Do you have a new market you want to attack?

Many businesses are asking themselves where to begin, and as a result some of them decide that opening another store is the answer. However it’s estimated that around 70% of traditional business expenses come from staff and rent.

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are listed as having some of the most expensive retail rents in the world, eventually the decision to open another store in most cases ends up costing more than the business owner can afford and often they regret their decision.

So what other options are there?

eCommerce is having a huge impact on the way consumers think, what they expect and how they spend their hard earned money. Customers have the ease to shop anywhere, anytime, something that cannot be done if you only have a physical shop. It also allows businesses to target completely new customers from all over the globe without all the extra overheads that it would take to do this physically.

eCommerce is taking the world by storm and it’s predicted that the number of sales taking place over the internet will continue to increase yearly by up to 20%

Many business owners who are unfamiliar with the concept of ecommerce websites are concerned about a number of issues so shy away from the idea altogether. But if consumers are moving by the masses to shop online, where does that leave you and your business?

I have delved deeper in this two part blog, into some of your biggest concerns to help you decide whether or not an eCommerce site is for you.

Security

For those of you who are concerned with security issues in having an eCommerce site, you are right to be apprehensive as there are a lot of issues that come into play when going ahead with an eCommerce site. You are after all dealing with very sensitive information. However this is no reason to be afraid of eCommerce as it can also have great benefits to your business.

The best way to ensure that your eCommerce website is completely safe and secure is to get it developed by a reputable web developer who takes pride in ensuring that all PCI (Payment Card Industry) standards are followed, there should also be a dedicated payment gateway in place to reduce risk for you. A dedicated payment gateway will provide the credit card processing facilities required and will be handled by a third party that is then responsible for the safe handling of the sensitive information. The companies providing this service are experts in this area and follow very strict security standards which can be difficult for an eCommerce store on its own to adhere to.

Never be tempted to settle for someone who offers you the world for only a few hundred dollars as this is the easiest way to find yourself in hot water. It may cost you less upfront but your business name is on the line, I can almost guarantee that if you work with a developer who has low standards, you will lay awake at night wondering if you and your customers are sufficiently protected.

Lack of skills

You may be thinking “Sure, it would be great to sell my products online but I’m not a whiz on the computer”.

Well if you can use Microsoft Word, then you can maintain your eCommerce website.

Open Cart is simple to use shopping cart software that we here at HU Web Development recommend. It is designed to help you run your own store without having to go back to your developer every time you want to make minor changes. You can do everything that a business owner should be able to do like add new products, change descriptions, change prices, and keep an eye on your sales.

On Thursday I will talk about; personal contact with your customers and the cost that is involved with an eCommerce website.

Contact us today if you would like to discuss how we can help you.