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The Importance of Starting an Ecommerce Business

Tag: ecommerce

the importance of e-commerce

the importance of e-commerce

Who does not want to run a successful business without breaking the bank? And if this can be achieved by making the most of digital revolution, then there is nothing like it! That is probably the main reason why ecommerce continues to soar globally and why even large companies are opening their doors to this business model. The importance of ecommerce in the Middle East is probably evident in the fact that by 2025, the market is likely to be worth $50 billion. Supportive government initiatives, avant-garde technologies, and a rise in disposable earnings are some factors driving this growth.

According to forecasts done by Emarketer, the significance of ecommerce also lies in the fact that sales is all set to grow by leaps and bounds and possibly touch $2.5 trillion by the end of 2018. And that’s not all. A study conducted by Credit Suisse Research Institute, earlier in 2015, had predicted that total annual online retail sales could reach upto 3.5 trillion USD. With such positive outlook surrounding this business model, we decided to deep dive into the reasons why starting an ecommerce business makes so much sense.

Importance of Ecommerce for Better Business Growth

For starters e-commerce businesses can sell tangible and intangible products or services, and reach out to millions like never before. They can not only sell more this way, but also diversify more, enhance their brand image, widen the customer base, and take risks and cut losses.

  • Unlimited Reach: The global internet audience continues to grow (3.5 billion as per Plunkett Research) and thanks to the vast base of high speed internet, it’s much easier to offer your audience a range of products and services. And that makes ecommerce a natural winner. Whether you are planning to create a new company or expand an existing one, ecommerce can open up a world of opportunity. The significance of ecommerce in blurring geographical boundaries, earning in international currencies, and scaling without investing in physical stores, cannot be overlooked.
  • Location Indifferent: Unlike physical stores, ecommerce stores don’t require prime locations to be visible to their audience. The swanky high street corner spot does not matter anymore. All you need is a smart domain name, good product photos, and a selling platform to get up and running – and the world can be your audience. You can do better if you don’t underestimate the power of physical advertisement in places like subways or parks. Just employ advanced technology whenever possible. For instance, capitalize on social media platforms to forge deeper connections with your target audience, especially if they include millennials or Gen Z people. Connect through popular communication channels such as instant messaging apps and SMS while subtly pushing products and promotions.
  • Go with your Favourite: With e-commerce, you offer a wide array of options to customers, be it clothes, cookware or electronics. Naturally, the buyer feels more motivated to make a purchase, as he or she can surf different categories or items for hours and read reviews or research. You can even profit by catering to very specific kinds of customers or those with unique preferences and sell say diabetic baked goods, bird houses and feeders, 3D printed items, pet health trackers, or sci-fi equipment.
  • Don’t have to Break the Bank:The importance of ecommerce from a financial standpoint is that you don’t have to go bankrupt to start a business. Not a lot of investment is needed to set up ecommerce sites, more so if you are in the know about SEO tools and the concept of marketing automation. Once you master the art of ranking high on search engines and maintaining an engaging site, you will see website traffic rolling in easily. Just build good relationships with distributors, so that you can procure quality products.
  • Easy to Build Loyal User Base: It has been found that around 80% of the web population purchase from ecommerce sites now and then. There’s no reason for you to not make use of this staggering figure! An easily navigable and aesthetic website, great informative content and ample privacy and security measures can encourage customers to trust you. Understand the buyer journey and what kind of motivation is required at every stage, from awareness to consideration. Experiment with multiple content formats to generate awareness, build interest, drive conversion, and encourage shoppers to keep coming back for more. Keep making improvements to build a large loyal base.
  • Retargeting Customers Easier than in Physical Stores: Ecommerce businesses sure have more advantages than physical stores. For instance, the problem of abandoned carts can be addressed smartly with retargeting tools when you have an ecommerce site. Valuable, engaging and original content is yet another way to lure customers and inform about discounts or promotions. You also get to tap into social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, by integrating your ecommerce site with them. Interesting and useful posts, offers and fun competitions can boost your social media image and enhance the traffic for your online store.
  • Ecommerce Offers a Personalized Experience: By setting up an ecommerce site, you can offer a more personal experience to shoppers than brick and mortar stores. Advanced technology, including AI and deep learning tools, can help you read and analyze customer behavior quickly and easily. This way, you will know what to offer whom. Potential buyers will get to enjoy benefits like prompt customer service, tracking of orders, rewards, personalized recommendations, newsletters and more.
  • Offers Ease of Shopping to Customers: Remember that the more convenient you make the shopping experience for your customers; the higher will be your sales. And what better way to do it than with ecommerce sites? On such sites, shoppers can place orders on busy weekdays, weekends, early mornings, late nights and holidays too. So, the importance of ecommerce also lies in the fact that the model offers tons of freedom and flexibility to shoppers, whether they are stuck at home, travelling, suffering from a disability, or too busy at work.

Time to Appreciate the Need and Importance of Ecommerce

Apart from all the benefits listed above, starting an ecommerce store can let you manage your time and resources as you wish, and build your brand in a more affordable way than the traditional route. Plus, trusted online payment gateway services like PayTabs can help you with hassle-free payment receipt, enable mobile payment, send invoices to customers, and make fund transfer a cakewalk. You will be able to monitor all transactions in one place, detect problem areas on time, identify opportunities, and take smarter decisions for improved profitability. So, what are you waiting for? Take your business online and see the difference!

FAQs

• What is the Importance of E-commerce Business?

The need and importance of ecommerce cannot be emphasized enough in today’s fast-paced world, as it helps businesses to expand the customer base fast, build better relationships by offering more flexibility and options to shoppers, earn from any part of the world, and grow even without setting up physical stores. Through ecommerce, businesses can also offer a customized experience to buyers, gain trust, drive more conversions, and draw them for repeat purchases.

• What Economic Factors Contribute to the Significance of Starting an Ecommerce Business in Today’s Market?

It is considerably cheaper to start an ecommerce business compared to a traditional brick-and-mortar venture, as you will just need a website and have to learn organic marketing tricks. Even paid social media marketing will cost you less than physical advertising. Moreover, millennials with higher disposable incomes are increasingly buying from e-stores these days. The cost of digital communication and transactions is also significantly less than in a physical setup. Storing and managing important data is cheaper in case of ecommerce too.

4-solid-tips-to-help-choose-the-best-online-payment-gateway

A payment gateway is one of the most important components of an ecommerce venture. With a secure payment gateway, you can ensure the safety of your business as well as of your clients’. In these tough times, payment gateways have become a soft target for scammers and hackers. If your business is dependent upon online payments, then it is necessary to take proper steps to ensure the robustness of these online payment systems. There are several criteria which should be kept in mind when choosing a secure online payment gateway. Listed below are some tips will help you find the right one.

Protection against Cyber Attacks:

A secure payment gateway is the one which can protect yours as well as your clients’ data. With the growing scope of online shopping, the segment come under phishing and spamming attacks. It is important that your payment gateway is able to provide protection against such attacks. This is generally ensured by employing latest technological tools to defend your data from being stolen. These cyber attacks may not only impact your data but also your reputation in the market. Therefore, it is essential to pick your online payment gateway after thorough consideration.

Also Read: Top 3 things to consider while choosing a payment gateway for your business

Pay Attention to Chargebacks:

Another metric which can help you gauge the impact of a secure payment gateway is the number of chargebacks. A company generally faces two types of chargebacks — distribution chargebacks and consumer chargebacks. Both are detrimental to the business in long run. Distribution chargebacks are generally more difficult to recoup. The ideal solution is to minimize the incidences. Consumer chargebacks, on the other hand, are generally caused by unscrupulous clients. If they are making payments through stolen or otherwise ill-gotten means then such payments are bound to fail, leading to chargebacks. You should choose an online payment gateway which is able to minimize chargeback related issues.

Proper Integration:

Incorporating an online payment gateway on your website is no longer a tedious task. However, you should still ensure that the integration of the payment gateway is seamless and secure. This is important to provide fast and reliable experience to your clients. You should also ensure that various software used by you such as online store software, shipping database and cart software are compatible with your online payment gateway system. Any technological loophole can make your system vulnerable to cyber attacks and threats. Your software should also be compatible with your website and hardware to provide smooth experience to your clients.

            Also Read: Tips To Choose the Right Payment Integration Method for Your Ecommerce Site

Secure Data Storage:

Another important feature to look for in an online payment gateway is the data storage process. However, data storage is an expensive proposition. You may have to limit the amount of data that may be stored. You should properly carry out the cost benefit analysis of data storage facility provided by your online payment gateway system. Payment gateways like PayTabs provide optimum solutions in this regard. Furthermore, the system should also have proper checks and balances in place to weed out dubious transactions. These solutions should use technologies such as fraud scrubbing and anti-theft software to enhance their credentials and provide the best possible services.

Also Read:9 Things to Look For In a Payment Gateway

key-facts-about-global-retail-and-ecommerce-payment-processing

Online shopping is growing at a rapid rate all over the world. This growth has become even more formidable during the pandemic as more and more people are opting the convenience of online retail. The exponential growth of the sector has also changed its dynamics. In order to fully comprehend the scope and features of this market, it is important to look at the latest trends. So, here are the key facts about global retail and Ecommerce payment processing scene.

Growth of online market:

Increasing number of people are flocking to the internet for making their purchases owing the pandemic. While earlier online markets were limited to a few products and services, now plenty of items are being brought into its ambit. According to a survey, the size of online market is expected to touch nearly 20 percent of entire global retail sale. This enormous opportunity is up for grabs as businesses are taking their transactions online. In the present scenario, retailers who are not able to make transition to online selling are likely to be left behind. Currently, businesses are shoring up their online presence and are looking to focus on this high growth segment.

Also Read: Top Tips to Become a Global Retailer

Borderless Business:

Another major impact of online business is the rise of borderless transactions. Businesses now have access to international markets, where they can sell their goods and services. They are no longer dependent on local or national markets. While this development has brought new opportunities, it has been accompanied by its share of challenges as well. Global retail businesses may now access new markets, but their own niche markets have become accessible to competing businesses. The businesses also have to revamp themselves to cater to the new markets.

Rise of Ecommerce Payment Processing System:

The rise of international online trade is greatly aided by the development in ecommerce payment processing system. Trans-border internet sales require businesses to have the ability to process foreign currencies. By using the latest technology, you can make global payments online and transform your business into an international entity. These systems come with various features such as fraud protection and phishing protection. You can ensure that your clients’ data remain safe and secure. Apart from letting you accept foreign currencies, such systems also allow you to process payments made through different sources such credit cards and online banking.

Also Read: The State of Global Payments

Focus on Analytics:

Analytics form an essential part of ecommerce business. Analytics lets you collect useful data. With the help of analytics tools, you can get information about your traffic, important markets responsible for such traffic and monetary details. Online businesses also need large amount of information such as their eyeball generation, ecommerce payments and conversion rates. The insights derived through such data is essential for online businesses to draw up their strategies.

Localization of Business:

Ecommerce businesses can cater to both international and local markets at the same time. Online businesses are striving hard to cater to the needs of the various markets. As internet has allowed ecommerce businesses to capture international markets, it has become increasingly important that the products and services meet specific requirements. Your business may need to change certain processes such as payments system to provide the best shopping experience to your clients from all over the world.

Also Read: How to setup your e-commerce store using Payshop

how-paytabs-egypt-can-help-your-business-grow-seamlessly

The online consumer market has witnessed massive upswing in its development all over the world. The pandemic and the subsequent stall in usual business activities have further fueled the growth of online shopping and transactions. And this surge is especially palpable in emerging economies such as Egypt. The country is witnessing an astronomical rise in its online commerce segment. +50% percent of its population is already using the internet and the penetration rate is expected to grow by leaps and bounds in the coming time period. With its massive population of nearly 100 million and the dramatic growth of internet users, Egypt presents an excellent opportunity for online businesses. It also provides ample scope for online business service providers.

In order to empower the Egyptian online business community with a leading solution, EFG Hermes has joined hands with PayTabs, a leading online service provider in the Middle East. Here’s how this collaboration can help you grow your business online:

  • Offers Seamless Online Payment Process:

    The collaboration between EFG Hermes and PayTabs seeks to make the process of online payments in Egypt smoother, faster and more accessible. With the growth in ecommerce sector, there is adequate scope for this collaboration to make its mark. Both companies deploy latest technologies and tools to make this process seamless. Furthermore, the collaboration resulted in an initiative that grants setup, integration and operations of an online payment gateway completely free of charge during the final quarter of the year for SMEs.

 

  • Integrated Services:

    The partnership between EFG Hermes and PayTabs ensures that you are able to get a wide range of services with just one contact, PayTabs Egypt. This solution will enable you to integrate its offerings and enhance your business’s synergies. Your business can offer an all-encompassing payment solution to your clients by removing the requirement to interact with multiple vendors, this new collaboration not only helps you save your time and energy, but also cut your expenditures.

 

  • Ensures Transaction Security:

    Owing to the ever-increasing threat of cyber-attacks, it is important that your business is able to provide data protection services to your clients. Your business requires safeguarding of its own data as well. In such a situation, it is vital that you choose your online payment services providers carefully. PayTabs Egypt is known for using state of the art software to provide protection against cyber hacks and attacks. Its emphasis on security ensures that all tools are up to date and ready to withstand any kind of attack. The collaboration aims to protect both data and funds for all the parties involved.

 

If you own an ecommerce platform in Egypt that you think qualifies for the SME initiative, apply here

Know more about PayTabs

PayTabs: PayTabs is a top online payment service provider in UAE. While the firm mainly focuses on Small and Medium Enterprises, it offers its services to a wide range of other businesses as well. The company is ever expanding to provide latest services to its clients. PayTabs makes it fast, safe and efficient to make and receive online payments anywhere, anytime, and even track your business’s financial health on a single platform.

The collaboration between these two stalwarts is expected to add a new edge to the online commerce segment in Egypt. With the launch of PayTabs Egypt, businesses of all types and sizes will be able to access cutting-edge online payment services in a holistic manner.

Also Read: PayTabs Payment Gateway Option for Egypt

what-you-need-to-know-before-starting-an-ecommerce-business

Ecommerce businesses demand dedication and careful planning. It is also important to properly execute the plans so that you can achieve efficiency and success. While setting up an online business is a dynamic process, there are certain guidelines which you can follow to ensure that your efforts yield the best possible results.

Let’s discuss those guidelines in detail –

Research the space

The first step in the process of setting up an ecommerce business is to research the online space. Apart from studying the broad online scenario, you should also analyze your own specific ecommerce segment. At this juncture, you may want to focus on several points such as the breadth and depth of the market and the likely future growth rate. Once you are done with the analysis, it is time for to create a niche for yourself. You may start by finding out your unique selling points or USPs. Recognizing the unique propositions of your business can help you in targeting the desired market segment in a more efficient manner.

Also Read: Starting Your E-Commerce Business: Key Points

Choose your Offering

Once you have analyzed the market, it is time to pick what you are going to offer to your clients. You may have a product to sell or a service to offer or have a portfolio consisting of various offerings. You should carefully curate your offerings to ensure the right mix. It is generally advisable to have a variety of goods and services so as to provide more comprehensive experience to your clients. It is also important to diversify your risk factor by investing in different lines of products. You should also pay attention to the supply chain to avoid the roadblocks for the procurement and the distribution of your product.

Set up your Business

It is the most crucial stage. You need to put your plans into practice. At this juncture, you need to pick up a proper name for your ecommerce business. Ideally, your business name should be closely related to your product and be easy to remember. You can further customize your business by choosing a logo to represent your mission. These things will help you in creating a distinct identity of the brand in the market. It will also be helpful in creating a niche market for yourself.

Also Read: How to Quickly Create an Online Store and Integrate a Payment Gateway

Take Care of Legalities

Every business is regulated by certain rules and legal requirements. Before you start your operations, you should make sure that your business is registered with proper authorities. You should also ensure that all the required fees and payments have been made. Ideally, the business name and logo should also be registered to protect your intellectual property. If you are entering into any collaboration with supply chain partners, then such partnerships should be ratified accordingly. It is generally helpful to take the services of a qualified legal professional to avoid any complications.

Automate

Ecommerce businesses are highly amenable to automation and the incorporation of technological tools. You should take advantage of these processes and incorporate them into your business. Some of the main examples of these tools are the billing processes and ecommerce payment gateway. Automation can not only free up your time, but can also help in optimizing the use of various resources including cash and human resources. Automation of services such as the use of ecommerce payment gateway also leads to smoother experience for your clients, thus promoting brand loyalty.

With the above points in your mind, you can easily navigate through the process of setting up an ecommerce business.

Also Read: How to setup your e-commerce store using Payshop