DEFINING YOUR E-COMMERCE NEEDS
E-Commerce 101 means defining the ‘must-haves’ functions you require. It also means finding the right e-commerce solution that fits you and your business. Below are some points to consider.
First, let’s examine a few different eCommerce website systems.
FLAT FILE PAGE, NON-INTERACTIVE SHOPPING PAGE
The simplest eCommerce method is an online flat-file page. A flat-file page lets visitors print and fax product orders or phone in their orders.
Another simple eCommerce method is a non-interactive shopping page. A non-interactive page sends each online order as a simple email, so no credit card transactions take place online.
MULTI-PAGE WEBSITE WITH SHOPPING CART
A multi-page website with a shopping cart allows visitors to pick products while looking at the site, change their order, preview their order, and submit it online. Orders can also be sent by email or accessed via the website administration area. These systems also have real-time credit card processing and a robust shopping interface that includes coupons, wish lists, and upselling at checkout.
Also, see
PARTS MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
SUCCESSFUL E-COMMERCE WEBSITES
Next, once you choose a secure e-commerce platform, consider these things when setting up your online store.
LIST ALL CREDIT CARDS THE SITE WILL ACCEPT
Make it clear what types of online payment you will accept. (Visa, Master Card, AMEX, Discover). Other online payment methods include PayPal, Bitcoin, and electronic checks.
TAX CALCULATIONS
List information such as codes, taxes, duties, etc., which can help expedite orders and reduce international costs. Shipping products internationally can be complicated and costly. Moreover, consider how your sales tax will be calculated for online orders. For example, some states have rates that differ from county to county.
DEVELOP A BUSINESS SLOGAN OR CATCHPHRASE
Give reasons why your business beats the competition. To illustrate, showcase your USP. (Unique Selling Proposition)? Because customers tend to look for information as a priority when shopping online. Similarly, customers love product videos.
WEB SURFERS HAVE SHORT ATTENTION SPANS
Web surfers may not remember your site and will probably not return unless you give them a compelling reason to do so. How can you encourage repeat visitors and referrals? Encourage visitors to submit their email addresses voluntarily.
ENCOURAGE EMAIL SIGNUPS
Providing free offers, contests, referral forms, or online coupons can be valuable tools to encourage email signups.
WRITE UNIQUE CONTENT FOR YOUR SITE
People are always searching for helpful information! Therefore, write compelling content that keeps visitors engaged.
CONTROL ONLINE FRAUD
Fraudulent orders might result in the termination of your company’s merchant account. Therefore, call to authorize international orders, ship only to the billing address listed on a credit card, double-check on large orders with overnight shipping, and refuse online orders from customers with free email domains.
DEFINE YOUR DELIVERY & RETURN/REFUND POLICIES
Make sure you have website pages that clearly explain your delivery, return, and refund policies!
PROTECT PASSWORDS
Will your site use any digital delivery systems to protect customer passwords? Security is important!
ABOUT VISIONEFX
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