An online ordering system has many benefits for a business. It frees up sales reps, streamlines accounting, improves order accuracy, and increases efficiency. They also have several advantages for your wholesale customers. Here are five ways your customers will benefit from an online ordering system.
1. Faster answers
With an online ordering portal, customers do not need to wait for answers. If they want to know how much an item costs, check if it is in stock, get a tracking number, or find out any other answers, they can sign in and look up this information 24/7. All it takes is a few clicks. Customers do not need to call or email a rep and wait for an answer.
2. Help at any time
Unlike your employees, an online ordering system never sleeps. It is always available to help customers, regardless of their needs. For this reason, an online ordering system is one of the most efficient ways to serve customers in different time zones. With around-the-clock access to a program that can answer most of their questions, they do not need to wait for your business hours to place orders or look up answers.
An online ordering system’s 24/7 availability does not just benefit customers in different countries and regions. It also lets customers in your own time zone access their order information at their convenience. Some of your more local customers may not be open during traditional business hours, or they may occasionally need to place an emergency order overnight. An online ordering system gives your company the flexibility to handle these scenarios.
3. Learn about products
Online ordering systems are one of the best sources of information for customers who need product details. An ordering system has the seller’s description, the manufacturer’s specifications, and pictures of the product. When a customer cannot pick up, hold, and inspect a product, these sources have the next-best information about it —and they are all conveniently stored in the ordering system that can be accessed online.
4. Place their own orders
Some customers may appreciate sales reps' assistance, but others want a more independent experience. They want to be able to work on, review, and place orders on their own. An online ordering system allows this group of customers to be self-sufficient.
5. Inventory availability
Some businesses encourage backorders, and some don’t accept orders for items out of stock. An online ordering portal can display current inventory levels or a generic “in stock/out of stock” message. Customers can make an informed decision about which products to order.
Benefits for Your Customers
Online ordering systems will benefit your wholesale customers and your staff. Look for one designed specifically for B2B, which integrates with your accounting software and is easy to implement.
