In my search to find the most updated information for tips for a successful holiday sales season, I ran across a ‘booklet’ from Avalara listing tips for successful selling. I am sharing some of their tips here:
10 tips for successful selling in a holiday season like no other
Tip 1: Be prepared for the surge in online sales and new sales tax obligations
For a successful 2020 holiday season, a well-considered ecommerce plan will be
the bow on your favorite present. This may be your first opportunity to sell online to new customers, or you may be a seasoned ecommerce seller. It’s time for all retailers to get set for a significant swell in online sales by thinking outside of the box – and if you’re prepared, you’ll be shipping a lot of those.
Tip 2: Increase reach through online marketplaces
In 2019, digital marketplaces generated $2.03 trillion in sales globally, accounting for 57% of ecommerce sales. Marketplace selling is an ideal way to get your merchandise in front of more buyers without setting up your own online shop or dealing with fulfillment. Sales by third-party sellers on Amazon grew 52% year-over-year during the second quarter of 2020. Etsy sellers made $2.5 billion in sales – a 125% spike – during the same period.
Tip 3: Boost revenues by selling direct to consumers
With many brick-and-mortar stores closing their doors, manufacturers and wholesalers are bypassing normal distribution channels and going direct to consumers to make up lost revenue. U.S. direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales
are projected to make up $17.75 billion of total ecommerce sales in 2020, an increase of more than 24% over the prior year. Adding a D2C channel can help you grow your business while maintaining control over the entire buying experience….Tip 4: Monitor economic nexus
More online sales increase the likelihood of triggering new economic nexus obligations. Two years after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., more than 43 states now have economic nexus laws that require remote sellers to charge sales tax for online purchases if they meet certain thresholds. These laws base the obligation to collect and remit sales tax on sales volume or revenue, sometimes both. …Keep an eye on ecommerce transactions and sales volumes for all your sales channels so you know when you cross a threshold that requires your business to register, collect, and remit sales tax.
Tip 5: Fortify your ecommerce site to provide a seamless buying experience …
Lots more tips for a successful holiday sales season in their free booklet.
Get your own copy and read the rest of their e-commerce tips!