In almost every commerce sector, online ordering systems have been the industry standard for decades.
The construction industry has been slow to adopt online ordering systems but with good reason.
Ordering pizza or new boots is slightly different from ordering supplies for a multi-million dollar construction project.
However, the importance of a streamlined ordering process has become too great to ignore. As a construction material supplier, having a reliable and efficient online ordering system is crucial to meet the demands of your customers.
But what key elements are needed in an online ordering system to ensure a successful customer experience?
This blog will guide you through the essential features you need to build a solid foundation for your online store.
What Key Elements Are Needed In An Online Ordering System?
Quick and simple customer registration for customers
Be sure your e-commerce provider makes it super easy for your customers to register. And when you choose GoBuild360, we’ll even step in to provide onboarding and support.
A GoBuild360-powered e-commerce solution includes customer onboarding, software updates, and full-time customer support. So, be sure you’re solution-provider does the same.
To make the registration process as simple as possible, we only ask for the essential information, such as:
- Name
- Company name
- Phone number, and
- Billing/shipping address
You should consider providing options for Google or social media log-in and guest checkouts to give users more choices.
What Makes an Online Ordering System Easy to Navigate?
Well-defined categories and product listings
Your product catalog is the heart of your online store. It’s essential to make it as simple and user-friendly as possible for customers to find the products they need.
Categorize your products clearly and use high-quality images to showcase them.
With your help, customers can make informed decisions and feel good about every purchase.
Essential product information for your e-commerce site includes:
- Detailed product descriptions
- Use cases, tips, and suggestions
- Product and material specifications,
- Promotions and sales, and
- Up-to-date pricing information
Rapid product discovery and filtering options
A search function is essential for helping customers find what they’re looking for quickly and efficiently.
Implement advanced search capabilities that include options to search by keyword, category, or product feature.
Additionally, have filtering options so customers can narrow their search results based on price, ratings, and other relevant criteria.
Social proof sells
Product reviews and ratings from other customers can significantly influence purchasing decisions.
Enrich your customer’s shopping experience by integrating a review system that allows customers to rate products and share their experiences.
This feedback helps potential customers and provides valuable insights to improve your product offerings and services.
What About Abandoned Carts?
Simple yet effective interfaces
No one likes an abandoned cart!
Be sure your construction material ordering system provides an effortless ordering and checkout process. This feature alone will make customers more likely to complete their purchases.
Implement features like a shopping cart that is easy to access and modify, clear instructions at each step, and a progress indicator to show how close customers are to completing their transactions.
Keep the checkout process simple by consolidating it into as few steps as possible and coach your customers with helpful videos, chat bubbles, and robust support.
Accommodating preferences and requirements
Every customer has a preferred online payment method.
Various payment options, such as store credit, credit cards, ACH, and even mobile payment solutions, can help cater to a broader customer base.
Modern payment systems are secure and comply with industry-standard security protocols, such as SSL encryption and PCI-DSS compliance, to protect your customers’ sensitive information.
Order Confirmation, Delivery Options, and Tracking Are Critical
Keeping customers in the loop
After placing an order, customers want to know that their purchase has been acknowledged and is on its way.
With an online ordering system powered by GoBuild360, your customers receive instant receipts and confirmation emails with their order details, estimated delivery times, and tracking information.
Providing a way for customers to track their orders through your website or online customer portal further enhances their buying experience.
Delivering satisfaction, one package at a time
Partner with reliable shipping carriers and integrate their services into your online store.
Logistics integrations like this enable you to offer real-time shipping quotes and up-to-the-minute shipment tracking so customers can manage their deliveries more efficiently.
Remember to provide various shipping options, such as standard, expedited, and overnight, to accommodate your customers’ diverse needs.
The Advantages of Responsive and Helpful Customer Support
Caring for your customers
Excellent customer support can be the deciding factor for customers when choosing a supplier.
With GoBuild360, you get a support team that is responsive, knowledgeable, and focused on addressing customer concerns in a timely manner.
With GoBuild360, customers can reach you by
- Phone, and
- Live chat.
Return and refund policies.
Clearly outline and communicate return and refund policies to customers, and ensure these are easy to access on your website.
According to a 2015 United Parcel Service (UPS) survey, “88 percent of shoppers review a retailer’s return policy throughout their online shopping experiences, with 66 percent doing so before purchasing.”
“Also, 15 percent abandon a cart when the returns policy is unclear. This implies that returns policies could affect conversion rates and the top line of the online retailer.”
Why Choose a Scalable Online Ordering System?
Analytics and Reporting
Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), such as website traffic, conversion rates, average order value, and customer acquisition costs, is key to evaluating the success of your online ordering system.
With online ordering software powered by GoBuild360, a dedicated customer success team is always available to respond to your customer’s needs and make necessary improvements to your e-commerce store.
Scalability and flexibility
By choosing an online ordering system like GoBuild360, you can be confident that your e-commerce solution will grow with your business and adapt to changing market demands.
Your GoBuild360 support team is always available to add new products, features, and integrations as needed.
GoBuild360: The Best E-Commerce Experience For Your Customers
Creating a robust online ordering system for your construction supply business is crucial to keeping up with today’s fast-paced market.
By incorporating these features, you’ll have a solid foundation for your online store and offer a seamless experience to keep customers coming back.
By focusing on user-friendliness, convenience, and excellent customer support, your business will be well-equipped to thrive in the competitive world of e-commerce.
So what are you waiting for? Find out how GoBuild360 can transform your business today!
