E-Commerce in 2020: trends and obstacles
Time, convenience, and sustainability – three main factors that influence your customer’s decision. We live in the era of globalization and consumerism where there are so many options that it’s a daunting task to make a choice. From a pair of jeans to furniture and cars – everything can sell off online. E-commerce companies consider these factors and follow trends by
1) saving our time allowing to order from homes;
2) making it convenient by offering free delivery, flexible design, and personalized solutions;
3) using eco-friendly shipping and sustainable products.
This way, top e-commerce startups encounter many problems on their way to the first perceptible revenue:
- lack of funding. There are already so many products and companies. Who needs another one?
- A lack of new ideas. We won’t buy a reinvented wheel for 59$ for sale!
- lack of innovative vision. Selling the fur in an ecologically conscious society is a leap in nothing.
The best e-commerce startups need to come up with something so revolutionary yet so simple that the funding companies will fight for the possibility to join. Below are the stories of those who succeeded and keep rocking in 2020!
Snackpass – changing the social perception of takeaway food
About: On a usual day at Yale, students go round and about in searches for food. To study well, you need to eat well – this is the rule. Energy does not occur from the sun. Kevin Tan was one of those who spent recessions listening to the stomach rumbling. The idea came to his mind in 2017 when he was sitting on the economy lecture. First, there was only a website. The app occurred later and was only used at the Yale campus. Today the students of 16 different campuses can order food takeaway. The app is unique for its social impact as it is often used to flirt by sharing the bonuses and sending gifts.
Funding: First, there was no funding at all. They went to the shops and arranged cooperation with the owners. To spread awareness about the app, the founders printed out fliers and handed them in throughout the campus. When the app gained popularity, and it was understood that youth appeals to takeaways, the funding was no longer a problem because even such giants as Y Combinator and General Catalyst took part in donating money.
What is the use?
- pre-order the food;
- skip the queue;
- earn bonuses;
- exchange bonuses for discounts/food;
- send gifts (dishes/bonuses) to friends.
The app works with hundreds of restaurants and cafes, including Popeyes, Papa John’s, Subway, Salads Up, etc. It is spread in 16 different campuses like Harvard, Brown, Yale, Dartmouth, and Michigan. It is useful not only for students but also for coaches and parents. They can order a meal plan – pay for many dishes beforehand – and order a portion of food either for many people at once or many meals for one person.
Snackpass saves time because you order food, and as soon as you get to the place, it is already made. You gey it by clicking which is faster than talking on the phone. You earn bonuses which save you money. The gift sending function is giving a feeling of social media presence. It feels like pressing a like on the post – you give credits!
