For many small business owners, managing customer data is easy at first. As sales begin to grow over time, it can become more difficult to manage things like orders, shipping, and returns.
There are plenty of ways that business owners can be more efficient while also maintaining the integrity of their brand. Using programs that prioritize customer database management can help businesses increase their volume without becoming too overworked.
What is a CRM for eCommerce?
While many business owners may already use traditional CRM platforms, it is important to note the main differences between a traditional CRM and a CRM tailored to eCommerce businesses.
This is because traditional CRM aids sales teams and brings larger companies closer to the customer. On the other hand, eCommerce CRM databases are built with small businesses in mind. These customer database management systems can integrate with many different platforms that most are already using. On top of that, they were created to be used in conjunction with present-day technology.
Many eCRM programs employ intuitive, multi-channel marking techniques such as; creating Facebook ads, text messages, emails, direct messages, and personalized landing pages. These programs are much easier to use than a traditional CRM. Furthermore, they are also designed to bring the customer closer to your brand while focusing on personal marketing.
Another reason to look into an eCommerce CRM database is that many are focused on shipping and returns; which many users of traditional CRMs don’t have to worry about. In addition, mailing products and processing returns are an important part of many eCommerce businesses. So, using a customer database management program that can help with all aspects of the business is ideal.
Benefits of eCommerce Customer Database Management Systems
When small businesses are just starting, many can meet all the demands of a small business. Over time, as sales start to grow, it can become nearly impossible to manage your business with just a spreadsheet and your brain. Small business owners usually end up working harder in the long run, because many are unaware of the benefits of customer database management platforms.
Think about how you currently run your business and how the following benefits of CRM platforms might be able to help.
Customer Tracking
When a customer purchases a product from you, you’re able to gain information about who they are, what they like, and if they might be interested in more items.
Tracking your customers is a great way to learn more about what products are selling, and how to utilize the information to make data-based decisions about your products or services moving forward. CRM databases can track customers over a large period of time and can allow you to gain valuable information to use for cross-selling, upselling, and researching new products, just to name a few.
Better Customer Experience
Customer relationship management databases can also help in creating a better customer experience. These eCommerce CRM programs can create a fluid experience for anyone interested in what your business has to offer.
Customers will be provided with a more seamless ordering process, clear and easily editable shopping carts, and smart marketing; such as matching products that are frequently bought together and upselling to the customer.
Automation
There are many things that eCommerce owners do that we can easily pass off to an automated system.
For example, sending confirmation emails, creating packing slips, creating invoices, and financial forecasting. Instead of completing these tasks manually, customer management databases can most if not all of these tasks automatically, which will save a huge amount of time.
Inventory Management
Above all else, many business owners spend a lot of time doing inventory. Counting products can be extremely time-consuming and tedious. Having a CRM do this for you can save hours out of your week. These platforms can manage inventory for you and can send alerts when certain stocks are becoming low.
Challenges of Database Management for eCommerce
Transitioning to an ECRM program can help you and your business grow in ways you may night have imagined. Once deciding on the program, it can be difficult to fully transition to seamlessly using your amazing new platform.
Oftentimes, web developers should be called upon to integrate your CRM so that everything can transition smoothly into your prior platform. Adding more data and integrations can cause glitches, on top of all the planning and preparation it takes before installing the program.
Database Management Systems Won’t Solve Your Problems
Keep in mind that customer database management systems cannot solve all the problems that come with running an eCommerce business. These programs are a great tool, but they will require a lot of upfront time and work so that it’s able to run smoothly.
All the Moving Parts of Order Fulfillment
Customer database management systems can receive an order, create a packing slip, create an invoice, and prepare the employee as much as possible to jump in and packing the products.
Utilizing a CRM can increase the volume of your business. However, one should keep in mind this will require human labor in order to physically fulfill and package your orders. There are many different types of order fulfillment that can save time.
Customer Database Management with a 3PL
For those who can outsource and use third-party logistics (3PL), customer database management systems can help those in that area. Using a third-party logistics partner can make things even easier overall- it is like having your own merchandising team for one reasonable price.
Order Management Made Easy
Third-party logistics can receive incoming orders as well as handle all the returns. This can prevent headaches throughout the week when dealing with orders and returns at the same time.
Say Goodbye to Inventory and Warehousing
Using a third-party logistics warehouse can change your business entirely.
At Print Bind Ship warehouses, we hold the product and fulfill all the orders as they come in. This eliminates having to use your small space for inventory. Our warehouses can package and ship all orders as well as process returns.
Print Bind Ship Manages eCommerce Customer Databases
Overall, it should be a priority that small businesses use a team with experience in every aspect of eCommerce order fulfillment. Print Bind Ship is a manufacturer, warehouse, and partner of all the major carriers. This allows smaller eCommerce businesses to reap the benefits of a larger business. We can handle incoming orders, database analytics, returns, and even international order fulfillment.
Get in touch with an expert at Print Bind Ship for a free consultation here.