How small businesses are growing sales with online ordering

August 18, 2021

The pandemic was a clear sign for many businesses to create a digital presence. Here are the features small businesses should focus on when choosing an online ordering provider.

Now, more than ever, we are living in a virtual world. Increasingly, merchants of all sizes are recognizing the need to offer their goods for sale online. You aren’t alone if you’ve been finding the transition a frustration, if not a downright struggle.

One of the biggest hurdles right now is online ordering—many businesses are reporting trouble adopting the ability to quickly and efficiently place online orders to fill their inventory or take online customer orders. 

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be so frustrating. Now is a great time to invest in a new online ordering system. If you’ve had enough of the bugs and endless menus of an outdated system, there are a few key features you need to look for when upgrading to a more user-friendly version. 

 

We’re all online together

No crisis, no matter how global in nature, was ever going to stop us from shopping for too long. While many parts of the economy experienced a dramatic downturn in the immediate future, there is light at the end of the tunnel. In fact, the tunnel itself isn’t nearly as long as you might have feared. The U.S. is already expected to exceed retail growth of pre-pandemic proportions within four years.

In the meantime, the advice is uniform across the board—get online. 

Of course, it’s not enough to merely access the digital marketplace, you must do so in an effective manner, otherwise you’re just wasting resources and potentially frustrating your customers. It’s a feeling many of us are already experiencing. An estimated one-third of retailers are struggling with computer glitches while trying to place online orders, while others are complaining about the length and complexity of online ordering, and the difficulty in finding what they want on DIY websites.

 

The two phases of online ordering systems for small business

The majority of small business owners will find themselves in the middle of a two-way online ordering connection. They’ll be sourcing goods to fill their shelves—be they virtual or otherwise—and they’ll be selling those goods on to their customers.

By no means does that imply you should be using two distinct online systems. Instead, you can achieve both goals within the same platform by adopting a digital POS system as the backbone of your in-store and online worlds.

Here’s how a POS solution can solve both online ordering needs if it contains the right features.

 

Virtual, automated purchase orders

A digital POS solution is a mix of in-store hardware and online cloud-based software. While we’re focusing on the digital side at the moment, it is good to know your in-store customer experience will still benefit from features your upgraded system will include.

Immediately, the must-have features of an online ordering system for small business are:

  1. Automation 
  2. Cloud connectivity 
  3. Data reporting
     

Automation not only saves you time and frees you from the tedium of repetitive tasks, it also improves the accuracy of those tasks. With the right POS solution, you can set inventory thresholds that link to live sales events and then trigger either emailed warnings or direct-to-supplier requests.

This link between sales and inventory is made possible by the accessibility of cloud-based platforms. Each business app is connected to the other in a comprehensive network that gives you clarity across your entire enterprise. You can also access this suite of tools from any connected device, at any time, and anywhere. 

Finally, this easy-to-use, touch-screen assembly of software can tell you exactly how each dollar you spend results in ROI. Data science reports can be generated to track sales, streamline spend, and ensure everything you bring into your store goes out in the hands of a customer.

This digital flow is especially powerful when those customers are on the other end of an internet connection.

 

User-friendly, accurate web presence

If you hadn’t realized it yet, then the COVID-19 challenge must have convinced you—every small business needs an online presence. Digital browsing will never replace the excitement of tactile shopping, but for the time being digital connections are the safest and most effective.

To successfully satisfy your customer’s need to shop you’ll need a POS system with three key features: 

  1. Intuitive, engaging navigation 
  2. Up-to-the-minute inventory accuracy 
  3. Depth of choice
     

The user interface is everything to online shoppers. Your POS subscription should include guidance and support in designing a clear, enticing web presence that takes the shopper click-by-click through your entire catalog. Simplicity is key, so make sure your website works just as well on a tiny smartphone screen as it does on a large PC.

Everything the customer sees is for sale—whether you’ve got it ready to ship or not. Avoid the emotional cost of disappointing your would-be digital regulars by linking your on-screen display with your in-store inventory. While eCommerce sales have understandably risen overall, there has been a 248% jump in buy online, pick up in-store sales as customers get frustrated with delivery delays. Such an option also encourages connections with local shoppers, so it pays to be flexible.

That flexibility extends to your entire online operation. The internet is as vast as the stars so make sure every article and every subsequent size, style, color, and material is on display. So long as your customer can logically delve deeper and deeper into your offerings, they’ll find something of value. 

Hit on those six features listed above and you’ll have a state-of-the-art business hub ready to impress your shoppers.

 

Learn more about how talech, a U.S. Bank company, can help your small business sell online and get important tools for running your business.

Learn about U.S. Bank

8 ways for small business owners to manage their cash flow

Hybridization driving demand

For small business growth, consider the international market

Beyond Mars, AeroVironment’s earthly expansion fueled by U.S. Bank

Refinancing your practice loans: What to know

What type of loan is right for your business?

Luxembourg's thriving private debt market

Easier onboarding: What to look for in an administrator

3 questions to ask your equity, quant and CTA fund administrator

Insource or outsource? 10 considerations

The secret to successful service provider integration

10 ways a global custodian can support your growth

The benefits of a full-service warehouse custodian

Authenticating cardholder data reduce e-commerce fraud

Webinar: Robotic process automation

Webinar: CRE technology trends

Business risk management for owners of small companies

Evaluating interest rate risk creating risk management strategy

How real-time inventory visibility can boost retail margins

Payment industry trends that are the future of POS

Tech tools to keep your restaurant operations running smoothly

A simple guide to set up your online ordering restaurant

Cashless business pros and cons: Should you make the switch?

ePOS cash register training tips and tricks

5 winning strategies for managing liquidity in volatile times

The future of financial leadership: More strategy, fewer spreadsheets

Digital banking and cloud accounting software: How they work together

Empowering managers with data automation and integration

Delivering powerful results with SWIFT messaging and services

Why retail merchandise returns will be a differentiator in 2022

Digital processes streamline M&A transactions

Save time with mobile apps for business finances

How RIAs can embrace technology to enhance personal touch

What corporate treasurers need to know about Virtual Account Management

Work flexibility crucial as municipalities return to office

How I did it: Grew my business by branching out

The moment I knew I’d made it: The Cheesecakery

Making a ‘workout’ work out as a business

How a bright idea became a successful business (in Charlotte, North Carolina)

Making the leap from employee to owner

Mapping out success for a small-business owner

Checklist: What you’ll need for your first retail pop-up shop

How mobile point of sale (mPOS) can benefit your side gig

Staying organized when taking payments

Key considerations for online ordering systems

How does an electronic point of sale help your business keep track of every dime?

Tools that can streamline staffing and employee management

How to identify what technology is needed for your small business

Planning for restaurant startup costs and when to expect them

How to fund your business without using 401(k) savings

The different types of startup financing

How to get started creating your business plan

What is needed to apply for an SBA loan

How to establish your business credit score

Why ecommerce for small business strategy is integral

4 restaurant models that aren’t dine-in

Omnichannel retail: 4 best practices for navigating the new normal

Is your restaurant Google-friendly?

How small businesses are growing sales with online ordering

How to expand your business: Does a new location make sense?

How small business owners can budget for the holiday season

Why credit cards should be the first choice for business payments

7 uncommon recruiting strategies that you may not have tried yet

How increased supply chain visibility can combat disruptors

6 common financial mistakes made by dentists (and how to avoid them)

Strengthen your brand with modern POS technology

Technology strategies to complement your business plan

Business credit card 101

How to apply for a business credit card

What kind of credit card does my small business need?

Do I need a credit card for my small business?

5 tips to help you land a small business loan

How to choose the right business savings account

5 questions business owners need to consider before taking out a loan

Leverage credit wisely to plug business cash flow gaps

How to establish your business credit score

How to make the most of your business loan

Do you need a business equipment loan?

5 ways a business credit card program can grow your business

Building a business with a great product and a greater purpose

3 ways POS data analysis can help define your brand

How running a business that aligns with core values is paying off

Meet the Milwaukee businessman behind Funky Fresh Spring Rolls

Improve online presence your business

When small business and community work together

How a family-owned newspaper is serving its community

How tenacity brought Taste of Rondo to life

How Gentlemen Cuts helps its community shine

How Lip Esteem is empowering women

Community behind Elsa’s House of Sleep

Honey Luxury Beauté: growing a side project into an eye-catching beauty business

How Shampoo’ed is transforming hair and inspiring entrepreneurs

The San Francisco bridal shop that’s been making memories for 30 years

How Al’s Breakfast is bringing people together

In a digital world, Liberty Puzzles embraces true connection

Celebrity Cake Studio’s two decades of growth and success

How a travel clothing retailer is staying true to its brand values

3 ways to gain loyalty with your customers

Disclosures

Start of disclosure content

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.