And today we will take a detailed look at its goals, types, features of work and the creation process.
Content
What is an online store: components
An online store is a website where products are presented and anyone can purchase them directly on the Internet.
The user searches for a product in a search engine using queries, goes to the online store they like, selects the product and places an order.
After ordering on the website, the buyer is contacted by a manager or an email is sent to clarify details or confirm the order. But let's look at the components of an online store in a little more detail.
This is what the process of making a purchase and working with a customer's order looks like. Now let's look at the main components of an online store that allow visitors to make orders and sellers to simplify their work.
Adding products to the site
Add products to the online store manually and automatically.
Adding manually takes a long time and there is a chance of making a mistake, so almost everyone imports price lists (prices), names and descriptions automatically. To do this, you will need 1C or another database, a Microsoft Excel file or any electronic source where the goods are described according to a certain template.
Order form
It can be a separate page, pop up when you click a button, or be located under each product.
The order form simplifies and speeds up the process of purchasing goods. By the way, it is now often combined with the basket.
The client does not need to call, write or come to the store, and the manager simply automatically receives the application. In order not to lose customer contacts and details of their orders, managers use the CRM system .
online store order goods
Basket
It is located on a separate page or in a pop-up window. It contains the products that the customer wants to buy.
The shopping cart is needed so that a customer who orders more than one product can always view their order, increase or decrease the quantity of certain items, and proceed to checkout.
online store cart
Placing and confirming an order
At this stage of the purchase, the customer enters their contact and payment information, selects the method and date of delivery. Websites can calculate the delivery time and price depending on the price, weight and dimensions of the order. The site can also track the stage of delivery of the goods.
In case of any inaccuracies, the manager calls the client for clarification. Some online stores confirm the order by phone to avoid mistakes when placing and sending the goods.
online store order placement
Payment
Nowadays, more and more online stores add the ability to pay for goods online , that is, on the website itself directly on the Internet. This speeds up the purchase process, since you will not have to pay for the order upon receipt at the post office or look for a terminal to transfer money to the card. And the company immediately receives payment and is not afraid to send the order.
But if the buyer is not sure about the product, manufacturers often add the option of payment upon receipt - to the courier or at the post office.
online store payment
Objectives and advantages of an online store
What is an online store for an entrepreneur? It is a way of doing business with a huge potential for earnings and constant growth.
An online store is a convenient marketing tool for actively promoting products to the market. Every modern entrepreneur is mastering the Internet, and some are even abandoning all their traditional stores.
How do online stores attract businessmen?
Increase in profits.
Sales automation.
Improving and strengthening market positions.
Attracting a large target audience.
Increasing brand popularity.
An online store can easily help you achieve these goals. Once you understand the specifics of an online store, you can automate sales and get high profits with minimal effort. And these are far from all the benefits!
Orders can be accepted 24/7 and even on holidays!
No rent for retail space and equipment. Only payment for office and/or warehouse space.
No large staff and no large expenses for their salaries. One or two site administrators are enough (depending on the size of the store).
Unlimited virtual display area , with which you can show all the goods, adding descriptions and reviews.
Anyone interested can access the online store , regardless of their location.
The ability to communicate with potential clients online 24/7, answering questions of interest. By the way, if your visitors always ask the same questions, you can create a chatbot with ready-made answers.
So, launching an online store is a great solution for increasing profits.
What types of online stores are there?
Thinking about launching online sales? Carefully consider the appearance of your online store for the best results. Let's take a closer look at them.
According to the classification of product range:
Specialized
They only contain one type of product. For example, only phone accessories or women's shoes.
Universal
An online supermarket, so to speak. We are sure that right now you remembered Rozetka, if you are from Ukraine, or Ozon, if you are from Russia. These are the most vivid and understandable examples of an online supermarket.
By product type, online stores are classified as:
Branded
The store's assortment includes only original items, which nigeria phone number resource most often have a guarantee or quality certificate. For example, the store sells Apple products or Elemis cosmetics.
Popular
These can be copies of products or some small goods without a brand. For example, copies of Apple AirPods headphones and cases for them, hair bands and copies of branded cosmetics.
Mixed
One online platform presents both originals and small unbranded goods.
According to the types of sales, online stores are classified as:
Wholesale
They work only with large buyers without the possibility of purchasing one product online.
Retail
Buyers can purchase any quantity of goods.
Wholesale and retail
They accept orders for both retail and wholesale deliveries of products. They usually offer good discounts for large buyers.
