Lines, Lines Everywhere…Fulfillment Becoming Today’s HOT Commodity

So after pondering this weekend as to what I would be writing about this coming Monday I reflected on what bothered me most over the past week. More than anything it was the lines and the crowds of the old economy, or reality (sometimes I mix them up)? What does this have to do with Online Marketing you ask? Everything.

For consumers like me who are not fans of long lines and crowded places it is giving us evermore an excuse to join the growing number of online shoppers. Well if I don’t own an online commerce business, how does this affect me? Your consumers of yesteryear who have now made their first purchase online have made a virtual quantum leap into the extent of their comfort with online services and information.

Consumers are increasingly living in a society of what can you do for me. Reminding me of an old famous Kennedy quote:
â€oeAnd so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.â€�
Are fellow Americans today live in a society of asking, ask not what a company can do to get my business, ask what a company will do to get my business?
Will they provide me free information, free services, why do I want to shop with you?

We are moving into an evermore demanding economy where traditional lines and business conditions are being destroyed, and therefore our needs demand and need for fulfillment continue to increase exponentially. Fulfillment in today’s world is reaching critical mass and what was demanded today, people wanted to see fulfilled yesterday.

Fulfillment in demand? Demand for something intangible, yes the demand for the service of being fulfilled. In a service based economy this fulfillment is a major gap that companies need to learn to close. The best example is holiday consumer demand for gaming systems. We see gaming systems bought last week in the store for $400 going for near $1,000+ on eBay talk about value of fulfilling an unreasonable holiday need. That’s a 150% increase in value only justified by the fulfillment period. On that note, hope you enjoyed your food for thought. I would love to see some responses to how your ability to fulfill has allowed you to increase your prices, is there anybody out there?

Fulfillment is a function of business that can make or break many businesses. When the holiday season comes around we can often see which businesses are positioned for continued growth or may seemingly full by the wayside because of a continuous inability to fulfill certain consumer’s needs. As you work toward growing your own business remember to focus on the importance of fulfilling clients wants and not to over extend into offering more then you can fulfill. Inventory of key products is critical to insure as you enter busy seasons so you can thrive and make certain your company is in the know of having the right items on the shelf. Best of luck this year and this holiday season.