Within the past month, Shopify has announced that it will be acquiring a business called Deliverr. Deliverr is a San Francisco-based company that handles e-commerce fulfillment. According to Shopify, the goal of this acquisition is for them to create an end-to-end logistics platform for merchants. The deal is estimated to be worth $2.1 billion.
Shopify founder and CEO explains, “our goal is to not only level the playing field for independent businesses, but tilted in their favor – turning their size and agility into their superpower.”
In many ways, this acquisition makes Shopify a turnkey solution for smaller companies and e-commerce merchants. By working with Shopify Fulfillment Network, Deliverr will give merchants even more logistical and management capabilities.
A Little About Deliverr and this Shopify Update
Deliverr was established in 2017. They essentially use analytics to help anticipate demand for certain products based upon geography, among other factors. Deliverr rents out warehouse space to meet fulfillment demands and pack e-commerce orders. It then determines the best delivery methods depending on customer location and product.
How This Shopify Update Helps Small Businesses
So what does this news mean for smaller businesses nationwide who are now using Shopify?
- Enhanced security for online retailers. Perhaps one of the most significant values that this acquisition will give online retailers is the bonus of added security. They can sell and deliver goods more confidently than if Shopify did not have this capability.
- Build consumer confidence. Studies have shown that disruptions to delivery only serve to frustrate buyers. They are inclined then to take their business elsewhere. Studies have also shown that buyers are willing to pay more for same-day delivery. By acquiring Deliverr, Shopify helps retailers increase consumer confidence.
- It helps online businesses move toward automation. The pandemic spurred many changes. More and more retailers are now online, and consequently, more and more retailers see automation as a necessity. With Deliverr on their side, online retailers take yet another step toward enhanced automation.
- Streamlines the delivery process. Deliverr has done a ton of work in terms of making logistics and product delivery a more innovative approach and a more intuitive one. Ultimately, for online retailers, this means a far more streamlined end-to-end process.
Why Use Shopify
If you are not already using Shopify for your e-commerce business, below are a few reasons you might consider making the switch, especially in light of this Shopify update.
⁃ It’s an easy way to set up an online store. Shopify is among the number one platforms enabling small businesses to get started online quickly. You don’t need to be a web developer or designer to create a Shopify store that is enticing and engaging.
⁃ It’s mobile-friendly. Most people do their shopping from their devices. Any web store you set up needs to be mobile-friendly, or you will lose business, plain and simple.
⁃ Offers a plethora of marketing tools. The e-commerce business is a competitive one. This means you must find a way to stand out from your competitors. It can help if you find new customers. Shopify offers a suite of marketing and SEO tools to help you do that.
⁃ It is customizable. While there are templates from which you start, these templates are highly customizable. This allows you to put your spin and your flair into your e-shop.
⁃ The customer support is excellent. Shopify offers 24/7 customer support, and the response times, according to users, are reasonably fast. Ensuring that your online business runs smoothly is vital to your bottom line. And Shopify has your back.
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