At Nublue, and our sister agency CTI Digital, we’ve spoken to our 150 in-house experts and some of our key tech partners to find the best resources for retailers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Working with our network, we’ve identified that changing purchasing habits and supply chains have created new and unpredicted changes for offline and online retailers around the world.
A bit about us: we have one of the largest Magento development teams in the UK. We’re also certified specialists in BigCommerce, Shopify and Shopware so we aren’t locked into one solution, and we’re able to deliver the best eCommerce technology for your specific goods or services.
Here are some essential resources to help you begin trading online or improve your existing online store.
Retail businesses funding options
PayPal Working Capital Scheme
You can get help with funding through PayPal’s Working Capital scheme. Paypal evaluates your application, and if you’re accepted, they will provide you with instant funds. The best part of this scheme is how you pay the loan back. Repayments are taken from future sales, meaning there’s no pressure to pay back in monthly lump sums.
Here’s how it works:
- One simple application
- One affordable fixed fee
- Repay as you get paid
If you need support integrating PayPal with your site at a later date, we can help.
Government funding
The government also has multiple ways they can support businesses from furlough schemes to rates relief and a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Please ensure you have explored all of these options even if you don’t think they can help you. The government are releasing updates every day, so it is important to keep checking.
Selling online and eCommerce Store Platforms
Magento 2 Accelerator Store
Our in-house Magento 2 accelerator is the result of extensive usability research to provide a rapidly-deployed best-practice online store. We have a multitude of options available to suit businesses from start-ups to large scale multinational companies.
Using our Magento Accelerator, you can access these features:
COVID-19 Banner Message – Instantly communicate key messaging with all website visitors.
Out-of-stock notifications – Let customers choose to be notified the moment an item is back in stock.
Automatic related products – Show your customers related products that are relevant and available.
Gift Card sales – Let your customers electronically purchase and send Gift cards to their loved ones.
No-contact delivery option – Reassure vulnerable customers by adding a no-contact delivery option for physical orders.
Abandoned basket email – Increase your conversions by contacting shoppers who leave unpurchased items in their basket.
Advanced thank you page – Turn customers into advocates by asking them to share their purchase on social media. You can also offer discounts on future purchases as a thank you.
Three months free for the BigCommerce ecosystem
To thrive amidst periods of unpredictability, scaling businesses need a future-proof integrated commerce solution package.
BigCommerce has partnered with industry-leading partners to deliver an eCommerce package built for fast but sustainable growth. Get up to 3 months free from BigCommerce, and many more offers from industry-leading service providers, including partners in payments, shipping, content, and search, to name a few.
Upskill your marketing and sales team
Digital Marketing Training Webinars
Our sister agency, CTI Digital, has moved all of their commerce and marketing training events online and reduced the costs to £100+VAT. Take part to improve your marketing skills and create actionable, measurable campaigns.
Coming up:
Online learning platforms
If you have more time to browse multiple training resources, many of the online learning platforms like Lynda.com, skillshare and Udemy have extended free trials. These platforms offer courses in everything from design to marketing to development. Furloughed employees are allowed to take part in training under the government guidelines, so be sure to empower your team to keep improving during this tough time.
These resources are just the tip of the iceberg. To get more resources, or for a no-pressure call about how we can help your commerce business, get in touch on our contact page, or call Michael Ashworth on 0800 033 7074.