How to prevent costly OMS downtime and maximize Black Friday Sales in Asia
Black Friday has become a global retail event, and its influence is growing across Asia. From Southeast Asia to East Asia, retailers must adapt to local shopping habits. To stay competitive, understanding regional behaviors is key.
Key insights for Asia-based retailers
Strategic Shopping Patterns
According to Milieu Insight, a leading research firm, in Southeast Asia, 8 out of 10 shoppers wait for Black Friday. They do this to score the best deals. Across the region, 63% plan big purchases specifically for Black Friday. In Vietnam, the number is even higher at 76%. This shows that many shoppers hold off on spending, anticipating discounts.
e-Wallets as a Payment Preference
Digital payments are becoming the norm across Asia. In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, e-wallets are the preferred method, with rates as high as 65%. This digital shift is crucial for online retailers. While cash is still significant in some regions, e-commerce is increasingly leaning toward digital transactions.
The Rise of Online Shopping
Online shopping dominates Black Friday in Southeast Asia, with 72% of consumers favoring digital platforms. Indonesia leads the way with 94%, while Singapore follows at 81%. As internet access improves across Asia, e-commerce becomes a central part of the retail landscape.
Cashback and Flash Sales Are Key Motivators
Discounts alone don’t drive sales in Asia. Cashback offers and flash sales are major motivators. In Southeast Asia, 63% of shoppers are attracted by cashback, while 53% prefer flash sales. Retailers can use these incentives to boost customer engagement and increase sales.
Product preferences and marketing channels
Popular Product Categories
Fashion, electronics, and personal care products top shopping lists during Black Friday in Southeast Asia. Fashion leads with 65%, while tech gadgets and personal care follow at 56%. This reflects a growing demand for both style and technology, making these categories key for retailers.
Social Media and Apps Influence Purchases
Social media and cashback apps play a big role in informing shoppers about Black Friday deals. In Southeast Asia, 69% of consumers use social media to find discounts, while 54% use shopping apps. Asian retailers should focus on digital marketing strategies across platforms like WeChat, TikTok, and LINE.
Optimizing operations for Black Friday success in Asia
As Black Friday gains popularity in Asia, retailers face the challenge of managing increased demand. A well-functioning Order Management System (OMS) is crucial to handling high order volumes and maintaining a seamless customer experience.
Avoiding OMS Downtime
The Cost of System Failures
OMS downtime during Black Friday can result in lost sales, frustrated customers, and damaged reputations. Even a few minutes of downtime can lead to thousands of lost orders. Retailers need to ensure their systems can handle peak traffic.
Common OMS Challenges
- Scalability Issues: Many traditional OMS systems struggle during high-volume events. Retailers need scalable solutions to avoid slowdowns and crashes.
- API Latency: Slow inventory checks are a common cause of OMS failures. Real-time systems are essential to prevent overselling and cancellations.
- Integration Problems: Seamless integration across e-commerce platforms is key for smooth operations. Retailers need flexible systems that work across multiple channels.
Steps to ensure success on Black Friday
Stress-Test Your Systems
Before Black Friday, it’s important to stress-test your OMS. Simulate high traffic to identify weaknesses and make improvements ahead of time. This will help avoid problems when it matters most.
Optimize Inventory and Fulfillment
Retailers across Asia must ensure accurate inventory and efficient fulfillment processes. With consumers spread across vast regions, retailers need to streamline their operations to meet demand quickly and reliably.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Having a contingency plan is essential. This includes backup systems and clear communication protocols. With proper planning, retailers can minimize the risk of unexpected issues during the Black Friday rush.
Seize the Opportunity
Black Friday presents an immense opportunity for retailers in Asia. By understanding local shopping behaviors, optimizing operations, and leveraging digital marketing channels, retailers can maximize profits and build long-term customer loyalty.
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