New survey data released by Intuit QuickBooks reveals that 93% of shoppers say supporting small businesses this coming holiday season is more important than ever due to the pandemic.

Additionally, nearly half of consumers (48%) are more likely to try new businesses than they were before the pandemic, which represents a great opportunity for small retail businesses looking to maximize their vacation sales.

In addition to the recently announced data, QuickBooks also launched its first QuickBooks Holiday Shopping Guide, a curated list of small businesses perfect for any shopping list this holiday season.

The QuickBooks Commerce Small Business Buying Report contains data on consumer buying attitudes toward small businesses.

Survey of 2,000 American adults highlights fundamental change in consumer buying behavior in the wake of the pandemic – highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges ahead for small business owners, in particular as the holiday shopping season approaches.

Despite the overwhelming consumer support for small purchases, small business owners need to break down the barriers that prevent buyers from making a purchase.

Having an online presence that not only makes it easier to find the business but also drives sales is more critical than ever.

Almost half (48%) of consumers surveyed stopped shopping at a store they visited before the pandemic because the company did not have an online store.

Additionally, 53% considered using a business but changed their mind because the business did not have a website. Other main research findings include:

• Consumers value convenience. Almost half (44%) of consumers enjoy shopping online because they don’t have to leave their home, and about a third of consumers enjoy shopping online for the ease of finding products (33 %), the speed of finding and comparing products (32%), and therefore, finding the most affordable option (31%).
• The technical and shipping issues frustrate consumers. 83% of online shoppers have encountered technical issues at least once or twice while shopping or browsing small business websites, posing a threat to sales conversion. Furthermore, expedition is the biggest challenge for around 29% of consumers who have shopped online from small businesses, especially the high shipping costs (22%).
• Consumers want the best of both worlds. For 56% of consumers, their shopping journey often involves both online and in-person channels known as “omnichannel shopping”. This means that a majority of consumers look at products in store and then buy online, or find products online and then buy them in store.

“Our research shows that consumers want to support small businesses, but often don’t have the online shopping experience that consumers expect, missing out on potential sales. We introduced QuickBooks Commerce to help small businesses break through the barrier of selling online while being able to expand into other channels so they can adapt and thrive on demanded omnichannel shopping experiences. by consumers.

Shilpa Reddy, Vice President of QuickBooks Commerce at Intuit

Intuit launched QuickBooks Commerce in 2020 to help businesses manage business and operational complexities and meet consumers’ desire for “omnichannel shopping” that includes multiple channels.

The offering enables businesses to better manage product, order, inventory and fulfillment across multiple online and offline sales channels, so they can expand their customer base by meeting consumers where they are.

“As a business owner who sells through multiple channels – direct to consumer, wholesale, Amazon – it’s critical to make sure we have one place to manage all of our inventory and sales, especially ahead of a period. busy vacation. “

“Managing our inventory and execution across all sales channels while integrating seamlessly with our accounting system through QuickBooks Commerce gives our small team more time and resources to focus on expanding our customer base. and the development of new touch products to make the world happier and more creative, and a more productive place.

Craig Zucker, Founder, Speks.

Introducing the QuickBooks Holiday Shopping Guide

This holiday season, Intuit is making it easier for consumers to shop with a small business guide curated to help shoppers find creative, bespoke holiday gifts.

The QuickBooks Small Business Buying Guide helps buyers find and support small businesses across the country. The suite of QuickBooks clients and products highlighted in the guide showcases the innovations and ingenuity of American entrepreneurs.

The QuickBooks Small Business Holiday Shopping Guide features a range of inspiring entrepreneurs who offer unique gifts.

Resources for small businesses to support a ubiquitous shopping experience

Beyond the QuickBooks Platform products and services designed to help small businesses grow and prosper, there is a range of online resources from the QuickBooks Resource Center to help small businesses prepare for the season. holiday shopping.

Connect with us and other small business owners

Please visit our Facebook Group for Small Business Sellers and interact with other small business owners.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay on top of news and business information relevant to your online business.