Episode A.017 Is Your Offer Still Viable?

Author's Notes
We are introducing a new format to our Show Notes and Broadcasts. We received feedback our podcasts are too long (average 26 minutes). The shows have been restructured into 13 minute segments - each with a specific objective. Segment 1: What the show will cover and why it is important. Segment 2: What do you need to know to take action. Segment 3: How do you apply it and the tools available, and Segment 4: Tips and Insights from our experience. Thanx for the Feedback and keep it coming.

What are Today's Topics & Why is it Important?​
The original intent for today’s show, it made sense when I looked at the storyline for the Strategy Track,  was to cover how to determine viability of your offer as the world moves into a post-pandemic economy. However we have covered it several times this week in other tracks I will just reference it and move on. Here are several Show Notes that will help you review your offer:

• Episode A.011 Closing The Offer - Part 1

• Episode F.016 What Part of Your Offer Is Relevant to Clients Right Now?

​Instead I thought something more productive - eCommerce Channels would help. Let’s assume for a second you have determined the offer still fits your ongoing and future customers and the issue now is just selling. What are my choices for increasing the reach of my offer online?

Knowledge to Take Action
The reason I selected online for this Show is the changing buying habits because of the pandemic. Over the last 3 months people were forced to isolate and had to use online shopping regardless of their personal opinion. It is time to take advantage of the opportunity and use these options both as a marketing tool and new channels of revenue.

What You Need to Do
The Current Online Selling Universe:

• General marketplace (Amazon)
• Auction marketplace (eBay)
• Social media (Facebook, Instagram)
• Handmade and crafts marketplace (Etsy)
• On-demand production marketplace (Cafepress)
• Unique items marketplace (Bonanza)
• Niche marketplace (Not On The High Street)
• Subscription box service (Cratejoy)
• Classified listings website (Craigslist)
• Comparison shopping sites (Google Shopping)
• Daily deals sites (Groupon)

Amazon
They have become the largest eCommerce site and the pandemic has expanded that lead. 

• Pro’s: large reach, brand credibility, wide range of products
• Con’s: looks like their product, fees based on volume, harder to sell services
• Alternatives: Jet.com, Rakuten, Alibaba

eBay
The original online marketplace, they use an auction approach of bidding to determine the final price. 

• Pro’s:  Shipping for global sales, large customer base,
• Con’s: fees based on volume, longer sales cycle
• Alternatives: uBid, eBid, AuctionZip, Onlineauction.com

Facebook/Instagram
Since Facebood owns Instagram - you are using the same platform. The largest social platform in the world has incredible reach because it already has your customers.

• Pro’s:  Facebook Store integrates with your current eCommerce site selling from your Facebook page, Facebook Marketplace has classified selling to focus on local markets, easier to sell services
• Con’s: very crowded and fickle
• Alternatives: Pinterest, Instagram

Etsy
Great place for crafts and vintage products. The brand association is high (customers trust Etsy wouldn’t allow for misinformation).

• Pro’s:  Brand association
• Con’s: Limited to crafts, art, etc.
• Alternatives: Zipbet, Craftsy, CraftIsArt.com, ArtYah

Cafepress
Great place for creating marketing collateral and custom printed products for customs.

• Pro’s:  on demand production eliminates inventory, they handle the shipping, creative outlet, great for specials
• Con’s: only materials that require printing
• Alternatives:  Zazzle, Redbubble, lulu.com, Blurb, CDBaby

Bonanza
Unique items for sale - “finding everything but the ordinary”

• Pro’s:  great place for unique and quirky products, good for fashion products
• Con’s: very niched, not a broad audience
• Alternatives: RebelsMarket, Storenvy

Not On High Street
Marketplace for unique, niched items

• Pro’s:  handpicked gift items
• Con’s: small base, have to be accepted to sell
• Alternatives:  ASOS Marketplace

Craigslist
Classified listings website, it has replaced newspaper classifieds.

• Pro’s:  buying and selling common things
• Con’s: easily scammed
• Alternatives:  Oddle, GumTree,  Lecanto, USFreeAds

Google Shopping
Comparison shopping site, first stop for price conscious shoppers - plus it is goggle with global reach.

• Pro’s: Google Shopping is an extension of Google Adwords and PPC (Pay Per Click)
• Con’s: attracts the price conscious - hard to sell high value products
• Alternatives:  Shopzilla, Bing Shopping, Nextag, Pricegrabber

Groupon
Channel for giving customers a “taste” of your offer. Similar model to paid ads.

• Pro’s: they market your offer to their email list
• Con’s: only works if your offer is based on repeat business and can be sampled
• Alternatives: LivingSocial, Woot, ScoutMob, Scoopon, Fab

On last thought. Look at this list as a starting point. Each of these provide an unique opportunity to sell (and placement is also a marketing decision to gain exposure) and create special deals for prospects and customers. Check out our show Specials for Special Relationships for additional ideas.

Next Show: How Is Your Credit and It's Time To Stop Funding Out of Your Pocket