In the bygone era, before the global village was ensnared in the World Wide Web, high street shopping was a markedly different experience. The allure wasn't merely the tangible products on the shelves, but the human touch that came with them. Shop assistants were more than just employees; they were advisors, guides, and sometimes even friends. Their recommendations and assistance made the shopping experience personal, tailored, and memorable.
From the 1990s onward, there was an evident shift. Over the last two decades, the high street charm gave way to the convenience of the internet. Virtual storefronts took precedence over brick-and-mortar establishments. Shopping was now at our fingertips, anytime, anywhere. While the freedom to shop in one's pyjamas at 2 am is undeniably thrilling, somewhere, the personalised shopping experience got buried beneath the digital avalanche.
Yet, as they say, "Change is the only constant". In the saturated realm of the internet, the pendulum is swinging back. People, in their quest for authenticity and genuine interactions, are now migrating to platforms like Facebook and TikTok. These channels, once merely platforms for entertainment or socialising, have become potent marketplaces. But what’s even more interesting is how we engage with businesses on these platforms. Mobile phones, once just devices for calling, have transformed into lifelines for shopping, messaging, and more.
Recent statistics highlight this evolution further. A striking 42% of customers prefer live chats when shopping or seeking information. In contrast, the reliance on email has dwindled to 23%, and social media or forums garner a mere 16%. Yet, the craving for the human element remains robust. A whopping 88% of individuals prefer conversing with a live agent over navigating through impersonal phone menus. The surge in preferences for callbacks from sales agents is a testament to this trend.
It begs the question: In this digital age, how can businesses recreate the magic of high street shopping? The answer lies in amalgamating the convenience of technology with the warmth of human interaction.
Businesses need to be adaptable, recognising the importance of being present across every channel. From phone calls to tweets, from live chats to Facebook comments, there's an opportunity to engage, connect, and transact. Moreover, with the ever-increasing emphasis on seamless transactions, it is vital for companies to accept payments across all these channels.
So, if you're a business owner wondering how to resonate with this new-age customer, here's a suggestion: Don't hang up that phone. Embrace the callbacks. Engage in every chat, respond to every tweet, and ensure you're present at every touchpoint of your customer's journey. Most importantly, make payments a breeze for them. After all, in this evolving landscape, convenience and connection go hand in hand.
Consider a solution like SOTpay. Why? Because in today's world, every chat, every tweet, and every interaction are an opportunity. Not just to sell, but to connect, to make a difference. Don't let those moments slip away. Embrace the future, but never forget the charm of the past.
Book Demo Now
