Whether you’re selling services, products or solutions, launching an e-commerce business can be both challenging and rewarding in many ways. What can be one of the most lucrative types of businesses to launch, especially in the current climate, also comes with its own unique set of challenges.
But how exactly can you go about getting set up? What processes and plans do you need to put in place to ensure the best possible outcome?
Before You Start Selling
Crucially, before you get going, you need to understand the different business models available. If you’re looking to turn a profit, which most businesses are, you’ll need to decide on whether you’re going to decide on whether you’ll be dropshipping, using the warehousing model or offering more of a subscription based service. There’s also affiliate marketing to consider too, but that’s a whole other story.
One thing you’ll need to ensure is that whichever way you choose to start, you have the funds behind you to do so. This is particularly important if you’re opting for the warehousing model, as you’ll need to invest in stock and products beforehand. If you’ve not saved up enough money or don’t have investment backing, why not look into business funding from companies like Nucleus Commercial Finance to give you the boost you need.
Which Selling Platform Should I Use?
With so many different platforms out there, it can be difficult to sift through the pros and cons to see which is best suited to you and your business. With the likes of Amazon and Shopify available to use, how do you choose?
The main difference between the two is the marketplace. Shopify focuses on creating an online store so you can sell just about anything you want! Amazon on the other hand, is about selling through Amazon itself, so you won’t have a store of your own. You’ll only be able to post directly onto their marketplace alongside all the other people out there who sell the same product.
Shopify is a high-quality platform that gives you the freedom to build a marketplace of your own. You don’t have to compete with anyone else because your site is about you and the products you have on offer. It offers different pricing levels and options, quality seller and customer support, a variety of sales and website features and boasts the ability for you to create your own brand.
Amazon is a little different. One of the biggest benefits is that you’ll automatically be pushed out to all of their customers, giving you coverage you may not have got by advertising on your own. You also get your packing and shipping included and on the whole, it’s easy to set up!
E-Commerce is The Way Forward
No matter the challenges you face, e-commerce businesses can withstand almost anything. And, depending on which model you choose, you could also boast very little running costs per month, especially if you are operating your business from home alone or with minimal help, creating a lucrative and profitable business!
