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What are the Logistics behind a Private Jet Flight?

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What are the Logistics behind a Private Jet Flight?

In commercial aviation, ground handling is the same standard anywhere. However, things are often different in business aviation. Commercial aviation is very much led by regulation and procedures, whereas business aviation, still regulated, leaves much more space for personalized experiences and offers very individual services. 

Read also: Is Private Jet travel really that Private?

Global private jet charter company Mercury Jets looks at some logistics behind a private jet flight and explains what are below-the-wing and above-the-wing services that are provided in this industry.

If we start with the fixed base operator (FBO), the private lounge that awaits every private jet passenger, the manager of the FBO will know his planned flights for the day and needs his team to be in the right place at the right time for things to run smoothly both landside and airside. 

One of the flights planned for the day is a chartered flight on a Bombardier Global Express. A family of six is set to board the aircraft on an international flight from Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

Behind the scenes of a private jet flight

Firstly, the aircraft needs to be retrieved from its hangar. It can be towed to a suitable position on the ramp, ready for the crew to board. Refueling the aircraft after it has been towed from the hangar will take around 30 minutes. Lavatory and water services are also needed as below-wing services.

The family wants to board as quickly and seamlessly as possible, with minimal time spent at the FBO. They plan to spend little time in the lounge. The pilots will pass through the FBO, and security 90 minutes before the flight departs. They will then be transported to the aircraft to prepare for the flight.

Before the passengers arrive at the FBO, security and ground handling staff need to be in place and ready to receive them. Upon arrival, the FBO coordinator will greet the family and take them through the processes from landside to airside as seamlessly as possible. Ground handlers at the airport will have transportation ready and await to take them to the aircraft. This kind of service can be defined as an above-wing service.

Some additional processes such as filing a flight plan and submitting Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) documents are also performed, typically carried out by the flight crew or the operators dispatch or operations team. 

Inflight catering is later carried to the aircraft, where the staff stows and starts preparing it. The passengers’ luggage is loaded onboard, and then the pilots must be ready to receive the passengers. A whole team of staff is behind every private jet flight, and it involves many moving parts. Due to the very tailored nature of private jet flights, there are also exact procedures to follow. 

Commercial versus private aviation

Business aviation has very different requirements from commercial aviation because it is so heavily customized and has to be precise to work effectively and efficiently. Passengers can even drive up to the aircraft (in select airports, like Opa Locka) and go. The only things that may vary are the aircraft type, the number of passengers, the destination, and the time spent on the ground. However, in commercial aviation, everything is much more set in stone regarding aircraft type, turnaround time, and set destinations.

The ground handling process is quite similar in both aviation realms. The above wing services help the crew and passengers with the security through the FBO and organize accommodation and ground transportation as needed. This would also include any assistance with in-flight catering and concierge facilities for anything else the passengers or crew may require.

Every flight is treated individually, and the entire process works to meet the sometimes complex needs of the clients and the flight. These above-wing services are customary in business aviation, where the aim is always to provide the best service for the VIP passenger experience, from entry to the FBO to closing the aircraft door once it’s ready to depart.

In a nutshell

By comparison, the below-wing services that are common in commercial and business aviation include aircraft refueling, hangar space, ground support, baggage handling, passenger steps, ground power units, lavatory and water services, and aircraft pushback and towing. Yet not all of those services will be required in business aviation as that depends on the aircraft type and size and the passengers’ requirements.

Every flight is unique, and it often takes a large team to work carefully behind the scenes in conjunction to make things happen. Excellent teamwork, communication, and professionalism from a well-oiled team are required to make a private jet flight appear as a seamless process while still offering a tailored VIP experience.

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Monarch Air Group takes an inside look at the Current State of Business Aviation

Business aviation is a complex environment with many moving parts; understanding all angles is paramount for an informed opinion. Global private jet company Monarch Air Group looks at some newsworthy events and issues currently facing the market and how the main actors can safely navigate the shifting winds.

Read also: The Practicality of Private Aviation For Business

The aircraft certification process

After a much-awaited outcome and two years of delay, in March of this year, Gulfstream Aerospace finally announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the new ultra-long-range high-technology Gulfstream G700. The Savannah-based company had hoped that by the end of 2023, the FAA certification would have been achieved, and it was able to deliver 15 aircraft last year.

Gulfstream president Mark Burns announced the long-awaited certification at the unveiling of the two Qatar Executive G700, saying that delays had been caused by congressional directives in the US that call for more oversight during the approval process. Indeed, the FAA asked for more documentation, testing, and flight testing.

Helicopter manufacturer Bell was not immune to certification delays either. They had been developing their most significant and advanced commercial helicopter, the Bell 525. Similarly to the G700, the aircraft uses the latest technology. The Bell 525 is the first civil rotorcraft with complete fly-by-wire systems and was announced back in 2012. There was a setback in 2016 when a prototype crashed, but they set the target date tentatively for 2017.

Bell CEO Mitch Snyder said there was no set timeline for the Bell 525 and that it was a joint process with the FAA. Last year, they hoped for approval by the end of the year but stressed that this was in the FAA’s hands. The Dassault Falcon 6X was also subject to delays. After being announced in 2018, it finally received FAA certification in August 2023.

So why are manufacturers facing such long delays in the certification process? Certification is a moving target in unprecedented times. During the pandemic, remote working affected aircraft manufacturing, and some skilled workers opted for early retirement. Dassault pushed back production of the Falcon 10X to 2027, citing various issues, including supply chain problems, missing parts, and delays in certification.

Regulators at full capacity

The FAA was also affected by the pandemic. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) expressed concerns last year about the delays in certification and the turnover at the FAA. They noted that 40% of certified engineers had less than two years of experience, and training was hindered during the pandemic. The FAA has also come under heavy scrutiny worldwide, with the issues at Boeing: the MAX accidents, investigations into various incidents, fake parts, and whistleblowing claims.

Congress introduced the Aircraft Certification Safety and Accountability Act of 2020 in response to Boeing’s issues. Agencies working with aircraft manufacturers have to be more meticulous than ever before and ensure passenger safety, which has made aircraft certification much more complicated. With so many new directives and recommendations, how can the FAA manage the fast-evolving technology used today in a predictable time frame while maintaining the highest safety standards? 

It surely is a balancing act in unprecedented times. A change in the aircraft design process is optional, but regulators need to review it more robustly. Documentation needs to be strengthened and compliance substantiated. It is important for the manufacturer to know what the regulator expects, and the regulator should also be transparent about what they require. More experienced staff should be used to create the correct counterbalance within the aviation industry. Supply chain issues need to be addressed and acted upon.

Scheduled charters and job creation

Another issue in business aviation is addressing some charter operations that run scheduled services. In June, the FAA announced actions regarding the expansion of charter operators operating scheduled flights but under less rigorous safety regulations than a commercial operator. This ruling applies to charter operators regulated under FAA Part 135 safety rules and the US Department of Transportation Part 380 economic requirements. 

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) suggests that the new ruling has been introduced without data-based safety rationale. The FAA ruling can potentially affect those in small remote communities who rely on such services, which are a vital lifeline, with the NBAA asking to review the ruling and provide data explaining the need for this change.

Furthermore, business aviation also employs millions of people worldwide and has an ecosystem that contributes to the global economy, with the NBAA estimating that only in the US, it contributes $150 billion to the national economic output and employs more than 1.2 million people

Along the same lines, the EBAA reported a few years ago that roughly 400,000 jobs are either directly or indirectly dependent on the local business aviation industry, with France, Switzerland, Germany and the UK as the top players in the ecosystem, with almost €90 billion in output.

Overall, Monarch Air Group’s highlight sheds light on the many moving pieces facing the business aviation community today, some more relevant and pressing than others. Private jets are always in demand, especially the newest, most efficient, and technologically advanced models. Although certification is delayed, safety is always the top priority. 

Why South Florida is a Global Private Jet Hub

Why South Florida is a Global Private Jet Hub

Private aviation has set new records and greeted new customers during the past 18 months. The pandemic set the stage for this industry to flourish, behind its unparalleled flexibility, comfort, and safety standards. Yet, there is one place that has registered a steady increase in demand well beyond the past three years, truly positioning as one of the top private jet hubs in the world – South Florida.

Welojets, a Miami-based air charter company, projects that South Florida’s strategic location, proximity to the Caribbean and Latin America, and established routes to New York, will continue playing a major role in driving demand. A mix of variables, as Martin Baldoma Jones says, CEO of Welojets, is the main reason behind South Florida’s ascent to one of the top business aviation hubs in the world. 

“Weather and beaches aside, South Florida has a handful of executive airports that constantly top national rankings in terms of movements. The number of private aircraft based in the region also helps, as well as the proximity to the Caribbean and the recent relocation of many cold-weather Canadians and Americans. South Florida is set to thrive for years to come.” 

Private jet airports

According to 2021 data from Argus TraqPak, five of the top 25 executive airports in the U.S. were based in South Florida: Palm Beach, Miami-Opa Locka, Naples, Fort Lauderdale Executive, and Fort Lauderdale International. 

Additionally, 2022 data from WingX positions Palm Beach as the main terminal with almost 34,000 movements to date in the region, followed by Miami-Opa Locka with almost 23,000, Miami International Airport (11,000) and Miami Executive Airport close to the downtown with roughly 5,000 movements. The same data shows that South Florida has increased 11% versus last year in number of flights (73,000) and 13% in flight hours. 

Private jet routes and aircraft

In terms of routes, it is widely known that the South Florida – New York connection is one of the main in the country throughout the year. In fact, Palm Beach – New York leads the list of all departing flights from South Florida with almost 4,400 movements during 2022, while Miami – New York comes in close at second place with nearly 4,100. 

The Bahamas is the main international destination from South Florida, with almost 5,000 movements in 2022, followed by Mexico and Canada.

In terms of types of aircraft in the South Florida sky, the super midsize jet segment leads the way with more than 18,000 operations in 2022, while heavy jets and light jets have roughly 11,700 movements apiece. 

Although Teterboro is probably the world’s most coveted private aviation airport, which also has a good connection to Europe, South Florida’s demand diversity, short and long range, has been the perfect foundation to establish as one of the top private jet hubs in the world, with the Caribbean also playing an important role as a demand driver. The global business aviation market, from aircraft manufacturers to operators and brokers, should continue expecting big things from South Florida during the foreseeable future.

About Welojets

WELOJETS is a global air mobility company, with offices in Miami, Buenos Aires, and Madrid. We have a great team, focused on offering the best charter flights anywhere in the world including private jets, cargo, airliners, helicopters, and medical flights. We work with competitive pricing and maximum safety standards and provide a tailor-made concierge experience to each one of our customers.

 

Director of Charter Sales for Mercury Jets, explains that a change in perception on private jet travel is a key element that also explains the trip

Is Private Aviation Getting Popular?

Ryan DeBruyne, Director of Charter Sales for the New York-based air charter solution company Mercury Jets discusses whether the sustained increase in demand is positive for the global business air ecosystem.

Record-breaking private jet demand

As January broke another record in global jet demand, it is easy to assume that trend will continue well into 2022 and beyond. Although the pandemic and the lack of commercial aviation are key
reasons that explain the surge, both aspects are far from telling the entire story behind the impressive record-breaking activity of private aviation.

The industry is in the middle of a rebranding, a change of image, although not created by operators or brokers, but by the historic moment itself. On that note, Ryan DeBruyne, Director of Charter Sales for Mercury Jets, explains that a change in perception on private jet travel is a key element that also explains the surge in demand.

“Private aviation is getting popular. And there is nothing wrong with that statement. The expectations for the industry are swiftly changing as well as the consumer behavior.

What is the main performance indicator of a service increasing in popularity?

Returning first-time flyers and sustained demand from frequent clients. The problem is not the rise in demand and popularity, which is a fact, but if the main players in the business will be capable of responding to that demand, long term”, shares DeBruyne. That is a discussion probably happening today in some war rooms.

When commercial aviation returns to shape, and it will, is it possible that private jet demand will suffer a drop in movements?

DeBruyne thinks it will for some specific routes, although this 2.5-year window has demonstrated that the new private jet market is here to stay.

“Private aviation will never be the same. The 2019 version is long gone, as the pandemic has positively reshaped the entire ecosystem. A decline in movements in some domestic routes is expected once commercial aviation resumes its activity. Nevertheless, the seed of reliability has been planted on hundreds of new customers and going back to long lines and many hours spent in the terminal will be a hard pill to swallow”, says DeBruyne.

Some challenges on the runway

As WingX recently reported, January 2022 registered a 35% increase compared to last year and 15% more activity than pre-Covid January (2019). That is impressive. That, coped with a lack of
deliveries from major manufacturers poses a short-term challenge due to a potential lack of availability in some in aircraft segments.
DeBruyne agrees. “Reliability is arguably the main added value of private aviation. If we, as an industry, because it takes everyone, cannot accommodate to our passenger’s expectations, that poses a risk, as smaller operators worldwide have witnessed. Being able to have access to thousands of aircraft worldwide, as Mercury Jets has, definitely increases the chances of adapting to our clients’ needs and expectations.”

A solid fix is without a doubt an influx of new private aircraft in the market. Textron, the leading manufacturer in mid-sized private jets, reported in early January that it delivered 167 jets in 2021, up from 132 in 2020, and expects that number to increase this year. That is great news for the entire industry, as new aircraft in the ecosystem will contribute to meet the rising demand.

Furthermore, as Zoom meetings are getting close to a burnout stage, more businesses worldwide will rely on private aviation to go places, increasing pressure on the overall supply chain. Leisure travel is also growing after more than two years of lockdown, and, again, private flight serves as the perfect partner to access any remote destination.

“A well-managed business aviation company will find ways to accommodate to the trends and deliver a consistent service. Private aviation is getting popular, in a very good sense, as more passengers are experiencing the amenities that have positioned this market at the very top, led by flexibility and comfort. Planning for increased demand during 2022 and advising clients to book ahead of time are the recipe for a successful partnership as the industry navigates history in the making regarding private jet activity”, concludes DeBruyne.

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Monarch Air Group: How Does Technology Translate to Aviation?

Fort Lauderdale private jet provider Monarch Air Group examines how technology is helping aviation as a whole go above and beyond, the same way as other industries have relied on technology to provide added value to the end clients as well as a competitive advantage from other competing sectors.

Technologies applied in the aviation industry

A vast amount of technologies drive and enhance digital transformation both in companies and organizations and in people’s daily lives. Blockchain, Cloud, IoT, AI and Cybersecurity. But what relationship do they have with the aviation sector?

Smart Airport is a concept that has been gaining strength for years, using the latest technologies that allow efficient use of all kinds of resources, provide the best security for customers, passengers, and employees, and maximize the experience of each of them, users, and all stakeholders.

For instance, one of the leaders in energy matters is the Oslo airport, capital of Norway, which uses ecological materials with an architectural design that takes advantage of sunlight, performing efficient waste management and providing energy solutions with low CO2 emissions that contribute to the overall sustainability. Norway, and particularly Oslo, stand out for their commitment to caring for the environment.

In terms of innovation, the Beijing Daxing International Airport, one of the largest in the world, leads the way in the degree of intelligence it has achieved with the implementation of new technological systems. Robots, 5G technology, facial recognition and real-time luggage tracking with a smartphone are just some of the innovations implemented at this airport.

How technology is changing aviation

One of the most striking changes that is coming in the short or medium term is the end of the control towers. This model is already being tested in the United Kingdom and Sweden, performing this service remotely, being able to manage the air traffic control of several airports in the same center, considerably reducing construction and maintenance costs, as well as an equitable and traceable distribution of workload between operators.

Airbus is another great example of digital transformation. The company is using artificial intelligence to better understand customers by analyzing past behaviors to make predictions and recommendations; virtual reality to integrate digital models in production environments reducing testing time from three weeks to three days; digital platforms to have real-time flight test information; monitoring of more than 24,000 parameters to perform predictive maintenance; they also reorganized the entire supply chain, being able to locate component packages in real time, which include temperature, shock and vibration sensors.

How does private aviation maximize the use of technology?

Companies like Monarch Air Group, which since 2017 allows clients to pay for a flight using cryptocurrencies and offers a state-of-the-art online quoting system with thousands of active aircraft worldwide, has taken a step forward to delivering its clients a safe and reliable flight experience, from booking to landing.

The previous is the main added value for a client looking to charter a private jet, who seeks a specific aircraft for a precise route, on an exact day and time. The passenger wants to operate the process digitally, swiftly and without setbacks, and arrive 15 minutes prior to his flight with a waiting aircraft just steps away from the private jet terminal.

Other key technological advances come from manufacturers, with top-notch advances in private aircraft, from operational capability, cost-efficiency to the highest safety standards in the business. Manufacturers like Gulfstream, Cessna and Dassault raise the bar for the entire industry, making it more efficient, reliable, safer and, more recently, cleaner. All these companies are thoroughly working towards better aerodynamic efficiency for a smaller carbon footprint, technology at its finest.

private aviation

Monarch Air Group: How Private Aviation has Increased Demand During the Pandemic

Fort Lauderdale private jet provider Monarch Air Group provides some insights on why the industry is flying high while commercial aviation is still grounded.

While the aviation industry is recovering slowly from the pandemic, it is safe to say that a vast number of commercial planes are still grounded. This is not the case with private aviation, which has registered a steady increase in demand.

Offering a reliable point-to-point service

Constant changes in travel restrictions since the beginning of the pandemic meant a hard time for travel planning, thus passengers turned to private aviation for a reliable option for their flights. Many gaps in the scheduled networks appeared overnight, and only private air companies had the operational capacity to step in and provide a solution.

Although worldwide passenger traffic dropped 66% last year through November, according to the International Air Transport Association, private jet operations fell only 11% in December, the best monthly performance since the pandemic started, as data from WingX indicates. Furthermore, the same data shows that traffic to and from Florida improved by 12% in December from 2019, with the Caribbean serving as another recurring destination.

Safety as the main driver for bookings

While health concerns and hefty travel restrictions have kept commercial aviation grounded, those who can afford to travel by private jet, thus avoiding crowded airports and getting exposed to the virus, are doing so at a similar pace to pre-Covid travel levels.

Private jets reduce chances of contamination thanks to a safer and swifter overall process that consists of arriving at the parking area of a private jet terminal and then going directly to a private lounge just steps away from the thoroughly sanitized private aircraft that will take you to your destination.

Furthermore, online pricing tools with live quotes like the one provided by Monarch Air Group have played a key role in the increased demand thanks to a user-centered booking experience.

New passengers are playing a major role

Once you try private there is no going back. With the headaches of commercial travel, many new passengers have been keen to experiencing private aviation. This is a huge win for the industry worldwide, because this increase in demand has helped reduce the gap left by the lack of business-related operations as previously mentioned.

Furthermore, companies will start sending their executives worldwide again, which means that private aviation might be in a better shape than before coronavirus, when considering the passengers that have jumped onboard and have no intentions to going back to commercial, in addition to the regular leisure and business operations in the market.

Overall, it is the reliability and safety provided by private aviation which has helped to maintain and, even in some cases, increase the demand of operations. While commercial travel disruption has no visible ending point, executive charter companies are ready to deliver a flexible travel solution to any corner in the world, offering passengers a truly unique customer-centric experience.

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How Tech and Innovation has Propelled the Private Jet Industry to New Heights

Do you need to book a last-minute private jet flight from your phone using cryptocurrency?

Leading private jet companies like Monarch Air Group have understood that investing in technology in this shared economy is instrumental to serve a technology-driven pool of customers. As President David Gitman stated, “having the capacity to adapt to customer expectations and behaviors will lead to higher levels of trust and satisfaction.” In other words, being able to meet the needs of today’s dynamic and fast-paced environment is paramount for the long-term success of the entire private jet industry. And technology is the key for that relationship.

The Fort Lauderdale-based firm was one of the first in the industry to accept digital currencies to book their charter flights. This came as a response to their client’s needs, an extremely fast-shifting group of customers. “The days when private aviation only served large corporations and multimillionaires are long gone. Today, with the rise of the millennials and the need for more reliable and safe ways of transportation, private aviation is experiencing a true shift in demand. Adapting to those new requirements is our commitment”, said Gitman.

From market research to booking apps and instant quoting systems, the business aviation market is using all available tools to understand what drives clients towards their service. Do they travel for business or pleasure? What is the best way to stay connected with each client and receive feedback? All these questions give relevant information to improve customer service and satisfaction and make each passenger’s flight highly tailored and unique.

A fast-paced environment

The flexibility and agility of private aviation are also represented in the capacity to adapt to new technologies and innovations. Tailoring every aspect of the experience to the customer and making passengers really feel in control of their flight process defines private jet flight. Choosing the departure and landing point, the aircraft, in-flight amenities, ground transportation and method of payment is only possible thanks to technology.

Although planes are fast, time efficiency can be affected if the right equipment is not in place to serve the passengers. Innovative live quoting tools, instant bookings, and cryptocurrency-based payments lead the way today. Monarch Air Group launched a unique charter cost calculator to provide users a faster and easier way to receive a quote. Once users are prompted to select, they can decide on an option depending on the distance and desired aircraft type. Upon making their selection, the user’s flight request is then submitted to a group of Account Executives who will assist clients in finalizing their travel plans in just minutes.

This technology-driven booking functionality enables customers to make all their travel arrangements on their phone, also providing text or chat, video conference, and even video messaging features to connect with the client.

High expectations

Entrepreneurs are gaining relevance within this segment and expect charter companies to move as fast as their businesses. They need the aircraft ready after they book it through the smartphone in their pockets and do not want more steps in the process, like confirmation phone calls (they prefer text, video, or even email), and possible last-minute setbacks. They also have a need for a quiet in-flight experience. Their aircraft must be equipped with the latest technology to provide a working space along with a relaxed atmosphere.

Their fast-paced world is well paired with private air travel. Time efficiency is this sector’s main asset. Take-off in minutes after arriving at the terminal with no check-in lines and landing at the private airport that is closest to the destination. Private aviation adapts completely to a business environment where time is money.

“The need to exceed expectations is paramount as well as understanding the dynamic trends developing at unparalleled speed. The technology within this industry is second to none, from a user standpoint (booking and payment) and a safety and maintenance perspective. Accounting all these variables will help us deliver an all-around exceptional service”, concludes Gitman.

Modern aircraft and top-notch facilities are important, although an agile business model will be the difference-maker in today’s economy. Technology, innovation, and flexibility will. Paying for a flight on the spot with cryptocurrencies, credit, or debit cards are solutions driven by technology, although remaining flexible to the client’s requests and working towards solutions instead of excuses is driven by superior customer service; pairing both aspects will lead this industry to achieve new heights.

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The Impact of COVID-19 on Online Retail

Online supply store DK Hardware examines how the pandemic is changing the habits and overall consumer behavior of online shoppers.

After more than a month of confinement, we all dream of the day when everything returns to how it was before, and we can resume our not so old habits. However, it is more realistic to think that COVID-19 has come to stay and that, after this first devastating wave, the entire population will have to remain extremely responsible and we will suffer the consequences of this pandemic for longer than we would like. We do not stop living one of those moments in history in which the foundations of our society are shaken and we experience profound changes that will prevent us from returning to the point where we were a few weeks ago.

This first month of confinement is forcing us to adopt new habits and customs that we will maintain once the state of alarm is lifted, customs that will leave consequences in multiple aspects of our lives. In this post we are going to focus on everything related to new buying habits, otherwise, it would be too long.

Change of Habits

One of the first pieces of news that hit us all hard was knowing that we could only step on the street to buy basic necessities. When we found out, we all ran to loot the supermarkets as if we had seen the four horsemen of the apocalypse arrive. Once the first moment of panic was over (fear is very powerful and completely irrational), we gradually adapted to the new situation and discovered that these small forays into the streets in search of food, medicine, within others, it was anything but pleasant: lines surrounding the supermarkets with people more than 1.5 meters dressed from top to bottom with gloves and masks, security measures to access the premises, lonely buyers fleeing from anyone who invades their personal space … measures completely justified and that we must respect, but that makes it almost traumatic to go shopping.

But this change does not stop here: during the last month, we did not know very well if the rest of online retailers dedicated to the sale of products that are not essential items would continue to operate normally. This uncertainty took its toll on this ecommerce, but once the doubt was cleared and, seeing that the orders were made and arrived relatively normally, we found the second great change in habits: buying everything that we need or want in online stores. Yes, even supplies for your home.

Has your bathroom shower window broken, and you cannot go to your usual store? You can buy it online. Have you been thinking about changing your kitchen’s plumbing system now that you’re spending more time at home? Well, you can buy it online. Companies like DK Hardware, one of the largest online home improvement retailers for a variety of hardware manufacturers all over the United States and Canada, have your back.

Think Global, Act Local

Online retail is there to satisfy your needs and now it has more prominence than ever. This situation is causing many SMEs and local businesses that saw that the online channel was only a complement or did not even consider working on that channel, have woken up from one day to the next and now consider it their priority (and if not I don’t know what they are waiting for). While many companies, both large and small, keep their productivity levels in check thanks to the option of telecommuting, many businesses are going digital so as not to be left behind and remain part of the game.

And After This, What?

The post-coronavirus world will be an even more digitized world in which the battle to get users to choose us will be even fiercer: let’s not forget that a large part of the population does not have the purchasing power it had before the pandemic and that the longer the confinement lengthens, the longer and more severe will be the economic crisis that the country is facing. In these circumstances, these factors will be key:

Price: The price war will continue to be something that online retail has to live with. The excessive stock in the warehouses together with a society that is going to look at the price with a magnifying glass, will force the stores to have competitive and attractive products.

Loyalty: With so many new players on the board, it will be more difficult to get your buyers to be loyal and make recurring purchases in the same store. Therefore, establishing a good loyalty strategy is going to be mandatory.

Omnichannel: It is more important than ever to attract and retain users, so we cannot forget the power of working multiple channels at the same time, building a powerful brand image and with the aim of being more in contact with our users: social networks, email marketing, SEO, SEM are some of the examples of channels that must be perfectly coordinated and that will work as one.

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Featured in the Best Online Shops 2020 – Newsweek, DK Hardware is one of the largest online home improvement retailers for a variety of hardware manufacturers all over the United States and Canada.