Starting your own business is always a challenge and in today’s economy, it can be particularly hard. As to make your space in the market, you have to be the master of all trades. As a startup, you have pressure to build your identity, to have your setup and to manage administrative tasks. All this has to be taken care of with keen interest and utmost attention. Obviously, a single person or even a group of few cannot handle everything expeditiously hence, the key to growing quickly is to hire the services of experts by outsourcing the projects.

1. What is Outsourcing?

Outsourcing can be defined as a business strategy to gain competitive advantages of the first order or higher rank by recruiting services for the company outside of it. Through the process of outsourcing, a company can bring experts’ skill on board while yielding a number of other benefits such as lower cost, improved speed, on-time delivery etc. Through outsourcing, startups can:

2. Focus on their core competencies

Startups and smaller companies typically run their own IT systems and IT, for example, call for help when things go wrong. Large companies, which you might think would be better able to perform these and other internal support activities which most startups fail at. Outsourcing in this scenario allows the venture concentrate on its core competencies; hence bring the uniqueness and success for them.

3. Reduce and control operating costs.

When the company outsources some chores it eliminates costs associated with hiring an employee, such as management control, training, health insurance, employment taxes, retirement plans, etc.

4. Reduce capital spending

Raising money to start or grow is hard enough without tying in assets. For example, the garment manufacturing company that provides ready-made suits cannot waste their energy to go door to door to sell their products/articles. They can outsource marketing chores by hiring the services of a software house. They can provide them an app to sell their products digitally. With that, they can focus on value-added functions such designing and maintaining the quality of garments. This helps them save capital that they could spend on the marketing personals while you can enjoy long-lasting benefits from the app release.

5. Quickly launch new projects

An outsourcing firm has (as a selection criterion) the resources to start a project right away, giving you a head start. The same term internal project may take months or years to research; evaluate options, purchase, and installation of equipment, hiring and training the right staff.

6. Compete better with level playing field

Startups and small companies can compete the internal support or specialist services offered by their larger competitors through outsourcing. The process can help small firms act “big” by giving them the expertise that only large companies generally benefit.

7. Reduce risk

This is a context in which outsourcing specialists can make a big difference. All companies are risky- which is the nature of the beast. Markets, competition, government regulations, the financial environment and technologies change very quickly. Outsourcing providers take and manage much of this risk for you. As experts in their field, they are usually much better to identify and minimize these risks.

8. Human resources are not available internally

Now it’s the opposite. A company that does not have any partner who is interested in the technology area and has no knowledge to help IT issues, hiring a new employee will be required, as long as it does not affect the budget of the company. In that case, outsourcing can be a viable alternative.

9. Maximize benefits of establishment:

When a company is going through the initial phase and attempts to reduce costs, increase the quality of service or product, quickly providing care to clients at increased speed, essential functions and strategies cannot be neglected. Outsourcing comes at that time, supporting executives to think about planning.
And the list of benefits of outsourcing doesn’t end here. There are many others that collectively help startups progress quickly.  So now, if you have any software related task to outsource, knock at us and share your idea. We would love to help you with our best.

Are you stuck at deciding whether to go for the web or the mobile app? Worry not as Google thinks in completely new directions and presents a solution to this problem: Progressive Web Apps (short: “PWA”). A Progressive Web app is simply put the optimal symbiosis of a website and a mobile app or you can say the best of both worlds! In our last post, we discussed the features of the progressive web app which reduce development costs, simplify the tracking while making Progressive web apps simply pretty cool. How exactly? Just keep reading!

1. What is a Progressive Web App – PWA?

• a “normal” web page that behaves like an app
• or a “normal” website can be accessed offline
• or a “normal” website that loads as fast as an installed program

A Progressive Web App is the perfect blend of website and app. In HTML5 and JavaScript programming, they are like a normal web page accessible in any browser, but these create an authentic app experience with the user and sustainably strengthen customer loyalty. This is done by using the same techniques of traditional apps such as:

• Push messages that inform the user of events occurring, extremely.
• Fast loading times(even with a bad Internet connection) which provide a real-time experience and
• An offline operation that enables the permanent availability of the Website.

Unlike traditional native apps for phone, tablet, or PC, Progressive Web Apps come without installation; this saves the user from the hassles of going through the installation process and makes the app more accessible and convenient. When a user uses the progressive web app, a shortcut can be created on the home screen of the user, ensuring at all times the content can be retrieved.

2. Advantages of PWA against A Native App

The advantages of a progressive Web app compared to a so-called native app (what we commonly refer to as simply “App”), are clear and numerous:

• Easier tracking because no FireBase is necessary
• No installation required hence the memory of the device of the end user does not affect the app
• Better discoverability in search engines
• No banners or interstitials needed to ask the app to download
• Linkable – the app can be shared with a link

Advantage 1: Simple Tracking

As in principle, PWA is a normal website; hence we can track users and their demographics etc. with standard knowledge in Google Analytics. However, with native apps, a special app tracking must be used. Google itself recommends, in this case, tracking with Firebird instead (or in addition to) Google Analytics.

Advantage 2: No installation required

The biggest advantage of Progressive Web App is that the final user does not need to install the app. Mobile users are quick to click on something, but the installation request represents a major hurdle. It consumes space and apps need to access the data of the users, which many scares.
Everyone certainly has experienced the moment when they tried to update an app and a popup came showing that the memory is already full. The app is a blessing especially for users, who do not own the latest model of the smartphone with a large memory.

Advantage 3: Easily found in search engines

Granted, Google is dedicated to the better discoverability of apps in the search results. Using Deep Links or app streaming, it is also possible to display app results in normal searches. However, this is technically relatively complex and requires mostly a good SEO agency. A PWA is normally displayed in search results without requiring special techniques since this search engine can easily render JavaScript (js).

Advantage 4: No app advertising is needed

Often users are taken to a mobile page and is beaten first with a banner or interstitial. The insertion encourages you to install the appropriate app. From the marketing perspective, there is often no other way to get the user to the app carefully. The procedure is correct yet, “annoying” for many users. Also, the operator risked potential customers to lose, who just wanted to quickly look up something without installation. All thoughts or fears in this direction are not used, because no installation is necessary.

Advantage 5: add link made easy

As progressive Web App in principle is a website with advanced features, the application behaves as basic as a Web page. In practice, this means that you can put a normal link to share the app as any other website. Deep links or App Indexing is not necessary. For instance for marketing, you can write a guest article in a thematically relevant blog, where you can just put a normal link. This can be a referral magazine on your Progressive Web App that may include a conventional HTML embed link. This strengthens your reputation and possibly also the ranking. Added together, it is easier to push a PWA to operate as extensive app marketing.

3. Benefits of PWA Over a Mobile Web Page

• Instant Loading: extremely fast loading times
• Add to Home Screen and Web App Install Banners
• push Notifications
• Offline First

Benefit 1: Instant Loading

The instant loading of a website has become an important success factor. Of course, it must be considered that each website visitor is a potential customer and you can lose sales and profits – just because your website takes too long to load. As a rule of thumb, you can lose the potential customer with 3-second rule i.e. if the site is not sufficiently loaded in three seconds that it can fully operate, the user jumps to another link. Ultimately, Page Speed has also become a ranking factor. Put simply, Page speed with good content and comparable external references on Google further entwine above!

Benefit 2: Shortcut at Home Screen

By using the menu icon of the browser, the progressive Web apps can be added to the home screen of the smartphone. The result is a shortcut icon on the phone of the end user that opens the associated Progressive web app with just one click and almost without delay. The user experience is therefore correspondingly interactive as an app. The user retention is similarly high as in the installation of a native app.

Benefit 3: Push Notifications

With a progressive Web App, push notifications are possible. This works for the user as well as with a native app, they need to install their smartphone. Through push notifications, you can instantly inform your customers on new actions, for instance, a publisher may indicate new spending. The user gets on his cell phone a message about the sale of discount promotion: “Get 50% discount this week” With one click, users go directly to the relevant page.

Benefit 4: Offline First

Once the content has been loaded it can be called these offline or slower connection. This has a huge impact on customer loyalty as it saves them from the frustration of waiting for the app to load or to connect to the network. In addition to that, special technology ensures that the site is optimally cached and so also works offline.

The use of Progressive Web Apps is on boom these days as it is a perfect blend for all who want to have a mobile site AND a native app but in a cost effective way. The app makes the best choice for the target group that tends to have a poor Internet connection. Finally, a PWA is a good tip for all web enthusiasts who want to use the latest technologies. We do have great examples of Progressive web apps such as Booking.com, AirBerlin and Flipkart that have created a huge difference in the app industry. Next can be yours. Share your app idea with us and we will accompany you in making the successful app.

Before I tell you the core concept of Progressive Web Application, I want to you have a look at its definition given by Google which follows as:
“Progressive Web Applications are experiences that combine the best of the Web and native applications. They do not require installation. The user builds gradually a relationship with the application over time, it becomes increasingly more and more powerful. Load faster and send relevant notifications. Provide icons on the Home screen and immerse you in Full-Screen mode. – Google .”
This definition by Google sounds good however it doesn’t say much and miss out some important aspects of Progressive Web Apps.

What does the definition Pinpoint?

• No installation required.
• Icons on Home Screen (Home Screen)
• Full screen (without browser UI)

But this is not all to define the nature of Progressive Web Apps. There are a number of key attributes some of which are as follows:

Key features of PWA – Progressive Web Application:

A progressive web application is:

• Standard – uses the same platform and technology used to create web pages: HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
• Progressive (obvious!) – It works for all users, regardless of browser or operating system that you are using, because it is built to gradually improve from the beginning.
• Responsive – fits any screen resolution and format: desktop, mobile, tablet, TV or whatever.
• Independent connection – is enhanced with service workers to work offline or on slow networks with intermittent connections.
• Works as a native app – the user will use it as an app, with support for navigation and interaction with gestures.
• Easy update – it will always be updated through the automatic update process service worker.
• Secure – works on HTTPS to prevent someone from intercepting data and to ensure that the content has not been tampered with by others.
• Discoverable – it is identifiable as an “application” thanks to the manifesto of the W3C and registration of functions of a service worker, allowing web searchers to find them.
• Interactive – it makes it easy to interact with it even when closed with features such as push notifications.
• Installable – allows users to create shortcuts on the screen of their phone for easy access.
• Linkable – you can easily share a PWA using a web address (URL) and does not require complex installation processes.
• There are already cases of companies that have started to implement progressive web, as AirBerlin or Flipkart with well-documented results in improved user experience, retention, and conversion.

Final Words:

With all these points, we can conclude that the progressive web application is an approach to developing apps for phones that combine the best of the web and the best of native apps. These new web apps are useful for users since the first visit in a web browser, without installing anything else.
As the user creates a relationship with the app gradually, it becomes more powerful and useful.

• It loads quickly even on slow networks or when the device is offline.
• You can send notifications
• It has an icon on the screen of the mobile and it works full screen.

This is the basic concept. For more details on the progressive web apps, stay tuned in. We will come to you with more details in the coming posts.

Introduction

Spree Commerce was created on Ruby on Rails platform in 2007. Long in short, Spree Commerce is a comprehensive e-commerce framework that offers entrepreneurs a customizable and open-source solution. It is just a free collection of programs that web developers can utilize to design and create captivating digital storefronts. Spree Commerce is an ideal resource when you are looking to develop and market a digital store. It is an ideal resource because it boasts a streamlined set of core functions that can be customized according to your requirements. Today, software development companies can bring their vision to the world by building eCommerce stores for businesses to meet the required design specifications. Thus, Spree Commerce allows you to control every aspect of development. Here are reasons why you should choose Spree Commerce and how you can use this excellent source.

Why is Spree Commerce an Ideal Solution? 

7 Reasons to Choose Spree Commerce

Customization

If you require frequent upgrading and improvement in the software, then Spree Commerce is the best modular platform. Therefore, you can get a personalized solution tailored according to your specific needs. For getting an “out of the box” solution, you cannot take account of everything. Spree developers have the advantage of providing a base that suits the client’s needs and is highly flexible in different extensions. Moreover, the developers can also create new personalized extensions with minimum effort. 

Integration Flexibility

Most of the latest online stores offer the flexibility to integrate third-party solutions, including payment gateways. So, we have a Spree Commerce platform that supports the integration of most popular systems. Moreover, from payments tools to third-party solutions, Spree Commerce features aren’t limited to any constraints. 

Scaling

Suppose your initial plans about your online store aren’t much broader but remember it is only the beginning. Everyone should always consider the possibility of future business development. You might be confused about how it will affect the eCommerce hosting solution. The fact to understand here is that business development leads to project scale. As a result, your web resources should be ready to support higher loads. However, if your chosen solution isn’t powerful enough, then you can expect to face some significant losses in the future. Thus, using Spree Commerce will help you avoid unwanted outcomes. This latest web technology allows you to expand the resources and grow your business values seamlessly.

Mobile-First Approach

Perhaps, the most successful eCommerce resources today are compatible with all browsers and support all mobile versions. Spree Commerce was created by keeping the fact of a mobile-friendly approach in mind. Consequently, web solutions on Spree Commerce ensure UI intuitiveness giving an online store with responsive design right out of the box. 

Marketing Opportunities

Getting an appealing online store is not enough to grow your business. It requires promotion to attract as many customers as possible. The advantage you enjoy here is the rich functionality of Spree that offers lots of marketing-focused features. Some of these features are integrated search engine optimization, the ability to connect coupons, advanced user analytics, additional means of communication, simplified campaign management, high-level marketing, etc. 

Omnichannel

eCommerce evolution has a logical product approach known as omnichannel. It is a strategy that puts the client into the spotlight and reveals some ideal shopping conditions. Moreover, it ensures the best customer experience on all channels, platforms, and devices. So, this approach takes everything into account, from the store itself to the manager’s call. One of the most exciting benefits of Spree Commerce is that it allows you to serve capricious clients through the facility of remote guiding. 

Faster Development

We all know that Spree is built on Ruby on Rails that offers the highest development speed. Thus, Spree Commerce is the most desirable choice of all software development companies and clients due to its extra fast speed. 

When should you opt for Spree Commerce? 

You should build your eCommerce store with Spree Commerce if:

• When you are looking forward to launching an online store with the latest cool features and possibilities of customizing an online store. 
• Or you are striving to evolve your business, and that’s why foresee the need to scale the project with an increase of business values. 
• The last option when you should choose Spree Commerce is when you are interested in creating an exclusive and effective trading platform.

How to Setup Spree Commerce and Customize it? 

To help you use this wonderful source efficiently, here we  give you simple steps  to guide you:

1. How to set up SpreeCommerce
2. Layout customization
3. Checkout process customization

Setup Spree

Setting up spree commerce is very easy. To do that you require Rails(~> 4.2.6)

Rails (~> 4.2.6)

Once you have installed Rails, you need to add the following lines to your gem file:

gem 'spree', '~> 3.1.0.rc1'

gem 'spree_auth_devise', '~> 3.1.0.rc1'

gem 'spree_gateway', '~> 3.1.0.rc1'

Once, you have added the above-given lines, run ‘bundle install’ and later use the default generator to set up Spree

rails g spree:install –user_class=Spree::User

rails g spree:auth:install

rails g spree_gateway:install

This is all. You now have Spreecommerce installed on your machine. Give it a test run.

Layout customization

There are two ways you can edit spree commerce layout:

• Deface
• Customization by downloading the required file

Deface

Deface let you to customize erb templates without downloading that file. It allows you to use CSS3 style selectors to target any element.To deface,

First of all, make a new directory:
mkdir app/overrides
Create a new file with some meaningful name in this directory and add code like below

Deface::Override.new(

 :virtual_path => #{path_to_your_desired_file},

 :name => 'change view',

 :replace => “[data-hook=#{data_hook_name}]”,

 :text => “Add your own HTML here”

 )

* data-hook is like an id in html which let you select the div you want to change.
There are following actions available for Deface.

• :remove-

  Removes all elements that match the supplied selector

• :replace-

  Replaces all elements that match the supplied selector, with the content supplied

• :replace_contents-

  Replaces the contents of all elements that match the supplied selector

• :surround-

  Surrounds all elements that match the supplied selector, expects replacement markup to contain <%= render_original %> placeholder

• :surround_contents-

  Surrounds the contents of all elements that match the supplied selector, expects replacement markup to contain <%= render_original %> placeholder

• :insert_after-

  Inserts after all elements that match the supplied selector

• :insert_before-

  Inserts before all elements that match the supplied selector

• :insert_top-

  Inserts inside all elements that match the supplied selector, as the first child

• :insert_bottom-

  Inserts inside all elements that match the supplied selector, as the last child

• :set_attributes-

  Sets attributes on all elements that match the supplied selector, replacing existing attribute value if present or adding if not. Expects :attributes option to be passed.

• :add_to_attributes-

  Appends value to attributes on all elements that match the supplied selector, adds attribute if not present. Expects :attributes option to be passed.

• :remove_from_attributes-

  Removes value from attributes on all elements that match the supplied selector. Expects :attributes option to be passed.

Customization By Downloading Required File:

There is another way to customize spreecommerce layout i.e. through downloading frontend/app/views/spree folder to your project’s app/views.

• For admin panel download backend/app/views/spree/admin folder to your project’s app/views/spree.
• For layout files download frontend/app/views/spree/layouts/spree_application.html.erb and backend/app/views/spree/layouts/admin.html.erb to your project’s app/views/spree/layouts.
• Then modify the files as per your requirements of your project.

* Take note that the downloaded files include many lines of code in gem which will not be in use.

3.  Checkout Customization For Cash On Delivery And Free Shipment:

Add new file order_decorator.rb in app/models/spree/ and write following code to this file

checkout_flow do

go_to_state :address

#go_to_state :delivery

#go_to_state :payment, :if => lambda { |order| order.payment_required? }

#go_to_state :confirm, :if => lambda { |order| order.confirmation_required? }

go_to_state :complete

#remove_transition :from => :delivery, :to => :confirm
end

Since we want to implement the cash on delivery, I have commented out payment, confirm and  remove_transition processes from code and for free delivery, the delivery process is commented.

Wrapping it up:

Looking to design and customize your dream eCommerce store? Every business owner aims at growing a business each time it extends into the digital world. Clustox- Best eCommerce Store developers are here to build a captivating and result-driven online store. Reach out to the best IT consultants today to discover what eCommerce store resources will best suit your requirements. 

Are you looking for the right platform for your e-commerce development? Well, choosing an e-commerce platform when you are not a technology expert or have previous experiences with them is extremely complicated. Deciding about the best-fit e-commerce platform mapping your needs is important as the quality and content of the site are the main elements. These elements directly influence the conversion rates of your company. So, investing a lot of time in the search to select the best e-commerce platform is worth it. There are basically three solutions available for online store development. And today, from our experience in hundreds of online projects, we have enlisted here all the top 3 e-commerce platforms. You can check them with their advantages and disadvantages. From this, you can know about each and make an informed decision. Have a look at each platform given below:

Marketplace

If you want to sell over the Internet without complications, you only have to open your own space in a marketplace like eBay or sign up as an external seller in e-commerce websites like Amazon or FNAC. These platforms are nothing more than online shopping centers in which both companies and individuals offer their products and services.

The process of registering and creating a store in a marketplace is very simple and normally free. On the other hand, depending on the platform chosen, you will have to pay a series of commissions. The most frequent are:

• By sale, either a fixed amount, a percentage of the price or a combination of both.
• For the publication of advertisements within the platform or the appearance in a prominent place of the same.
• For the enjoyment of premium or advanced benefits (generally a fixed monthly or annual fee).

Advantage:

1. To be present in a marketplace, it is not necessary to make a significant initial payment. In many cases, the initial cost is zero.
2. It is not necessary to have programming knowledge, and there is no need to worry about the technical aspects of the platform because the updates are made automatically. This means you do not have to deal with issues related to hosting or servers.
3. Marketplaces usually have a customer service in which they guide you on all types of issues related to the sale through the Internet and the use of the various services of the platform.
4. You can start selling from minute one.
5. The capture of traffic to e-commerce pages is a considerable effort in terms of time and money. If you have your store hosted in a marketplace, you can benefit from the high resources that these platforms invest in to attract potential buyers (through email marketing campaigns, search engine advertising, television spots, etc.).

Disadvantages:

1. You have to accept the conditions imposed by the owner of the marketplace, whether you like it or not.
2. If your business is based on the sale of high volumes of goods or services with low added value or you decide to compete for price, the payment of commissions to the marketplace for each sale can take a significant part of your commercial margin.
3. Although some marketplaces have options that allow you to customize your store, the adaptations that you can introduce are usually minimal. Generally, they are limited to small design touches (such as the inclusion of your logo or the choice of different color ranges). This disadvantage is, without a doubt, the most important of all, since it limits the options in terms of building a brand image.

SaaS – Solution in the Cloud

Another popular solution to set up an online store is using SaaS (Software as a solution). SaaS online stores are pre-configured e-commerce solutions. The companies host them on their servers specialized in providing e-commerce services on the cloud. Shopify, Volusion, and BigCommerce, are a few examples that offer this solution. If you have a little knowledge about creating web pages, it is convenient for you to only charter a web server. It should allow you to start building your site from scratch in a more technical way. As a general rule, they will charge you a fixed monthly fee or a commission for each sale you make.

Advantage:

1. The initial investment that must be made to have your store on the cloud is usually relatively low. In most of these platforms a free trial period is offered).
2. As in the case of the marketplaces, you will not need to have technical knowledge (since updates are made automatically). There is no need to worry about hosting, nor you will have to make investments in the web development area and you can start selling immediately.
3. These platforms usually have a customer service from which they will solve your doubts and give you technical support.
4. They usually offer a more advanced level of personalization than the marketplaces and, as a general rule, you can easily add or remove the modules that the supplier puts at your disposal (such as logistics options, means of payment or calculation of taxes).

Disadvantages:

1. Normally the design of your store has to be done using preconfigured templates. In these templates, you can modify some areas such as the header or footer. However, some suppliers allow the layout of your e-commerce store to be customized to a greater extent, usually in exchange for an additional outlay.
2. As a general rule, you will not be able to make advanced ad hoc adaptations. For example, the integration of our ERP with the store or the implementation of a customized return management system.
3. In the same way as in the marketplaces, also, in this case, you will depend on the conditions imposed by the service provider.

Open Source Solutions 

The option most preferred by retailers and entrepreneurs to set up an online store is using open source solutions. The examples are Magento, WooCommerce, and Prestashop. These are the systems that offer you a platform with most of the necessary modules in many of the cases. They are usually easily manageable both in the business activity and in the configuration of the same. Unlike the options previously seen, the main expenses will correspond to the following items:

1. Accommodation rate in servers in a data center (or hardware and maintenance expenses if you choose to install in-house servers).
2. They derive the costs from the creation of the customized online store plus investments associated with the introduction of improvements or updates (or a considerable number of working hours, if the developments are carried out within the company itself).

Advantage:

1. You get 100% ownership of your online store. There is no dependency on conditions that the suppliers require (as in the case of marketplaces or SaaS stores platforms).
2. You can make the modifications that you consider appropriate in terms of design and layout of your e-commerce store.
3. This option allows the integration of services on demand. The examples are the merger of your ERP with the e-commerce store, the installation of an online after-sales service according to our specific needs) or the inclusion of any payment system alternative.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher initial cost than the other options, since you will have to create the e-commerce store from scratch using your own resources or entrusting it to a specialized e-commerce agency.
2. Need to have advanced technical knowledge – to manage updates or incidents that arise on a daily basis – or hire an external maintenance service provided by expert professionals in the management and programming of e-commerce platforms.
3. It is essential to have a quality hosting service that can support extensive traffic and databases.

So now with these three options are present. We hope you can make the right decision and choose the e-commerce platform that best suits your online store needs. For any further assistance, contact us directly and we would help you in every manner we can!

For an online business to be successful, it is necessary to plan each one of the details, from the design of the page to the email models that we will send to confirm the orders. One of the things that we must also take into account in our e-commerce, as part of the marketing strategy, is the payment method we will offer to our customers.

There are many different payment methods, each one with its characteristics and benefits. When we integrate the payment platform in our e-commerce, we must be clear about what benefit it represents for the user or client. For example, we can opt for the commonly known form of payment by card or traditional method of cash on delivery. But often the key lies in innovating with other systems, such as online financing platforms for customers, ideal for e-commerce with expensive products.

Let’s review the payment methods that you can integrate into your online business and its benefits:

1. PayPal

PayPal is a payment method born in 1998 and purchased by eBay in 2002. It then served as a platform to guarantee transactions at auctions and returns when the product did not meet the expectations of the buyer. Gradually they expanded it and PayPal became one of the most used payment systems.

PayPal acts as a mediator between the buyer and the seller so that the seller only receives an email of the subscription notice and the monetary amount corresponding to the item sold. This means that at no time the seller gets to know the personal data of the buyer, nor their account number. This security, together with the simplicity of the transaction, makes it possible to increase the conversion rates at checkout and the recovery of lost credits with card payment.

Advantages

• Widely known payment method all around the world.
• The method provides high-level security in terms of payment and buyer identity.
• Simple and easy to use the method to make purchases or sell online, all you need is a PayPal account.
• PayPal offers great flexibility. The user can deposit money in PayPal through card, transfer, another PayPal account or use it as a payment gateway.

Disadvantages

• PayPal charges a certain ratio of commission to the seller based on the number of sales.
• If a currency exchange is part of the payment, PayPal charges a commission to the buyer too.

Online payments through cards

The cards are plastic payment tools, numbered and magnetized, issued by a bank that authorizes its bearer to use them as a means of payment in the businesses attached to this system. The instrument they use to materialize these payments is the payment gateway, a.k.a. virtual POS, which is the online version of the classic dataphone that can be found in physical stores.

Online payment through cards is the most common and widespread form of payment today; therefore, it is essential for your online business. It is advisable to have an extremely secure and reliable card, payment gateway guaranteeing the privacy of users’ data. Add a virtual POS with authentication, so that the bank verifies the authenticity of the card.

At the time of payment, the buyer usually can choose between their cards, which can be credit or debit. The first option does not need to provide funds previously to the entity that assumes the debt while, in the second, the amount of purchases is deducted from the bank account at the time of purchase. To avoid possible frauds, the buyer receives a verification code.

Advantage

• The money is received in advance for the order placed.
• It is a form of immediate payment.

Disadvantages

• The seller has to pay a certain amount of commission.

Cash on delivery

This traditional method already known by all is the cash on delivery. It is one of the safest methods of payment. The customer pays for the product directly to the carrier, when he delivers the package so that their bank details are always safe. With this payment system, you will capture the attention of older buyers, who show greater reluctance to buy online.

Advantage

• If the customer does not pay for the merchandise, they will not deliver it.

Disadvantages

• The ratio of returns or failed deliveries are higher because this implies that the company bears the shipping costs until the payment is received from the buyer.
• The shipping costs are charged to the buyer once payments are made.

Bank transfers

Bank transfer is also a method that has lost strength over time. In this case, the online stores provide the customer with the data of a bank account so that they can proceed with the payment of the order, which will be managed once said payment is confirmed.

Advantages

• The money is received in advance before the order is dispatched.
• Low cost for trade because it does not require specific technical developments of connection in the online store.
• It does not charge commissions to the seller.

Disadvantages

• The delay in the purchase process, since until the seller does not receive the payment; they do not process the order.
• Involves the risk that the buyer does not make the payment, which reduces the conversion and makes it difficult to manage the stock.

Online payments through the mobile

Among the latest trends in electronic commerce is payment through our mobile devices. Within it, there are many types: the transfer of money between different users, the mCommerce or purchase in online stores through this device; or mobile payments at the point of sale through NFC technology or QR codes.

Likewise, mobile wallets are emerging in the form of apps that store the personal and banking data of the users in order to make transactions in a faster way and to have all the operations available with a single click. This is the case for Amazon Pay, Google Wallet, and Apple Pay.

Advantages

• Fast and easy way to pay online
• Eliminates the problem of change and lack of cash.
• Security and rapid control of expenses, income and transactions.

Disadvantages

• It is not useful for all audiences since those who do not have mobile (advanced age target) will not be able to enjoy these possibilities.

Virtual currency

It is not a bank, nor an intermediary company, nor an investment fund. The virtual currency uses peer-to-peer technology, where the management of their transactions and the issuance thereof the network carries it out collectively. The currency is called bitcoin – an online payment model that is revolutionizing the Internet since its use is exclusively online. You can use it to make any transaction, either to pay for a product in an online store or to send money to a family member at the other end of the world.

Users who want to use bitcoins have to buy them from someone who has them and wants to exchange them for Dollars.

 Advantages

• Bitcoins allow easy currency exchange.
• Its falsification is impossible.
• Money cannot be operated by anyone or frozen.
• Identity protection is guaranteed.

Disadvantages

• The current shortage of bitcoins currency.
• The transactions are irreversible.

With these many options available for your E-commerce payment method, you can facilitate your customers at best. Consider all the methods given above and decide what’s best for you and your online store. We recommend you to pick several and having multiple payment options increases conversion rates. Facilitating customers at the checkout also reduces the number of abandoned carts giving your business an extra boost!

If you have decided on what payment method, you prefer for your e-commerce give us a call. We can help you integrate it at a competitive price without any delay.

When we know that the world will soon have 2 billion smartphone users, we can not wonder that brands are investing heavily in mobile marketing. Today, the mobile is more than a bridge to the market. It provides effective marketing tools business and not necessarily expensive, such as geo-tagging, Bluetooth and push notifications, etc… We have prepared for you a list of mobile marketing tools to help you make the right choice.

Mobile Marketing Tools

The Wallet app (formerly Passbook)

The Wallet app allows users to use smartphone as boarding passes, movie tickets, coupons and gift cards. To use them, the customer only has to scan his smartphone during his time at the counter or at the checkout. The Wallet application was launched in 2012 by Apple with the release of iOS 6, but there are now equivalent to Android applications such as PassWallet or Pass2U Wallet etc. Some cards stored in the application include information based on the time or place and automatically appear on time or in the correct location. With this tool, you can remind your customers, as they pass near your store, they have a promotional coupon available. By synchronizing your application with Passbook you can provide comfort to customers, without having to make much effort.

The SMS                                            

The SMS has some clear advantages for mobile marketing. Their reading rate is up to 95%, 90% within 10 minutes after receiving the SMS , which makes this tool one of the most effective weapons of mobile marketing. Neither the sender nor the recipient need the internet connection to communicate, and SMS can be played on all mobile phones, not just smartphones. Finally, it is also possible to send SMS to users who are near the physical store to inform about offers and promotions.

The QR code

Although this technology has been around for some years, it is gaining popularity at present. Because of its relatively low rate of commitment, the QR code is used as a complement to other mobile marketing tools. It is above all good solutions that give information about products or services to consumers who wish to obtain. If it remains ineffective in attracting new customers, it can be used to retain those who already know your brand.

IBeacon

The IBeacon box works like a beacon broadcasting a signal to smartphone, which is in its vicinity. It will issue a message or push notification. Especially prevalent in local shops to send offers to customers who pass the physical store, the IBeacon technology can also be used for contactless payments with mobile phones.

The e-mail

Email marketing may sound old-fashioned, but the numbers say otherwise: according to a study from IAB the email open rate in high! There are many Send Email platforms. Make sure you choose one that gives you access to data on the performance of your email campaigns such as open rate, playing time and number of clicks on the links. With these stats, you can get inspired to improve your marketing strategy.

The Appvertising

The appvertising, or advertising in mobile applications has spread through the rise in the market for mobile applications where the free advertising model remains the main source of income. There are several types of mobile advertisements. For example, in the case of games, it is possible to encourage the player to view a promotional video by offering him a token which they can then use in the game. In this regard, remember that the ads should never alter the user experience of an application or mobile site.

Mobile applications

Some brands, in addition to making use of mobile advertising, decided to create their own application. This is certainly a selection of well-priced marketing strategy, but in certain sectors such as tourism and e-commerce, creating a mobile application can significantly increase sales.

Examples of successful mobile marketing campaigns

Domino’s Pizza: The famous pizzeria launched Domino’s Pizza Hero, a game on iPad. It invites users to create their own pizzas. It quickly became the third most downloaded app on iPad.

The North Face: One of the leading manufacturers of equipment and mountain clothing, The North Face. It uses the geofence to enable customers to easily find its stores. By participating in the loyalty program, the customer provides his mobile phone number and must activate the GPS. Then when he approaches a distance of one of the stores, he receives a text message communicating his address.

If you want to be the next example in the list, plan your strategy and knock at us for professional mobile app development services.