IanThe very least that a customer can do to the environment, during an online purchase, is to opt for a product that is marked ‘eco-friendly’. A lot of awareness is already present in the minds of people today, about caring for the environment. As a shrewd, budding entrepreneur, it makes sense to capitalize on this fact and sell eco-friendly products.
The advantages are multi-fold
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The environment benefits out of it. That’s the single most important advantage.
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The ‘Eco-friendly’ tag can become your USP. When presented with a choice, customers tend to choose you over non eco-friendly options. Along with price and promises of free shipping, the eco-friendly tag also works as a preferential factor. So, you beat competitors there.
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The government offers a lot of benefits to eco-friendly businesses today. You stand to gain advantages there as well.
Why go green
While a lot of people seem to think that green technology would be expensive, it pays to think long term. Green technology pays you handsome returns in the long term. Also, green technology makes you eligible for tax breaks. Factor that when you opt for ecofriendly businesses. If you already have a small business, see if you can go green by tweaking your processes and getting certified green. If so, you can take advantage of tax breaks.
Startup ideas
If you are yet to start your venture, start thinking of green business ideas. Let us assume that you want to sell handicrafts online. You can perhaps think of making these artifacts with recycled paper and other such ecofriendly stuff. You can use environment friendly ink; eliminate the use of plastics and other harmful goods. Even your packaging can be ecofriendly, with just adequate amount of paper and plastic used. Your packaging can be designed in such a way that it can be reused. This goes on to say that any start up can be made ecofriendly.
A green business rates as a highly ethical business. Learn more on ethical supply chains here.
Branding it green
Market the brand as an eco-friendly one. It is of great importance that you let people know of your processes, product and its USP. Make it clear that your product demands a market share because it is ecofriendly. Propagate your USP. Most importantly, get certified by the concerned authorities that you are indeed a green business. Display your certifications and ratings proudly. Have social media pages dedicated to your brand. And use these platforms to promote environmental conservation programs. Spread the word, let it buzz. And along with this, you promote your brand inadvertently. Use your Facebook page to give green ideas to your fans. Sponsor beach cleaning activities. Promote a run for the local marshland. Stand your ground for anything green.
Once you have built your brand, don’t forget the basis of your idea. Stay true to the concept. And more importantly, don’t make a fool out of yourself by distributing paper pamphlets in a carnival and claiming you are ecofriendly. There is nothing like hypocrisy to kill your brand!
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