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E-commerce

by Vera Hughes and David Weller

You may decide to expand your business into e-commerce or sell online from the start. You won’t know who your customers are, but you might be selling worldwide. Look at your competitors’ websites and note the good and bad points.

If you are new to e-commerce, start by buying and selling small items yourself, perhaps on eBay. It helps you get to know your way around an e-commerce site and what others do about payment (usually through PayPal), deliveries and returns. The next step might be to open an eBay shop, just to try out your own e-commerce.

Eventually you will probably need your own website. Do get professional help if you need it. You will need a ‘Home’ page, introducing customers to your company and products, with good key words a search engine will grab. Then attractive photographs and descriptions of your products, with measurements, catalogue numbers, if applicable, price etc. This process takes ages.

A good ordering and payment system is a must. E-commerce sellers often include postage and packing in the price for the UK, but ask buyers from overseas to contact you so that an appropriate price can be agreed. Have a sensible returns policy.
An ‘About us’ page can describe your company and its contacts. Add human interest, by including things such as photos of the people involved.

You will have become an international entrepreneur!

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