Published on: 28 November 2020
Last Updated on: 12 September 2024
Are you an eCommerce business looking to address the problem of abandoned carts on your platform?
Do you know how you can ensure that more people close the sales and move cart items into final purchases?
Have you tried using some strategies like offering coupons and discounts to sweeten the deal?
According to a new and very important study made by Feefo, it has been found that there are more than 79% of customers abandoning their carts and not closing purchases on e-commerce platforms. The question, which many eCommerce-based companies are asking is- how can I change this?
In this article, we speak to leading digital marketing specialists and ask them about the various strategies, which can be used to ensure that the items are moved from the cart into the final purchase.
Why Consumers leave Items in the Cart According to the Feefo Study?
The survey is very important to read and understand if you want to improve the sales and revenue generation for your e-commerce business.
According to Feefo, most consumers leave items in the cart because of one specific reason- High Prices! In most cases, the prices displayed on the product pages are exclusive of additional costs like taxes, shipping charges, and in some very weird cases, packaging!
According to the study, it is time for eCommerce businesses to start becoming honest and transparent in showcasing prices to the consumers on the product page itself. This may remove the entire magnet strategy of-
lower pricing,
moving to the cart
seeing the higher pricing
however emotional investments and time
ending up with the purchase
Ecommerce businesses need to realize that digital audiences have started to move beyond just baits and value transparency on digital platforms.
The study pointed out specifically to High Shipping Costs as the primary impediment to abandoned carts. Taxes too are something, which most of us take into consideration. However, additional shipping expenditures are still not acceptable to the vast majority.
How the World’s Best Ecommerce Sites Handle the Abandoned Carts Issue?
According to business experts at the best-performing sites, the need of the hour is to help customers at this stage with a small incentive. In other words, customers are already through 80% of the things a business needs to close a sale. At the cart stage, what you need is a small push, which can be offered by brands to the customers.
Not only will this result in the final sales happening, but it will also boost the image of the brand in the eyes of the customer in a positive fashion.
Some of the best businesses go for the following strategies-
Using promotional codes for both new and existing customers.
Taking away the Shipping Charges for customers and showing the discounted price.
Creating personalized packaging and offering incentives to buy.
Having multiple shipping vendors on the business and comparing prices.
Rewarding the customer in other ways (social media shout outs).
Why Building Positive Business Relationships matter for Ecommerce Businesses?
Building a positive brand and making the customer feel special is critical for the success of your e-commerce business. This means that e-commerce businesses need to invest in their communication. In-app messages, email newsletters, WhatsApp communications, etc. are good ways to ensure that you are always having an open channel of communication.
By valuing your existing customers, you will be able to win repeat purchases for your business. Your existing customers can also spread a positive word about your brand to their family and friends, leading to more sales and revenues.
However, taking care of the costs is the number one thing, eCommerce businesses should look to address at all costs. If eCommerce businesses are able to bring their operational costs down, they will be able to further incentivize sales.
You can view the Full Study and Report of the excellent Feefo Study below: Source: www.feefo.com
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Automation has been a source of concern for centuries. Starting from the 16th-century mechanization of stockings production to the 19th-century industrial revolution that led to the UK’s textile riots.
From the late 20th-century automation of car manufacturing to the 21st century, worries that Artificial Intelligence will eventually take up our jobs.
Job security is an issue that brings forth conflict among manual laborers, resulting from the automation of repetitive manual tasks.
Automation has replaced many jobs over the years but has also given rise to other specializations in industries. Major manufacturers have employed robots to level with consumer demands. This is because they are efficient and fast in task completion. All the while playing a massive role in keeping these businesses highly competitive.
To provide a clear understanding of the impact automation has had in industries, let’s dive deeper into the jobs’ technicalities.
Automation By Job Type
Robots execute blue-collar jobs faster and more efficiently than the human workforce, an effect that has highly optimized the production process.
However, jobs requiring intuition and creativity, such as product design, and artistry require empathy, making them reserved for the human workforce.
The human workforce also retains jobs that appreciate soft skills, such as effective communication, collaboration, leadership, and a problem-solving mindset.
That being an overview of the automation effect, let’s dive deeper into factory-related jobs and how automation has affected them.
Creative Jobs
These jobs require a human eye and mind and combine procedural tasking with intuition in their execution.
While proper product design does require a certain level of technical know-how, it also asks for a deeper understanding of why people like the look and feel of these products.
In manufacturing industries, designing products may require a focus on the technical application of the product and cater to these matters. An API valve manufacturer, for example, may decide to automate the production of the product.
However, to tailor for customers that care for factory aesthetics, they require a human understanding of the design process. Automation can play a role in tasks such as drawing, 3D printing, and data analysis. These artistic job descriptions probably have a higher sense of security than others.
Technical Jobs
Following product design is the manufacturing process involving technical activities such as assembling parts to come up with a wholesome product.
A car manufacturing factory may implement robotic arms, each responsible for joining parts of a vehicle together, working with more efficiency and speed than a human.
After putting together the product, there is a proper packaging requirement in preparation for shipping. A robot performs packaging tasks as they are repetitive and technical.
The packaging process does not engage in human creativity; thus, automation is probably the better option for such work. However, in other industries such as food processing, products’ packaging may require customization. A process requiring making phone calls, listening to ideas, and making constant changes to the product’s packaging.
We employ automation for the job’s technical and repetitive parts; however, to understand human needs, a human being is needed.
Transportation of the products to the expected locations is the final process in manufacturing. We can automate the package addressing systems in preparation for transport.
Soon, however, there is a possibility that autonomous vehicles will replace transport drivers. Currently, smaller package delivery companies employ drones in some parts of the world.
Leadership And Collaborative Jobs
Top managerial job descriptions have the least possibility of automation because they require effective coordination, communication, and decision-making.
These professionals employ a combination of technical know-how, emotional intelligence, and in some, risk-taking– we cannot reach a balance through automation.
Automation cannot replace these individuals, partially because they might resist losing their jobs since they decide which tasks to automate and which not to automate.
The Solution To The Conflict
The fear that automation will eventually take up all jobs exists. To keep the conversation healthy, positive, and practical, we need to educate the masses on what automation means. Including the types of jobs it can take over.
The first step towards education is learning, learning fear, and learning communication strategies. Understanding communication techniques will ensure that proper education occurs.
The second step is the actual training of professionals. This involves educating employees in preparation for the jobs they are to transition to during automation.
However, it is essential to note that automating the training process might result in a larger conflict. Partially because we know that resolutions cannot be sufficient when executed by who causes the conflict.
The third step is to ensure regular training occurs by providing relevant and up-to-date information and training materials.
At first, individuals will be reluctant to change job descriptions, which we can resolve through the previously discussed process.
Factory Jobs That Cannot Be Replaced
Although automation has taken over many factory jobs, some still require human beings' special skills. Here are a few such jobs that machines can’t completely do for now.
Quality Check Inspector
Robots can be programmed to do certain things, but when it comes to catching a small defect or making sure that the product is of the quality you’re looking for, people are much better at it.
A quality control inspector uses their experience, intuition and good old fashion “look closely” to make sure that every single product is perfect. A machine can see if there is clearly something wrong with a product but won’t catch everything.
If you had automated inspections in place, and you were shipping out luxury products; and something goes wrong. This is where human intervention becomes important.
Let’s say there was hardly a speck of dust on your pet hair remover (obviously checked by a robot). Then, suddenly, there was one review on Amazon where someone said they found one pet hair caught in it.
You’d lose all your sales because everyone would assume that now your inspection isn’t working as well as humanly possible or you just don’t care about quality anymore. This is where you should always hire a human inspector.
Maintenance Technicians
Robots can’t fix themselves, at least not yet!
Factory machinery requires regular maintenance to function at peak performance. Maintenance technicians are skilled professionals who ensure that machines run smoothly. When something breaks down, these technicians troubleshoot the problem, perform repairs, and get everything up and running again.
Automation can monitor equipment. If you want to know what is wrong with it, often, you need to use human creativity and problem-solving skills, which require knowledge that only a human has. Until robots can physically fix something, if they determine a problem, humans will always be required.
Health and Safety Officers
It is the most important job to ensure that employees are safe in factories. A person could develop an allergy or get their hand crushed by a machine.
The fact that machines of such high risk can be worked on by robots does not mean human judgment about the needs of other humans will disappear.
Custom Design And Prototyping
Repetitive tasks can be automated, but human creativity is necessary for custom design and prototyping.
Factories producing one-off products or prototypes on a small scale will require workers who can conceptualize and modify designs manually. This is to produce the desired result each time.
As automation advances it becomes apparent that there are some jobs for which relying on human creativity, problem solving, or emotional intelligence is necessary. Therefore, as machines replace the mundane, humans will remain an integral part of factory life.
Should You Be Worried?
Automation and job security have been and will always conflict. However, a balance is struck each time it has happened. We currently live in a world with fear of automation from watching various films, such as The Terminator, the Transformers, and others.
Some still expect to see a world like that in the movies.
The reality is that we use robots to perform repetitive tasks that we have complained about for ages. Do not be fearful; instead, educate yourselves on automation. Do this with a keen eye on the jobs that seem impossible to automate. All the best.
Read Also:
3 Encryption Trends and How They Make Communication More Secure
Why Sensors are Essential in Machine Automation
Seven Great Reasons to Use a Car Transportation Company
Are you new to being a director of a company and are not sure how board meetings work?
Well, this is something that you will become acquainted with quite well as time goes on. But, before your first one, you may have a lot of questions. For example, what exactly is a board meeting and how do they work?
We have created a guide that is going to give you a rundown of what you can expect. This way, you can walk into the room with some confidence.
So, let’s get started.
What is a Board Meeting?
Let’s start off nice and simple. What is a board meeting?
Well, this is when the directors of a company of its board members all get together and discuss what is happening at that company.
In particular, a board meeting is often called to discuss the growth of that business and how it can move forward.
So, in a board meeting, it is likely that the directors and those present will discuss topics such as the company’s performance, as well as any concerns or issues that have to be resolved. Of course, the overarching aim is for the company to progress.
Note that a board meeting is supposed to be a formal meeting. It is going to involve people that have power at the company and that are capable of making decisions. Often, minutes are going to be made during the meeting so that they become a document afterward. Language is formal and so are the topics discussed.
How Often are Board Meetings?
When it comes to board meetings, every company is going to be different. Namely, some like to have them twice a year.
Alternatively, it can be more often than this. But, they are usually decided on in advance. You can learn more about who can call a board meeting when you click on the link.
This is going to be communicated ahead of time so that the meeting does not come as a surprise to anyone.
There is no official amount of notice that you should give before calling a board meeting. For example, this could be a few days or even a month in advance.
But, it is best to give everybody enough notice so they can prepare and make the most of the meeting. Generally, months in advance is too much and not standard. But, only a few hours or a day before is also unrealistic. You will need to think for yourself what a reasonable time is for giving notice of a board meeting.
Is a Board Meeting Important?
The simple answer to this question is yes, a board meeting is considered an important business date in the diary. Indeed, it is essential to review how the company is doing and how it can grow in the future.
Think about it as an opportunity to review objectives and goals and to see if progress is being made. Plus, it is the chance to create more.
Therefore, board meetings are not something that should be treated lightly. If you are invited to one, it is expected that you attend. You may have to do some work to prepare for one too so that you are up to date with what is going on.
Do Board Meetings Have to be Face-to-Face
It used to be the case that board meetings would always be face-to-face. This was how they were done. But, over the years, technology has changed the way business is conducted.
Indeed, it has changed some board meetings. So, it is possible to have virtual meetings where you are on a video call or voice call.
But, some companies still prefer to meet face-to-face for board meetings. This is a good way to understand nonverbal communication and body language. Plus, it avoids the problem of technology going wrong and being unable to see or hear people on the other end.
Ultimately, it will depend on what everyone is comfortable with. Virtual meetings will still have a place in the future. For example, if there are board members that cannot attend for some reason, they are still going to be able to join this way. All they will need is a computer or a phone to join in the meeting.
As long as all board members are happy with the way the meeting is going to take place, there are no rules on whether it has to be face-to-face or held virtually.
Additionals
Best Business Meeting Agenda Examples
Five Ways an Employee Recognition Can Help Employees Perform Better
Kale is one of the most nutritious and versatile greens you can grow in your garden. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest kale throughout the year so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and also make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest kale so it keeps growing, how to harvest kale from the garden, how to store and freeze kale, and the health benefits and taste of kale. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow kale successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes. Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your kale harvest.
What is Kale & Why Should You Harvest It?
Kale has a mild, earthy, and slightly bitter taste, which can vary depending on the variety, growing conditions, and harvesting time. It can also become sweeter after a frost, as the cold temperatures trigger the plant to produce more sugars.
Kale can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can complement many dishes and flavors. It can also be seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic, onion, vinegar, or any other condiments you like.
Kale is not only tasty, but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye health
Kale is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Kale also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood pressure
Kale is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone health
Kale is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Kale also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune system
Kale is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Kale also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Kale is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients and support the immune system.
Skin and hair
Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing?
One of the best things about kale is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means that you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season, as long as you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest kale so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender, usually about 30 to 40 days after planting. You can also harvest baby kale leaves about 15 to 25 days after planting.
You should harvest kale before it starts to flower. This is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
Kale usually flowers when the days get longer and warmer. Therefore, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem or cut individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. You should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant. This is because this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the kale leaves as soon as possible after harvesting to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. To rinse the leaves under cold water, you can use a colander or a salad spinner. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. You should also remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the kale leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. I will explain how to store and freeze kale in the next sections.
How to Harvest Kale from the Garden?
If you want to harvest kale from the garden, you need to follow some simple steps and tips to ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. Here are some things to consider when harvesting kale from the garden:
Choose the right variety
There are many varieties of kale to choose from, depending on your preference and climate. Some of the most common varieties are curly kale, which has dark green, and curly leaves that are great for salads and chips.
You can also try dinosaur kale, which has dark blue-green, flat leaves that are great for soups and stir-fries, and red Russian kale, which has purple-red, frilly leaves that are great for salads and smoothies.
You can also choose kale varieties based on their maturity time, cold tolerance, flavor, and color. Some popular kale varieties are Winterbor, Redbor, Lacinato, and Scarlet.
Plant the seeds or seedlings
Depending on your preference and availability, you can plant kale seeds or seedlings in the garden. The best time to plant kale seeds or seedlings is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also plant kale seeds or seedlings every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
You should plant the seeds or seedlings about a quarter to half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 18 to 24 inches apart. Additionally, you should water the seeds or seedlings well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate or establish, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the kale seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about six to 12 inches of space between each plant and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the kale plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 30 to 40 days (about one and a half months) after planting, depending on the variety. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the lower part of the plant, leaving the upper leaves to grow.
That is not all. You should harvest kale in the morning when the leaves are crisp and fresh and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest kale before it starts to flower, which is when it produces yellow or white blossoms and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Store and Freeze Kale
Kale is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve kale for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze kale:
Store kale in the refrigerator: You can store fresh kale in the refrigerator for up to a week, if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. You should also avoid washing the kale before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the kale just before using it.
Freeze kale raw: You can freeze raw kale without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw kale will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw kale, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw kale for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze kale blanched: You can freeze blanched kale, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw kale. To freeze blanched kale, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for two to three minutes, depending on the size of the leaves. You should then drain and cool the leaves and squeeze out the excess water. Moreover, you can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze blanched kale for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
How to Use Kale in Different Cuisines and Recipes
Kale is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a smoothie, or a casserole, kale can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use kale in different cuisines and recipes:
American cuisine
Kale is a popular ingredient in American cuisine, especially in salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a kale and apple salad with walnuts and honey mustard dressing, or a kale and chicken sandwich with mayonnaise and cheese.
You can also make a kale and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, or a kale and sausage quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Mediterranean cuisine
Kale is a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially in Greek, Italian, and Spanish dishes. You can make a kale and feta cheese pie with phyllo dough and olive oil, or a kale and white bean soup with garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. You can also make kale and tomato pasta with parmesan cheese and basil, or a kale and potato tortilla with eggs, onion, and paprika.
Asian cuisine
Kale is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a kale and tofu stir-fry with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Additionally, you can make a kale and seaweed salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds. You can also make kale and coconut curry with onion, garlic, curry paste, and coconut milk. If you like something Indian, you can also try kale and lentil dal with cumin, turmeric, and coriander.
Wrapping It Up!
Kale is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store kale, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Kale is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know how to harvest kale, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to help you out with the same!
Read Also:
How to Harvest Lettuce: A Step-by-Step Guide for Fresh and Crispy Salads
Everything You Need To Know About Harvesting Basil!
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