When was the last time you visited a store before shopping their selection online? Take Home Depot, for example. Instead of wandering around the store looking for the right kind of paint, door, or tool you need for your home’s next project, Home Depot simplifies the process by allowing you to browse everything online. They even offer the option to order online for quick in-store pickup.
Clothing boutiques, grocery stores, and many others are beginning to show their inventory online. The number of online shoppers in general has been steadily growing, with 80 million more digital buyers in 2023 compared to 2022—a 3.1% year-over-year increase.
In this article, we are going to discuss the benefits of taking your eyewear inventory to an online platform. We will also discuss the features Optify offers and how to get your site live in three easy steps!
The Benefits of Taking Your Eyewear Online
There are a wide variety of benefits to taking your eyewear inventory online. Our top five are listed below. We will also include features provided by Optify as a part of these benefits.
#1 Expanded Reach
Moving eyewear inventory online allows opticians to reach a broader customer base beyond their local area. They can attract customers from different locations, increasing their potential customer pool.
Optify Feature: Optify's multi-location dashboard simplifies inventory management, keeping your staff and locations in sync. It also helps direct patients to their preferred location for shopping.
#2 It Saves a Lot of Time
Online platforms provide convenience for both opticians and customers. Customers can browse and shop for eyewear at any time that suits them, without the constraints of physical store hours. Opticians can also manage orders and inventory more efficiently, saving time and resources.
Optify Feature: Optify's inventory sync ensures that your website remains up-to-date and optimized for selling, regardless of the size of your optical business, be it a small boutique shop or a multi-location practice.
#3 Enhanced Customer Experience
Online platforms offer a more personalized and interactive shopping experience. Opticians can provide detailed product information, virtual try-on options, and recommendations based on customers' preferences, helping them make informed decisions.
Optify Feature: Optify's platform has recently introduced a FREE Virtual Try-On feature powered by FittingBox®. This cutting-edge tool provides your customers with an immersive and interactive eyewear experience, making a remarkable difference in their shopping experience.
#4 Data Analytics and Insights
Online platforms provide valuable data and analytics on customer behavior, preferences, and buying patterns. Opticians can leverage this information to optimize their product offerings, marketing strategies, and customer engagement, ultimately improving their business performance.
Optify Feature: Optify seamlessly integrates with your EHR, ensuring a smooth connection. With Optify's top EHR integrations, you can maximize your optical revenue effortlessly. Automate email and SMS marketing with a simple click, and witness the magic as your inventory automatically uploads to your e-commerce platform.
#5 Competitive Advantage
Moving eyewear inventory online gives opticians a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. It positions them as forward-thinking and customer-centric, attracting tech-savvy consumers who prefer online shopping experiences.
Optify Feature: Regardless of whether they are shopping for groceries or shoes, the modern consumer journey commences online. Thanks to Optify, you can now offer your products or services to patients, no matter where they are located.
How to Get Your Inventory Online with Optify
We have discussed the “why” and the benefits behind getting your eyewear inventory online. But, how can you take action? With Optify, the process only takes three steps. And, don’t worry! We do all the building.
Step 1 - Join a Welcome Aboard Call
Our team will schedule a quick call to welcome your practice aboard, connect to your EHR or retrieve your inventory, and set your subdomain.
Step 2 - Attend a Virtual Training Meeting
In just a few short weeks, your site will be ready. Our team will schedule a training for your staff to brush up on all the details.
Step 3 - See Your Site Launched
As we said previously, we do most of the work. Our team matches your inventory and customizes your online shop with your logo, domain, and brand colors. After the first two steps have been completed we will set your optical e-commerce site LIVE.
Yes, it is that easy.
To Sum Things Up
Well, there you have it! The consumer experience is transforming online. Give your optical practice a competitive edge, expand your outreach, enhance the customer experience, capture data, and save time by placing it on an online platform with Optify. It only takes a few steps. Ready to make the change? Schedule a demo today!