e-Commerce 2024 day in short
- Event in Vaasa aimed at online retailers
- A day full of program and networking for online retailers
- An annual event, now in its third year.
- Axla-logistics: E-commerce logistics as a success factor
- Paytrail: Online payments in Finland
- Aveo: The whole world opens up with strategic use of artificial intelligence
- Semrush: From Data to Action: Transforming Insights into E-commerce Growth (EN)
What eCommerce 2024-day?
When we started building our own e-commerce platform, the goal was to create a smaller and simpler solution that would suit our website clients. Undeniably, enthusiasm and interest got a bit out of hand, and our e-commerce platform today is a more comprehensive solution than we originally planned or dreamt of.
Today, our e-commerce platform is suitable for retailers of all sizes, whether they have ten or hundreds of thousands products. Along with this development came the idea of a community around the e-commerce platform, where users can share their thoughts. This is precisely the origin of eCommerce Day.
The first event was held exclusively for our e-commerce clients in 2022, but already the following year, we decided to open the doors to all e-retailers. Despite the e-commerce platform, the industry faces many challenges and opportunities!
This year, we gathered at the conference facilities of Scandic Vaasa on June 12th. The day was attended by customers, external participants interested in e-commerce, partners, and experts.
Breakfast and kick-off!
The day started with morning coffee and breakfast in the lobby of the conference venue, and networking began as soon as everyone arrived. After the morning coffee, we moved straight into the program. With Kalle's opening remarks, the day got off to a great start!
Axla-logistics, E-commerce logistics as a success factor
Andreas Ögård, Head of Sales & Marketing - Axla Logistics
Axla-logistics is a leading expert in e-commerce logistics, and Sales Director Andreas Ögård was present to introduce Axla's services and share thoughts on the logistics and future of e-commerce.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics) refers to outsourcing e-commerce logistics processes to a third-party company, such as Axla. These processes include storage, transportation, warehouse management, order processing, and returns handling.
Outsourcing logistics processes allows e-commerce companies to focus on their core competencies while logistics experts manage the supply chain. This also provides opportunities for e-commerce businesses aiming to internationalize, as delivery agreements are handled by the logistics partner.
Outsourcing warehouse operations is a cost consideration, but the threshold for when this becomes viable is not very high. Another benefit is that unexpected order volumes can be managed easily due to the efficient processes of the logistics partner. This helps avoid customer inquiries such as "where is my package?"
When selecting a 3PL partner, it's important to investigate the company's reputation. If sustainability is a priority, choosing a partner with a good carbon footprint is advisable.
Explore more about Axla-logistics on their website!
https://axla-logistics.com/fi/
Paytrail, Online payments in Finland
Riku Hokkanen, Partner Manager – Paytrail
Paytrail is likely familiar to many who have shopped at Finnish online stores in recent years. The company was founded in 2007 and merged with Checkout Finland in 2021. Currently, Paytrail serves approximately 22,000 merchants. Paytrail is part of the Italian Nexi Group, ensuring strong expertise and reliability in payment solutions.
Paytrail offers all major payment methods: bank payments, invoice and installment services, card payments, mobile wallet payments, and corporate payments.
Paytrail's Partner Manager, Riku Hokkanen, discussed online payments in Finland and presented Paytrail's services, along with interesting statistics on payment methods and trends in Finnish e-commerce compared to other Nordic countries.
It is interesting to note how much preferred payment methods vary among Nordic countries. In Finland, the most popular payment methods are (1) bank payments, (2) MobilePay, and (3) card payments. In Sweden, on the other hand, the most popular methods are (1) Swish/card payments, (2) invoice, and (3) direct payment via mobile bank.
One of the most intriguing data parameters for online retailers is certainly conversion rate. If the term is unfamiliar, it refers to the percentage of website visitors who become customers. Conversion rate indicates how effectively an online store can prompt visitors to complete desired actions, such as making a purchase. In this context, it's not just about individual payment methods but the overall functionality and user experience of the online store.
Riku's main message to online retailers is that they should ensure all basics are in place. The most common reasons for abandoned shopping carts:
1. The price including delivery is too high - 28 %
2. Technical issues - 10 %
3. The payment process didn't work – 9 %
4. No suitable payment option was found - 8 %
Current from Paytrail includes the Maksukupla podcast and a new merchant financing option for customers who have been with Paytrail for 4 months.
Take a look at Paytrail's services and website here:
https://www.paytrail.com/
Check out the Maksukupla podcast (FI):
https://open.spotify.com/show/0fvU1xYJCO0iDLrVV6kDVW?si=27510dd028134015
Aveo, The whole world opens up with strategic use of artificial intelligence
Anna Häggblom, toimitusjohtaja - Aveo Oy / AveoAI
The collaboration between Aveo and Creamarketing has lasted for several years through Aveo's online store. Most of the latest functionalities are often first demonstrated practically in Aveo's online store, which functions like "Crea's sandbox."
Aveo's online store specializes in interior design, offering a wide range of wallpapers, interior products, and interior design services. Aveo is a pioneer in the use of new solutions, such as the four-day work week, which has proven to be effective. Utilizing artificial intelligence is also a powerful tool that saves time in many different ways.
Anna has been leveraging new artificial intelligence functionalities from the beginning and is therefore recognized as an expert in their use. Anna's new venture, AveoAI, is a year old and focuses on issues related to artificial intelligence. Anna offers lectures and consulting services on the possibilities of AI.
During Ecommerce Day, we gained insight into the various AI functionalities used by Aveo, which have improved the usability of the online store and facilitated the work of the staff.
Aveo utilizes several different AI solutions:
Google Vision is used, for example, to search for color options and recommend products on product pages. Due to the large number of products, product tagging is easily solved using OpenAI.
ChatGPT is used in customer service, for example, to transform messages from difficult customers so that they are not personally provocative. In addition, long messages full of questions can be easily handled and responded to quickly.
AI also assists in interior design services. 3D models and attached images can be easily integrated with OpenAI to create a personalized example of the project for the specific customer. Especially the rendering of 3D models has been a very laborious process, but with the help of AI, it can be done quickly and allows for multiple renderings simultaneously.
Aveo uses the MeetGeek service in its meetings, which monitors the meeting and provides feedback on what has been discussed and what decisions have been made. This facilitates follow-up afterwards and ensures that all decisions are documented.
Feel free to visit Aveo's online store and AveoAI's websites:
Semrush + From Data to Action: Transforming Insights into E-commerce Growth (EN)
Jenia Maximova, Senior Account Executive – Semrush
SEMrush is a comprehensive digital marketing tool designed to assist marketers and businesses in improving their online visibility across various channels. SEMrush is widely used by digital marketers, SEO professionals, and companies to gather insights into their online visibility and optimize their marketing strategies.
We received a Semrush presentation remotely from Amsterdam, hosted by Senior Account Executive Jenia Maximova.
Marketing data accumulated in e-commerce is invaluable and helps online retailers understand customer behavior, trends, needs, and competitive analysis.
A significant aspect of running an online store is understanding customers: what they are looking for and how they find it. With SEMrush, online retailers can explore and utilize data in various ways to reach the right customers with the right products. By leveraging SEMrush and utilizing data, sales can be improved by up to 10%.
SEMrush offers many functionalities for leveraging data, but it can be challenging at first glance to understand how to use or interpret this information. As we have noticed ourselves, SEMrush always provides assistance, and the interface can be tailored to suit individual needs.
For example, SEMrush can analyze the loading times of your website, and improving these can significantly increase sales. Up to 40% of users abandon a session if a website takes too long to load. This is one example of how SEMrush can be beneficial. However, the platform offers a vast array of functions that can be advantageous. Be sure to explore SEMrush!
You can find SEMrush's website and services here:
https://www.semrush.com/
eCommerce 2024 -day conclusion
In addition to presentations, the program includes several opportunities for networking, panel discussions, workshops, and lightning talks for partners.
In panel discussions, experts contemplate the future directions of e-commerce, while the workshop focused on internationalization. However, the ultimate message was:
- Have the courage to utilize tools, services, and AI. Dare to experiment and adapt along the way.
- Harness valuable e-commerce data.
- Focus on your strengths.
- Finland's reputation is strong, and it's worth reflecting that in your operations.
Here was a brief overview of the day's schedule, which offered plenty of interesting programs and like-minded participants. Definitely join us for future events!
Thank you to all the speakers, participants, and partners!
