We are going through really unusual times – we’ve been practicing new processes and are adapting to new needs. During this period, mental and physical health is what matters most. People are trying to stay humble and use this time for the
best.
This situation had a huge impact on e-commerce and dropshipping has been facing unfamiliar challenges. Customer behavior has excessively changed, shops have closed and factories have been locked down. Some businesses have fully transferred online. Things that were trending, now gather dust on shelves. Is this a disaster? Maybe, but is there light at the end of the road? Yes, we definitely see that.
Has panic buying touched e-commerce?
People started buying as soon as they realized the actual situation. The peak of panic buying came in March. The supermarkets were empty, groceries were never enough and cleaning products were simply gone. 2-3 weeks after, the situation got better but still, people were stocking all the necessary items at home. Most of the supermarkets failed – as they couldn’t manage the flow of customers and had no enough time to restock. So, this was one more impulse to move online – people were avoiding queues in the shops and started to order everything online. Buying groceries online is a new trend now. It has been increased by up to 200%. But it is nothing compared to the 500% growth of pharmacies and baby products. Cleaning and toys have significant growth as well. Table games, books, and things that entertain at home are in huge demand. On the other hand, the fashion industry is facing some changes now. Clothes & apparel buying has decreased down to 50%.
Yes, panic buying greatly reflects on e-commerce. Top dropshippers changed their polity.
Dropshipping catalogs and listed products have dramatically changed but that’s what adaptation is called.
What about delays?
Dropshippers are facing a new challenge – huge delays and usually, they are almost inevitable. Many items made in Asia were just waiting for better times and could not be transported. The factories were locked down in western Europe and products just weren’t manufactured anymore. So, customers had to wait for a significantly long time. Some of them waited patiently, but others were reaching to dropshippers and demanding their stuff or money back. The best way to solve this situation is to move on to the items that are easier to transfer. Also, we suggest dropshippers to notify customers about the delays beforehand and try to explain the depth of the circumstances. What you can do now is adapt to the needs – try to think critically, listen to other people’s opinions. If you want your online business to grow, don’t panic. There’s no ultimate guide to dropshipping in quarantine besides the one greatest tip – try to catch up and maybe you’ll even be one step ahead.
