Since the Coronavirus pandemic struck, fear struck people, restricting them from going out. And rightfully so, who would want to risk their lives for shopping? People are starting to accept the digital world and its services. Services like e-gift cards see better sales as people prefer to do everything online.

While some of the habits formed in the pandemic may not survive afterward, others are here to stay. People feel more convenient from the comfort of their homes. The future is likely to be digital, from online groceries and medical sessions to virtual work and gym classes. Today, we will talk about how the COVID-19 impacts our lives, especially how it changes consumers' buying habits.

Online Shopping
It's not surprising there have been increases in online purchases in almost every product category. People are buying online more than ever. Lockdown has allowed shoppers to look into online shopping. It is safer and also offers greater convenience. The masses can order from the comfort of their beds, why go to the store?

As delivery services keep improving, so does consumer experience. It gives the customer a reason to continue using this online service.

According to statistics, more individuals are likely to be shopping online even after the pandemic. It is well shown in E-commerce, especially in dropshipping. We have seen a surge in order volume; many dropshippers' stores have levelled up in the past year. As online shopping is the thing' now, it's a no-brainer that some e-Commerce gurus still claiming dropshipping is dead. On the contrary, this is the golden time of dropshipping. With the increasing competition, especially when local stores have joined the game, your site should be more attractive and provide more detailed service. For example, if you are selling clothes, size guides and product descriptions or any other tips that can help customers choose the right size are necessary. Show you care for your audience by providing free masks or small gifts. Customers will encourage this gesture.

In case you own a dropshipping business, better to have a variety of suppliers. You're likely to have loads of orders - one supplier may collapse, the shipping time, product quality, out of stock, cases happen. Even you are a CJ user, we still suggest having backup suppliers. Focus on product quality and make sure satisfactory products are delivered.

With online shopping, customers are always going to have concerns. Always reach back to the audience to solve their issues. Also, advertise your service on different platforms to get varied traffic.

Sanitary Shopping

The epidemic has prompted people to pay more attention to personal hygiene. The obsession with sanitizing hands has led to increasing sales of sanitary products. There is a record purchase of sanitizers, masks, UV disinfection tools, etc. With the stable local stock and people's frantic purchases, these product demands have dropped back to normal. These sales don't seem to rest anytime soon, however, the demand has dramatically decreased.

Order Online Collect in Store
This click-collect service is popular amongst consumers. It allows them to place their orders online and then go pick them up from the store. It also saves them shipping costs and helps with social-distancing. Considering the ease provided by this service doesn't seem like it's here for a short while.

If you want more local audience, you need the click-and-collect facility. Have clear instructions for pick-up locations on your website. Make sure the customers receive calls, texts, or emails once their orders are ready for pickup.

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Local Delivery

Local delivery is the means of ordering online from within a city. Customers are adopting this service as physically going to shops is risky. Moreover, in-city deliveries are much faster and shipping costs are much low.
To get local attention, you need local delivery. Market your service based on the local environment. Show personalized messages to the neighbouring areas and engage with them. Put up relatable signs.
As local delivery improves, people will continue to embrace it due to the convenience it provides.

Hoarder VS Sensible-Shopper
The fear of social interaction led to people accumulating goods. They did not want to go outside often as they might contract the virus. This behaviour may continue to some extent as people feel insecure. You can restrict consumers by buying a specific amount at a time. Make sure your stock doesn't go empty.

Other buyers adopted a superior approach. As many people faced financial problems, they decided to spend less. People bought healthier and wasted less. They preferred products that provided something in return: whether financial or educational. People want to get the most out of their cash.

To satisfy these buyers, you can provide discounts and special offers. This will show them you care for their financial situation.

Digital Payments
People are inclined towards online payment methods rather than COD (cash-on-delivery). Cash exchange is risky as it could be transferring the virus. People prefer services like self-checkout. Payments through scanning QR codes are also popular amongst people. Credit card payment is also acceptable.

To meet the needs of the customer, you should provide a variety of payment methods. Digital payments should be prioritized. The convenience of this service is unmatched, which is why it's here to stay–even post-pandemic.

Exploring New Brands
In quarantine, not all people have lost their minds-some have formed hobbies. To stay busy at home, people have discovered their talents. While some have gotten into cooking, others have decided to be physical and start cycling. People are engaging in DIY (do-it-yourself) projects with their kids. As people discover their skills, they are likely to discover newer brands.

Focus on these new enthusiasts. A large number of hobby-related product sales growth has made us realize the potential of enthusiasts buying power. Run personalized campaigns towards them by engaging with them. Tell them how your brand supports newcomers by offering discounts.

As the audience experiences enjoyment in their hobbies, they are likely to continue. They will spend more on their hobbies and you could be on the receiving end!

Shop for Others
The pandemic has allowed people to think about others. To sympathize with those who are struggling. Hence, their shopping choices have also changed accordingly. People are now making their purchases to share and enjoy with others. They are inclined towards brands that promote social well-being. Customers have developed a soft spot for the community as a whole. They no longer think only about themselves. Especially after this pandemic, people will have a sense of friendship amongst them. They will continue to shop for others rather than themselves. This is why this habit is here to stay.

You can win consumers' hearts by providing sharing-deals in these hard times. Customers will become aware of your care for the public. You can also shape your brand message around helping the community. This will allow you to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Last Words
There is no doubt that increased online shopping is the most significant change in consumers' buying habits. Most of purchasing is done online. If the consumers can't go to stores, stores have to come to consumers. Such consumer habits are likely to stay post-Covid as they have given consumers convenience in their basic tasks. This pandemic is a wake-up call for all businesses without an online strategy. We live in a digital world where no business can prosper without digital marketing. If you did not focus on your digital strategy until now, now is the time to do so.