Aussie Loans has never looked back since going online. We meet some great people and to think, it all started with our loyal customers tapping on their computer looking for assistance. Great rates from 9.95% TAP and great friendly service is what we are all about. Call 1300 633334 and try us out yourself.
Selling products online can be great for business. According to the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, internet income for Australian businesses increased by 52 percent in the 12 months to 2008-09. The value of these orders represents $123 billion, up from $81 billion in 2007-08. While only 27 percent of all Australian businesses received orders via the internet, according to the ABS, this equated to 193,000 businesses, an increase of approximately 25,000 businesses over 12 months. The small businesses which have successfully jumped on this bandwagon have created e-commerce forays that are more than simple payment gateways. Their sites are trustworthy, secure and good for their businesses.
Planning is the first step
Decide what you want to achieve by putting your business online: is it increased sales? Then how will you find your market and fulfil orders? Is it brand exposure? Then you’ll need key-word rich content so that you rate on search engines. And you have to commit to communicating with customers once you find them.You may find people are still largely trusting (about online transactions) but as time goes by there may be more fraudsters trying to hack your details. So increasingly customers want security for their online payment transactions, the fulfilment and the tracking. It’s so important, if you are considering e-commerce, to concentrate on the stuff you can’t see. It can make a huge difference to your business and its profile.
Security is essential
Small business owners have a duty to provide accurate and up to date information, whether its prices or processes, on any e-commerce shopfront. You also need to guarantee that you’re not inviting people to compromise their financial details. Watertight security measures are essential for every e-commerce enterprise. A recent national survey by the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) found that a third of online traders have been a victim of online fraud (with average losses from $150 to $3000), and over half of those businesses were repeatedly targeted.
So you have been warned! Be vigilant in creating a firewall for every e-commerce site, update current versions of anti-virus software, secure connections to the bank and give customer reputable payment gateways such as PayPal. If in doubt, the federal government’s Stay Smart Online initiative has many tools and tips to help you be a trustworthy e-commerce operator. AusIndustry also has a Small Business Self-assessment tool available on its website to help you improve the security of your online system.
Always be true to your business
At the end of the da, E commerce – it’s an extension of your normal trading. As such, it’s bound by Fair Trading laws and regulations. It’s definitely worth reading up on your legal responsibilities when it comes to e-commerce in an ACCC publication called Small Business and the Trade Practices Act. Download it for free at the ACCC’s website, www.accc.gov.au.
Top e-commerce security tips
The federal government’s Stay Smart Online initiative offers these tips to make sure your business is the leading of the online pack:
Put in place steps to verify that a buyer is genuine. You can even respond via email and get them to authorise a purchase link. Unverified credit cards are the bane of small business.
Get Good Advice
We find that Gold Coast Infolink – 1300 663 664 – can guide you through and they have some great SEO advice. Try them, you will be amazed.