Communicating with Older Shoppers
The aging population has been a growing market, yet it is often overlooked in marketing efforts. It is important to remember that the elderly have different needs and preferences than younger shoppers, which makes it important to communicate with them in a way they can understand. A good way to communicate with older shoppers is by offering a variety of items. For example, you can display items that they recently viewed, which can save them a lot of time.
One example of how to communicate with older shoppers is to give them information about the products you have in stock. It is crucial that you provide information on safety measures, such as vaccinations, in easy-to-understand language. Using children as advocates can also reinforce the message, so that older shoppers will be encouraged to take the vaccines that are required by law. Another example is to use the internet to provide information on food recalls, which may be easily found through bar-code scanning.
The most important tip is to make the process of checking out as simple as possible. In fact, 27% of online shoppers abandon their carts because of confusing forms. For this reason, retailers must provide a more straightforward way to complete the checkout process. ASOS, for example, provides a good example of how to include prompts on forms. When preparing a form, make sure the product is safe for the elderly.
The elderly are often conscientious and alert consumers. They are also interested in current events, rather than entertainment. There are many ways to communicate with them. The most important thing is to provide them with the tools to make their life easier. They are generally prone to make poor purchasing decisions, so it's vital to communicate with them properly. So, don't be afraid to speak up. If you have something new to offer, don't hesitate to take the time to share it. It's important to understand their needs and theirs.
In addition to helping your customers make purchases, you should also offer them information they can use. Whether they are buying something for themselves or for someone else, elderly shoppers will appreciate the information. Similarly, younger shoppers don't tend to search for information on the web. As a result, they may end up abandoning their carts before they've even finished the checkout process. But, the elderly don't want to be left out of the fun!
Often, older shoppers don't seek out information about store products. They don't know what to look for or where to find it. They have no idea what to buy. But they can't resist information about new products. A consumer's need may be different from yours. So, consider these factors when communicating with older shoppers. You'll be better able to serve them. When you do, you'll have a loyal customer for years to come.
The elderly are also a valuable resource for marketers. In addition to being the largest group of consumers in the country, these shoppers are also likely to have a significant increase in their discretionary income. The 55-64 age group in particular enjoyed a 6.3% rise in income in 2009, compared to 35-44 year-olds who had lower incomes. Despite these differences, they are still active and healthy, and their wants and needs are very different from their younger counterparts.
As an online shopper, you should make it easy for elderly consumers to make an informed purchase. It's important to remember that 27% of online shoppers abandon their shopping carts because of the complicated checkout process. If you want to make it easier for them to buy your products, you should include a searchable database of food recalls. This way, you can easily identify recalls and offer them an easy-to-use method.
While you're communicating with older shoppers, try to remember their needs and preferences. They're more likely to misinterpret messages and believe falsehoods. A fictitious statement or message can be very confusing for a senior. This can be especially true for online shopping. For this reason, make your checkout process as easy as possible for older consumers. Then, you'll be able to serve them more effectively.