It is impossible to escape the digital age. It is all around us, particularly when it comes to e-commerce. Electronic bank transfers and payments are part of business daily life. It is rare, these days, for a customer to arrive at our premises and pay for equipment with a cheque. Using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter is another way of promoting our business. However, some businesses may not be up to speed when it comes to the digital world.
How many dealers in Ireland sell online? Some businesses have been very successful in this regard, especially when it comes to selling spare parts and accessories. Help is on the way for those who want to digitally develop their business. Retailers have been encouraged to apply for funding to enhance their online presence and increase online sales. Grants of up to €25,000 are now available under the latest round of the Online Retail Scheme, funded by the Dept of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and administered by Enterprise Ireland.
The Scheme provides direct financial support to retail companies that want to develop a more competitive online business offering to complement their in-store offering. Many of those that have embraced digitalisation say that it has enhanced their business and has offered new opportunities, especially getting exposure to potential new customers around the world.
Taking the digital plunge can be a daunting task for some. This scheme should help and encourage you to make the change. There are certain conditions that must be met such as the applicant must be an Irish based retail enterprise that has ten or more full-time employees and the business has the potential to sustain or create jobs. It must be noted, however, that the scheme does not apply to car and vehicle dealerships. If you are involved in the sale of lawnmowers and garden equipment to the domestic market then this scheme may be of some help to you.
Having said all that, I think that there are some aspects of our business which should continue having face to face contact when selling. Many of our stock items should still be sold from the dealership showrooms. Customers need to see and get a feel for the machines they are about to purchase. They need to ask direct questions to a member of our sales team. I also believe that some equipment should not be sold online such as chainsaws. These can be dangerous if sold to the wrong people. Selling these machines from the business premises means that the dealer can make sure, by demonstrating the correct and safe way of operating such equipment, that they are sold to competent customers.
Doing business online is here to stay. We need to embrace it and get the full potential of its benefits. You can get more information on the Online Retail Scheme by visiting www.enterpriseireland.com but you must hurry, the closing date for sending in applications is 12 noon 3 May 2023.
