What lessons can entrepreneurs learn from iHerb’s growth and marketing approach?

Entrepreneurs can learn several key lessons from iHerb’s growth and marketing approach:

• Focus on Competitive Pricing and Delivery Speed: iHerb significantly grew sales by repricing its top products competitively and improving delivery times, including offering expedited shipping options like two-day delivery. This focus on price and delivery experience helped maintain strong customer demand even post-pandemic.

• Leverage Customer Reviews and Trust: Syndicating website reviews to major marketplaces like Walmart.com helped iHerb build trust and improve conversion rates. User-generated reviews are critical for customer confidence and informed purchasing decisions.

• Build a User-Friendly, Feature-Rich Platform: iHerb’s app and website offer a vast product catalog, personalized recommendations, seamless navigation, and regular deals, enhancing user experience and engagement.

• Expand Through Global Marketplaces and Social Commerce: iHerb’s presence on multiple global marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, Tmall, Rakuten, etc.) and active use of social commerce platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram) broadened its reach and connected with new customer segments valuing convenience and authenticity.

• Invest in Logistics and Localization: Operating multiple fulfillment centers worldwide enables iHerb to maintain fast shipping (average under five days) and offer free shipping in many countries. Localization efforts include translating the platform into 22 languages and accepting over 80 currencies, creating a tailored shopping experience for diverse markets.

• Continuous Product Innovation and Partnerships: iHerb regularly adds new brands and products, including collaborations with well-known names, keeping its portfolio fresh and appealing to health-conscious consumers.

These strategies highlight the importance of customer-centric pricing, logistics excellence, trust-building through reviews, platform usability, global marketplace integration, and ongoing product innovation for entrepreneurial success in e-commerce.