What is 11.11 Sales?
Singles Day, or “11.11“, has grown from a quirky celebration of being single in China (光棍节) to the largest shopping event, with businesses reporting record-breaking sales annually. In 2014 (10 years ago from now), Alibaba made USD 9.3 Billion in just 24 hours, and in recent years, those numbers have climbed even higher! Preparing your brand for this mega-sales event is important to capture the attention of shoppers and maximize profit. In this blog, we will share tips on how to strategically prepare for the upcoming 11.11 Singles Day.
Why 11.11 Sales So Popular?
1. Creative Consumer Event
Originally, Singles Day was just a playful celebration for young people in China to joke about being single, with the number “1” representing the “stick” of a single person. In 2009, Alibaba transformed it into a shopping festival, giving singles a reason to “treat themselves.” This creative approach quickly attracted many shoppers and expanded to a broader audience.
2. Huge Discounts and Deals
A major appeal of Singles Day is the deep discounts offered by e-commerce platforms and brands. On this day, consumers can find some of the lowest prices of the year, creating excitement and driving their desire to shop.
3. Social Media and Promotions
Platforms such as Shopee, and Lazada promote Singles Day heavily on social media, often with celebrity live streams and other high-profile campaigns. With live shopping, short videos, and influencers, the festive atmosphere around Singles Day keeps growing, drawing more and more people in.
4. Wide Range of Products
During Singles Day, a vast variety of products are available, covering all aspects of life—from electronics and fashion to daily essentials. Consumers can enjoy the convenience of buying everything they need in one place.
5. Global Influence
With e-commerce platforms promoting Singles Day internationally, it’s no longer just popular in China but has gained traction globally. Many overseas consumers now use this opportunity to buy high-quality products from China, further boosting the day’s popularity.
4 Tips for Preparing 11.11 Sales
1. Plan Competitive Deals & Pricing
Consumers expect to receive exclusive deals on 11.11, but offering discounts doesn’t mean you have to drastically cut profits. Here are a few tactics to design effective pricing:
Moderate Discounts
Businesses must aim for a discount that feels substantial but sustainable, around 10% off compared to regular prices. Shoppers expect deals, but offering controlled discounts keeps margins healthy.
Bundle Offers
Create bundles that increase the perceived value of your products. For example, pairing a bestselling item with a lesser-known item encourages larger basket sizes while moving more inventory.
Flash Sales
Build urgency by scheduling flash sales throughout the day. This can attract buyers during different times and keep them checking in regularly for new offers.
2. Stock Up on Inventory to Avoid Stockouts
Running out of stock during a massive sales event can lead to lost sales and disappointed customers. Plan your inventory well ahead of time:
Increase Stock Levels
Plan for 10–20 times your regular stock volume to accommodate high demand and ensure availability throughout the day.
Diverse SKU Options
Consider offering a broader range of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) to appeal to a wider audience. By diversifying your inventory, you can capture interest from more potential buyers and make your brand the go-to option for different customer needs.
Being proactive with your inventory is essential for avoiding the dreaded “out-of-stock” (OOS) issues during peak times. For brands on marketplaces, inventory planning is especially crucial to retain good platform ratings and avoid penalties.
3. Develop a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy
Marketing is the backbone of any successful 11.11 campaign. Here’s how to build an impactful, multi-channel approach to capture and hold consumer interest:
Social Media Partnerships
Partner with popular influencers and bloggers on platforms like Facebook and Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). Influencers on these platforms can reach diverse audiences and add a layer of trust to your brand. Engaging with them can increase visibility and credibility just in time for 11.11.
META Ads (Facebook & Instagram)
Paid advertising on META platforms can expand your reach and target potential customers. Set up dynamic ads for retargeting and audience segmentation so that your ads show up in front of people who have already shown interest in your brand.
Product Photography & Video Content
Customers are drawn to high-quality visuals. Ensure that each product listing has at least five well-shot photos and/or short videos that showcase key features and potential use cases. These visual assets should clearly communicate value, quality, and versatility.
Drive Traffic to Your Website
Directly advise customers in marketplace descriptions to check out your website for exclusive deals or bundle offers. Reinforcing that items are cheaper when purchased on your site can encourage more direct traffic.
Optimize Website Experience
Decorate your website to reflect the 11.11 shopping spirit. Simple design updates like seasonal banners, color themes, and countdown timers can create a sense of festivity and urgency.
Enhance UX for Better Retention
Improve your website’s user experience by making navigation smooth and straightforward. Slow loading times and complex check-out processes can deter buyers from completing their purchases, so make sure everything is fast, simple, and mobile-friendly.
4. Secure a Reliable Logistics Partner: EasyParcel
For an event like Singles Day, a strong logistics setup is non-negotiable. Here’s why EasyParcel could be the partner you need for seamless order fulfillment:
Bulk & High-Volume Shipments: EasyParcel specializes in handling bulk and high-volume shipments, making it a great fit for the kind of surge that comes with 11.11 sales.
Fast & Affordable Delivery Options
Customers are more likely to buy when they know their order will arrive quickly and at a reasonable shipping rate. EasyParcel’s extensive network ensures competitive pricing and speedy delivery to keep customers happy and reduce post-sale anxiety.
Bulk Shipment Options for Better Savings: With bulk shipping, your business can reduce per-package shipping costs, passing on savings to customers or absorbing them to increase profit margins.
Other Benefits:
- 60+ multi courier partners choices
- Premium 1 on 1 customer support
- More than 1.5 million satisfied users
- Discounted up to 80% shipping rate
- Deliver across 195+ countries & regions globally
- One click integration with 40+ platforms
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New here? Your first shipment might be free if you sign up for an EasyParcel account! EasyParcel welcomes you with a sweet FREE SGD6 for your first shipment. And that’s just the beginning! Sign up today and join the fun!