Before you set up your eCommerce based website, ask yourself whether your business is best suited to the platform. Entrepreneurial life can provide you with financial fulfillment and offer you the opportunity to work on something that you love, but it also requires hard work and dedication to create a successful online store.

Most businesses if not all will benefit from an online presence if done correct, but they do not necessarily need an eCommerce platform. In many cases a suitable online presence can simply be an informative website or a simple onepage website. Answering the questions below should help you decide whether an eCommerce solution is right for you and your business.

1. Have you Prepared a Business Plan?

This is the first step in any new business venture and will help you answer several other questions once compiled.

2. Do you have suitable Products to Sell?

Certain products are ideally suited to an eCommerce strategy, including:

• Hard-to-find products, including collectibles and specialist products not readily available from High Street
• Downloadable products, such as software, music, and publications
• IT products, including computers, printers, and peripherals
• Specialist products such as food, cosmetics, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals
• Combinations of goods that are usually bought together, such as office supplies or groceries

3. Is there a good Supply Chain, and a ready Demand for these Products?

If you cannot get products quickly, you won't be able to fulfill customer orders on time. This will give your online store a poor reputation. When there is no market or limited demand, eCommerce might not be the best option for you.

4. How easy is it to package and deliver the product? And how much will it cost?

Remember to either factor in your overheads, time and packaging materials or the cost of using a fulfilment company. And what will the impact be on the competitiveness of the business?

5. Do you have the resources and skills to get an eCommerce business up and running?

What are the gaps in your knowledge and experience and how easily can you fill them?
Do you know anyone who can join you in the business who has the necessary abilities?

Remember you'll need to assign budget to pay for the eCommerce website design, the initial stock of products, and to promote your online store. You will also need time to devote to site maintenance, fulfilling orders, dealing with suppliers, and responding to customer queries.