Tidbits on several online business features including the current ecommerce trend, the products/services that are mostly sought after by customers online, list of top-rated companies that are currently dominating ecommerce, resources that prove to be highly beneficial in facilitating ecommerce et al are extremely necessary to know before starting an online business. And further, knowledge of ecommerce software products and ecommerce web site design & development are essential and if relevant knowledge is not available, one can opt for ecommerce training in order to build up or maintain a successful online business efficiently.

Pakistan Manpower Institute (PMI), an organization involved in facilitating training as well as research in human resource management and development, has organized an ecommerce training program for starters that extended up to six days. This ecommerce training program has been arranged with a view to acquaint amateurs with the fundamentals on ecommerce as well as the currently utilized ecommerce techniques. Alongside, sources reveal that eminent faculty members from PMI and other institutions are lecturing people on ecommerce and other related business activities in the program and hence it is expected that program would be a suitable occasion for people to learn details on ecommerce and related business activities.

This ecommerce training and similar other training programs are meant to educate people comprehensively on details concerning ecommerce and in this way these training programs can primarily help people to start-up their online business enterprises and maintain them effectively.

Apart from ecommerce training, there are other sources also that function as potential ecommerce resources and these are online ecommerce courses, ecommerce forums, ecommerce weblogs which help a person in acquiring relevant knowledge related to various ecommerce activities.

Such information helps an online business aspirant to create or maintain an ecommerce solution that would become a success online. In case you are not technical you can get the job done from a reliable software company which deals in providing ecommerce solutions at competitive rates. With effective ecommerce tools and ecommerce software, it is possible for you to ensure growth and consistency in online business.

The internet has made hitherto unthought-of possibilities a reality. Ecommerce or electronic commerce has opened up new vistas of doing business anytime, anywhere. The need for complete ecommerce solutions is daily paving the way for innumerable innovations in the field of information technology. Ecommerce developments have the potential to change the financial equations existing between the nations of the world.

The buying and selling of products or services over the internet is referred to as ecommerce. Ecommerce development is directly proportional to increase in internet availability and usage. The search for perfect ecommerce solutions has stimulated areas such as electronics funds transfer, supply chain management, inventory management, data management, online transaction processing and web site designing to name a few.

Today’s advanced technology and the internet boom allows ecommerce solutions to run businesses the world over. There are ecommerce solution providers through out the world who are capable of delivering customized ecommerce web site design for the end users and customized ecommerce software for the back end operations. A complete ecommerce solution includes design and development of a web site, database of products/service offerings; order processing systems, payment systems etc.

With a complete ecommerce solution, the hassles of running a business are magically removed. There is no need for a store space or salesmen or premises administration etc. ecommerce developments have ensured that the customer can simply visit the online store of his choice, place his order, make his payments and relax. In a fixed time, the goods are delivered to him physically by mail, at his doorstep.

Ecommerce software also known popularly as shopping cart software is a software application that is integrated into the ecommerce web site, as part of a complete ecommerce solution. The ecommerce software runs on the web server and allows customers to browse through the web site, choose items, dump them into ‘shopping carts’ and then order the items. A common example for what the ecommerce software does is the ‘Search’ feature available in any ecommerce web site.

Ecommerce software typically has three components: a database to store product data, a user interface that acts as a ‘store front’ and an admin area that allows the store keeper to manage items in the store. Most of the store data is available in backend databases; this means an ecommerce web site design should be in a way that allows the web pages to be loaded dynamically, depending on what the end user chooses to view.

Ecommerce solutions are available as off-the-shelf applications. These solutions will include ecommerce web design and ecommerce software woven together seamlessly. A business can buy such an application and then customize it to its needs. Ecommerce solutions are available for different broad business categories like book stores, travel agencies, grocery stores etc. A good ecommerce solution should be able accommodate and handle increase in catalog items and increase in order volumes.

Ecommerce development can be customized to handle both Business-to-Business(B2B) as well as Business-to-Consumer (B2C) situations, on the web. B2B allows business to be conducted between two businesses like a credit bureau agency providing credit information to banks. B2C allows businesses to interact with individual consumers like a book store selling books to customers.

This year, according to eMarketer, one billion people worldwide will have Internet access and nearly 250 million households will have broadband. Although, Asia accounts for 56 percent of world population, but only 10 percent has access to the Internet at present. With the rapid economic development of Asian countries this figure will increase dramatically in the coming years. This ubiquitous presence of the Internet is forcing companies to embrace the Internet as a marketing and sales channel aggressively. Many companies have adopted Internet based technologies to streamline their crucial business processes and benefiting enormously from it.

Import Export companies are no difference! Most export import companies are using the Internet to augment customer base, tap into new markets, research competitors, find new products and evaluate country opportunities. However, many of these same companies are still slow in implementing eBusiness features in their daily business activities and, as a result, fail to garner true value from the use of the Internet. Trading companies – those which are still not doing online business transactions – should follow the examples of their retail counterparts and adopt eCommerce strategies.

According to a recent study conducted by Forrester Research, retail sales are expected to rise 20 percent to US$ 211.4 billion – a two fold increase from only three years ago. Whether you are in exporting or importing business it does not make any difference, by using eCommerce and adding some of the basic eBusiness functions to your website you can also profit from this trend.

Electronic commerce is the process of selling products through the Internet. There are two distinct segments of eCommerce – Business to Business and Business to Consumers. Retailers are mostly involved in B2C and import export traders are often more in the B2B sector. That’s why you need to realize that the components of eCommerce you may need in your website will be based on your business specifics. In general, all eCommerce sites are a combination of some of the following business functionalities:

• An eCatalog so that buyers can browse through the products you have to offer

• Product specification that gives detailed technical and delivery information

• A feature that allows sending request for quote online (RFQ)

• A product order placing system – normally a shopping cart

• Ability to view order status

• Sending a notification if a new product added to the catalogue which was requested by a prospective buyer

• At least one payment method. For small orders you should have a merchant account.

• Purchase order sending ability. Buyers should be able to send PO for the products readily available or the contracts already negotiated with you.

• Billing system should generate invoices automatically

Once you implemented these features there is virtually no geographic restriction on where you can sell your products. If you are an export company you may consider translating your eCommerce site to the language of your targeted market. This gives you an extra ability to leverage your sales endeavour.

Benefits of eCommerce

Increase revenue: By implementing eCommerce you are opening a new sales channel. Study shows, a well prepared eCommerce strategy can increase sales from mere 10 percent to several times within the first six month of implementation. There is a possibility that order size per customer will also increase thanks to some eCommerce functionalities like advanced eCatalog, Notification service, order status viewing system and ability to offer related products.

Expand client base: Depending on the exposure of your site, you can acquire customers from every corner of the world. You are no longer confined to any geographic area.

Reach niche market segments: You can market your eCommerce site by pin pointing a specific market segment with the help of the Internet.

Lower operating costs: Your eCommerce site will eliminate or reduce workloads of sales and support force. Marketing on the Internet is significantly cheaper than in offline world. You will also benefit from lower telecommunication costs, losses incurred from document errors, inventory and sales management costs. This will have direct impact on your company bottom line.

Better customer service: The ability to provide decisive information, real time interaction with customers and customer relationship management functionalities allow you to serve your customers better and help increase customer retention.

Enhance your company image: A well-managed, robust and user-friendly eCommerce site enhances positive image of a company.

Are you ready for eCommerce?

Before you implement an eCommerce plan, you need to figure out as an exporter or importer how viable it is for you right now? Are you going to receive the benefits mentioned above? Will the customers from different geographical location benefit from your new service channel? How critical is a well-described product specification for your customers?

Any company no matter how small or big it is from an eCommerce site no doubt it will benefit immensely from an eCommerce site. But the question is, are you ready to commit enough time and money to make your new venture successful?

Developing your eCommerce site

Depending on the type of eCommerce site you are planning to build it might take somewhere from three months to over a year.

There are several ways of starting an eCommerce site.

Building in house: You should consider developing your eCommerce site in house only if you have significant experience in this field. In order to build a successful eCommerce site you will need a team of experts in programming, designing, copy writing, and, most importantly, a project manager with the knowledge of your business model, enough technical proficiency and experience so that the system gets developed on time with expected business functionalities.

Outsourcing: There is no doubt that outsourcing is more cost effective and less time consuming for most of the companies. The only thing is you have to choose the organization which will build your site carefully and professionally.

Using web stores: If you are constrained by time or would like to take advantage of eCommerce immediately you can also get eCommerce site from online service providers. These web stores have all the needed functionalities for a true eCommerce site. Some of them are also capable of providing supply chain management and other key business automation abilities. Check out sites like Rusbiz.com.

While implementing eCommerce strategy you need to remember that eCommerce just enhances and complements your present business model but the fundamentals of your business remain the same. However, eCommerce with it’s innate flexible nature may open new business horizons for you with all the risk and reward implications.

There are so many web designers and web design companies available online today for merchants to use as resources for their ecommerce needs, choosing the right one can sometimes be a difficult decision. What if the decision of who you decide to forefront your company’s ecommerce look and feel could be an easier decision than ever before? You would probably feel much better knowing that there are more affordable solutions that can be accomplished quickly and effectively to get your ecommerce business the online presence that it needs to sell the products and services you offer your clientele. With so many options, choosing the right ecommerce web site designer can be an overwhelming and stressful decision. Take these ideas into consideration before you hire your next ecommerce web site design company or web designer to assist you with your ecommerce web site needs.

One of the best available resources for ecommerce capabilities is using a web designer that can customize your ecommerce website using a third party shopping cart system. Ecommerce websites that are designed using third party shopping cart systems can be just as attractive, if not more attractive than a completely customized system. Because there are some very popular and useful third party shopping carts available, it not only is affordable, it makes customizing them a stress free process. Because more and more ecommerce developers are coming to third party shopping cart systems for their ecommerce needs, there are now lists of programmers that create modules to customize your ecommerce shopping experience to the next level. That means, having a shopping cart that can do everything you need, having your site laid out in a fashionable and professional manor, without sacrificing design or functionality.

Expanding your online resources to a more modern and professional system like many of the popular third party shopping carts can be an easy transition, if you select the right web design company to do the job. When selecting the right ecommerce web design company, consider their portfolio. Does there portfolio include several different web sites that they have designed in various industries? Is there portfolio impressive and professional? Speak with the web design company on the phone to discuss what specific needs you have for your ecommerce business. Many times, especially with the modules available, a talented ecommerce web designer can build you the ecommerce web site you have been waiting for. Finding an ecommerce web designer that’s affordable and provides quality work is the most important part. There are typically two different ways that ecommerce web sites can be built. By the hour and by the package. You will have to search around to find the best package that will work well for your ecommerce company. If there aren’t any packages that would support your ecommerce web design needs, inquire about paying per hour to have your ecommerce third party shopping cart system and web design packaged more personalized. Many web designers that are fluent in using third party shopping cart systems and are talented web designers can use there talents to come up with the perfect design and ecommerce implementation that will work perfectly for your business.

No matter what company you decide to go with for your ecommerce web site design project, make sure that your new ecommerce store is user friendly, professional and search engine friendly. Just having a website won’t make you money, you have to advertise via pay per click, search engine optimization and other methods of advertisements. Once you have the ecommerce web site you’ve been waiting for, show it to the online world and let them know about the great products or services you offer.

ecommercebrokers

 An eCommercebroker is the direct sales industry’s answer to the door to door salesman of the 1960′s who canvassed the American subculture with products ranging from vacuum cleaners to pots and pans.

Shop to Earth/Shop to Earn The Tour: www.24hourtour.net/ecommerce

In Business Since: 2006

Mission Statement:

The Mission Statement of the Company is : “Our mission is to empower people to become Conscious Consumers and choose a lifestyle of better health and increased wealth. Through our alliances with excellent green companies and the biggest names in retail, we are proud to do our part in increasing green awareness. Our ultimate goal is to make a difference in the world environmentally and socially.”

Shop to Earn, STE, has been able to consistently implement its mission statement through the use of seminars, webinars, live training calls, and live tour calls. Every STE event has been highlighted and punctuated with making the world and society a better place to live by showing an outpouring of love and adoration for people from the founder of the company to the newest member of the STE team.

Pro’s: Shop To Earn is joining the concept of comparison shopping on the internet by setting up dynamic, personal, malls on the internet where you can shop at several stores by saving gas and helping to reduce the amount of emissions that is released into the environment.. It delivers products to customers either by UPS or Federal Express delivery as well as offering “in store pickup” at some of the largest vendors like Best Buy.. In this Direct Sales home based business, its brokers take the product of its online website portal directly to the customers by way of a live tour call as well as a one on one demonstation of the 24 hour tour in the privacy and intimacy of one’s home.

The core business of Shop to Earn is all about relationships. I was involved with Shop to Earn when it was virtually a new startup with less than 100 vendors and the training was just evolving from groups of less than 20 people called “brokers”.

While servicing the customers, the company also collects product-preference data from its customers in the form of “support tickets”. The data include the likes and dislikes of the customers and information on what kind of products each individual customer wants. The company analyzes the data and then locates manufacturers to create personalized products according to preference of the customers.

Cons: Unfortunately, Shop to Earn has not been in business long enough to generate a track record of success stories over the years. It has a limited Public Relations Department that is growing.

I started as broker # 3773 in May of 2008 and now there are over 100,000 brokers in the business with a customer service department that has been growing and improving every day. Because the growth of the company is so dynamic, the company is striving to keep up with the amount of customer service reps needed to handle customer complaints. It is fortunate that the company has such smoth operations that there has not been any operations issues.

The Business Model: There are three ways to become involved into the Shop to Earn Business Model:

A.) The Business Builder is known as “The Referrer” and gets paid to refer other individuals or businesses into the Shop to Earn Opportunity. The cost to be a Business Builder is a one time fee of $99.

B.) The Website Owner is known as “The Shopper” and gets paid to shop online in the form of tax free cash rebates. The cost to become a Website Owner is a one time fee of $349.

C.) The Broker is known as the hybrid of “the Referrer and the Shopper” and gets paid to shop and gets paid to refer. The cost to become a Broker is a one time fee of $448.

If for any reason the referrer, the website owner, or the broker wants to opt out of the business within the first 14 days, all of the fees paid are 100% refundable.

Compensation Plan: Shop to Earn has an interesting Binary Hybrid pay plan but just like a lot of Direct Sales Companies, you need to recruit and duplicate, as well as lead by example to make any real long term money. Typically if you recruit 1 new distributor a month you will build a solid organization and create recurring revenue within 24 months. I recruited 10 brokers in my first 30 days. In 13 months I have recruited 23 brokers and I have over 885 brokers in my business. My earnings are into five figures after just 13 months.

In business you must be willing to follow direction and know about the products and organization if you are to succeed. Recruiting is done by the team, placing new brokers, website owners, or business builders in your businesses, thus helping newer brokers getting paid. Shop To Earn has a basic philosophy as taught be its Founder, Pat Welsh. “We get paid to shop and we get paid to refer. The more we shop and the more we refer, the more we will make.” For more information about eCommerce and the internet click here