You’ve made it to the end of another year, and what a year it’s been. But while you’ve been reminiscing about the past 12 months, we’ve been speaking to industry experts about their predicted 2020 eCommerce trends. So grab a pen and sit back as we share how to prepare for 2020.

1. Direct to consumer

Enterprise brands are already beginning to sell direct to consumer (D2C) online, and this trend is set to increase over the next year.

Taking advantage of the intense popularity of online shopping, the ease of setting up online and the brand benefits that come with D2C, we expect to see big players enter the world of D2C eCommerce.

Crucial to success, is finding the right 3PL and ERP multi-channel integration that makes the process seamless, simple and affordable.

2. Unified fulfilment

Outsourced fulfilment partners are increasing in popularity, with in-house fulfilment methods failing to match the speed, cost and quality achievable elsewhere.

However, with marketplace fulfilment providers such as FBA charging significant surcharges for multi-channel fulfilment, we predict a rise in independent multi-channel fulfilment companies over the next year.

eCommerce 3PLs that offer Amazon-like service, while using direct integrations to connect with multiple online marketplaces, will make life and two-day deliveries much easier.

3. Multi-multi-channel selling

Multi-channel selling is already big in the UK and US, but this is about to explode with the arrival of social selling.

In 2020, consumers will be increasingly attracted to brands that sell everywhere – from Amazon and eBay to Facebook and Instagram. Forget low prices, customer convenience is the flavour of the year ahead.

Accordingly, 2020 will see brands expand their online presence through multiple sales channel(s), marketing channels and even browsing devices. But, as we all know, multi-channel selling requires time and commitment, meaning that this trend could lead to a rise in eCommerce failure rates too.

4. Unified software

With multiple apps, software and integrations flooding the eCommerce back office, life has become a little messy for many retailers. This year, they’re getting their life into order.

2020 will see significant growth in the use of multi-channel software and APIs that unify key systems, automates common tasks and collates data into one place.

This might be a simple integration for Amazon and Xero, or a more advanced set up that connects 3PLs, SAP, Salesforce, Amazon and Shopify.

2020 vision

The year ahead certainly looks bright for online sellers, with more advanced functionality entering the scenes to make selling online easier and more profitable.

But the key to success is being prepared – reading industry blogs, attending eCommerce events and always keeping one foot ahead of your competitors.

About Expandly

Alan Wilson is the found and CEO of Expandly. Expandly is the seamless, quick and error-free way to sell through multiple sales channel(s) online. Connect with more than 30 different marketplaces and platforms, integrate with more than 100 shipping carriers, link with your 3PL or WMs and automate your accounting or ERP.

To find out more, sign up for a demo or try it for free.