Flash Sales

SHOP TILL YOU DROP FLASH SALES BECOMING THE VIRTUAL EQUIVALENTS OF OUTLET STORES Retallers Integrating flash sales Into their exdsting websites can Immedlately create new revenue opportunitles wthout launching a separate business. And when you consider that consumers cite reputation as the most Important feature of a flash-sale website, established brands have a head start on getting in on one of the fastest growing segments of ecommerce. FLASH SALES ON THE FOREFRONT Flash-sale websites have grown exponentially since 2009, logglng a 368 percent Increase In monthly market share. Typlcally lasting a few hours or a few days at most, flash sales promote deep. long-term customer engagement with brands and provde a way to reduce excess Inventory or drive n-store trafnc for a special promotion. 368% Flash sales create a sense of urgency that consumers often do not want to miss out on. NOT A FLASH IN THE PAN Flash sales are fueling the recent success of many companles: GILT GROUPON: Fab, Verte-prive.com NORDSTROM GIlt Groupe secured $138 MILLION In funding and has been valued at close to $500 MILLION. American Epress partnered with Vente-privee and Its BILLION-DOLLAR Nordstrom acquired Hautelook for $180 MILLION. Groupon went public with a valuation of more than $12 BILLION. Fab.com ralsed $40 MILLION at a reported • $200 MILLION valuation flash-sale business. USING EMAIL TO BOOST FLASH-SALE CONVERSIONS Emall is a key driver for flash sales, generating on average 18 percent of referral traffic-higher than social media and search. 18% 13% 11% Emal Sodal Medla Search A majority of businesses report that thelr emall click-to-open rates are higher for flash-sale emalls than for regular campalgns. 14%. 59% 56% While three-hour flash sales have the best Shorter flash sales are more effectve, with two-hour sales showing higher cick-to-open rates. transaction-to-click rates compared to averages for the same business. 27%. Half of purchases occur during the first hour of 50% -23% The best time to send flash-sale emalls Is In the evening, when companles report higher revenue per emall flash sales. and a signinicant Increase In conversion rates. FLASH SALE TIPS AND TRICKS Rash tals Flash Jale Flash Sale! 25 1/2 IS NOW OVER O OFF A Make sure your emall or any message about your flash sale Indudes: If someone visits after the flash sale has concluded, show a banner noting that When customers click Add product badges reflecting the fash-sale prices or discount percentage. through from emal to website, your creative should be "echoed" on the flash sale has ended. - Time/duration of sale • Shipping offer - Coupon code for flash-sale prices. all pages. Familliar brands with loyal customers can no longer Ignore the allure of flash sales. Retallers can Integrate flash sales Into their existing websites without having to engage an IT department or Invest a lot of time and money. The time is now. What are you waiting for? monetate SOURCES: HITWISE I STARTUPSMART I EMARKETER I EXPERIAN (CHEETAHMAIL) I GILT GROUPE Follow GMonetate on twitter