THE BENEFITS OF DOING BUSINESS ONLINE
Mar 04, 2013
The future of the high street has been a hot topic in the media recently. With national treasures like HMV, Blockbuster and Jessops closing their doors, it’s clear to see that the face of shopping is changing.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) say that six out of 10 British adults use the internet for shopping, making us the biggest online shoppers in the developed world. Last year we spent £68.2 billion on the internet, which equates to £2,180 for every adult in the country.
Why do we shop online?
Here are just a few reasons why people are choosing to shop online instead of going out to shops:
- No crowds or waiting in queues
- Less Pressure – you can fill up an online basket over a period of days before buying
- Saving on fuel cost and parking charges
- You can search for the best deals
- You can shop anytime, anywhere
This isn’t to say that high street shops, or markets, are dying out. Sometimes we need to experience a product in the flesh before we buy it, especially if it’s clothing or homeware. We like to see the colour, texture and fit, or try a gadget out before we buy it. But with statistics as they are, it seems people want both options. After all, over half of us use the internet for shopping.
The Benefits of an E-Commerce Website
Statistics are one thing, but how do you know that it will be right for your business? Here are a few things it can do for you:
- The internet is an ideal place to do business. Usually, in order to make a sale you have to rely on people coming into your shop, but with an e-commerce site a sale is just a click away.
- Reach a national (or global) marketplace. Although you may choose to target a particular region, taking your business online means that anyone can search for and buy your products.
- Portrays a good brand image. Having a good web presence is becoming an essential tool for businesses wanting to make an impression.
- Do Business 24/7. People can buy online at any time of day, which opens up your selling opportunities greatly.
- Affordable. After you’ve paid for hosting and your website design, there aren’t as many on-going costs with an online shop, as there are with a building or even a market stall.
If you're thinking of taking your business online, chat to us at The Creation Lab. We'd be happy to help!
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