E-Business Promotions, Essay Example

Describe any promotions that you think should be run (such as sales, discounts, or bonuses) to existing customers who refer new customers.

In today’s vast market, there is rapidly growing competition, especially in e-commerce. To get an edge for one’s business, the focus needs to be turned to customer relations management (Barnes, Hinton, & Mieczkowska, 2005). Putting the focus on the customer lets them know that they are important to you, and that your business values them. Not only do they get your products and or services, they will feel more attached to your business; a stronger relationship is thus built, and this almost always guarantees customer loyalty (Vizard, 2000).

The shift to web-based services is now the fad in the market, making starting a business easier; thus being more vulnerable to competition (Coia, 2000). Our business, being one which is involved in the sales of collectible china and plates has quite a small target market. Generally, consumers who would be attracted to these products are those who are maybe in their 50s or older and those who have the financial means to spend on collectible items – those of which most would characterize as a luxury. Putting these two together, an e-business may not be suitable for those who are in their senior years, given their general lack of interest in technology. However, promoting the company can be made easy through a simple interactive website.

Clients are to set up a simple account on our e-business website which will only take five minutes of their time. The accounts have purchase history and those they have referred to our business. Clients who refer their friends, relatives or workmates can redeem discounts on their next purchase; this will be credited to their account. This is done when a new client makes a purchase, just before checkout, he/she will fill in a box – which will be provided at the end of the page – who referred them to our business. Additionally, those who have referred more clients to our business will receive notifications first-hand whenever we have sales or when there are available discounts on new items. This will encourage our customers to tell their friends, family and workmates about our new e-business.

References

Barnes, D., Hinton, M., & Mieczkowska, S. (2005). Enhancing Customer Service Operations in E-Business: The Emotional Dimension. Journal of Electronic Commerce in   Organizations, 3(2), 17-32.

Coia, A. (2000). E-Business Brings Customer Service to the Forefront. World Trade, 13(4), 62.

Vizard, M. (2000). Be thoughtful when you integrate CRM into your e-business strategy. InfoWorld, 22(48), 75.