Facilitating an online shop is quite different than opening the door of your traditional store at the mall every morning, and what works for one, may be damaging to the other. If you are in the process of starting an exciting online venture, reflect on the pros and cons an e-business can throw at you.
What are the advantages of having an e-commerce website?
• Low overhead: The domain name and hosting of a website cost way less than leasing an actual building and paying for its utilities. With an e-business you can store your merchandise virtually anywhere you want.
• Advertising: online marketing will be less expensive than advertising in brochures and newspapers. Search Engine Optimization tools can be learned, and if in the end, it does sound too complicated, hiring an SEO specialist will still be cheaper that sending out flyers through the mail.
• Customers accessibility: If changes in your business occur (e.g. new partners, new merchandise, winning an award, contests) you can notify your customers faster and more easily.
• Global marketing: Through the Internet you will be able to increase your customer base. It virtually means that through your website you are basically opening your door to the world, and not just a specific district in your city.
Why people like to shop online:
• Choice: consumers have a better selection of products to choose from. They can shop whatever, whenever and view all price ranges.
• Convenience: Products can be reviewed at any time, for free and in little time
• Comparison: Prices, specifications, quality, availability, benefits and more can be compared in minutes, regardless if the customer is at home, at work or at an Internet café.
Downsides to shopping online:
• Customers still prefer to buy certain items like shoes, clothing, pets or perfume in a conventional store.
• Certain products may require in-store assistance.
• Some items may be difficult to deliver, or the shipping charges are too high.
• Website ( Web Design ) tools can be inflexible and occasionally will not allow customers to adjust their order.
• Some shoppers insist on haggling, but they cannot argue with an online shopping cart
Like with everything in life, most people avoid taking risks. They like familiarity and guarantees. When launching your e-commerce website eliminate statements and illustrations that may seem threatening to your customers. Highlight customer satisfaction, return policies, payment-safe options and other services so your clients know all of their orders and transactions will be risk-free.
E-tailers have to understand that consumers have expectations and they like to be in control. The benefit of having satisfied customers is that they will come back and will also recommend you to their co-workers, friends and family. ‘Word-of-mouth' leads to more business than any other advertising technique and can help you build a strong reputation.
A few last words of advice: offer good bargains and deals, guarantee a speedy delivery, do not clutter up your site with unrelated topics and monitor your competition. Always be available to your customers. Use e-mail, forums, user reviews and ‘comment programs' to keep the line of communication open and really listen to what your customers have to say. Remember, they are the ones who will determine which fashions will be hot sellers this summer, and what kind of music downloads will be popular.
Dzinestand.com is one of Chicago Web Design Firms. We create highly engaging Web Design for large to medium size enterprises. Our cutting edge Professional Web Design will boost your competitive advantage.
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