You can’t lose selling online

[retailworld]

For UK SMEs, trading online has become more profitable and less costly to implement, but few retailers are grasping the opportunity, according to web solution company, Actinic.

Nine out of ten company websites are profitable: and on average, companies that implement ecommerce find it costs 40% less than they anticipated. But only one in ten retailers has a transactional website. Even among those who already accept telephone orders for home delivery, only one in four has an ecommerce facility.

Actinic’s Chris Barling said: “Online stores are rarely unprofitable, because there is huge growth in the sector and overheads are far lower than their offline counterparts.

“More consumers are letting their fingers do the shopping, but still too few smaller businesses are grasping the opportunity. Given the ease with which you can set up a web store nowadays, there is no reason not to take the plunge, especially if you already offer home delivery.”

[Source: Business Link 12th February 2007]

Do you have a web site? If so, do you actually trade online?

[boss44]

We are in the middle of creating our website as we only opened at christmas we still have alot of work to do to get properly established. We will be tading online as recent trends have shown that we would be missing out on a huge opportunity if we didn't.

[NetBiz]

We have seen a great increase in ecommerce websites. You have to be careful that it does not get lost in web world though. Make sure you have great seo advice. You can email me at steph@netbizsolutions.co.uk, have a look at our portfolio www.netbizsolutions.co.uk

SEO need not be massively expensive, a good web design will do alot of the work for you.

regards,

Steph

Internet Business Solutions

www.netbizsolutions.co.uk

[quikshop]

Actinic’s Chris Barling said: “Online stores are rarely unprofitable

He would say that wouldn't he :D

The truth is, far too many people think that all they need to do is to get a shop created then sit back and wait for the money to start rolling in.

The reality is, an online shop is nothing more than a sales channel that requires regular blocks of time and effort putting in to make it a success. That's not to mention book-keeping, business trading accounts and some sort of business plan would be quite handy.

Far too many eCommerce providers, Actinic included, sell themselves as 'all thats needed' to achieve online riches. All they are doing is selling you software, the riches part of that comes from your own time and effort.

[FireFleur]

Online can be very competitive though, and the set up costs can get close to bricks and mortar level very rapidly.

Sure all commerce is going this way, though some people still enjoy wandering around the malls. I think we will see more of the V Shop approach to commerce, which is to put terminals everywhere. If people can collect easily, then saves having to carry around all the shopping, select your goods, and load up at the end :)

[NetBiz]

Setting up ecommerce doesn't get to bricks and mortar, if you set your budget and keep to it, then all you need to do is work at keeping it fresh. If it has been built organically seo will occur naturally. We at netbizsolutions want our customers to make money, there are alot of people selling ridiculous packages that are not necessary. We take time out to understand each business. Most of our customers come back to us for further work.

[4thfrog]

Personally, I think the future lies in having both a retail outlet and an online presence, when done well they can complement each other perfectly.

[emmab]

Personally, I think the future lies in having both a retail outlet and an online presence, when done well they can complement each other perfectly.

I'd have to agree with this actually, I think that a business stands a better chance of growth with the added bonus of being online too.

[NetBiz]

Yes I also agree that both a retail outlet and website can compliment each other, but a website is a good place to start if your budget is tight, far less overheads

[retailworld]

Depends what you're selling though - there are some products people will generally not buy online - a shop is better.

[emmab]

Depends what you're selling though - there are some products people will generally not buy online - a shop is better.

Really ? Like what ?

[m8internet]

Most perishable items are usually purchased from a shop rather than online
I know the main supermarkets offer this online, but when you watch the staff loading up a customers shopping the vast majority of it is sealed or long life perishables, very little of it is fresh fruit and vegetables

There are also some obvious items, like prescription drugs
Again, it can be done, but the demand is very low and regitration is a long drawn out process

One final one is imported items
You will find that most commercial websites outside Europe will not send goods to Europe
Again, there are smaller traders that will do this, but they are generally bending the rules on Excise Duty which can land you with a rather expensive bill!

[Leyla]

Hi All & Partizannka

I'm just starting out, (won't be selling bathroom furniture and appliances though).


you need a clever marketing compaign for that :rolleyes:

Could you give me more advice please.


Thanks, :) x