The complexities in doing e-commerce are not fully understood by entrepreneurs. Of course, you can make money in e-commerce. However, running an e-commerce business is not as easy as it seems. To be successful, entrepreneurs must navigate the legal, technical and operational complexities of e-commerce.
E-commerce legal agreements are among the most formidable agreements found online. However, you cannot afford to click to accept the terms and conditions, and move on, without carefully reading and understanding the agreement. Ignoring the agreement can have serious negative implications for your business. After all, these contracts have a direct impact on the business receipt payments, cash flows and ultimately, its success.
As always seek legal advice. Unfortunately, legal advice cannot advise to change any offending terms and conditions in the agreement. This is a one-sided affair. The payment service provider calls the shots; take it or leave it. However, the advice will help your business understand its performance obligations, the impact on its operations and how certain events, like chargebacks, are handled.
Integration of the e-commerce solution into your website requires a technical hand. E-commerce solutions have two main components: the shopping cart and payment management systems.
Fortunately, many shopping carts support different payment systems. Selecting the best systems for your business is a function of application, volume, complexibility and affordability. Finding a developer with the experience and knowledgeable to work within your business scope, deliver on time and provide value for money is a challenge.
Legal and technical considerations affect the operations of your business and then some. It is advisable to define all operational procedures before you commence business. So that when certain conditions occur you can refer to the procedures and respond effectively and professionally. The exercise of defining operational procedures beforehand can help your business identify and better manage risks.
How do you deliver the perfect package? Duh! The typical response is: “Give it to the delivery service”. However, the answer is more complex. Let’s break this down: How does the package arrive in perfect condition? How does it arrive with the right documentation? How do you deliver the package so that it meets the customer’s expectations? What are the customer’s expectations? How do you cost delivery? Would free delivery work for your business? If so, at what order value? Delivery is not a function your business simply hands over to a third party. If anything goes wrong in delivery your brand will pay the price.
The challenges inherent in e-commerce are not insurmountable. They must be identified, fully understood and carefully addressed. There is a learning curve which your business can traverse and find the proverbial pot of gold, at the end of the rainbow.
No comments:
Post a Comment