Strategic Business Considerations and Questions

 

To develop a successful e-commerce presence for your company, consider these three points:

Customer convenience — Customers expect to go to the Web and access information about pricing, services, and contact information. Easy access to this information can increase customer loyalty.
 
  • Would your customers find it convenient to conduct business with you online?
  • What types of purchases are your customers currently making online?
  • Which of your products and services could be sold online?
Competitive pressures — Your competition may already be selling goods or services online and taking away your customers and market share.
 
  • Are you losing customers or market opportunities to online competitors?
  • What are your competitors' e-commerce capabilities?
Future business — E-commerce is becoming a standard function for most companies, including finance and marketing businesses. The ability to conduct transactions online is a necessity for the near future.
 
  • Have you planned to invest in e-commerce activities?
  • Have you thought of the Web as a new market?
  • What new products and services could you offer over the Web?