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Social media today is what markets and shopping centers once were – a place full of “Must -haves” where people spend their money and do some guilt shopping in return for some level of satisfaction. The chances of getting scammed were less when we use to shop in person versus now when we don’t know from where our products are coming.
Shopping online via social media platforms has become easy and quick, but it has its own risks. How do we know we are not getting scammed? With temptations all around we can’t help but snap things up when we see targeted ads pop up everywhere and when our favorite influencers talk about them on their social media, it becomes a ‘Must Try’. More than 70 % of Gen-Z trust the influencers and make instant purchases.
Influencers are changing the way we shop online because of two factors – trust and relatability. We trust them because we relate to them. Sponsored or not, the items an influencer shares on their channel end up being in our shopping cart. They can indeed influence our shopping behavior, but can also guide how to be wary of scammers by giving genuine reviews.
Social shopping is booming! More users are using social media for product research and recommendations. Platforms have noticed & introduced features like #shoppable posts, in-app checkout, and #AR try-ons to make shopping easier. #Bannerflow #socialmediatrends #webinar pic.twitter.com/2dRRdjkGLB
— Bannerflow (@Bannerflow) May 2, 2023
How sellers can sell more?
Social shopping has totally raised the bar by bringing everything at a distance of one click. An urge to shop instantly within the moment of ‘discovery’, is driving Gen-Z shoppers crazy but it has brought a lot of pressure on sellers to reshape their strategy to efficiently sell on social media platforms.
Sellers have entered into a trust-building exercise to make sure their customers find them genuine and affordable. They have applied strategies to build trust by promising and providing assurance for their brand.
To ensure that customers have reasons to trust and engage, sellers need to adapt. Sellers need to re-create, refresh and refine their social shopping strategy with the following things in mind:
- Refunds and return policies
- The refunds and return policies should be elaborate and convenient.
- Think of providing sufficient information on the website and ads, to make sure you have the customer’s attention.
- Customer support availability
- Listening first, selling later. Make sure you have people listening to customers’ issues and assisting them.
- Timely assistance is equally important
- A self-explanatory delivery chain
- There needs to be a transparent delivery chain.
- Earlier the delivery, the happier the customer.
- Place discounts and deals
- Have competitive prices to attract their attention.
- Create promotional offers based on certain occasions.
- Put creative genuine product images
- Focus on your product descriptions, they should sell your product in one go.
Precautionary Guide for Buyers
Social shopping is convenient, but is it safe?
Internet crimes have seen the light ever since we started shopping online. Reports related to non-delivery of purchased products, disclosure of personal information or identity leak, fraudulent transactions using credit/debit card information, bank account drain, or huge hidden fees associated with the purchase have made customers hesitant to buy through social media platforms.
Customers either do not report due to their lack of due diligence or are afraid to report because of some financial fraud giving these fraudsters the upper hand. Fraudsters create fake online stores and then use social media ads to lure new customers in and keep making money out of these fake profiles.
Does this mean you should stop shopping online? Of course not. Here is your list for due diligence before buying online to ensure you have a fair deal and legit products:
- Check for fake online stores, fake Instagram or Facebook ads
- The idea is to check whether these online stores have a secure website to shop from, if not dump the idea of spending on such a store.
- Check for secure backlinks on Instagram or Facebook ads.
- Check for legit pictures and prices on other platforms as well.
- Don’t buy ‘Luxury goods at discounts’ shit!
- Understand that luxury can never be discounted. Even if there are any discounts you can always find it on some genuine sites.
- Scrutinize the details, and study the terms and conditions.
- Be aware of ‘Fake Reviews’.
- There are fake profiles giving false reviews to boost sales.
- You will know it when you see it. Check the details of the reviewer.
- Insist on using Safe Payment Gateways
- When making online payments always go for safe payment options.
- Avoid storing your card details with such stores to save yourself from scams.
- Check your bank statements frequently to know what is happening.
- Check shipping costs and terms in advance
- Always read the shipping details and costs attached.
- Terms of shipping and service should be read in advance to find any hidden costs attached.
- Secure your device with antivirus software
- Sign up for identity theft protection
Influencer’s Take on shopping online
We have seen celebrities and influencers talking about various products from their personal daily routine, pushing these ‘Must-haves’ on social media platforms, and supporting some brands and their campaigns openly. While some products are the ones they genuinely love, others are the ones they are getting paid for.
It’s on you to decide whether you actually need such products or are just buying for the sake of buying. Whether these products are worth your time and money, or you can spend your earnings on another ‘shelf product’ to be kept in your house. We would listen to some influencers who make sense of their recommendations or make it worth our time.
Serena Williams
Serena is an Olympian mom and her iconic ‘Must-haves’ are good to add to your list, from Beats earphones, and books to her own brand of clothing, she has promoted products worth your money.
John Legend
John’s review of a few skincare products (Loved01skin) for men has got men wondering what else they want to add from his list of ‘must-haves’. He was seen talking about it on his Instagram a few days back.
Also, he caught up with a young and creative writer over her book ‘Rosewater’, mentioning that the book is a ‘get lifted’ kind of book and you must read more to know.
Influencer talking about quitting fast-fashion: Heidi Kaluza – de-influencing
Heidi Kaluza
Heidi’s latest Instagram posts talk more about “Slow-fashion” and de-influencing, a term recently coined by fast fashion and influencers. She talks about how you don’t need to buy a dress because you see your favorite celebrity or influencer wearing one.
She slams brands like H&M for their greenwashing tactics, telling her followers to not indulge in fast fashion but rather buy products that they want to use longer.
‘Buy products in which you feel more like yourself, start de-influencing.’
Jessica Lee
“Not bold, but beautiful.”
The Korean content creator and model, Jessica Lee is popular for her simplistic style and comforting voice. She is seen promoting simple, comfortable, and affordable clothing, something that seamlessly blends with the environment and gives her a sense of belonging.
She says,” Buy clothes that make you, YOU.”
Jennifer Aniston
Lola Vie is endorsed by Jennifer Aniston, and we can see her sharing videos on social media but not only that she was also seen promoting its arrival on Ulta Beauty. She has promoted brands like Living Proof for haircare in the past and we know that her followers religiously listen to her as their haircare guide.
The Bottom-line
Never say no to shopping online. Check for regular updates on how to stay protected from internet scams, do your due diligence, report any abuse or scam, and most importantly avoid following social media leads blindly. Do your own research.
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