October 10th, 2022

Since childhood, many of us have been drawn to the kitschy horrors of Halloween. From fake blood to fog machines and blow-up representations of the undead, there’s a sort of delightful terror that many of us are drawn to as October comes to a close. 

Ghouls and ghost stories aside, it feels like a time of almost limitless possibility, where fear and fantasy roam the streets under the exact same pretense.

For ecommerce sellers, this time of year takes on new significance as the beginning of the busy holiday rush, and with it comes a revised rendition of the same tried-and-true seasonal spirit. 

In 2022, consumers plan to spend an average of $100.45 per person on Halloween celebrations. We’re not just talking candy and costumes, as this upswing can affect anything from party supplies to hair dye. What is and what could be shifts a little, and strangers come knocking on our door asking what treats we have in store.

The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend a record $10.6 billion on Halloween in 2022, up from $10.14 billion last year. If that isn’t enough to get you inspired during the coming weeks, we’ve compiled a list of frightful facts that will get you into gear just in time for the Halloween rush. 

So uncover your eyes, grab your fun-sized candy bars, and tune in as we unmask some scary ecommerce facts to live by.

#1. Don’t be a scaredy cat

Sure, it’s a frightful time of year, but don’t be so hard on yourself! Staying organized and ahead of the game is key, but for many business owners, success takes time. Amazon was founded in 1994, and while it may be the most wildly successful ecommerce platform in modern times, that was not always the case.

It actually took Amazon 14 years to make as much money as it did in a single quarter in 2017. The rest, as they say, is history. Amazon consistently lost money during its first few years as a public company, and over the years, it completely revamped its strategies and even its identity. The once-upon-a-time online bookstore kept an eye on their trends while creating their own, and it certainly paid off.

Nowadays, there are so many resources available to ecommerce sellers. Even slow-growing businesses can optimize, advertise, and partner with experts to fine-tune their strategies. Finding a full-service ecommerce consultant to chart your course and maintain your accounts can set you in the right direction and reroute any unexpected detours. Leave the Sunday Scaries in the past, and find a path that works for you. 

#2 Trade the tricks for treats

Sure, it’s smart to entice shoppers with attractive language, images, and descriptions, but honesty is always the best policy. Do you know what’s sweeter than a quick sale? Return customers! And how do you keep buyers coming back for more? Transparency and incentives!

The ecommerce facts show that 75% of people shop online at least once a month. That means throwing shoppers a bone like free shipping or 10% off really pays off in the end! Be clear about your product's features and benefits and give existing customers a reason to come back. We’re creatures of habit, and once you’ve gained a loyal following, you’re well on your way to success!

#3 Double, double, toil and trouble

Mistakes and setbacks are an inevitable part of being in business. Unfortunately, there is no magic spell that can undo customer complaints, but how you handle them can make all the difference. Every business will get negative feedback at some point, but addressing these issues quickly, politely, and effectively can convert a critic into a fan.

The cold hard truth is that 94% of buyers have avoided a company due to its negative reviews. While there’s no way to completely avoid complaints, addressing them right away, establishing a customer-centric return policy, and sending follow-up emails can weigh the odds in your favor. 

#4 Don’t get spooked

Starting from the ground up can be scarier than your third rendition of Bloody Mary, but success rarely happens overnight. Work with your team and professionals you trust to find your own unique selling point and develop a strong following. 

Ecommerce sales are expected to rise to more than $6.5 trillion by 2023, which means congratulations are in order. If you’re just starting out, fret not, you officially have the best seat in the house. With some hard work, a strong product, and unwavering commitment, you can start to capitalize on your efforts in no time.

#5 Goblin up the online orders

When you think of ecommerce pioneers, you think of Amazon, right? Well actually, 

Pizza Hut beat them to the chase by offering to deliver pizzas to their customers on an online order basis as early as 1994! 

Nowadays, food and beverage delivery is booming and is projected to reach $8.5 billion by 2024. From Walmart Plus to Amazon Fresh, what was once a novelty has become common practice. For ecommerce sellers, it’s important to remember that being the first of your kind may be scary, but it may really pay off in the long run!

#6 Little house of horrors

No matter how great your products are, as an ecommerce seller, making sure they arrive intact and on time is a must. The problem is, once your orders have been transferred to the shipper, how do you ensure they get to people’s homes and businesses in one piece?

While businesses typically have a reception desk or designated place to sign for the delivery, residential delivery can be a nightmare. Packages get lost and stolen, and sellers have little recourse. But of course, Amazon is always ahead of its time, creating new ways to handle modern problems. 

Amazon Photo on Delivery is a relatively new way to protect sellers, and it’s the first of its kind. The delivery driver takes photos to show the location of your packages once they are delivered. Delivery photos can be viewed in Track Your Package in Your Orders. This innovative new feature verifies the delivery location, tracks quality issues, and troubleshoots issues. For sellers, this can truly circumvent delivery nightmares!

#7 Ghastly Goals

As an ecommerce seller, it’s great to aspire to greatness, although it may take some smaller, more practical steps to get there. Trying to do too much too soon can undermine your efforts and lead to utter disappointment.

Working with full-service ecommerce consultants can get you on the fast track to success. A reputable team will help you set realistic goals and overcome even the most horrifying obstacles in record time. Since 2020, there has been an 80% increase in online sales, forcing many brick-and-mortar sellers to hop on board. The opportunity for growth is there, but it’s crucial to create a plan of action that is realistic and sustainable.

#8 Monsters are real

Building a great reputation and having honest business practices is the only way to succeed in the world of ecommerce. Unfortunately, not everyone abides by these rules. Ecommerce fraud is very real, and sellers have to stay informed so they don’t fall victim to these monstrous predators. In fact, ecommerce fraud caused losses of $20 billion in 2021.

From payment fraud to chargebacks and false returns, the world of ecommerce has given birth to a whole new brand of schemers. It’s important to keep a close eye on your accounts, look for suspicious behavior, and keep your staff trained on red flags. Having professional backup is also a great way to stay ahead of any potential problems.

#9 Getting ghosted

Getting traffic to your listings is great, but if shoppers aren’t hitting that “place order” button, something has got to change. These might be cold, hard ecommerce facts, but roughly 70% of shoppers abandon ship before completing their purchase. Mobile shoppers are even more likely to abandon their carts.

Making sure your content is mobile-friendly is a great way to snag the sale. Optimizing your listings is a no-brainer, and can help you avoid lost sales. Mobile-optimized images and copy can also make you appear more professional, honest, and legitimate to shoppers.

#10 Don’t be a creep

Like we’ve mentioned time and time again, succeeding as an ecommerce seller is all about reputation, reputation, reputation. Platforms like Amazon and Walmart have created a customer-centric dynamic, and they certainly expect their sellers to follow suit.

Responding politely and thoughtfully to customer contact will not only keep you in good standing with your ecommerce platform; it will also encourage repeat business. In fact, 68% of shoppers say they are willing to pay more for products and services from a brand that offers good customer service. While it may be tempting to speak your mind when dealing with rude or creepy customers, it simply isn’t worth it. The high road is where it’s at. 

#11 Slaying the competition

Sure, there’s room for all of us in the world of ecommerce. But the cold hard ecommerce facts don’t lie. With online global retail sales projected to surpass $7 trillion by 2025, creating a name for yourself can prove to be challenging.

Keeping an eye on the competition, staying ahead of the trends, and creating great content can make all the difference. With over 7 million ecommerce websites across the world, competition is fierce. Make sure you keep your ecommerce facts straight by staying on top of your accounts 24/7. If you’re too busy to do it yourself, hire a consultant you can trust to get the job done!

#12 Strange experiments

Frankenstein wasn’t the only odd experiment that’s come to life. The world of ecommerce has paved the way for trailblazers galore! But where did it all begin?

Michael Aldrich can be credited with the first ecommerce business in history! He connected a modified domestic television with a telephone line. While Michael probably never imagined his crazy concoction would become a multi-billion dollar industry, his innovative spirit lives on!

#13 It’s alive

Having a variety of communication options keeps customers happy. People have become accustomed to instant gratification, so being timely and thorough can certainly keep shoppers coming back for more.

Being personable, friendly, and responsive will get you noticed time and time again. Believe it or not, 34% of shoppers will remove a negative review if they are contacted by the business in an attempt to resolve the matter. Following up with dissatisfied customers reminds buyers that you are living, breathing people just like them, doing your best to do the right thing. 

Do not fear, our experts are here! If you’re short on time, getting lost in the shuffle, or simply want to improve your sales, let’s chat. Our team of Amazon consultants has a vast portfolio of experience in helping businesses list, optimize, advertise, and more on Amazon and Walmart. Contact us for a free consultation and learn more about what we have to offer.