If your store gets visits but sales are lower than expected…
Or you notice that customers add products to their cart but don't complete the purchase…
Or you spend on ads with no clear return…
Then there is likely a problem (or more) within the store itself.
Through our work with stores in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, we have noticed that these errors are repeated daily, and more importantly, most of them can be quickly identified and fixed, simply by knowing what to look for. In this guide, we share with you 7 of the most common reasons that affect sales, along with clarifying what you can start with immediately.
1- Mobile Store Experience
Most customers in the region browse on their phones, and any slowness or difficulty in use simply means losing the customer before they even start.
What to look for:
- Website loading speed
- Clear buttons and easy navigation
- Simple purchase steps
Practical suggestion:
Test your store yourself on a mid-range Android phone, not just an iPhone, and vice versa, to ensure a smooth customer experience.
In many cases, the problem is not immediately obvious, but requires a more precise review of technical details that affect user experience.
2- Lack or weakness of payment options
A customer usually prefers a specific payment method, and if they don't find it, they often won't complete the order.
Ensure the availability and clarity of payment options such as:
- Mada
- Apple Pay
- STC Pay
- Tamara or Tabby
The availability of "Buy now, pay later" options has become an important factor in increasing order value, especially in the Gulf market.
3- Product pages that don't help in making a purchase decision
Many stores display the product, but they don't "sell" it.
Common mistakes include:
- General or repetitive descriptions.
- Insufficient or unrealistic images.
- Failure to clarify the actual benefit of the product.
What can be improved:
- Writing descriptions that focus on benefits, not just specifications.
- Using real images of the product in use.
- Organizing the page in a way that leads the customer to make a decision.
- It is also noted that the Arabic version in many stores is weaker than the English version, if present, which directly affects customer trust.
4- Ineffective use of WhatsApp
In the Arabian Gulf region, WhatsApp is not just a communication tool, but part of the sales process.
What is recommended:
- Adding a clear WhatsApp button on product pages.
- Clarifying response time (e.g., "We respond within an hour").
- Using a WhatsApp Business account and organizing responses.
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Having a quick and clear communication channel helps the customer make a decision instead of hesitating.
5- Abandoned Shopping Carts
A large percentage of customers do not complete the purchase process on the first attempt, which is normal, but ignoring it is the problem.
What can be done:
- Following up with the customer via a WhatsApp message within a short period.
- Reminding them of the product in a simple and non-intrusive way, and a discount can be offered to the customer if they complete the purchase within a short period.
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In the local market, WhatsApp often achieves better results than email in this regard.
6- Unclear Shipping and Delivery
Any ambiguity in shipping creates hesitation for the customer.
It is best to clarify:
- Expected delivery time (preferably not exceeding 3 days).
- Shipping costs should be clear and reasonable.
- The name of the shipping company used, such as (Aramex or SMSA).
- We suggest offering free shipping once the customer reaches a certain amount, if possible.
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These simple details increase trust and reduce customer hesitation.
7- Lack of Retargeting
Not every visitor buys on their first visit, but without retargeting, most will not return.
Essentials:
- Properly install Meta Pixel in your store to track visitors.
- Use TikTok Pixel if possible.
- Run a simple retargeting campaign initially to monitor results.
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Even with a small budget, a significant portion of potential customers can be recovered.
These are some of the most frequently seen problems, but they are not the only ones. Each store has its own circumstances, and what affects your sales may be related to your product, your audience, or your presentation method.
Store Review Sessions
We offer a limited number of store review sessions. During a private session (two hours):
- We will review your store live.
- We identify the most prominent problems affecting sales.
- We share clear steps to solve problems or improve.
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And suggest practical adjustments that can be applied directly.
If you are interested in a more accurate understanding of your store's situation, you can view the details and book here