Vilfredo Pareto's 80/20 Rule in e-Commerce [Infographic]

Merchants, who are running an online business, have to handle a lot of complicated processes. It is not about technical support or leads generating, but organizing of all the components is the key to success. Due to this fact, store owners usually suffer from a lack of time to cope with everything. But, back in 1906, Vilfredo Pareto has presented his own principle that is on the front burner till nowadays.

The key reference of this rule appears to be a statement that 80% of revenue is generated by 20% of customers. Sounds ridiculous? But it is absolute truth, and large companies keep that principle in mind while planning the future activities. Simply take a look at your active clients and analyze how they affect the total revenue. You will probably notice that around 20% of customers have made 80% of the total profit. Surprise! That is your own approval of Pareto’s rule.

The most impressive fact is that every business has the same or pretty similar structure. It is the reason why e-merchants, who try to optimize their management, use this principle all the time. That rule helps for sure, if you are looking forward to growing higher and faster than others.

For the best convenience, check the infographic, originally created by Nextopia, showing different examples of 80/20 rule in e-Commerce.

As you can see, there is no need to bother about more than a half of your business processes. Try to use Pareto’s rule and reorganize business activities in order to be on a rise.

Monthly Update – September 2025

The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, remains a cornerstone for optimizing e-commerce strategies. For September 2025, we recommend applying this principle to your customer retention efforts. Identify the 20% of your most loyal customers who likely contribute to 80% of your repeat business. These high-value customers are crucial for sustained growth and brand advocacy. Focus on personalized engagement, exclusive offers, and superior support for this segment. Understanding their preferences and pain points can also inform broader improvements across your store, benefiting all customers. Furthermore, if you're considering a platform migration, ensuring these valuable customer profiles and their historical data are seamlessly transferred is paramount. A smooth transition for your top customers minimizes disruption and reinforces their loyalty, safeguarding your primary revenue streams. Leverage advanced migration services to preserve all customer data accurately, from purchase history to loyalty points. This strategic focus ensures that your most vital relationships are maintained and even strengthened during significant operational changes. For more details, explore our FAQ section or schedule a call with a migration expert.