eCommerce and the Internet have opened up a whole world of opportunity to entrepreneurial types. It’s never been easier to start a business selling products online than it is today, and many new online stores are sprouting up every week. If you are looking for a way to make a name for yourself, there is a good chance that the ease in which you can start selling on the Internet will be very appealing to you.
However, anyone starting a new business of any kind should be aware of the common dangers that can cause significant problems in every industry. In today’s guide, we’re going to go through some of the most common issues you will need to be aware of when running an eCommerce business. Read on to find out more.
Data and information leaks
Buyers and Sellers, Beware: Data Dangers of Ecommerce
The very nature of eCommerce means you will be collecting a lot of information about customers. Names, addresses, card details – perhaps a lot more. The problem is that all this info is incredibly useful to people with fraudulent and nefarious ideas. Hackers, data thieves, fraudsters – the list of people wanting to get hold of your customer data is a long and worrying one. Make sure that your eCommerce platform is completely secure. Use SSL/TLS security as an absolute minimum, so that all info is encrypted and difficult for a hacker to use.
Technology issues
Your eCommerce store’s success depends wholly on the performance of your website and technology. A slow site, server downtime, and everything from viruses to bandwidth squeezing can all have a significant impact on your ability to make sales. There are a few simple solutions, however. Look carefully at your web host, and choose a provider with an excellent reputation for managing downtime. Ensure your web pages are small enough to stop putting pressure on your page load times, or people will just give up waiting and go elsewhere. And finally, use top quality antivirus software to ensure you don’t suffer from malware issues.
Disregarding safety regulations
One of the benefits of eCommerce is that there are remarkably few barriers to entry if you want to start a business. However, this doesn’t mean you can avoid making sure you are following all safety regulations. It is vital to check the legality of any product you sell, and also that you are selling products safely. You might need to use special packaging for hazardous materials for example. Or, you might need to follow strict rules when selling food products, or dangerous electrical items. Never assume that because you can buy a product from a supplier that you can sell it straight away – and always ensure you are following the rules and regulations of your industry.
Theft and False Claims
Online Retailers: How to Recognize and Reduce eCommerce Fraud
Finally, it’s essential that you plan for theft in your eCommerce business – it’s a lot more common than you might think. It could be theft of your data and information, as mentioned above. It might be a claim from a customer that they never received their delivery. Or, it could be a member of staff that fancies a few of your products for themselves. These problems will arise at some point – just as they do to any other successful eCommerce store. So have a plan in place, insure yourself, and give yourself the maximum protection possible.
