shopping store online
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 02 May 2011
This query is : Resolved
Kindly tell me the legal requirements in India to set up an online store?
Guest
(Expert) 03 May 2011
Its called eCommerce
Online selling is by no means a simple task. To sell products online not only requires making use of high end marketing strategies but also involves lots of planning.
The following are the various steps that you would need to take in order to open a successful online store
1.) Designing a website that sells
You can go about creating the website from code up using web designers or simply go for ready made website templates. If you are purchasing website templates, be sure to go for templates that are professionally designed and have the option of shopping carts. Buying templates from providers who offer allied services like template customization, web hosting; SEO etc would be even better.
2.) Hosting your store online
a.) Secure servers
b.) Up time guarantees
c.) Private CGI-BIN
d.) Web logs and web statistics
e.) Customer support
3.) Deciding on shopping carts
If you are selling more than a handful of products then having a shopping cart on your site is a good idea. You have three major options of getting yourself an online shopping cart. First one is buying a shopping cart software program; the second is using services of an ASP and the third is programming it yourself. Your best option as a beginner would be to go for ASP services. These services are cheap and come with flexible options.
Shopping cart software programs are a costly option for beginners and can cost you anything between $ 150 - $ 800.
4.) Deciding on how to accept payments
Credit cards are the best way to accept payments. So make sure that your online business has facilities to accept credit cards. Paypal (paypal.com) is perhaps the best payment gateway and has no initial joining fees.
Payment options other than credit cards
Internet checks Internet checks are as popular as credit cards when it comes to paying online. Internet checks are comparatively safer and are best if your customers are from international destinations.
5.) Promoting your online store
No promotion equals to no sales. You can promote your store using online marketing strategies like search engine optimization, email marketing, banner advertisements and affiliate marketing among others.
6.) Assuring your Customers
The customer is the king and just as in any other type of business here again you need to give your customer what he wants. To do this you got to be sure of your customer’s preferences. Basically you need to address the following doubts that your customers are likely to have in their mind while buying online
a.) Is my credit information safe? b.) How will the products be delivered to me and how long will it take?
c.) Are their any additional costs associated with the item?
d.) What kind of guarantees come with the product?
e.) Are there any discounts if I purchase multiple goods?
f.) What kind of customer service does the online shop have?
g.) What happens in case the goods are damaged or of low quality?
These questions in particular and many more questions in general can arise in the minds of your customers depending on the type of your products and your online store reputation. You can address these issues by providing valuable information in your FAQ section.
Online selling is by no means a simple task. To sell products online not only requires making use of high end marketing strategies but also involves lots of planning.
The following are the various steps that you would need to take in order to open a successful online store
1.) Designing a website that sells
You can go about creating the website from code up using web designers or simply go for readymade website templates. If you are purchasing website templates, be sure to go for templates that are professionally designed and have the option of shopping carts. Buying templates from providers who offer allied services like template customization, web hosting; SEO etc would be even better.
2.) Hosting your store online
a.) Secure servers
b.) Up time guarantees
c.) Private CGI-BIN
d.) Web logs and web statistics
e.) Customer support
3.) Deciding on shopping carts
If you are selling more than a handful of products then having a shopping cart on your site is a good idea. You have three major options of getting yourself an online shopping cart. First one is buying a shopping cart software program; the second is using services of an ASP and the third is programming it yourself. Your best option as a beginner would be to go for ASP services. These services are cheap and come with flexible options.
Shopping cart software programs are a costly option for beginners and can cost you anything between $ 150 - $ 800.
4.) Deciding on how to accept payments
Source:http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090710220351AAdLVxM
Querist :
Anonymous
(Querist) 06 May 2011
Thank you very much Kushan, for your promptness and the valuable suggestions.
I would also like to know the legal formalities or requirements need to comply with for setting up an online store?
