In the fast-changing, highly competitive world of eCommerce, growing businesses need to focus their efforts on what they do best: providing exceptional products and unbeatable service. Yet, the wheels of eCommerce are greased by data, and managing that data can become a drain on resources and a distraction from a company’s primary goals. Here, we introduce a solution to this drain on resources: Outsourcing eCommerce Data Entry.
What is eCommerce Data Entry?
eCommerce data entry involves inputting comprehensive and accurate product details into an online store. This could include product descriptions, prices, images, SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), categories, reviews, and more. Accuracy and quality in this task are non-negotiable. When a consumer visits an online store, product information must be correct, updated, and appealing enough to promote sales.
While seemingly simple, data entry tasks are time-consuming and require efficiency, attention to detail, and significant manpower. On average, manual data entry costs businesses $120 per 1,000 keystrokes made by the data entry operator[^1^]. This expense, coupled with the time commitment, becomes a significant burden for many companies.
Why Outsource eCommerce Data Entry?
A major trend in today’s globalized economy is the outsourcing of key business tasks. In 2019, the global outsourced services market size amounted to 92.5 billion U.S. dollars[^2^]. That figure is predicted to rise, and with good reason. Outsourcing can deliver significant benefits, from cost savings to increased efficiency, and eCommerce data entry is no exception.
Cost-effective
Outsourcing data entry services to less expensive economies can drastically reduce costs. Companies can save up to 70% on labor costs[^3^]. Plus, there’s no need to invest in infrastructure or training, which further decreases the expenses.
Time-Saving
Employing an external team to manage data entry allows businesses to focus their time and energy on core operations. They can dedicate more time to enhancing their products, strengthening customer relationships, and devising innovative strategies to stay ahead in the market.
Access to Experts
Outsourcing opens the door to a pool of skilled professionals who are experts in their field. Firms specializing in eCommerce data entry services are well-versed with the latest trends and technologies. They ensure product data is enriched, properly categorized, and SEO-friendly.
Scalability
When your business grows, so does the product data. Outsourcing assures scalability. Data entry services can easily adapt to your expanding needs without necessitating a proportional increase in infrastructure or workforce from your end.
Quality and Accuracy
Specialized firms follow strict quality control processes to ensure high standards of accuracy. Research claims that outsourcing can improve service quality by 15%[^4^]. Incorrect product data can harm your brand’s reputation and lead to customer dissatisfaction. With outsourcing, businesses can avoid these pitfalls and maintain data integrity.
Overcoming Outsourcing Concerns
One common concern regarding outsourcing is the potential loss of control over a company’s data. Reliable outsourcing companies understand the value of your data and are committed to protecting it. They use secure systems and follow stringent guidelines to ensure data security. Check for ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) certification when choosing a service provider to allay your data security concerns.
Moreover, fear of poor communication can also deter businesses from outsourcing. Today, however, outsourcing companies are invested in providing the best service and they implement efficient communication channels and provide regular updates and reports.
Conclusion
In conclusion, outsourcing eCommerce data entry is a potent strategy that offers significant benefits including cost-efficiency, time-saving, access to expert services, and flexibility. As the digital marketplace continues to evolve, businesses need to adapt to stay competitive. Embracing outsourcing as a part of your business model is a step toward this adaptation.
Ultimately, the decision to outsource must align with your overall business objectives. Remember, outsourcing is not about eliminating tasks, but about enhancing the way you run your business for better growth and profitability.
