Does your website offer collection?

Image credit: La Place Antiques

Does your website offer collection as a delivery method? If not then it's something you should definitely consider.

As we're forced to close shops and cancel Antique & Art fairs during a second lockdown, it's looking likely that businesses with the option to collect will thrive as non essential businesses are allowed to stay open for delivery and collection of items.

What's the big deal around offering collection?

The events of this year has forced all businesses to take different avenues to stay afloat and delivery is no different! 76,000 small businesses in london alone had closed by the end of June as a result of forced closure from the first lockdown. With all of the non essential shops being forced to close, we all need to take the steps to ensure our businesses have the opportunities to flourish and maybe even grow in this time, now that we know what we're possibly up against.

From 2019 to 2020 there was a massive 32% increase in businesses offering collection in the UK, due to the forced closure of non essential shops.

Nottingham Business School retail research associate Nelson Blackley said the collection offering has “eliminated” the many problems that usually come with online shopping. “The need to be at home and wait for the delivery of online orders proved to be inconvenient and frustrating for many busy workers,”

Retail Gazette

Why should I offer collection?

Because it offers your existing and potential clients options!

I've touched on this point numerous times throughout our blog articles, but it feeds into the very real convenience culture that we live in nowadays.

With so many options and other places to shop you need to offer people what they want - convenience. And for some people that is being able to collect from you. You don't want to have to charge someone a whole delivery fee when they live 10 minutes down the road and would be willing to pick it up, but not having collection as a delivery option on your website already may deter that client from completing the sale with you as it presents a barrier and doesn't cater to the 'I want it here & now' mentality that consumers generally have these days.

How can I offer collection through my website?

It's super simple! All you have to do is activate this delivery method in your Antiques Web Design website manager, in the delivery settings and et voila! It's ready to go. The client will be able to select whether or not they want to use that delivery method then they will select a date and that information will come through to you on their order confirmation.

Conclusion

Many sources have confirmed that collection is a means for small businesses to thrive during this second lockdown and being as it is soo easy to do, it's a no-brainer. If you'd like to offer collection on your website with us and you're not sure how please don't hesitate to get in touch and we'd be happy to help.