How To Get Your eCommerce Small Business Off the Ground

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October 12, 2020 Business

In an age when technology holds extreme importance, eCommerce has become a highly popular way to spend time. Multitudes of prospective small business owners have jumped on this fact, and so can you. Starting an eCommerce small business may seem daunting, but it could end up changing your life. So, here are a few ways to get your eCommerce business off the ground.

How To Get Your eCommerce Small Business Off the Ground

Do Your Research

It can’t be overstated how important research is. You need to understand the ins and outs of eCommerce before you enter it. One important aspect to investigate is the market.

Just like with a location-based business, eCommerce requires you to scope out the market and understand where you fit. Are you offering a unique product? If not, what makes your product stand out from the rest? Once you’ve answered this, think on what you’ll be selling and how you’ll source it.

This is where material planning may come into play. Material planning, or material requirements planning (MRP), refers to a system for planning and controlling time management, inventory and production. It is most often used for manufacturing companies, but it could come in handy for another brand. Be sure you know where you’ll get your materials from and what your inventory schedule will be.

The next step, which you may have already completed, is choosing a name for your company. Make it attention-grabbing and indicative of your brand. You should also make sure no one else has used your name, especially if a similar product is being sold.

This could cause consumer confusion and URL issues. Be sure you understand every aspect of your company before you move forward.

Ensure Your Legality

The most essential step in creating an eCommerce business is ensuring that all legal steps are taken. You don’t want to risk running into a brick wall during this process. One part of this is choosing your legal structure.

Popular choices are an LLC, sole proprietorship or general partnerships. Another part is registering your business on the Small Business Administration (SBA) site, but only after guaranteeing that your state allows selling online.

Follow the other guidelines given to you by the SBA. If you’re worried about this step you can hire legal help, but it’s possible to complete on your own.

If you opt for a limited liability company structure, you can also hire formation services to guide you through the process. For an Arizona LLC, find a registered agent in the area to file legal and state documents.

Find a Platform

Next, you need to figure out what platform you’ll conduct your business on. You can always use your own website, but it may be wise to start off on another site.

Some possibilities to choose from are E-bay, Shopify, or Amazon Marketplace. These options can give you a lot more advertisement and visibility than a singular site. Here’s the article about eCommerce platforms you should know about.

You also don’t need to sacrifice having your own website if you work through another platform. Several of these sites allow you to have a website link on your page.

One thing to consider when choosing a site is cost. Some may ask for a substantial fee but may also offer better services. Choose what works best for you.

You’ll also need to find a domain name, which is the name in your URL. If the regular “.com” version of your company title is taken, consider adding something to the name or switching to a form like “.co” or “.net”.

Design Your Store

The final stage will probably be the most enjoyable one. This is where you get to design your site and structure its functions.

There are several platforms you can use that will help you create an engaging website. Make sure it matches the tone of your company. For instance, a small all-natural business might benefit from a friendly and colorful design.

You also need to get started on your sourcing plan. Get in contact with your suppliers and begin preparing the inventory. Payment is another important part of this process.

If you’re working independently, you’ll need to set up your own system. Lastly, be sure to market wisely and stay true to your vision.

eCommerce is an extremely viable industry in the modern era. This makes for an exciting business venture, despite the risks involved. By following these steps, being thorough and keeping to your mission, you’ll be well on your way to starting an eCommerce small business.