Merchant website – Merchant websites can be set up by existing businesses that want to take advantage of the huge client-base found in the internet. The great thing about merchant sites is that they are open 24/7 so that customers have access to products/services any time of the day. Due to the nature of the internet your business can also start shipping products internationally although you will of course need to prepare for such a set up. Merchant websites are very profitable but you will of course need to consider the security of online transactions, shipping details, the promotion of your online website, etc. The management/upkeep of a merchant website is definitely more complex than a simple information website but in the end it has greater returns.
The great thing about merchant sites is that they can be used by all kinds of businesses not matter how small or big your business is. Many stay-at-home moms have found that they can sell their home-made products through their websites, helping supplement the family income without having to go to work in an office. Large companies also make use of their websites to sell their products to their already very wide client-base making it even more convenient for customers to shop.
If you want to set up a merchant site but feel like you are not yet prepared for it you should go ahead and start building a website already. You do not need to have a full-blown online store already and can simply start with an informative website. In the end, you can be sure that no matter what, an online presence will be good for your business.
Originally posted on October 20, 2010 @ 5:05 am