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If you're a small business that offers physical products the idea of selling them online is likely not new to you but small businesses of ALL sizes and shapes can benefit from offering ecommerce products and services. Services? Online? Yup! You might think ecommerce is just for selling products, but it can open up a whole new world of convenience and growth for service-based businesses too.
Imagine letting clients book appointments, purchase gift cards, or even sign up and pre-pay for your services all online—without the back-and-forth of phone calls and emails. Or the untapped potential of offering low-cost resources available for download on your website 24/7. Talk about #pajamaprofits.
Convinced? Great. Now what?
Oh we have to choose the right platform to sell these products from!
I can help with this!
Ecommerce Step 1: Start Where You Are!
If you already have a website, you're in a great position to start selling online. Many websites can be equipped with ecommerce functionality without needing a complete overhaul. Integrating e-commerce into your existing site can save you time and money. Plus, you’re already familiar with your website’s layout and audience, making it easier to manage your online store.
Some great website/ecommerce options are:
However, if you don’t have a website yet or are concerned that your current platform can’t handle the volume of sales you’re anticipating (I'm looking at you, Weebly.com), it might be time to explore other options. Platforms like Shopify and/or Etsy can offer robust solutions for handling ecommerce, each with its strengths and considerations.
Optional Side Quest: Shopify
What It Is:Â Shopify is an all-in-one ecommerce platform that allows you to create and manage an online store with ease. It handles everything from hosting and security to payment processing and inventory management. Shopify is great for those without an existing website as you can create that at the same time and for those with main products to offer.
This would not be the place for those just looking to offer a few downloadables or bookable appointments.
Main Perks:
User-Friendly: Shopify is known for its intuitive interface, making it easy for you to set up and manage your online store, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Scalability: It’s designed to grow with your business, so whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, Shopify can handle it.
All-In-One Solution:Â You get everything you need under one roof, including domain registration, hosting, and customer support.
Main Drawbacks:
Cost:Â Shopify comes with a monthly fee, and additional features or apps can add to the cost. You can have a monthly cost associated with adding commerce to sites like Wix, but usually, it's much less than a Shopify Subscription. For info on prices, click here.
Less Customization:Â While easy to use, it may offer less flexibility in design compared to other platforms.
Optional Side Quest: Etsy
What It Is: Etsy is an online marketplace specifically for handmade, vintage, and unique products. It’s a great platform if you’re selling distinctive items and want to reach a broad audience interested in artisanal and creative products.
It's best for people who (1) made handmade goods and (2) either don't have a website or are concerned they can't get enough traffic to this website.
Why It Might Be Good:
Built-In Audience:Â Etsy has a large, established customer base looking for unique products, which can help you gain visibility and attract buyers.
Ease of Use:Â Setting up a shop on Etsy is straightforward, and you can start selling quickly with minimal setup.
Why It Might Be Bad:
Fees:Â Etsy charges listing fees and takes a percentage of each sale, which can add up.
Competition: This isn't always discussed about ETSY but it's always the case. You have to PAY to show up on the first 100 or so pages. It is not merit based. Its it pay to play.
Limited Customization: You have less control over your store’s appearance and functionality compared to a dedicated e-commerce platform like Shopify.
Step 2: Run a Quick Cost Benefit Analysis
When choosing an ecommerce platform, assessing the long-term costs beyond just the initial setup fees is crucial. Platforms often have ongoing expenses like monthly subscriptions, transaction fees, and costs for additional features or plugins.
Understand these costs clearly and plan accordingly. Consider your business’s growth projections to ensure you’re covering these expenses and generating enough revenue to sustain them.
Step 3: Check the Scales
As your business grows, you want a platform that can grow with you. What works for a small shop with a handful of products might not cut it when you’re managing a larger inventory or dealing with a surge in traffic.
Make sure the platform you choose can handle your increased demand, whether it’s adding new products, expanding to new markets, or accommodating more customers. A scalable platform means you won’t have to switch systems or start from scratch as your business evolves, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches down the road.
Step 4: Beta-Test the Logistics
Most ecommerce platforms cover the basics of logistics, such as shipping, taxes, and payment processing, but it’s important to dig deeper before making your decision.
Spend some time playing around with these features to see how they actually work in practice. Test out how the platform calculates shipping rates, handles different tax scenarios, and processes payments to spot any potential hang-ups early on. For digital products be sure to check things like delivery of the downloadable and how easy that is to navigate as a consumer.
The last thing you want is to discover a frustrating quirk or limitation after you’ve already committed.
Then just do it!
Diving into ecommerce might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and platform, it can be a seamless addition to your small business—whether you’re selling physical products or offering services.
From starting where you are with your existing website to considering platforms like Shopify or Etsy, there’s an option out there that can fit your needs and help you grow.
Remember, it’s not just about finding a platform that works today but one that will scale with you as your business expands. With a little planning and the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking new opportunities and revenue streams online.
And if you need any help your pal Christi is always avaialble for a very-affordable but even more knowledgable consultation.
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