The Shopping Revolution.

The Shopping Revolution: How e-commerce changed our consumption habits

Since the advent of these new tools, our lives have become easier. Ecommerce has significantly changed consumption habits, making it vital for companies to stay adaptive. In an ever-changing world, staying up-to-date and pursuing innovative solutions is the main challenge for companies like Coderio.

When it comes to convenience, e-commerce takes a leading role. Let’s consider our consumption habits over the past few years—how many purchases have you made in physical stores versus online? The answer won’t be surprising this time. 

My professional career spans over 30 years, and I have witnessed firsthand transformations in many areas. Over recent years, one has been gaining ground, practically leaving traditional shopping behind: e-commerce.

Undoubtedly, the year 2020 marked a pivotal moment.

The Pandemic Paved the Way

Electronic commerce involves buying and selling goods and services through online commercial transactions on any device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

E-commerce started in the 1970s, but it has grown exponentially since 2020. The restrictions imposed by each country due to the spread of the coronavirus affected not only shopping habits but also shook up the world as a whole.

Large, medium, and small businesses had to adapt to the winds of change. So, traditional businesses were forced to turn to e-commerce to survive, which became a global trend almost three years later.

Why E-commerce is So Successful

Implementing online shopping can address various challenges by providing an efficient, scalable, and customer-centric platform for commercial transactions.

Strategic planning is essential for a seamless transition to online sales, ensuring effective execution to maximize these benefits. Let’s highlight some of the most significant ones:

• Geographical Reach: E-commerce allows you to reach customers worldwide, overcoming the spatial limitations of a physical store. This tool lets us sell our products or services to customers from different regions, states, or countries.
• Availability: An online store is open 24/7. It means that our customers can purchase products at any time, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
• Reduction of Operating Costs: Online stores eliminate all the costs associated with physical stores, such as rent, utilities, and additional staff, which immediately impact the business’s profitability.
• Process Automation: Say goodbye to paperwork, folders, and warehouses filled with boxes. E-commerce enables automating processes such as inventory management, order processing, and billing. It saves time and reduces operational errors.
• Segmentation and Personalization: We can—and should—use customer data to personalize the shopping experience by offering product recommendations based on purchase history and preferences. It improves customer satisfaction and increases sales opportunities.
• Analysis and Data-Driven Decision-Making: E-commerce platforms often provide advanced analytical tools that allow you to track customer behavior, analyze buying trends, and make informed decisions to enhance your business strategy. Such strategies can safeguard your business, as discussed in Joaquin Quintas’ recent article on data management.
• Enhancement of Customer Experience: Providing an intuitive user interface and a convenient shopping experience contributes to customer satisfaction. Secure payment options and prompt delivery are also relevant elements to improve their site navigation.

Behind the Scenes

As the current CEO—and former COO—of a leading technology company, I can affirm that the distinction between an online store and e-commerce goes beyond mere semantics.

Based on my experience, an online store acts as a static product display. On the other hand, e-commerce embodies a dynamic and strategic entity, covering the entire spectrum of the online commercial process.

E-commerce is not just about showcasing products in a simple display window; it’s about seamlessly integrating the customer experience from browsing to purchase and post-sale service. It implements advanced technologies, data analysis, personalized marketing strategies, and efficient logistics. It is a well-orchestrated symphony that redefines the relationship between consumers and brands in the digital world.

Behind the online shopping sites we usually browse, a team of experts is working to make it happen. 

Highly skilled squads are required, not only in technical aspects but also in creativity, usability, navigation, and design. They execute projects that aim to capture the audience, accompany them throughout the selection process smoothly and straightforwardly, and provide the necessary information to facilitate the purchase. A post-sale team trained to address inquiries and handle complaints complements the team.

A noteworthy example of such implementations is a project Coderio undertook with one of the most important retail companies in the Americas. The client needed to rebuild one of its key brands from scratch, focusing on improving the user experience and leveraging new web and mobile technologies.

Our Service Delivery Manager allocated different teams specialized in each solution (mobile, VTEX, Cloud). They rebuilt mobile applications and web e-commerce using the latest generation of VTEX, enabling a better mobile experience.

The team completed the project successfully using design thinking and A/B testing tools to refine and prioritize demand.

The Key is in the Process

When Coderio undertakes any project, the first step is to ask and answer the right questions to help us really understand our client’s needs and the target audience.

There are different models for conducting e-commerce arranged by the type of relationships and transactions established between the involved parties. The most common models include:

• Business-to-Consumer (B2C): In this model, companies sell products or services directly to end consumers. It is the most well-known and widely used type of e-commerce. Companies create online stores where users can make purchases and transactions.
• Business-to-Business (B2B): This model involves selling products or services from one company to another. Transactions may involve large order volumes and customized negotiations.
• Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): In this model, consumers sell products or services directly to other consumers through online platforms. Platforms act as intermediaries, facilitating transactions between sellers and buyers.

Trust in the Process and Gain Market Advantage

Following the right path will ensure the project’s success and the enormous benefits it will bring to your company.

For instance, the retail business we mentioned above increased its sales significantly and reduced its production costs due to the versatility provided by the new app features: a more agile digital shopping experience, enhanced performance, better offerings, and availability focused on customer needs with a quick response.

In a globalized world where in-person and online shopping coexist, having a team of experienced professionals in these new technologies will boost your sales and position your brand. Also, it will provide users with the support and confidence needed to recommend and repeatedly consume your products.

The mission at Coderio Software Company is to have a profound understanding of market needs and provide innovative and cost-effective services. From this perspective, creating solutions is not limited to implementing advanced technology; it also involves close collaboration with our clients to interpret their business objectives and propose a tailored strategy.

Technology and creativity go hand-in-hand at Coderio. Each project is a new opportunity to reinvent the digital landscape and build solutions that meet and exceed expectations, contributing to the advancement and evolution of the entire industry.