HOW TO RUN AN E-COMMERCE BUSINESS IN THE DAY!

How to run an e-commerce business in the day!

How to run an e-commerce business in the day

Knowing how to start e-commerce businesses is one of the first steps to setting up an online business. First, the initial business plan and idea must be established, and then the e-commerce structure follows. In case one needs instruction on the initial business plan of an online business, here is the plan that will briefly outline it. If one is familiar with business plans, then skip to the third paragraph.

A business plan defines what service or goods your business will provide. It also defines who one's customers are, and which market your business should serve. Next, it defines direction of your business development and growth, as well as operations. In a nutshell, that is a very simplistic business plan.

The popularity of “cookie cutter” e-commerce websites has made it extremely simple for the home based business to setup shop on the Internet. Companies such as eBay have made selling on the Web incredibly simple. (Larsson, et al. 2006 Pp. 160-167)

In order for me to describe the process of starting an e-commerce business, First, a customer visits a Web site that retails goods. Next, the customer selects goods to make a purchase. The selected goods are added to a shopping cart system. Once the customer is ready to pay for the goods he proceeds to the checkout, where he provides payment and arrangements to receive the goods. Finally, a receipt of purchase is provided via e-mail and usually posted on the screen.

Next, we look at the structure that facilitates this process. First, the e-commerce site is constructed on a Web site that one makes with Web development software. This kind of software is usually Microsoft Front Page or other HTML graphical software, like Flash Dream Weaver, or Joomla. The shopping cart system is usually simple to install software, like php extensions. Once the Web site is setup and the shopping cart system is loaded, the goods may be listed and priced for sale on the shopping cart system.

The next step is the payment processing. A merchant (an e-commerce Web site owner) must establish a bank account and an agreement with a payment processor. A payment processor is an entity that processes credit card numbers and other forms of payment. Processor agreements are termed contracts that usually require a merchant to provide a 1-800 number so that customers may receive help with their purchases should they need. The contracts are usually a minimum of 2 year service agreement. Also, the merchant's bank account must be linked to the processor, so deposits and withdrawals may be made.

Even with the dot com bust of the late 90s, the number of entrepreneurs who have successfully leveraged this powerful medium to sell products, services or information and become millionaires in the process is phenomenal.

Setting up an Internet business is easy. Running it successfully is slightly more ...