We made our predictions for 2020. Most are positive trends that you’re just going to want to keep an eye on.
But, in the world of eCommerce, there can always be surprises. And we think some might just disrupt your strategic plan this year.
So what are we predicting to be the biggest disruptors of 2020? Read on…
#1. Amazon Disrupts eCommerce Shipping
These days it seems Amazon takes first place on almost every eCommerce list that comes. No surprise here…we’re ranking it #1 on our list, too.
While it’s a bit tough to predict exactly what the eCommerce giant might do in the next 12 month, one hot topic does come to mind.
Earlier this month we published a comprehensive look at the evolving battle between Amazon & FedEx. There’s no doubt this crazy dispute will continue to have a profound effect on how your business operates in 2020 and beyond.
Key takeaways we discussed then?
- Amazon continues to expand its delivery network on the ground and in the air
- FedEx, recognizing Amazon as a competitor, began canceling its contract with Amazon last year
- Amazon responded to FedEx in December of 2019 by prohibiting sellers from using FedEx as a shipping option for Prime customers, due they said, to a dip in on-time deliveries (although, just last week Amazon announced they were lifting that ban)
TAKEAWAY: eCommerce businesses will need to monitor this evolving story in 2020
#2. Trucking Apocalypse
2019 was the flip side of a great 2018 in the trucking industry. After adding capacity across the board, demand plummeted, causing the bankruptcy of large carriers in every segment of industry.
Initial fears of a long-term driver shortage were stalled when the tables turned and thousands of drivers lost their jobs. The outlook for 2020 is mixed, and experts are hopeful, but cautious.
Now why does this matter to your business? Simple: trucks carry your product from the port or manufacturer to your point of distribution and finally on to your customer. While Amazon and FedEx battle for supremacy in last-mile delivery, the harsh reality is that their trucks will be empty unless there are enough fist-mile carriers to manage demand.
TAKEAWAY: If you want to protect your business, investigate your supply chain and verify that your suppliers and partners have selected stable carriers with strong operations and financials.
#3. Change for Commerce Platforms
The impending June 2020 end-of-life for Magento 1.9 is expected to cause major disruption for many eCommerce businesses.
TAKEAWAY: At this point, all we can say is if you haven’t started planning your migration from 1.9, you need to act NOW, before you and your customers are left behind.
#4. Sales Tax Nexus
Since the announcement of the South Dakota vs. Wayfair decision in 2018, the issue of sales tax nexus has been both a concern and an obstacle for eCommerce brands. What eCommerce brands must realize is that the problem isn’t going to go away just because you don’t deal with it.
You may have already reached thresholds in multiple states, and if so, you must collect and remit taxes whether you like it or not.
TAKEAWAY: If you haven’t acted, don’t wait for the state tax collectors to knock on your door. Learn more about the Sales Tax Solutions Freestyle offers.
Things change fast in the world of eCommerce, but making sure you stay informed means you’re better-positioned to stay one step ahead of the game.
And isn’t that exactly where you want to be?
Want to chat with us about any of the disruptors we’ve discussed here? Have anything to add to the conversation? Reach out today!
Images courtesy of Pixabay | qimono & Clker-Free-Vector-Images
