E-commerce

Online sales, or e-commerce, is such a massive field that I will not even try to provide a comprehensive study of it. Classes and conferences on this topic flourish, net-based resources are easy to find and piles of good books have been written on e-commerce (you will find links further down the page).

Before you embark on this project, I urge you to remember that the simplest option is often the best. Take Norwegian book chain Haugen Bok, for example. As early as 1996, they were selling books online. While their competitors spent millions developing advanced systems for digital shopping carts and payment systems, this chain took orders via a simple e-mail order form and took payment upon delivery, as they always had done by mail order. Customers were satisfied, and the chain earned money. Lots of money!

In other words, online sales are not fundamentally different from any other sales. The four P's are still essential: Product, Price, Placement and Promotion. In other words, sell good products at competitive prices in the right places to a market prepared for it and you will make money.

If you have good products, the Internet can help you achieve the remaining three: keeping prices down, distributing nationwide (or abroad) and ensuring visibility with customers (see the section Getting Traffic for more information on this topic).

It's neither rocket science nor black magic, and you can do it!

Here are some links that can get you on your way:

Free information online:

• Netpreneur E-biz Essentials

Books:

• 3 clicks away - Advice from the trenches of eCommerce
• Surviving the Digital Jungle - What every executive needs to know about eCommerce and eBusiness
• Strategies for eCommerce Success

Paid Program:

If you are willing to invest a little money in your e-marketing venture, I strongly recommend that you consider the late Cory Rudl's program Insider Secrets to Marketing Your Business On The Internet. This very comprehensive package will tell you how to go about everything from developing your products and site concept to maximizing profits and managing e-mail follow-ups.