Spooky season is upon us, and while this brings in some fun tricks and treats, it can also stir up a few nightmares for ecommerce brands. If you're running an online store, you know that the holiday whirlwind starts early, with nearly half of holiday shoppers kicking off their buying spree as early as August, September, or October. So, while October might seem like the calm before the storm, it’s actually the start of the rush. From running out of top-selling products to handling last-minute shipping disasters, these challenges can sneak up on you. That's why we've put together a list of 10 common ecommerce scares and, more importantly, how to stop your business from vanishing into thin air like a ghost.

1. Running Out of Inventory

Nothing’s scarier than customers rushing to your site only to find "Sold Out" splattered across your top products. It can hurt your sales and drive customers to shop elsewhere. Research has found that 34% of shoppers said they’d switch to a competitor if their favorite items were out of stock. To avoid losing loyal customers, consider using inventory management software that offers real-time stock tracking and automatic low-stock alerts, so you're always ahead of demand. 

2. Too Many SKUs

Trying to offer everything can turn your store into a haunted maze. More SKUs often mean complicated inventory management, higher storage costs, and confusion for customers. Keep it simple, focused, and manageable.

3. Missed Warehouse Deadlines

Late deliveries aren’t just a customer service nightmare — they’re the kind of thing that can damage your brand’s reputation. Make sure your warehouses are prepped and that logistics run smoothly, or those missed deadlines could haunt you.

4. Shipping Delays

The last thing anyone wants is a Halloween costume arriving in November. Shipping delays are a classic ecommerce horror story, especially with carriers stretched thin. More than half (53%) of shoppers say they wouldn’t pay more to guarantee a holiday delivery. A smart way to manage this is by setting a free shipping threshold slightly above your average order value. It encourages bigger purchases while helping you cover shipping costs, which keeps your customers happy and their packages don't get lost in the dark.

5. Neglected Customer Service

When the inbox starts piling up with customer questions or complaints, it can feel like zombies are closing in. Fast, responsive customer service can save the day, while neglecting it could lead to bad reviews and abandoned carts. When customers have a positive experience, they’re more likely to come back — 88% say good customer service makes them want to shop with a brand again.

6. High Cart Abandonment Rates

Abandoned carts are the digital version of a haunted house; customers go in, but they never check out! Make sure your checkout process is smooth, quick, and mobile-friendly to keep those sales from slipping through the cracks.

7. Overspending on Ads

Overspending on ads without tracking return on investment (ROI) is like throwing money into a mysterious void. The average ROI for Google Ads is around 200%, meaning for every $1 spent, businesses typically earn $2 in return. Without proper tracking, you risk losing that potential. Consider focusing on key metrics like click-through rates and use tools like Google Analytics to optimize your ad spend.

8. Data Breaches

Cybersecurity threats are like a monster lurking under the bed. No one sees it coming until it’s too late. Protect your customers’ sensitive data by regularly updating your software and enabling two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection. Try using encryption for data transfers and run security audits to catch vulnerabilities before they become a problem.

9. Inefficient Cash Flow Management

Are you feeling like your cash is all tied up in stock or expenses? It’s a bit like watching a horror movie where you can’t do anything but scream. When cash flow is tight, it gets harder to restock inventory, pay for marketing, or handle surprise expenses. Keeping a close eye on your cash flow can help you stay ready for anything and keep your business running smoothly, even during the holiday rush.

10. Outdated Website Design

A clunky, outdated website is the kind of scare no customer wants. If your site is hard to navigate or doesn’t function well on mobile, you risk losing customers. Even a one-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by 7%, potentially costing your business sales. Keep your site modern, simple, and user-friendly.

Make These Scares Less Scary with Clearco Funding

At Clearco, we help ecommerce brands face these spooky challenges. Whether it’s funding to restock inventory or managing cash flow to stay ahead, we offer flexible, revenue-based funding solutions that don’t take equity. These tailored options can help provide the resources you need to navigate October’s chills and thrills — and beyond.

Happy (and stress-free) selling this season!