What Are The Factors To Be Considered Before Launching Into E-commerce?

Try to be a direct marketer with the creative analyst will raise your business in large number of customers  over the web.

Factors to Consider Before Launching into E-Commerce      Survey: 3 out of 4 small businesses do not yet have a Web site.  Small companies account for more than 50% of all retail sales in the U.S., but they generate only 9% of online retail sales.    By 2003, small companies will generate just 6% of online retail sales.    Developing a deep, lasting relationship with customers takes on even greater importance on the Web.  Creating a meaningful presence on the Web requires an ongoing investment of resources – time, money, energy, and talent.  Measuring the success of a Web-based sales effort is essential to remaining relevant to customers whose tastes, needs, and preferences constantly change.    Study: 75% of Web shoppers who fill their on-line shopping carts become frustrated and leave the site before checking out.  Reasons:  Site too slow  Site looks unprofessional  Site does not take credit cards  Checkout area too hard to find  No return policy posted    APPROACHES TO E COMMERCE:    Online shopping malls  Storefront building services  Internet service providers (ISPs)  Hiring professionals to design a custom site  Building a site in-house    Key advantage: Ability to customize a site, making it anything an entrepreneur wants.  Major disadvantage: Cost  A custom-designed site can cost between $10,000 and $30,000  A site with complete front-office and back-office integration can cost more than $500,000!