On-line selling

The term ‘eCommerce’ is often used to describe the activity of selling and taking payments on-line. However, the Opportunity Wales view is much broader than that; our view is that eCommerce means any form of transaction where technology has played a part.

There are many different forms of eCommerce, and every business will have different issues when it comes to identifying which path is best for their development. One of the more common forms is to directly sell over a Web site. This may be the case for some companies (particularly those focussed to consumers), but not all. Another option may not be to proceed with selling directly at all, and to join some form of scheme where a collective relationship provides the service, such as an eMarketplace or affiliate programme.

One of the most powerful advantages that eCommerce offers is in exposure. A small business is as visible as a multinational, and can capture business from any part of the world. Therefore, knowing how to attract customers from around the world can also be important - particularly when it comes to knowing how to take and process payments. Your Opportunity Wales adviser will be able to take you through each method of selling on-line in order to recommend the right path for you, your business, your staff, and your future.