How can you start an on-line store ?? Will the process be the same or harder versus a retail store.?

Answer 1

The basic principles are the same -- get a product that people want and will buy, create a place where they can buy your product and get customers to actually buy your products -- but the process is a little different.

Here are the things you will need:

1. A website - not just a website, but a website designed to sell. The design can greatly influence the buying response of customers. The site should convey trust of the buyers, and the buying process should be easy.

2. Merchant account = bank authorized account that allows you to accept and process credit card payments, echecks, etc. If you can't get a merchant account, alternative would be Paypal

3. Payment transaction software = software that actually processes the customer information and check the validity of the credit card (has sufficient funds, correct expiration date, etc.) Example is Verisign Payflow services, which costs as much as $59.95 per month for maximum of 1,000 transactions plus set up fee of $249.

4. Secure server connection (SSL) = encrypts ordering information to keep transaction secure. SSL digital certificate can set you back anywhere from $199 for two years with Thawte or $695 for two years with Verisign.

5. Shopping cart = virtual equivalent of the a traditional store's shopping cart that allows customers to purchase products.

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown

ONLINE:
* Selling Online: How to Become a Successful E-Commerce Merchant by Jim Carroll, Rick Broadhead
* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds
* Intelligent Selling: The Art & Science of Selling Online by Ken Burke
* E-Commerce for Dummies by Don Jones

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

It really depends on what you are selling.