Should every website have an e-commerce component?

Should every website have an e-commerce component?

Let’s take a look.

We often here from clients who don’t think there’s any reason, or even anything to sell directly on their website. However, they usually just aren’t thinking about it the right way.

We deal with many manufacturers large and small. Most of them deal directly with other industrial businesses, and not the general retail market. Often, a distribution network is involved, and all the actual buying and selling happens “behind the scenes”. Furthermore, there are legal agreements about who can sell their products, and through what channels.

So, when we are discussing a companies website, we will often bring up the topic of e-commerce. Are you currently selling anything at all? If not, why? Has there been any discussions on trying this in the future?

Sometimes, it’s just not needed, or not possible. One common situation is in regards to replacement parts. Some smaller companies spend a decent portion of their time each week fielding calls looking for replacement parts, and their local store or distributor can not get them in a timely manner. This is once case where selling certain popular maintenance and replacment parts directly on a website works great. The customer gets what they need, fast, and with little hassle.

But isn’t e-commerce a big commitment?

Not necessarily! When we set a system up, we make sure everything is accounted for up front. Costs, updates, keeping check on stocks, shipping options, taxes, etc. These things can be taken care of up front, once, and from then on, it can be smooth sailing.

If you already accept credit cards, it’s even easier, as we can often just tap into what you already use.

In conclusion, don’t automatically rule out selling directly. You don’t have to sell all your products, or any products that might compete too directly with your distribution network. But there just might be something that not only helps you move product, but also keeps your customers happy. A win-win.

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem.