Finding a new customer takes work. You post, you answer questions, you explain delivery, you confirm the order. So imagine how much easier it is when that same customer comes back next month and simply says, "Send me another one."
That is the power of products people buy again.
What real orders show
Two numbers from real Sri Lankan online shops stand out.
- Everyday items that get used up were reordered about 4 times as often as gadgets. Buyers of things like packaging, cleaning and beauty products reordered about 11% of the time within two months. Gadget buyers reordered about 3% of the time.
- When customers know the seller and reorder, about 96% of parcels were delivered. Compare that with selling to strangers online, where 30–37% of parcels came back.
Put those together and the lesson is clear: a customer who buys again is not only an extra order. They are also a far safer order.
Why gadgets are "one and done"
A phone holder, a torch or a small speaker is useful, but most people buy one and they are finished. If it works well, they may tell a friend, which is great, but they rarely need a second one soon.
A face wash, a cleaning liquid or a pack of food containers is different. It runs out or wears out, and the customer needs it again.
What makes a good repeat product
Look for products that are:
- Used up or worn out. Cleaning products, beauty and personal care, kitchen consumables, packaging, baby care items.
- Used often. Something used every day runs out sooner than something used once a month.
- Easy to like. If a customer is happy with the first one, they won't want to experiment with another brand.
- Priced sensibly. Repeat orders work best when the total with delivery still feels fair, so the Rs 1,000–3,000 range (see the price sweet spot) is a good guide.
You don't need to drop gadgets completely. Many sellers mix both: a gadget to catch attention and an everyday product that brings people back.
Keep a simple customer list
You can't bring customers back if you don't remember who they are. Keep a simple list in a notebook or a notes app:
- Name and phone number (only for customers who ordered from you)
- What they bought and when
- When it might run out (your best guess)
- Any note ("prefers evening calls", "has a baby")
Keep this list private. Never share it or add people to groups without asking.
The gentle reminder
When you think a product may be running low, send one short, friendly message. Don't pressure, and don't send it every day.
Hi [name], hope the face wash has been good for you. It's been about a month, so I thought I'd check if you're running low. Same price, Rs 1,850 + delivery. Shall I send another one?
(Put in the customer's name and the real price from the app.)
If they say no, thank them and leave it. If they don't reply, don't chase them again and again.
Make reordering easy
- Remember the details. "Same address as last time?" saves them time. Still confirm the address and phone number for every order.
- Share your shop link. MyKade gives you your own shop page with your name and prices, so customers can see what else you offer.
- Ask what else they need. Sometimes a happy customer will tell you exactly what to sell next.
The first order is where it starts
A repeat customer begins with a good first experience: a clear price, a confirmed order and a parcel that arrives as promised. Read how to confirm every order to get that first order right.
Start building your regulars
Choose one everyday product your friends and family already use, and become the person they reorder from. Download the MyKade app and find your first repeat product.