The Premier Resource Center for
eCommerce and The Internet!
- Increased sales using the Internet and eCommerce
- Increased market exposure using the Internet and eCommerce
- Reduced overhead cost using the Internet and eCommerce
- Shorter time to market for new products using the Internet and eCommerce
- Quicker response to customers using the Internet and eCommerce
- More effective fiscal management using the Internet and eCommerce, and
- An Internet based eCommerce business which is open to receive orders 24/7.
Is anybody making money with eCommerce on the Internet?
Just as in any marketplace, on the Internet some eCommerce stores struggle and others thrive. Success relates to the eCommerce business plan, available capital, advertising and Internet marketing strategies, etc.
What is the expected future volume of eCommerce on the Internet?
All forecasts agree that electronic commerce (eCommerce) and the Internet will be major factors in 21st century economics. They also agree that eCommerce in the form of Internet retail trade is becoming part of the mainstream of American shopping.
What are my eCommerce options for selling products and services on the Internet?
There are a number of ways you can start selling products and services on the Internet. You can place an order form online which customers would have to print and mail or fax back, you can accept direct credit card or open account orders online, or you can become part of a supply chain where a business and a group of its vendors are linked together for direct execution of business transactions and transfer of payments. Or you could become an affiliate to an established Internet business.
What does an eCommerce venture cost to start out?
eCommerce start-up costs range from virtually free to millions of dollars. It costs virtually nothing to develop a web page promoting your products and place it on the Internet if you have the requisite skills and access to an inexpensive host. According to Internet.com, a major source of eCommerce news and information, medium to large size corporations spend an average of one million dollars to develop and implement their corporate Internet eCommerce sites. That is why Internet business planning for electronic commerce is so important.
Can I track eCommerce sales so I know what percentage of my Internet visitors are buying products and how they break down demographically?
Yes, you can, depending on what your Internet web host offers. It is an item that you will need to look at when choosing your host.
How can I effectively market my eCommerce Internet business?
In a variety of ways, including both traditional and Internet marketing techniques. Look at your competitors' ads in magazines, on television, and direct mail. Do they promote a web site? You may need assistance in developing your eCommerce Internet strategy, but the channels are there.
Can I ensure that eCommerce Internet transactions are secure?
There are a number of well-tested security systems that have been operating long enough to prove their worth. The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)- See http://www.verisign.com/ for more information - is one of the more common environments for Internet transactions. Consult with your business host service on security issues, including warranties.
Will SSL allow me to accept credit cards?
SSL will provide you with the secure environment to transfer for your Internet trading. You will also be required to obtain a
Merchant Account from an accredited financial institution which you will use to process the credit card information. There are several options available to you for processing the credit card information once it is on the server.
How do I make my eCommerce customers comfortable with Internet transactions?
This has become less of an issue. New technologies are being developed which will eventually reduce the need for eCommerce consumers to enter credit card information online, but the widespread acceptance of Internet credit card transactions has already taken place.
Click the link for more information on
eCommerce credit card processing merchant accounts
What is "eCommerce Shopping Cart Software" and where can I get it?
An eCommerce shopping cart software program allows you to offer products to your Internet clients with an easy to use interface. There are several shopping cart programs for you to choose from, here's the list of currently available ones from the CGI Resource Index:
The CGI Resource Index: Programs and Scripts: Perl: Shopping Carts
More ecommerce information