On November 14, the "eCommerce Day" event was held in Panama City. The objective was to showcase the impact of the Internet on the current market and explore different technologies that can be leveraged to take advantage of opportunities and enter new sales channels.
The event attracted many entrepreneurs seeking guidance on e-commerce platforms and the steps needed to launch their projects. Additionally, executives from various companies attended, creating an opportunity for exchanging experiences, discussing business cases, exploring new trends, and addressing the challenges faced by the sector in the region, all led by prominent national and international speakers.
e-Commerce Day Panama 2017
E-Commerce Day Panama 2017 featured a series of conferences that highlighted important points regarding the needs of e-commerce in Panama. The following four key factors were emphasized for e-commerce success:
- Security: Platforms that provide their consumers with a sense of security are more likely to increase sales. Although there is a growing positive perception of online shopping and its ease of adoption, panelists pointed out that analytics reveal 30% of consumers still do not feel safe using e-commerce.
- Improved Platforms: The technology behind e-commerce platforms is crucial; they must be intuitive and flexible, as customers prefer quick purchases with simple steps.
- Competitive Pricing: One differentiating factor that online stores can offer is competitive pricing. The success of these platforms in other countries often hinges on selling products at lower prices than physical stores.
- Reduced Shipping Costs: High shipping costs and long delivery times frequently limit online purchases. According to Diego Cerda, Director of e-Commerce Latam at P&G, delivery times depend on the business sector and consumer needs.
In conclusion, the conference cycle emphasized that e-commerce should be more than just digital commerce; it should focus on creating a customer experience that is easy, fast, and secure. While the event was well-organized and saw a positive turnout, the stands could have been more dynamic, featuring demonstrations and solution demos to better capture attendees' attention.
One notable e-commerce solution showcased at the event was Merkdoo. It offers online grocery shopping with home delivery for a single shipping fee. However, upon consulting the stands, it was noted that product prices could vary by up to 12%.
