How To Dominate E-commerce Trends In 2021
January 28, 2021
Trends to watch in 2021!
Clarity has begun to emerge in the world of retail, in particular in the e-commerce space. In fact, over the last 12 months some trends have started to emerge on what is beginning to define this growing space in 2021.
When making plans for growth, marketing or sales plans for 2021 here are five interesting trends to utilise for e-commerce businesses:
1. Shoppertainment
As more people choose to shop online, more businesses have either started or ramped up online sales. Which means there is more competition for each online dollar. To combat this retailers are looking for more innovative ways to create an exciting shopping experience. This is where "shoppertainment" helps to pull new shoppers in. The concept of ‘shoppertainment’ is nothing new. Think Easter Bunnies or Santa’s at shopping centers or department stores for example.
However, in the past few years innovative brands are using entertainment to sell online. Many businesses have embraced ways to entertain shoppers through interactive live streaming events on YouTube or Facebook. For example, using a brand ambassador to do a show and tell with products while answering questions during a live streamed conversation.
2. Social Media Selling
Businesses have been able to sell products on Facebook and Instagram for years. There are many options such as customer-to-customer Facebook Marketplace and online stores attached to Facebook Pages and Instagram Business accounts.
Recently Facebook has changed its e-commerce infrastructure into an online shopping experience that is more streamlined and purpose-built for online retailers. These new features are a game changer for retail and ecommerce sites, allowing brands to build their own self-contained Facebook Shop
and Instagram Shop.
While these features are still rolling out globally, in Australia it is available on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook and Instagram Shop is a free digital storefront recommended for businesses selling products online. It is simple to set up and it includes both the ability to convert from any old Facebook Store pages and the ability to integrate with existing ecommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce and more.
The true power of these in-app stores is that a customer does not need to leave Facebook or Instagram to make a purchase. This is important because giving a shopper less steps to complete a purchase increases the likelihood of a sale as well as a higher purchase amount.
3. Conscious Consumerism
No doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have changed not only the way we work and shop, but it has also changed the way we see the world. With the pandemic highlighting systemic inequalities around the world more and more consumers want to use their dollars to start solving those problems.
This means that retailers need to think beyond merely selling a product in this new landscape. The trend of purposeful consumerism has become a leading factor when people decide to shop with a brand, and it is expected to expand over the next decade. According to Dr Abas Mirzaei from Macquarie University, there are two key ingredients
to developing a brand purpose in 2021: authenticity and inclusivity.
Creating a larger purpose for a brand is not as simple as nominating a charity to partner with or using sustainable packaging. It is about being part of larger worldwide movements. This is where focusing on authenticity is important. What makes sense for your brand to authentically support and how can you best achieve that?
Kristy Chong, the Founder and CEO of feminine hygiene underwear Modibodi, works to promote healthy body images with its customers, an open discussion about hygiene and women’s health, and provides a transparent view on sustainability.
Chong explains how their purpose works for her business, “When I started Modibodi I knew how important it was to have a social impact side to the business, therefore, a percentage of our profits go to women in need who often can’t afford feminine hygiene products – we want to celebrate our success as a business but ensure we’re a business with real heart that gives back – it’s not just about having a feel-good marketing campaign.”
Inclusivity is also important; this means looking at ways to include disadvantaged and diverse ranges of people into the purpose or into the business itself.
Defining a purpose is a big project and understanding the positive impact it can have on the world and a business is huge. Take time to develop and refine this message over time.
4. Personalisation is King
Even though people are shopping more online doesn’t mean they don’t want the human touch. Customers are craving personal relationships with the businesses they support. Luckily there are lots of opportunities to achieve this from data powered platforms to good old fashioned thank you notes included in their packages.
One way data can help create personal experiences for shoppers is through artificial intelligence. At one time cost would have been prohibitive for a service like this, but in 2021 times are changing. Now there are many e-commerce personalisation software platforms to help cater to specific customers.
This can take the form of anything from personalised emails, coupons, or product recommendations. The goal is to increase sales by enticing customers with a personalised experience so they will buy more in a single transaction and become a returning customer. This is where the artificial intelligence comes in. It takes a customer's browsing and purchase history and curates personalised recommendations from them. Most platforms are also able to measure the success of the recommendations and can refine them in the future.
While there are many options on the market both Attract
and Bloomreach
are both great places to start. Be sure to do plenty of research and find the best options for your business and budgets.
5. Engage With Customers
Buying online means getting feedback or insights into what your customers want has never been easier. Sending follow up emails for feedback, reviews or surveys should become part of your service workflow.
Google reviews are very important to getting and attracting new business through their search engine. Be sure to send follow up emails with links to your review site. For some businesses it may work better to send links to Facebook or Product Hunt to encourage people to leave reviews.
Do not overlook the importance of surveys. Customers are usually happy to provide feedback as long as it is short and simple. This feedback can help you refine your service as you grow and learn how to attract more of your ideal customers.
Many customer management systems offer email templates and surveys as part of the platform. Be sure to check this out before signing up for a new service. Getting good feedback and suggestions from your customer base makes future purchasing decisions easier and faster so get started as soon as possible.
Any Questions?
The trends of 2021 are here and most Australian e-commerce businesses are in a great position to take advantage of them. Of course, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a review of your processes please get in touch. We are always happy to help.
Sign up to our
newsletter here!
newsletter here!
Share This Post
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced a significant change affecting how small businesses process employee superannuation contributions through its Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH). Effective 30 June 2026, the ATO will cease providing the Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) service. This change means that small businesses will need to transition to an alternative method for paying superannuation contributions to their employees' chosen funds before the deadline. What is the SBSCH? The Small Business Super Clearing House is a free, online service provided by the ATO that allows eligible small businesses (those with 19 or fewer employees, or with an annual aggregated turnover of less than $10 million) to make all their super guarantee contributions in a single transaction. The ATO then distributes the payments to the employees' respective super funds. The service has been a convenient tool for simplifying compliance and reducing the administrative burden on smaller enterprises. Why is the ATO making this change? The move is part of the broader push towards streamlining business processes and encouraging the adoption of more integrated, commercial solutions. With the proliferation of payroll and accounting software that incorporates Single Touch Payroll (STP) and superannuation payments, the ATO is transitioning out of directly providing this service. What are Your Alternative Options? The good news is that the market offers numerous robust and integrated alternatives that can handle your superannuation obligations seamlessly. Businesses must select and implement a new system before the 30 June 2026 cut-off date to ensure continuous compliance. Here are the most common alternative solutions: 1. Cloud-Based Accounting and Payroll Software Most modern cloud-based accounting platforms include integrated payroll functionality that allows you to calculate, process, and pay super contributions directly. These systems are often pre-configured to meet STP requirements and simplify compliance. Xero Integrated payroll with key features of direct super contribution payment and STP compliance. Suitable for Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) seeking a comprehensive accounting and payroll solution. QuickBooks Online Payroll integration with key features of automated super calculation and payment (via partners like Employment Hero Payroll). Suitable for SMBs already using the QuickBooks ecosystem or needing strong project tracking. MYOB Offers various payroll solutions (e.g., MYOB Business) with key features of integrated super and STP reporting. Suitable for Businesses needing robust local reporting and compliance features. 2. Commercial Superannuation Clearing Houses If your business prefers to keep payroll and superannuation separate from your accounting software, or if you use a system without integrated super payments, a dedicated commercial clearing house may be the answer. These services specialise in handling the distribution of super payments to multiple funds. 3. Employee Super Fund's Clearing House Some large superannuation funds offer their own clearing house services, which may be available to employers who contribute to that fund. Check with your employees' primary super funds to see if this is an available, viable option for your business. Action Plan: Next Steps for Your Business To ensure a smooth transition, small businesses should begin planning immediately: Assess Your Current System: Review your existing accounting or payroll software. Does it offer integrated super payment functionality? Evaluate Alternatives: Research the options listed above (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, commercial clearing houses) and determine which best fits your business size, budget, and existing processes. Plan the Transition: Allow ample time (well before June 2026) to select, set up, and test your new system. This includes migrating employee and fund details. Seek Professional Advice: Consult with your accountant or bookkeeper to ensure your chosen solution is compliant and correctly implemented.
Navigating Volatility: Budgeting and Forecasting in the Face of Geopolitical Uncertainty The global economy is currently wrestling with complex challenges, and few are as immediate and impactful as the escalating fuel costs driven by geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Recent events have led to the imposition of a fuel levy and a broad increase in operational costs across all industries. For Australian businesses, this volatility is a stark reminder of the need to move beyond static, annual planning and adopt a truly dynamic approach to budgeting and financial forecasting. The Immediate Impact: Fuel Levy and Rising Costs The instability in key oil-producing regions is filtering directly into our daily operational expenses. For any business relying on transport, logistics, or energy-intensive processes, the new fuel levy is an immediate margin pressure. This isn't just about the cost of filling up a vehicle; it’s about the ripple effect across the entire supply chain. Logistics: Increased freight charges are being passed down by carriers. Production: Energy costs for manufacturing are soaring. Overheads: Even utility bills reflect the higher cost of global energy. In this environment, a budget set six months ago based on old fuel price assumptions is now obsolete. Sticking rigidly to that outdated plan is a fast track to missed targets and strained cash flow. The Imperative for Dynamic Budgeting Dynamic budgeting, also known as rolling forecasts, is the necessary countermeasure to current market uncertainty. It replaces the traditional "set-it-and-forget-it" annual budget with a process of continuous revision and adaptation. This involves: 1. Shifting to Rolling Forecasts Instead of forecasting for the next calendar or financial year, we must maintain a continuous 12-month outlook. Every quarter, or even monthly, we should drop the month/quarter just passed and add a new one at the end. Activity Traditional Budgeting to Dynamic Forecasting Frequency Annually to Monthly or Quarterly Duration Fixed (e.g., FY 2026) to Rolling (e.g., next 12 months) Basis Past performance and static assumptions to Real-time market data and revised assumptions 2. Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis To effectively manage the risk of geopolitical events, organisations must formalise scenario planning. This means building financial models that can quickly simulate the effects of various external shocks: Worst-Case Scenario: What if the fuel levy doubles and oil prices hit $150 per barrel? What cost reduction plans are immediately triggered? Moderate Volatility Scenario: What if costs stabilise at the current elevated level? What pricing adjustments are needed? This practice allows management to have pre-approved action plans for different eventualities, avoiding panic-driven decisions. 3. Integrating Real-Time Data Successful dynamic budgeting requires breaking down data silos. Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) must integrate real-time operational data from logistics, procurement, and sales: Fuel Consumption: Track actual consumption rates and costs weekly, not monthly. Supply Chain Costs: Link supplier invoices directly to forecast models to instantly see the impact of new surcharges. FX Exposure: For international trade, model the interaction between energy prices and currency fluctuations. Our Call to Action To manage the current climate, we recommend immediate action focused on flexibility and transparency: Conduct an Immediate Review: Schedule a meeting to review Q2 forecasts based on the current fuel levy and updated geopolitical outlook. Model Cost Pass-Through: Clearly determine which cost increases can be absorbed, and which must be passed onto customers, and at what timeline. Invest in Agility: Ensure your budgeting software/platform supports frequent, driver-based forecasting rather than rigid spreadsheet models. Assign Volatility Management: Appoint a person to head the new Geopolitical Risk Monitoring Group to provide monthly updates on external factors impacting your costs. By embracing dynamic budgeting and forecasting, we transform uncertainty from a crippling threat into a manageable variable. This is not just a financial exercise; it is essential to maintaining competitive advantage and long-term resilience in a volatile world.
Navigating Payday Super and Cashflow: What You Need to Know The recent shift towards 'Payday Super' in Australia marks a significant change for businesses and employees alike. Understanding this new obligation—which mandates the payment of superannuation guarantee contributions on the same day as wages—is crucial for maintaining compliance and healthy cash flow. What is Payday Super? Currently, employers are generally required to pay superannuation contributions for eligible employees at least quarterly. 'Payday Super' is the proposed change where the superannuation guarantee payment would be due at the same time as the employee's salary or wages are paid, whether that's weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This change is scheduled to take effect from 1st July, 2026. This is a fundamental shift designed to improve the retirement savings of Australians by ensuring superannuation is paid more frequently and reducing instances of unpaid super. The Impact on Business Cash Flow While the benefits for employees are clear, businesses must prepare for the implications this change will have on their cash flow management. 1. Increased Frequency of Payments The most immediate change is the move from a quarterly superannuation lump sum to frequent, smaller payments. This requires: Tighter Budgeting: Businesses will need to forecast their payroll and superannuation obligations with greater precision across shorter intervals. Reduced Quarterly Buffer: The current system allows businesses to hold onto super funds for up to three months, acting as a small, temporary cash flow buffer. This buffer will disappear. 2. Enhanced Compliance Requirements With superannuation payments tied directly to each pay run, the administrative burden and the risk of non-compliance increase. To manage this effectively, businesses should: Review Payroll Systems: Ensure your current payroll software can automatically calculate and process super payments concurrently with wages. Establish Clear Processes: Define a robust workflow that ensures superannuation is remitted to the fund on the same day the net pay is transferred to the employee. Strategies for Managing the Change Proactive planning is essential to smooth the transition to Payday Super. Consider the following strategies: Cash Flow Forecasting Develop detailed weekly or fortnightly cash flow projections that explicitly include the super obligation for that period. Use historical data and future projections to identify potential shortfalls. Separate Superannuation Funds Immediately transfer the calculated super liability into a dedicated, separate account on pay day. Isolate super funds from operating capital to avoid accidental spending. Negotiate Payment Terms Evaluate supplier payment terms to align cash outflows with increased payroll frequency. Extend credit terms where possible to balance the new frequent super outflows. Review Accounting Software Leverage modern accounting and payroll solutions that automate and integrate wages, PAYG withholding, and super. Consult with a financial advisor or bookkeeper, such as 360 Accounting Services, to confirm system readiness. Next Steps and Resources This new regulation will have a significant impact on financial operations. We recommend that all business owners and payroll managers review processes and seek guidance. Useful Documentation For detailed information on the new requirements, please refer to the following: Official ATO Guidance: ato.gov.au/paydaysuper The move to Payday Super is an inevitable change. By understanding the implications for cash flow and implementing strong financial management practices today, businesses can ensure a seamless transition and remain compliant when the new rules come into effect at Place.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced a significant change affecting how small businesses process employee superannuation contributions through its Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH). Effective 30 June 2026, the ATO will cease providing the Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH) service. This change means that small businesses will need to transition to an alternative method for paying superannuation contributions to their employees' chosen funds before the deadline. What is the SBSCH? The Small Business Super Clearing House is a free, online service provided by the ATO that allows eligible small businesses (those with 19 or fewer employees, or with an annual aggregated turnover of less than $10 million) to make all their super guarantee contributions in a single transaction. The ATO then distributes the payments to the employees' respective super funds. The service has been a convenient tool for simplifying compliance and reducing the administrative burden on smaller enterprises. Why is the ATO making this change? The move is part of the broader push towards streamlining business processes and encouraging the adoption of more integrated, commercial solutions. With the proliferation of payroll and accounting software that incorporates Single Touch Payroll (STP) and superannuation payments, the ATO is transitioning out of directly providing this service. What are Your Alternative Options? The good news is that the market offers numerous robust and integrated alternatives that can handle your superannuation obligations seamlessly. Businesses must select and implement a new system before the 30 June 2026 cut-off date to ensure continuous compliance. Here are the most common alternative solutions: 1. Cloud-Based Accounting and Payroll Software Most modern cloud-based accounting platforms include integrated payroll functionality that allows you to calculate, process, and pay super contributions directly. These systems are often pre-configured to meet STP requirements and simplify compliance. Xero Integrated payroll with key features of direct super contribution payment and STP compliance. Suitable for Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) seeking a comprehensive accounting and payroll solution. QuickBooks Online Payroll integration with key features of automated super calculation and payment (via partners like Employment Hero Payroll). Suitable for SMBs already using the QuickBooks ecosystem or needing strong project tracking. MYOB Offers various payroll solutions (e.g., MYOB Business) with key features of integrated super and STP reporting. Suitable for Businesses needing robust local reporting and compliance features. 2. Commercial Superannuation Clearing Houses If your business prefers to keep payroll and superannuation separate from your accounting software, or if you use a system without integrated super payments, a dedicated commercial clearing house may be the answer. These services specialise in handling the distribution of super payments to multiple funds. 3. Employee Super Fund's Clearing House Some large superannuation funds offer their own clearing house services, which may be available to employers who contribute to that fund. Check with your employees' primary super funds to see if this is an available, viable option for your business. Action Plan: Next Steps for Your Business To ensure a smooth transition, small businesses should begin planning immediately: Assess Your Current System: Review your existing accounting or payroll software. Does it offer integrated super payment functionality? Evaluate Alternatives: Research the options listed above (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, commercial clearing houses) and determine which best fits your business size, budget, and existing processes. Plan the Transition: Allow ample time (well before June 2026) to select, set up, and test your new system. This includes migrating employee and fund details. Seek Professional Advice: Consult with your accountant or bookkeeper to ensure your chosen solution is compliant and correctly implemented.
Navigating Volatility: Budgeting and Forecasting in the Face of Geopolitical Uncertainty The global economy is currently wrestling with complex challenges, and few are as immediate and impactful as the escalating fuel costs driven by geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Recent events have led to the imposition of a fuel levy and a broad increase in operational costs across all industries. For Australian businesses, this volatility is a stark reminder of the need to move beyond static, annual planning and adopt a truly dynamic approach to budgeting and financial forecasting. The Immediate Impact: Fuel Levy and Rising Costs The instability in key oil-producing regions is filtering directly into our daily operational expenses. For any business relying on transport, logistics, or energy-intensive processes, the new fuel levy is an immediate margin pressure. This isn't just about the cost of filling up a vehicle; it’s about the ripple effect across the entire supply chain. Logistics: Increased freight charges are being passed down by carriers. Production: Energy costs for manufacturing are soaring. Overheads: Even utility bills reflect the higher cost of global energy. In this environment, a budget set six months ago based on old fuel price assumptions is now obsolete. Sticking rigidly to that outdated plan is a fast track to missed targets and strained cash flow. The Imperative for Dynamic Budgeting Dynamic budgeting, also known as rolling forecasts, is the necessary countermeasure to current market uncertainty. It replaces the traditional "set-it-and-forget-it" annual budget with a process of continuous revision and adaptation. This involves: 1. Shifting to Rolling Forecasts Instead of forecasting for the next calendar or financial year, we must maintain a continuous 12-month outlook. Every quarter, or even monthly, we should drop the month/quarter just passed and add a new one at the end. Activity Traditional Budgeting to Dynamic Forecasting Frequency Annually to Monthly or Quarterly Duration Fixed (e.g., FY 2026) to Rolling (e.g., next 12 months) Basis Past performance and static assumptions to Real-time market data and revised assumptions 2. Scenario Planning and Sensitivity Analysis To effectively manage the risk of geopolitical events, organisations must formalise scenario planning. This means building financial models that can quickly simulate the effects of various external shocks: Worst-Case Scenario: What if the fuel levy doubles and oil prices hit $150 per barrel? What cost reduction plans are immediately triggered? Moderate Volatility Scenario: What if costs stabilise at the current elevated level? What pricing adjustments are needed? This practice allows management to have pre-approved action plans for different eventualities, avoiding panic-driven decisions. 3. Integrating Real-Time Data Successful dynamic budgeting requires breaking down data silos. Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) must integrate real-time operational data from logistics, procurement, and sales: Fuel Consumption: Track actual consumption rates and costs weekly, not monthly. Supply Chain Costs: Link supplier invoices directly to forecast models to instantly see the impact of new surcharges. FX Exposure: For international trade, model the interaction between energy prices and currency fluctuations. Our Call to Action To manage the current climate, we recommend immediate action focused on flexibility and transparency: Conduct an Immediate Review: Schedule a meeting to review Q2 forecasts based on the current fuel levy and updated geopolitical outlook. Model Cost Pass-Through: Clearly determine which cost increases can be absorbed, and which must be passed onto customers, and at what timeline. Invest in Agility: Ensure your budgeting software/platform supports frequent, driver-based forecasting rather than rigid spreadsheet models. Assign Volatility Management: Appoint a person to head the new Geopolitical Risk Monitoring Group to provide monthly updates on external factors impacting your costs. By embracing dynamic budgeting and forecasting, we transform uncertainty from a crippling threat into a manageable variable. This is not just a financial exercise; it is essential to maintaining competitive advantage and long-term resilience in a volatile world.
Navigating Payday Super and Cashflow: What You Need to Know The recent shift towards 'Payday Super' in Australia marks a significant change for businesses and employees alike. Understanding this new obligation—which mandates the payment of superannuation guarantee contributions on the same day as wages—is crucial for maintaining compliance and healthy cash flow. What is Payday Super? Currently, employers are generally required to pay superannuation contributions for eligible employees at least quarterly. 'Payday Super' is the proposed change where the superannuation guarantee payment would be due at the same time as the employee's salary or wages are paid, whether that's weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. This change is scheduled to take effect from 1st July, 2026. This is a fundamental shift designed to improve the retirement savings of Australians by ensuring superannuation is paid more frequently and reducing instances of unpaid super. The Impact on Business Cash Flow While the benefits for employees are clear, businesses must prepare for the implications this change will have on their cash flow management. 1. Increased Frequency of Payments The most immediate change is the move from a quarterly superannuation lump sum to frequent, smaller payments. This requires: Tighter Budgeting: Businesses will need to forecast their payroll and superannuation obligations with greater precision across shorter intervals. Reduced Quarterly Buffer: The current system allows businesses to hold onto super funds for up to three months, acting as a small, temporary cash flow buffer. This buffer will disappear. 2. Enhanced Compliance Requirements With superannuation payments tied directly to each pay run, the administrative burden and the risk of non-compliance increase. To manage this effectively, businesses should: Review Payroll Systems: Ensure your current payroll software can automatically calculate and process super payments concurrently with wages. Establish Clear Processes: Define a robust workflow that ensures superannuation is remitted to the fund on the same day the net pay is transferred to the employee. Strategies for Managing the Change Proactive planning is essential to smooth the transition to Payday Super. Consider the following strategies: Cash Flow Forecasting Develop detailed weekly or fortnightly cash flow projections that explicitly include the super obligation for that period. Use historical data and future projections to identify potential shortfalls. Separate Superannuation Funds Immediately transfer the calculated super liability into a dedicated, separate account on pay day. Isolate super funds from operating capital to avoid accidental spending. Negotiate Payment Terms Evaluate supplier payment terms to align cash outflows with increased payroll frequency. Extend credit terms where possible to balance the new frequent super outflows. Review Accounting Software Leverage modern accounting and payroll solutions that automate and integrate wages, PAYG withholding, and super. Consult with a financial advisor or bookkeeper, such as 360 Accounting Services, to confirm system readiness. Next Steps and Resources This new regulation will have a significant impact on financial operations. We recommend that all business owners and payroll managers review processes and seek guidance. Useful Documentation For detailed information on the new requirements, please refer to the following: Official ATO Guidance: ato.gov.au/paydaysuper The move to Payday Super is an inevitable change. By understanding the implications for cash flow and implementing strong financial management practices today, businesses can ensure a seamless transition and remain compliant when the new rules come into effect at Place.
