Buying and selling online
The act of buying and selling online is known as e-commerce (electronic commerce). Other common terms are 'online trading' and 'online shopping'.
Understanding e-commence
Any transaction taking place over the internet can be classified as e-commerce. Sometimes e-commerce can even take the form of a good or service being traded for another type of good or service.
As an online business, you may engage in e-commerce using traditional websites, social media channels, and mobile and tablet Apps (often known as 'in-app' purchasing).
The Checklist for Business-to-consumer E-commerce in Australia aims to boost business owners' knowledge of issues surrounding e-commerce. The checklist covers important points to consider, such as:
- do consumers need specialised software or hardware to trade with you?
- are contract terms for purchases clear, accurate and easily accessible by consumers?
- have you taken appropriate steps to protect consumers' privacy?
- have you provided consumers with payment mechanisms that are easy to use and offer appropriate security?
- are consumers informed about any specific laws or jurisdiction applicable to transactions with your business?
Read The Australian Guidelines for Electronic Commerce to learn about developing strategies to deal with business to consumer e-commerce.
How do I sell my products or services online?
Will your online business involve buying or selling over the internet? While marketing strategies are a common part of many business plans, marketing and promoting your product or service over the web can be quite different.
Web-specific strategies might not be covered in a traditional business plan, so even if you're experienced in business, it's important to do further research into successful online marketing techniques.
There are tips for using online promotion to your advantage:
- Ensure you register a domain name before setting up an online presence.
- Find out about search engine optimisation (SEO) to help you reach more customers.
- Utilise the power of social media.
Find out more
- Visit AusTrade's exporting online page, or read more about how import and export can help your business.
- Visit the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) website for information about business and the ACL.
- Read more about selling goods & services.
- Check out what is customer service to find out more about understanding your customers.
- Read about inventory management to help you manage your stock.
- Read the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission'sAdvertising and selling guide to better understand how consumer law applies to your business.
- Make sure you're aware of online scams targeting small business.
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