportunity to enroll in a meal plan in which they receive a predetermined number of meals weekly, delivered directly to their doorstep. The Recurring Subscriptions add-on enables clients to subscribe to products and receive regular billing for these products. This subscription model offers a valuable resource: time. Customers save time by automating recurring orders, while the store benefits from loyal customers, aiding in product stock planning. CS-Cart offers the Recurring Subscriptions add-on to facilitate this business model.

Food and Beverages for Takeout

It’s essential to cater to customers who prefer picking up their food and drinks in person. Offering take-out options not only serves as a form of advertising for the restaurant if orders are packaged in branded containers with the logo and contact details, but also provides convenience to customers.

Implementing this is straightforward. In the online store, you simply need to include pickup as a delivery option and provide the necessary pickup address details. By leveraging add-ons in CS-Cart, you can configure Google Maps to display pickup locations in a more user-friendly format.

Booking Tables and Catering Offerings

To streamline order management and reservations at your establishment, consider integrating a reservation system into your online store. This feature is beneficial not only for regular restaurants looking to facilitate table bookings, but also for those specializing in hosting banquets and catering. Additionally, you can utilize the restaurant premises for events, offering all these options in a dedicated section of the online store for swift and easy customer bookings.

It’s essential to provide comprehensive information on prices, terms, and available dates to preempt unnecessary client queries. A booking form and calendar can be designed for visitors’ convenience, ensuring they can swiftly access the required details without searching extensively.

For Event.top, we devised a timeline system that offers clear, concise visibility into all bookings. This automated calendar populates based on placed orders, streamlining the process and transparently presenting order statistics in the administrative panel. Moreover, the multidimensional price calendar functionality enables the restaurant to implement a flexible pricing strategy based on various factors such as the time of day or day of the week.

Gift Certificates

Restaurant gift certificates serve as an effective method to boost sales and entice new customers. They enable individuals to effortlessly offer gifts to their loved ones, while providing the restaurant with additional revenue.

The standard edition of CS-Cart features gift certificates and promotional codes.

Branded and Digital Products

In addition to food, the restaurant has the opportunity to sell other products online.

If the restaurant has established a strong following, there may be a demand for branded merchandise, such as items adorned with the restaurant’s logo. These can serve as promotional tools for the establishment, encouraging customers to revisit for their preferred dishes.
If the restaurant offers specialty food and drinks that are suitable for delivery, they can be listed as products in a dedicated section on the website. For instance, the restaurant could offer sweets, jams, and liqueurs for sale.
It is also feasible to sell items such as master classes and recipe collections. These products can be showcased on the website like regular goods, and upon purchase, the buyer would receive a link to download or access the file.

With CS-Cart, it is possible to commence the sale of digital products, including master classes, e-books, images, 3D models, online courses, software, music, games, and applications. This presents a cost-effective and straightforward method to generate additional revenue.

Proprietary Mobile App

A proprietary mobile application for a restaurant serves as a convenient platform for engaging with customers and enhancing their loyalty. It facilitates the following capabilities:

Swift and convenient ordering for delivery or pickup.
Access to the menu, ongoing promotions, and special offers.
Capability to leave reviews about the restaurant visit or communicate with the administration.
Receipt of notifications regarding new dishes, promotions, and events.
Creation of lists comprising favorite dishes and tracking of order history.
Ability to leave a tip and evaluate the performance of the server.

The mobile application can encompass all the features available on the desktop version of the restaurant website.

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Key Findings

Operating its own online store enables a restaurant to:

Gain independence from food delivery services and avoid paying commissions.
Foster customer loyalty and uphold brand reputation.
Attract customers and generate revenue around the clock by selling branded products, merchandise, and gift certificates.
Build a customer database using their contact details for sending out news and promotions.
Expand its business without the expenses of renting and renovating physical premises.
Increase profits through the use of a mobile application.

CS-Cart is an ideal solution for realizing various business concepts, including those tailored for restaurants. Connect with us to create a top-notch online store or grocery delivery service.

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The post Boosting Revenue: Effective Monetization Options for Restaurants Expanding Online Presence first appeared on Cart-Power.

All About Price Matching. How It Can Help eCommerce

Cart-Power Team — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 07:30:04 +0000

It’s important for online stores to carefully consider the pros and cons of price matching and develop a strategy that aligns with their business goals and profit margins. By implementing a well-designed price matching policy, online retailers can effectively compete in the market while ensuring customer satisfaction and business profitability.

What is Price Matching

Price matching is a method of comparing prices for identical products or services across different stores or companies. This process enables consumers to find the best price for the products they wish to purchase and save money.

Price matching involves analyzing the prices of specific items and finding a store that offers the lowest cost. Retailers or companies offering price matching typically agree to match the lower price offered by a competitor, ensuring that customers can purchase the item at the most competitive price available in the market.

Price matching is a popular strategy used by retailers to attract customers and maintain competitiveness.

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Price Matching and Price Adjustment

In retail, both price matching and price adjustment are strategies used to benefit customers by ensuring they get the best possible deal. However, there is a difference between the two.

Price matching refers to a policy where a retailer agrees to match the price of a product offered by a competitor. If a customer finds an identical product at a lower price in a different store, they can request a price match at the original retailer. The store will then adjust the price of the product to match the lower price and offer it to the customer.

On the other hand, price adjustment refers to a policy where a retailer provides a refund or credit for the price difference if the price of a product drops within a specified period after the customer’s purchase. This means that if a customer purchases a product and later notices that the price has decreased, they can request a price adjustment and receive a refund or credit for the difference.

Each retailer may have its own specific policies and timeframes for price adjustment. Some may offer price adjustments within a few days, while others may have longer periods such as 30 or 60 days. Additionally, certain conditions and restrictions may apply, such as the product needing to be in stock or the price adjustment only being valid for certain categories of products.

In summary, price matching involves matching the price of a competitor’s product, while price adjustment involves refunding the price difference if the price of a product decreases after purchase. Both strategies aim to ensure that customers receive the best possible price for their purchases.

Price Matching Examples

Here are some examples of online stores that offer price matching:

#1 Best Buy

Best Buy’s price match policy includes a long list of online stores that they will match, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and more. Customers can request a price match at the customer service desk, and the store will independently verify the lower price before granting the match. Customers can request a refund for the price difference if the price of an item they purchased from BestBuy.com or a Best Buy store drops within the return and exchange period (usually within 15 days). However, there are certain exclusions and limitations, so it’s best to review their policy for specific details.

#2 Target

Target offers price matching for select online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Customers can show the lower price on their mobile device or bring a printed page showing the current price to a Target associate to request the match. Target has a price adjustment policy that allows customers to receive a refund for the price difference if the price of an item they purchased from Target.com or a Target store drops within a specified timeframe (typically within 14 days). This policy excludes clearance items and certain other exclusions.

#3 Amazon

Amazon has a price adjustment policy known as “Amazon’s Price Parity Policy.” If the price of an item you purchased drops within a specified timeframe (usually within 7 days), you can request a refund for the price difference. However, this policy excludes third-party sellers on Amazon.

#4 Walmart

Walmart has a price adjustment policy that allows customers to receive a refund for the price difference if an item they purchased from Walmart.com drops in price within a specific timeframe (typically within 7 days). This policy applies to both online purchases and in-store purchases.

#5 Staples

Staples will price match with Amazon for the same exact model that is currently available for sale on Amazon.com. Customers can show evidence of the lower Amazon price on their smartphone or in print to a Staples associate for the price adjustment.

#6 Fry's

While information on Fry’s price matching policy is limited, it is known that they have matched prices with online retailers in the past. It is recommended to inquire with Fry’s directly or check their website for the most up-to-date information on their price matching policy.

#7 Home Depot

Home Depot offers price matching with various online retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and more. Customers can bring proof of the lower price and request a match at the customer service desk or when making a purchase.

#8 Nordstrom

Nordstrom offers a price adjustment policy called “The Nordstrom Price Match Policy,” which allows customers to request a refund for the price difference if the item they purchased from Nordstrom.com or a Nordstrom store goes on sale within a specified timeframe (usually within 14 days). However, this policy excludes certain items and limited-time promotions.

Please note that price matching policies may vary by store and may have specific conditions and restrictions. It’s always a good idea to check the details of each retailer’s policy before making a purchase.

Types of Price Matching

Here are some types of price matching that exist:

Retailer-to-Retailer Price Matching: This is the most common type of price matching where a retailer matches the lower price offered by another retailer for the same product. Customers can typically request the price match by providing proof of the lower price, such as a screenshot or advertisement.

Online Retailer Price Matching: Some online retailers offer price matching where they match the lower price found on other online platforms. This allows customers to get the best price without having to shop around different websites.

In-Store Price Matching: Physical stores also offer in-store price matching where they match the lower price found at other local competitors. Customers can request the price match at the customer service desk by showing evidence of the lower price.

Manufacturer Price Matching: In some cases, manufacturers themselves offer price matching for their products. This type of price matching may have specific requirements and procedures, which can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Hybrid Price Matching: Some retailers, both online and physical, offer hybrid price matching, where they match the price of their own products between their online and offline channels. This ensures consistency in pricing and allows customers to take advantage of the lower prices available across different channels.

The Pros of Price Matching

Еhe price matching and adjustment strategy has a positive impact on buyers and customer care. And has a number of online business benefits:

Increased Sales

Price matching can help online businesses attract more customers by offering competitive prices. When customers see that your business is willing to match or beat prices offered by competitors, they are more likely to make a purchase from your website instead of looking elsewhere.

Enhanced Customer Loyalty

Price matching can build customer loyalty by fostering trust and confidence in your brand. When customers know that they can rely on your business to offer the best prices, they are more likely to become repeat customers and advocate for your brand.

Improved Competitive Advantage

Price matching allows online businesses to stay competitive in the market. By offering price matching, you can differentiate yourself from other businesses and attract customers who prioritize getting the best deal.

Customer Satisfaction

Price matching ensures that customers feel satisfied with their purchase. If a customer finds a lower price after buying a product from your website, offering price matching allows you to provide them with a refund or price adjustment, making them feel valued and satisfied with their overall shopping experience.

Brand Reputation

Implementing price matching can help build a positive brand reputation. Customers perceive businesses that offer price matching as fair, customer-centric, and committed to providing excellent value. This positive perception can enhance your brand’s reputation and set you apart from competitors.

The Cons of Price Matching

But in addition to the positive effect, price matching and adjustment has its drawbacks. Its should be borne in mind when developing a pricing and refund policy.

The main cons or drawbacks of price matching and price adjustment for online businesses:

Degraded Margins

Price matching and price adjustment can lead to reduced profit margins for online businesses. When businesses constantly match or lower their prices to compete with competitors, it may result in lower profitability for each sale.

Possibilities of Price Wars

Price matching can escalate into price wars among competitors. If multiple businesses continuously lower their prices to match each other, it can create a challenging environment where profit margins are severely impacted and it becomes difficult to stay profitable.

Encouraged Competitor Shopping

Price matching can potentially encourage customers to shop around for the lowest price. While this may initially attract customers to your business, it also means they are less likely to develop brand loyalty. Customers may become more focused on finding the lowest price rather than establishing a long-term relationship with your brand.

Increased Cost of Operations

Price matching and price adjustment strategies require ongoing monitoring of competitor prices and constant adjustments. This can significantly increase the cost of operations for online businesses, as they need to invest in technologies and tools to track prices and make frequent price changes.

Limited Differentiation

Price matching can make it challenging for online businesses to differentiate themselves based on value-added services or unique product offerings. When price becomes the most significant factor driving customer choices, it can be difficult to stand out from competitors solely based on price alone.

How to Implement Price Matching in eCommerce and Not Lose Profit

If you are the owner of an eCommerce site, you have likely contemplated implementing price matching as a strategy. However, you may be uncertain about whether it is suitable for your business. Many business owners seek guidance on how to establish prices that are lower than those of their competitors but still maintain a profitable margin. This is particularly relevant for direct-to-consumer companies that have the ability to offer the lowest prices but are unsure about the ideal price to display under their product images.

Determining the optimal pricing strategy involves finding a balance between competitiveness and profitability. Price matching can be advantageous in attracting price-conscious customers who actively seek out the best deals. By setting prices lower than your competitors, you can create an incentive for customers to choose your products over others.

To effectively implement price matching, market research on competitor pricing is crucial. Analyze the prices of similar products offered by your competitors to determine a reasonable benchmark. It is essential to ensure that the prices you set are not below your profit margin. By carefully considering your costs, including production, marketing, and overhead expenses, you can establish a pricing structure that allows for profitability.

Additionally, take into account value-added features, quality, customer service, and branding when setting prices. These factors can differentiate your products from those of competitors and justify slightly higher prices. Providing a unique and valuable customer experience can generate customer loyalty and justify a premium.

Ultimately, pricing decisions require a thorough understanding of your target market and competition. Regular assessment and adjustment of prices based on market dynamics and customer preferences are essential for success in the eCommerce industry.

6 Tools that Make Price Matching for Business Easier

To develop a price matching strategy, you can find many useful tools and applications. We have reviewed the most interesting ones. And if necessary, we will develop integration with any of the services.

Rebee: Rebee is a digital flyer tool that helps online businesses monitor competitor prices more efficiently. It allows you to create virtual flyers showcasing your products and their prices, making it easier to compare and adjust your prices accordingly. Several supermarkets use Rebee to showcase their weekly deals and match prices with other competitors.

Price2Spy: Price2Spy is a comprehensive price monitoring and matching tool. It tracks prices of products across various online platforms and provides detailed reports and analytics to help you make informed pricing decisions. Many e-commerce businesses, such as electronics retailers and fashion brands, use Price2Spy to monitor competitor prices and adjust their own prices accordingly.

PriceSpider: PriceSpider is a pricing intelligence and optimization platform. It tracks competitor prices and provides real-time data and analytics to help you optimize your pricing strategy. Many online retailers, including technology and home goods companies, use PriceSpider to monitor competitor prices and make price adjustments.

Prisync: Prisync is a price tracking and optimization tool that helps online businesses monitor and match competitor prices. It provides real-time pricing data, enables automated price adjustments, and offers dynamic pricing suggestions. E-commerce businesses across various industries, such as electronics, cosmetics, and automotive, use Prisync to track and match competitor prices.

Wiser Solutions: Wiser Solutions is a price monitoring and optimization platform that helps online businesses gather and analyze pricing data. It offers competitive price tracking, dynamic pricing algorithms, and price optimization strategies to enhance your price matching efforts. Retailers in the beauty and personal care industry use Wiser Solutions to monitor competitor prices and improve their pricing strategies.

CommerceIQ: CommerceIQ is an AI-powered platform that provides real-time insights and automation capabilities to help online businesses optimize their pricing strategy. It uses advanced algorithms to track competitor prices, analyze market trends, and suggest dynamic pricing recommendations. E-commerce companies in various sectors, such as consumer electronics and household goods, use CommerceIQ to automate price matching processes and improve their overall pricing strategy.

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FAQ

How does price matching benefit my business?

Price matching benefits your business by attracting customers who are price-sensitive and value-conscious. It helps to build customer loyalty, increase sales, and improve your brand reputation as customers perceive your business as offering competitive pricing.

What are the criteria for price matching?

The criteria for price matching may vary depending on your business. Typically, it involves matching the price of an identical product or service offered by a competitor, considering factors such as the product’s brand, model, features, and warranty.

Should I match prices on all products or only specific ones?

It is not necessary to match prices on all products. You can choose to match prices on specific products that are commonly compared by customers or products that have high demand in the market. This allows you to focus your price matching efforts where it has the most impact.

Are there any limitations or exclusions for price matching?

Yes, there might be limitations or exclusions for price matching. Some common limitations include matching prices only from authorized retailers, requiring the product to be in stock, and excluding pricing errors or clearance sales. It is important to clearly communicate the limitations and exclusions to customers to avoid misunderstandings.

How do I handle situations where the competitor's price is below my cost?

When the competitor’s price is below your cost, it may not be feasible or sustainable to match that price. In such situations, it is important to evaluate your costs and consider alternative strategies, such as highlighting the value-add or unique features of your product or service to justify your pricing.

How do I communicate my price matching policy to customers?

To communicate your price matching policy to customers, you can display it prominently on your website, in-store signage, promotional materials, and during customer interactions. Providing clear and concise information about your policy and its terms and conditions will help customers understand your commitment to competitive pricing.

What documentation is required for customers to prove a lower price?

The documentation required to prove a lower price may vary depending on your policy. Common forms of documentation include a physical or digital advertisement from the competitor showing the lower price, a screenshot of the website, or a receipt from a recent purchase.

How quickly should I respond to price matching requests from customers?

It is important to respond to price matching requests promptly. Aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Quick response times show your commitment to customer satisfaction and help build trust and loyalty.

Can I still make a profit while price matching?

Yes, it is possible to make a profit while price matching. Price matching should be done strategically, taking into account your costs, profit margins, and overall business goals. By carefully managing your pricing and costs, you can ensure that price matching initiatives contribute to your profitability.

How do I handle price matching when selling online versus in-store?

When selling online, automated price monitoring tools can help you track competitors’ prices and adjust your prices accordingly. In-store, it may be useful to empower your sales staff with the knowledge and authority to match prices on the spot, ensuring a seamless and consistent customer experience across all channels.

The post All About Price Matching. How It Can Help eCommerce first appeared on Cart-Power.

CS-Cart Solutions for Top Ecommerce Issues

Cart-Power Team — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:52:00 +0000

New online stores face various challenges that cause them to lose conversions and fail. Maintaining and growing an online business requires constant effort. A surge in requests occurs in the first weeks, and then orders decline. The wide possibilities of the platform on which the online store is built optimizes efforts.
In this article, we will study common problems and suggest possible solutions that exist on the CS-Cart platform.

About seller challenges on marketplace read in this article.

Do you have an idea? We have a solution!

Choose a license for your online store

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#1 Challenge. Site traffic and product promotion in search engines

In order for the traffic of the online store to increase, you need to try to cover the search demand as much as possible and engage in promotion. For this you can:

Run ad campaigns and paid ads.
Engage in SEO optimization of the store.
Lead positioning and develop in social networks.
Launch promotions, discounts and sales.
Create compelling visuals and product descriptions.
Work on content marketing.

CS-Cart Solution

Due to the fact that stores on CS-Cart have basic SEO settings, you can reach the top positions in the search in 2-3 months after opening. The store creates human-readable URLs, micro-markup for rich snippets in the search, canonical page addresses are generated for products and categories, as well as meta tags for product pages.

You can create your own blog and add pages with unique content (articles, video reviews, etc.) to better rank in the search results.
Thanks to the Facebook Pixel module, you can create effective advertising campaigns on Facebook. Site events about customer behavior are captured by the pixel and sent to Events.Manager.
The CS-Cart platform provides ample opportunities for creating promotions, discounts, gift certificates, bonus points and gifts for orders, mailing lists for e-mail marketing.

If you are not satisfied with the performance of the site, conduct a technical audit. For more information about what it includes, when it is needed, read the article “ Checking site performance. What is a technical audit for? “

#2 Challenge. Shipping Features

Customers are motivated by fast and reliable delivery. About 30% of visitors will refuse a purchase if they are not satisfied with the delivery. At the same time, it is optimal if the store offers several methods: courier, express delivery, through parcel terminals and pickup points.
Also, not every client wants to use a calculator to check the cost, so automatic checkout calculation would be ideal.

CS-Cart Solution

CS-Cart is integrated with the most common delivery services. You can add pickup points and your own shipping methods. For each city, select and configure available delivery methods and cost, with automatic calculation. Large orders can be split into multiple shipments.

#3 Challenge. Returns

Refunds are part of retail life. Approximately 30% of goods purchased online are returned. However, in most cases, the sellers themselves are to blame for the returns. To make this process less painful, you need to simplify the procedure for returns as much as possible and reduce their number.

CS-Cart Solution

Returns are managed through a separate add-on “Return of goods”. Here you can specify for which products this option is possible, the number of days during which you can return the product, set up requests with an indication of the reason.

To reduce returns:

Work on a product card. In CS-Cart, you can fully customize the card, add a description, features, and real reviews in separate tabs, add dimension grids.

To make the process painless:

Create a return policy page. 83% of buyers read the return policy before buying. Thanks to the visual content editor, adding informational pages is not difficult at all.

Display the desired status in your personal account. Delete, change or add new statuses for your business processes is not a problem in CS-Cart.

For operational feedback, there is a module “Telegram Chat”, “Message Center” and integration with the RetailCRM system.

#4 Challenge. Trust of visitors to the site

By nature, it is easier for people to buy or order something if others have already bought it and are happy with the purchase. New online stores can gain trust if the site have: optimized navigation; simple checkout process and secure payment methods; detailed product descriptions and feedback available.

CS-Cart Solution

For convenient payment, CS-Cart integrates with over 70 payment gateways. Of the available payment methods, there are: payments by credit cards, electronic money, generation of invoices for payment, as well as the creation of your own payment methods (for example, cash upon receipt).
Detailed product reviews and ratings are available in CS-Cart. This tool will increase the credibility of the site and encourage visitors to purchase.
Incentivize leaving questions and comments on products to reduce decision time.
Blogging a site is another way to build trust. Talk about products, about production, about your store, so that relationships with customers are more transparent.

#5 Challenge. No registrations on the site

After the “Order” button, the client needs to go through a long registration path, which increases the bounce rate. Ideally, the online ordering process should be reduced to three simple steps and should not take more than three minutes. The same goes for registration. It should be as simple as possible, with a minimum of required fields and encourage leaving your data.

CS-Cart Solution

The store, made on CS-Cart, has the functions “Buy Now With 1-Click” and “Call Request”. Customers do not need to spend time placing an order, just leave their phone to discuss the terms of the transaction. The administrator can place an order for the buyer to quickly convert customers.

A convenient personal account with privileges for registered users will encourage visitors to become a regular customer. To do this, you can create user groups in the admin panel. For them, you can offer expedited shipping, lower prices, special payment options. Be sure to mention this when you ask to register.
And in the personal account of the store, visitors can log in through social networks and mail services (Twitter, Facebook. Google)

#6 Challenge. The system of communication with clients is not thought out

In the context of a variety of choices and lack of free time, customers do not want to spend resources searching for the necessary information, to understand the details. If there is no one to ask a question about a product or problem on the site, the visitor will most likely go to another resource.

CS-Cart Solution

To promptly respond to messages from buyers, CS-Cart developed the “Message Center” add-on. Buyers can communicate with administrators through the “Ask a question” button, clarify information about the product, order status.

Create trigger message chains through email marketing. You can use ready-made templates in CS-Cart or create your own.
Items left in the cart will wait for the buyer, even if he left the site. And ready-made email templates will help remind you of them.

#7 Challenge. Poor usability and irrelevant content

If it is convenient for the user to search for information on the site, he studies the necessary products, fills in the required fields and makes a conversion. If it is not convenient or the information is not relevant, then the user leaves the resource and returns to the search results, that is, to competitors.

CS-Cart Solution

The storefront is responsive and adapts to any device. And thanks to a simple layout editor, changing the look, adding a visual, updating information is not difficult.
For better customer usability CS-Cart offer a mobile app for iOS and Android.
The page layout editor will allow you to create new pages without layout designers and programmers. You can manage and customize the appearance of the store even from the storefront. This will give you an immediate idea of what your changes will look like.
Create personalized landing pages in Tilda and add them to your CS-Cart store.
The problem of irrelevant content is solved by mass export / import and editing of goods. It will take no more than a couple of minutes to update the supplier’s price list, add new characteristics to products, update images. Product information will always be up to date.

#8 Challenge. Long checkout times

The concept of fast and convenient is very different for different customer groups. A lot of fields to fill out at the checkout stage can confuse, scare away customers and reduce the conversion of an online store. In addition, there is a human factor on the part of store administrators, which can also delay order processing.

CS-Cart Solution

The checkout page in CS-Cart stores is customizable. Add the required number of steps and fields, make required and optional fields. The client will see at what step he is, the amount and composition of his order.
The functionality of access rights differentiation will allow you to reduce the risk of mistakes by your employees, improve the level of control over them, and transparently evaluate the effectiveness of their work.
Each employee manages sections only in his area of responsibility. And you can view their activities. This fact, according to CS-Cart research, increases their responsibility and improves the speed of response to incoming orders.
Customize order status to your liking and notify customers and employees. Notifications will come automatically after the order status changes.
To speed up the order processing time, you can set up SMS notifications for administrators in CS-Cart. Not a single order will be left without attention.

#9 Challenge. Competition with other sites

New online stores can face many challenges, including building brand awareness and building a loyal customer base. Increasing your online presence, segmenting your audience, and creating a unique value proposition for each will help you stay ahead of the competition.

CS-Cart Solution

Integration with eBay will allow you to sell products on a popular marketplace and increase the likelihood of a purchase through your online store.
To choose the right marketing positioning or sell different groups of products, CS-Cart allows you to create different storefronts for your online store. For each showcase, you can customize your design, prices, currencies and languages. And the control will be from one admin panel.
You can embed your storefront as a widget on third-party sites to further promote your products.
For those who have a store on Shopify, it is possible to exchange and operate in parallel. With the help of the “Import from Shopify” module, you can quickly place products in a new online store.

#10 Challenge. Creating a cross-selling system

Many online stores make the mistake of selling one product to one customer. You can increase profits by building a cross-selling system. In this case, the store offers to purchase additional goods in addition to the main purchase. Thus, the average check of the client increases.

CS-Cart Solution

Modify products using the “Product Options” functionality. For example, it can be additional printing or engraving on the product.
Create sets of goods, for example, phone + headphones, bed + mattress and so on. Discounted packages are beneficial for customers and increase the average check of the store.
Think over the chains of goods and add the blocks “They buy with this product”, “This product complements well”.

Conclusion

The CS-Cart platform is well-equipped to solve the main problems that new online stores may face. It combines ease of management, maximum settings, convenience for search engines and functionality through integration with various services.

See what a store might look like in our article ” 50+ Amazing Online Stores Build on CS-Cart “.

Do you have an idea? We have a solution!

We'll develop an online store of any complexity

Get in touch

The post CS-Cart Solutions for Top Ecommerce Issues first appeared on Cart-Power.

50+ Amazing Online Stores Built on CS-Cart

Cart-Power Team — Wed, 31 May 2023 07:20:05 +0000

If you want to open an online store and are faced with the problem of choosing a platform, then this article will help you. In it, we will look at the 50 best online stores built on CS-Cart.

CS-Cart is a complete e-commerce solution that provides businesses with the tools they need to create and manage their online store. This platform offers over 500 features such as product management, inventory tracking, payment processing, marketing strategy.

But it’s better to see it once. Therefore, sit back and be inspired by browsing ready-made online stores!

Do you have an idea? We have a solution!

Choose a license for your online store

Pick the license

Apparel

Salt and Pepper

Online boutique of clothes and accessories from Polish designers. Clothing and collections that help create your own individual style and find your own, extraordinary “I”.

Soxess

This is a brand of colored socks for creative and successful people to create a bright and unique image. The idea of Soxess reflects the colorfulness and complexity of the patterns of Russian folk crafts.

Romashka

A modern, concise brand with a soul that does not bite the price. Stylish women’s clothing, shoes, accessories with a network of showrooms across the country.

Unity

An online store of stylish youth clothing with its offline outlets in Greece.

Arber

Brand of quality elegant clothes for men and women. The main advantages are convenient patterns and professional tailoring, as well as a modern concept of offline stores.

byMe

Online store of shirts in the best English traditions. The byMe brand focuses on high-quality fabrics that do not deform after many washes and are comfortable to wear.

Legioner

Clothing for men in military style. The main difference is practicality and versatility.

Zibra

Romanian store of branded shoes for the whole family.

Merilis

The store stocks clothes from well-known designer brands. All items are shipped directly from the UAE.

Baby Items

My Sunshine

Greek children’s goods store where you can find everything for different ages.

Baby Art

One-stop shop for quality, educational and safe toys from leading brands. They make parenthood easy and childhood happy.

Labebe Boutique

A store offers high quality children’s products and furniture. Labebe Boutique – More than just a store. Their main goal is to be not just a store, but a “best friend” for young parents.

Rainbow Kids

Manufacturer of school uniforms and school clothes, sportswear for children, as well as elegant dresses and suits for girls and boys. Here you can buy not only for yourself, but also buy clothes in bulk.

Huppa

Outerwear brand for comfort in any weather. The materials that are used in clothing are highly adaptable and durable. At the same time, the design gives a bright mood and a festive mood.

Jewelry and Watches

AmberSea

A brand that creates exquisite jewelry, souvenirs and decor items every day. In the skillful hands of masters, amber turns into luxurious paintings and exclusive works of jewelry art.

Drajee

A jewelry brand whose main goal is to create timeless and comfortable jewelry made of metals and stones at a reasonable price.

Energetix

Czech jewelry on magnets. Products combine beauty and a positive effect on the body.

Dolinski

A brand with a history began with a Swiss watch service in Poland. Today it is not only a watch service, but also a separate spacious showroom with an online sale of both watches and all accessories for them.

Zippo

A brand of American lighters with a unique design, as well as a lifetime warranty. Zippo encourages people to make smarter choices with refillable lighters and reduce plastic consumption.

Equipment and Tools

Stomdevice

A dental goods store founded by dentists. The store offer our clients professional tools, consumables and equipment.

Moshoreca

A wide range of equipment for the HoReCa segment and retail. Equipment for any needs for restaurants and cafes.

LED Outfitters

A store offers lighting equipment for cars and special equipment. The store’s customers are not only amateur motorists, but also state corporations and social institutions. The main principles of LED Outfitters are guarantees and reliability.

LakeLite

It is an innovative business in solar lighting and boat lifts. Lake Lite products are developed and engineered at our Indiana headquarters, where they are extensively tested and improved. Lake Lite’s goal and mission is to produce unique and quality marina and boat lift lighting products that exceed customer expectations.

Medtechnika №7

In this online store you can find medical products and devices that can be used for procedures at home, as well as goods and consumables for rehabilitation.

Construction, Repair, Furniture & Decor

Santehlux

Shop plumbing, equipment and accessories for bathrooms. A wide range of famous brands and collections.

IDAShop

The brand was born from a passion for art and architecture, growing with a team of architects and designers. And now represents more than 70 brands of things for home decor.

Ambient Lounge

The Australian brand helps create a cozy space to relax with designer frameless home and garden furniture.

Esmaili Rugs and Antiques

For over thirty years, Esmaili Rugs and Antiques has been offering customers an unrivaled selection of exquisite handmade Oriental rugs from around the world.

Automated Now

Home automation has finally become a real and practical product for the average home. Here you will find smart home equipment.

Katoikianet

Katoikianet is Greece’s first and oldest online store for hygiene, bathroom, floor and kitchen products.

Futon Company

This British company specializes in innovative compact furniture. As new homes get smaller, Futon Company is focusing more and more on becoming the experts in small space living. Futon mattresses are handmade from 100% natural cotton.

Any Home

Manufacturer of premium furniture and interior items. In addition to finished products, here you can order custom-designed furniture.

Creativity and Hobbies

Krygina

The online store of author’s cosmetics. The brand of Elena Krygina is known both among professionals and amateurs. Here you can not only buy goods, but also sign up for a make-up studio.

Cultra

They provides graffiti artists, illustrators, tattoo artists with the necessary quality materials. Any artist will find in this online store the right tool to bring their ideas to life.

Electric Mojo Guitars

The Electric Mojo Guitars online store stocks electric guitar hardware and accessories from over 100 brands.

Nakleika Shop

Vinyl stickers for interiors and cars. In addition to the presented assortment, you can send your sketch and the guys will make your fantasy come true. Thanks to safe materials, it can be used even in a children’s room.

Nam Udobno

This is an online studio where you can buy textiles, fabrics, patterns in electronic form. And also to order tailoring and repair of clothes.

400 Coups

In this French shop you will find any kind of board games for entertainment.

Hobby Gigant

Hobby Gigant is an online craft shop in Apeldoorn. In addition to wool and yarn, the store has all the supplies for knitting, crocheting, embroidery and hobby supplies.

MyBiggame

Online store of premium outdoor goods. Here you can find everything: tents, hunting clothes, equipment for tourism and outdoor activities, camping food and tools.

Kayamo

DIY brand specializing in handmade ceramics and pottery. Here you can not only buy unique products, but also find instructions, tips, recommendations on pottery.

Riviera Couleurs

Manufacturer of paints for all surfaces. Over 5,000 different shades for interior, exterior, decorative, nautical and body work.

MusicMarket

Here, musicians and lovers of musical creativity will find instruments for every taste. The store has its own workshop, where you can contact for repair or adjustment.

Food and Beverages

BestTea

The tea and coffee shop has collected more than 1400 quality drinks from different parts of the world. Here you can find rare collection varieties of tea and coffee, as well as buy goods in bulk.

Soplidan

Georgian brand that offers everyone real farm products from meat to coffee.

Reaute Chocolat

A French chocolate brand since its inception in 1954, RÉAUTÉ CHOCOLAT has been transmitting its passion and unique know-how through authentic handmade products.

Pet Supplies

Julius-K9

Hungarian manufacturer of high quality accessories for dogs: harnesses, leashes, collars, toys and so on.

Pet Dog

This is not just an online store for animals, it is a veterinary pharmacy with certified veterinary drugs.

Floristry

Silks Are Forever

Silks Are Forever offers beautiful, realistic silk flowers and artificial flower arrangements at wholesale prices.

Venera Flower Shop

The floristic studio in Moscow creates original author’s bouquets and compositions for every taste and event.

And a Few Other Interesting Stores

Allbox

A brand where you can find any boxes and packaging materials for food, gifts and industrial products.

Khvoyozhny

Siberian brand of products made of birch bark and wood. In the store you can find high-quality goods from the best masters of Siberia, as well as make a thing to order.

From organic forms to augmented reality, the future of web design is already here. Find out which trends will be the main ones next year!

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The post 50+ Amazing Online Stores Built on CS-Cart first appeared on Cart-Power.