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Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain → Every customer touchpoint matters in eCommerce. However, it’s not uncommon for shipping to be treated as an afterthought. After all, you’ve probably got your hands full stocking up on inventory, promoting your products and learning all the ins and outs of how to sell online .  But eCommerce shipping is, quite literally, the fulfillment of the promise you make to your customers with every order. It has the power to make or break a customer’s experience with your brand—plus make your job easier or more difficult.   Keep reading for tips on creating an eCommerce shipping strategy that runs smoothly and leaves a positive impression on your shoppers.  Need one less thing to worry about? Create your eCommerce website  with Wix. Read more: How to start an eCommerce business  How to start an online store How does eCommerce shipping work? Ecommerce shipping covers the entire process of getting your products from a customer’s online shopping cart to their doorstep. It includes steps, such as: Packaging: Secure and protective packaging ensures your products reach customers safely. Proper packaging safeguards your items while contributing to the overall customer experience. Carrier selection: Choose carriers such as USPS, FedEx, UPS or DHL based on factors like cost, delivery speed and the nature of your products. Order fulfillment: Once an order is placed, it's time to manage your order fulfillment. Send out shipments in a timely manner and keep your customers informed by providing tracking details. Why eCommerce shipping should be a top priority While it may come at the end of a transaction, eCommerce shipping can be the start of a long-lasting relationship. Your shipping process can indirectly increase sales, gain customer loyalty and keep your support inbox clear of "Where is my order?" (WISMO) inquiries. More specifically, here are the top reasons why you’ll want to prioritize this element of your eCommerce business:  Gain more sales:  Affordable shipping can make a big difference at checkout and can be the tipping point that turns a prospect into a buyer. In fact, a recent survey by Baymard Institute  showed that 48% of U.S. adults abandon their carts due to high shipping fees, taxes and other extra costs. Get a competitive advantage:  Unique options, like same-day delivery or eco-friendly packaging, can differentiate you from competitors and attract customers who value these benefits. Earn customer trust and loyalty:  Customers are happy when their orders arrive quickly, safely and exactly as promised. Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your brand to others.  Declutter your customer support inbox:  WISMO inquiries are the most commonly received customer support question in eCommerce, according to Gorgias , making up 18% of incoming requests on average. A good shipping strategy can reduce such calls, which means your support team will have more time to address other concerns. Ecommerce shipping: what to consider When it comes to figuring out the best way to handle shipping for your business, there are multiple factors you’ll want to keep in mind.  Speed vs. cost Today’s shoppers expect fast and low-cost (or free) shipping, mostly because eCommerce powerhouses like Amazon offer these benefits. According to Ware2Go , 42% of shoppers expect two-day shipping. However, research suggests that cost has an edge over speed. Approximately  32% of consumers  say the cost of shipping is the most important to them than delivery speed and convenience.  Offering both—i.e., fast and low-cost shipping—is still the idea. But understandably, this might not always be feasible due to financial or logistical constraints. In some cases, it might not even be necessary. The ultimate solution? Understand your customers’ preferences and the nature of your products. This will help you determine what to prioritize or how to find a suitable compromise. Pro tip: Offer limited-time discounts for select shoppers or events. Wix supports three different ways to reduce prices, including sales prices, automatic discounts and coupons. Learn more about offering discounts and coupons via Wix . Security Making sure shipments reach customers safely protects both your reputation and your bottom line. This means investing in secure packaging materials and reliable shipping carriers. Keep in mind that security doesn’t end when a carrier delivers products to your customer’s doorstep. Porch piracy is a real problem, with over  119 million packages  stolen in 2023.  To avoid such issues, offer your customers real-time tracking and delivery notifications. You can also allow them to set specific delivery timelines so that their packages arrive when they’re home. UPS reported  that 74% of consumers value real-time package tracking, while 72% want the ability to choose delivery dates. Sustainability As interest in sustainable eCommerce grows, the ability to offer low-impact shipping options can differentiate your brand. Nearly 80% of consumers say they’d be willing to wait at least one day for a package if that meant it was shipped sustainably, and 88.8% agree that companies should offer an “eco-friendly shipping” option—according to a survey by Sifted .  Think about ways to offer sustainable shipping, including consolidated shipments, eco-friendly packaging or partnering with carbon-neutral carriers. Popular types of eCommerce shipping methods There are several shipping methods you can incorporate into your eCommerce shipping strategy. Here are the most common options.  Same-day delivery As the name suggests, this means delivering products the same or next day a customer orders them. It’s perfect for urgent purchases and customers who value instant gratification.  Roughly  88% of customers  are willing to pay more for same-day delivery. So, if  eCommerce logistics  aren’t an issue for you, consider incorporating this delivery option into your shipping strategy.  Pro tip: Strike while the iron’s hot and send back-in-stock notifications that incentivize your customers to make a purchase ASAP. Learn how to notify customers when products are back in stock via Wix . Or, explore how to use Google Ads with Wix  to turn your shipping options into a selling point. Expedited shipping (overnight, two-day) Expedited shipping options like overnight and two-day delivery balance speed and cost. They’re great options for customers who want their items delivered quickly but don’t need same-day service or don’t want to pay the high cost associated with it. Express shipping (one to three days) Express shipping gets your products to customers in just one to three business days, making it a great choice for those who need their orders quickly or during peak shopping times like the holidays. It can help you stand out by offering a faster service than your competitors. However, it comes with higher costs and requires you to coordinate closely with carriers to avoid delays or issues.  Don't miss out on maximizing your seasonal sales: Check out the ultimate eCommerce holiday readiness checklist  and get your business holiday-ready today. Standard shipping Standard shipping typically delivers your products in three to seven business days. It's often the most cost-effective option, which can help keep your shipping costs down and potentially allow you to offer free shipping. While it may not be the fastest option, it balances affordability with reliability.  Eco-friendly or carbon-neutral shipping Eco-friendly shipping reduces the environmental impact of the shipping process. This can include using biodegradable or recyclable materials or choosing carriers that prioritize sustainability. This shipping method aligns with customers’ growing preference for sustainable eCommerce and appeals to those who are searching for  eco-friendly products . In-store pickup In-store pickup allows customers to buy online and collect their orders from your store, often the same day or within a few hours. It’s a great way to drive foot traffic to your store and save on shipping costs, which can be passed on as savings to customers. This option is convenient for local shoppers and can lead to additional impulse purchases when customers are in-store.  Curbside pickup  Curbside pickup lets customers order online and then collect their items from their car outside your store. Customers may prefer this during busy times or if they have mobility issues. This method can also streamline your store operations and reduce the need for in-store interactions. However, it requires you to run a tight ship to ensure that orders are prepared and delivered to customers’ vehicles quickly and efficiently. Subscription shipping  Subscription shipping delivers products to customers on a regular schedule, like weekly or monthly, without them having to place a new order each time. This method can simplify inventory management, as well as build customer loyalty. But it requires careful planning, and customers might be wary of commitment if their needs are prone to change. Dropshipping  Dropshipping lets you sell products without holding any inventory. Instead, items are shipped directly from the supplier to your customers. This method reduces your upfront costs and eliminates the need for warehousing. It’s a flexible option that allows you to offer a wide range of products without a large investment. However, shipping times can be longer since the supplier handles fulfillment, and you’ll need to manage supplier relationships carefully. Interested in dropshipping? Check out Wix’s dropshipping store builder  and tools.  Learn more: How to start a dropshipping business in 8 steps Freight shipping Freight refers to any package or shipment that’s more than 150 pounds or larger than 30 x 30 x 30 inches. This shipping method involves hiring specialized freight carriers that transport bulky goods via planes, ships or trucks, both domestically and internationally. International vs. local shipping International eCommerce shipping gives you access to a global audience and could boost your revenue. But it comes with its own challenges, including higher costs, longer delivery times and customs-related hurdles. On the other hand, local shipping is faster, more affordable and has fewer complexities. The downside? It limits your customer base and, thus, your earning potential. Explore the different types of eCommerce to find the best fit for your business needs. Top shipping companies for eCommerce (+shipping costs) Once you've determined the eCommerce shipping methods you'll offer, choosing the right shopping company plays a big role in delivering a smooth experience for your customers. Shipping costs, including the cheapest shipping for eCommerce, will vary based on package size, weight and destination. Below are some of the top shipping companies, each offering easy-to-use calculators to help you estimate costs: USPS: Known for affordable rates, particularly for smaller packages. USPS Shipping Calculator FedEx: Offers fast delivery with reliable tracking, ideal for packages and international shipments. FedEx Shipping Calculator DHL eCommerce: Specializes in international shipping with efficient delivery times. DHL Shipping Calculator UPS: A dependable option for eCommerce shipping, offering fast delivery and flexible options. UPS Shipping Calculator How to create an eCommerce shipping strategy that keeps customers happy Dial in the right shipping speeds Select shipping service providers Calculate your shipping costs Decide how to charge for shipping Set up your checkout page and tracking systems Consider shipping insurance Prepare for customs declarations and forms (if applicable) 01. Dial in the right shipping speeds  It’s true that today’s customers generally expect their shipments to arrive quickly, but that doesn’t mean you should jump straight to same-day or next-day delivery. Here’s how to determine the most realistic delivery timeline for your e-commerce business: Research your customers’ preferences:  Use surveys and other feedback avenues to ask your customers about their preferred delivery timelines. Find out if they’re willing to pay extra for expedited shipping. You can use  Wix’s form builder  to create questionnaires for your business.  Understand your products:  Some goods (e.g., food) can be delivered on the same day, while for others (e.g., electronics), such a fast turnaround might not be practical. Luckily , many customers understand this and will shift their expectations accordingly. Consider your brand identity:  If a bargain price is your unique selling proposition (USP), then your customers will appreciate low-cost shipping. You might need to prioritize affordability over speed to maintain your USP. 02. Select shipping service providers Gone are the days when the postal service was the only shipping option available to small businesses. Today, there is a wide range of carrier options to choose from. Let’s break down the most common. Traditional freight carriers: The “big three” carriers—FedEx, UPS and USPS—dominate the shipping industry in the U.S. While they offer an extensive reach and reliable delivery services, their rates can be high unless you’re a high-volume shipper. You’re also competing for service with major retailers, who may take priority during crunch periods like the holiday season. As an alternative, consider providers like DHL or smaller regional carriers. Dropshipping: Some manufacturers or suppliers offer  dropshipping services , whereby they deliver products directly to customers on your behalf. Once a customer places an order on your website, simply pass the details to the manufacturer or supplier, and they will handle the rest. Dropshipping helps you speed up deliveries by eliminating the need for a middleman. Third-party logistics (3PL): 3PL providers take care of warehousing, order fulfillment and even shipping for your business. But unlike dropshipping, you’ll still be responsible for sourcing inventory and sending it to the fulfillment center. This option is ideal if you’re struggling to manage shipping costs and expectations, or if you’re experiencing rapid growth that requires outsourcing fulfillment. Marketplace programs: Some online marketplaces offer special shipping programs that can help you streamline the order fulfillment process. For example, Amazon provides in-house eCommerce fulfillment services, while Etsy offers discounted carrier rates. These services can be attractive if your customers prioritize speedy delivery and actively shop on these marketplaces. Your own stores: Your physical stores can act as a mini fulfillment and/or pickup center. For example, you could fulfill orders using items from the closest store; your in-store staff will be responsible for packing and shipping items to your customers. This shortens the delivery distance, potentially saving you time and money. When using this method, you can partner with local couriers for same-day delivery or even start  your own courier service . As another option, you can invite customers to pick up their online purchases at a nearby store. This option eliminates high carrier costs and lowers the risk of misplacing items.  03. Calculate your shipping costs Understanding your shipping costs helps you set competitive prices and stay profitable. The main factors to consider when calculating these costs include: Carrier rates:  Contact your carriers for estimates or use the shipping calculators on their websites. Fees charged by carriers are typically based on the size and weight of each package. You’ll want to record the exact dimensions and weights of your products—and know ahead of time how much your heaviest and bulkiest items will cost to ship, alongside your lightest ones. Packaging materials:  Consider the size, weight and sturdiness of your eCommerce packaging  materials, which include the outer box and any packing material (such as protective foam, bubble wrap or other filler; marketing inserts; instructions or manuals; and packing lists). Tip: Use packaging prototypes to run simulations and calculate the time needed to assemble a shipment. That way, you can accurately estimate warehouse staffing costs and compare them with outsourced shipping options.  Insurance:  When it comes to shipping, insurance is a smart way to protect your packages against loss or damage. It’s especially important for high-value items or when you’re shipping internationally. Many carriers offer insurance options. To estimate insurance costs, check with your carrier for their rates based on the value of your shipment. International shipping fees (if applicable):  Calculate customs duties, taxes and other fees associated with international shipping. The exact costs will depend on the weight and dimensions of your packages, the destination and your carrier’s rates. Use online shipping calculators provided by your carriers and check with customs authorities for potential import duties and taxes based on your destination.  04. Decide how to charge for shipping When setting your shipping fee, find a balance between customer satisfaction and business profitability. Here are some of the most popular ecommerce shipping options.  Free shipping This is the holy grail of shipping. It reduces cart abandonment rates. So, you’ll want to figure out how to offer free shipping in some form.  Consider limiting free shipping to returning customers, specific time periods, specific locations or orders above a minimum order value.  Whatever you choose, make sure it doesn’t erode your profit margins. You could potentially offset costs by baking it into the price of your product, express shipping or wraparound services, such as installation or tech support.  Real-time carrier rates Provide customers with dynamic carrier rates based on factors like order quantity, item weight and delivery location. Many eCommerce platforms offer tools to integrate real-time carrier rates into the checkout process. For example, if you build your eCommerce store with  Wix , you can easily set up variable shipping rates based on the product weight, price and delivery type. Alternatively, you can use  third-party shipping apps  to set and manage rates. Explore these eCommerce tools to improve your operations today. Check out the Wix App Market . Flat-rate shipping Flat-rate shipping simplifies the checkout process by charging a fixed shipping fee for all items, regardless of the weight or distance. This is ideal if you primarily deal in one type of product or if your customers come from one geographical region. Otherwise, consider offering a tiered flat rate based on product weight and distance. For example, you could charge $10 for orders of $50 or less, $5 for orders of more than $50—and so on.  Learn more about eCommerce profit margins  to gain valuable insights on how to strategically invest in your shipping process and maximize your bottom line. 05. Set up your checkout page and tracking systems When you’re setting up your checkout page, make sure customers can easily see their shipping options, along with delivery times and costs. Clearly display any special deals, such as free shipping on orders over a certain amount. (Learn how to customize your checkout page on Wix .) After checkout, set up an automated system to send tracking codes and updates via email or text. Use shipping software that integrates with your eCommerce platform, and follow steps for setting up auto-label printing and tracking codes. It may also be a good idea to create a dedicated tracking page that customers can visit at any time and reinforces your brand’s reliability throughout the delivery process. Other handy tips at this stage: Provide an estimated delivery date instead of just showing a range of shipping times (like "5-7 business days"). This gives customers a clearer expectation of when their order will arrive and helps reduce anxiety or confusion over when to expect their package. Offer guest checkout.  Forcing customers to create an account can lead to cart abandonment. After the purchase, you can still encourage them to sign up for an account by highlighting the benefits, such as faster checkout next time or access to special promotions. Make your shipping policies easy to find on your website.  This includes any info around processing times, returns and exchanges. Be clear if your shipping policies differ by region, plus highlight any eco-friendly shipping options you provide, as this can appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Proactively communicate any potential shipping delays ,   especially during peak seasons or when there are external considerations, like weather and global events. Find out how improving your eCommerce checkout can transform your customer experience. 06. Consider shipping insurance  While not mandatory, shipping insurance is highly recommended, especially for high-value or fragile items. Insurance can benefit your business by protecting against financial losses from lost, damaged or stolen items. This coverage helps mitigate potential disputes and afford any product replacements or repairs. It can also reassure customers that their purchases are protected from start to finish.  To offer insurance, choose an insurance provider that fits your needs. This could be through your shipping carrier (like UPS or FedEx, which often offer their own insurance options) or a third-party insurance company. Display insurance as an option during checkout, so customers can opt into it at will. You’ll want to clearly communicate coverage limits and fees, plus reflect these details in your shipping policies.  07. Prepare for customs declarations and forms (if applicable)  If you’re shipping internationally, you’ll need to know how to fill out customs declarations to avoid delays or extra fees at the border. This will entail providing accurate product descriptions, values and Harmonized System (HS) codes.  It helps to collaborate with a shipping provider that’s already experienced in international logistics and can help you manage complex paperwork and navigate different regulations.  Note that your customers may have to pay customs fees when their packages reach their destination; make it clear to them what duties, taxes and fees they might face on your website or during checkout. Additionally, set up automatic notifications to keep customers informed about customs holds or delays, and consider offering options where you handle the duties and taxes to simplify the process for buyers. Did you know?  Wix’s free eCommerce templates  can help you create a professional online store that’s optimized for smooth shipping and order management. Ecommerce shipping FAQs I've run the numbers and I'm discouraged. I just can't compete with the big retailers on shipping price and speed. What can I do? Big retailers have significant resources to negotiate lower shipping rates. However, you can still compete with them by focusing on aspects like customer service and guaranteeing the best shipping experience possible. Respond quickly to inquiries, swiftly address any issues and offer unique perks like guaranteed safe delivery or delivery scheduling. How can I most effectively add regional carriers to my shipping options? Start by mapping your current customer base and identifying regional hotspots. Then, create a list of carriers that serve that particular area. You can ask others in your industry for recommendations or read local trade publications. Learn about each provider on your shortlist by reading online reviews. Once you’ve identified a promising shipping partner, sign a limited-time contract with them to test their service and iron out any glitches. If you’re satisfied with the service, consider a long-term contract to solidify the partnership. What's the cheapest shipping company for eCommerce deliveries? There’s no single cheapest company for deliveries. Rates can vary based on factors like package weight, dimensions, destination and desired delivery speed. Compare rates from different carriers to find the most cost-effective option for your needs. If you ship products in bulk, you might be able to negotiate a discount with certain carriers. How can I start eCommerce dropshipping? To start eCommerce dropshipping, first choose a niche that interests you and has market demand. Next, find a reliable supplier and set up your online store. Use an eCommerce platform, like Wix, to import products with their descriptions and images. Promote your store using marketing strategies to attract customers and monitor your store's performance with analytics tools to track your sales data and customer feedback. What is the delivery time for DHL eCommerce? Ecommerce delivery times vary based on the shipping method and carrier. For example, DHL eCommerce typically takes four to eight business days for domestic deliveries, while international orders may take longer depending on customs. Customers appreciate transparency, so make sure to display estimated delivery times at checkout. What is the difference between shipping and fulfillment? Shipping and fulfillment encompass aspects of the logistics process. Shipping refers specifically to the process of transporting goods from one location to another, while fulfillment includes managing inventory and order processing in addition to shipping. How do I choose a shipping company? When selecting a shipping company, consider factors like delivery speed, pricing and service reliability to find the best fit for your business’s eCommerce delivery needs. Research customer reviews and ask for recommendations to gauge the quality of service provided, especially regarding their eCommerce shipping services. Additionally, make sure the shipping company offers multiple shipping methods for online stores to accommodate your customers’ preferences. How can I ship products from my house? To ship products from your home, start by packaging your items securely and labeling them clearly with the recipient’s address. Then, choose a carrier, such as USPS, UPS, FedEx or DHL, and visit their website or a local drop-off location to arrange product shipment. You can also use eCommerce shipping software to manage and streamline your shipping processes for shipping for my online business.  How do I know if I'm ready to ship worldwide? To determine if you’re ready to ship your products worldwide, assess your ability to handle international logistics, including customs regulations, duties and taxes. Decide whether your products can withstand international shipping standards and if your fulfillment processes can accommodate global orders through eCommerce shipping strategies. How can I provide a better shipping experience to my customers? To enhance your customers’ shipping experience, prioritize clear communication about shipping times and tracking updates throughout the product shipping process. Offer multiple shipping methods for online stores to accommodate different budgets and timelines. This allows customers to choose what works best for them. Make sure your packaging is secure and appealing, which can leave a lasting positive impression on your eCommerce shipping solutions.  What is an eCommerce carrier? An eCommerce carrier is a logistics company that specializes in transporting goods online, handling the delivery from the seller to the customer. These carriers typically offer eCommerce shipping services tailored for online retailers, such as tracking, fast shipping options and return management. Choosing the right eCommerce shipping solutions is crucial for ensuring timely and reliable delivery of your products. Which shipping company is best for eCommerce? The best shipping company for eCommerce delivery varies based on your specific needs, but popular options include USPS, UPS, FedEx and DHL. USPS is often favored for cost-effective solutions and reliable delivery times, especially for product shipment. Consider your budget, delivery speed and service features to determine which carrier best meets your eCommerce shipping and fulfillment requirements.

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   Retail as an industry has seen a remarkable transformation over the years and while it's always been about connecting people with products, there's been a noticeable a shift in how people shop and sell. This change has been primarily driven by the growth of eCommerce . Ecommerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services online. Brick-and-mortar stores are physical retail outlets which are visited in person to purchase products. Whether you're an entrepreneur starting a new business or an industry observer keen on market trends, understanding the eCommerce vs. brick-and-mortar debate is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of retail , both as a seller or consumer. Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. Ecommerce vs. brick and mortar: pros and cons Each retail model has their own unique characteristics that shape the way they operate. Ecommerce allows businesses to sell goods and services online—reaching a global audience without geographical limitations. It's also defined by the following: Accessibility : Customers can shop anytime, anywhere as long as they have internet access. Convenience : With just a few clicks, shoppers can complete a purchase and have items delivered to their doorstep within days, if an option. Wide selection : Online stores often offer a broader range of products than physical stores due to fewer space constraints in terms of storage and warehousing. Personalization : Ecommerce platforms can provide personalized recommendations based on customer data and shopping habits. This makes for a more engaging customer experience and often higher sales. Brick-and-mortar stores are traditional retail outlets that have been around for centuries, where customers can visit to see, touch and purchase products in person. Their key characteristics include: Tangible experiences : Shoppers can physically interact with products before making a purchase. Immediate gratification : Customers can take home their purchases immediately, without waiting for delivery. Customer service : Face-to-face interactions with staff can improve customer service and build relationships. Local presence : Physical stores contribute to the local economy and community. Origins and growth of eCommerce The story of eCommerce began in the late 20th century, and it has quickly become a dominant force in the retail world. Here's a brief timeline highlighting its emergence and growth: 1970s : The concept of eCommerce was born with the advent of the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and teleshopping. 1980s : The introduction of online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon in the mid-1990s revolutionized the way people shop. 1990s : Secure online transactions became possible, leading to an increase in consumer trust and online sales. 2000s : Broadband internet became more accessible and smartphones began to change shopping habits. 2010s : Social media platforms started integrating shopping features, further expanding eCommerce reach. 2020s : Advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of eCommerce with innovations like AI, AR and personalized shopping experiences. Ecommerce and brick-and-mortar: the main differences When comparing eCommerce and brick-and-mortar, several key factors highlight their differences. Understanding these can help you decide which retail model aligns with your business goals or shopping preferences. Convenience : Ecommerce wins on convenience, offering shopping from the comfort of your home. Brick-and-mortar requires a physical trip to the store. Reach : Online stores have a global reach, while physical stores are limited to their very specific, set geographical location. Customer experience : Brick-and-mortar stores provide a sensory experience and personal interaction, which eCommerce tries to replicate with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. Overhead costs : ECommerce generally has lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar, which must contend with expenses like rent and utilities. Read more:  Best eCommerce platforms Squarespace alternatives Wix vs Squarespace Is eCommerce killing brick and mortar? The question of whether eCommerce is killing brick-and-mortar stores is a hot topic. To address this, let's look at a few current trends and ecommerce statistics . Adaptation : Many brick-and-mortar stores are integrating eCommerce elements to stay competitive. Many businesses are choosing to have both an eCommerce website and physical store—it's common amongst large brands, for example, Zara and H&M. Coexistence : Statistics show that while eCommerce is growing, there's still a significant demand for in-store experiences. A CX trends survey , for example, found that 70% of US shoppers still visit a physical retail store once a week. Digital transformation : Traditional stores are undergoing digital transformation, using technology to enhance the in-store experience. So maybe it's not so much a case of eCommerce killing brick-and-mortar but rather an evolution of retail where both can coexist and complement each other. The key for traditional stores is to adapt and find ways to leverage the strengths of both models. Hybrid retail models: successes and how they work Here are some examples of businesses that have thrived by integrating both eCommerce and brick-and-mortar elements into their business models: Click-and-collect services : Retailers like Target and Walmart have successfully implemented click-and-collect services, allowing customers to order online and pick up in-store. This means consumers don't have to make it into a store and line up to pay — they can order only what they want and pick it up quickly. Show-rooming : Companies like Warby Parker offer physical showrooms for customers to try products before ordering them online. Local pop-up shops : Online-first brands occasionally open pop-up shops in high-traffic areas to increase brand visibility and offer a tangible shopping experience. This helps drum up demand for their online stores. The rise of omnichannel retail Omnichannel retail is the seamless integration of online and offline shopping experiences. It's a strategy that acknowledges the value of both eCommerce and brick and mortar, aiming to give you the best of both worlds. Here's how it benefits businesses and customers: Enhanced customer experience : Provide a consistent shopping experience across all platforms, whether in-store, online or through mobile apps. Increased sales opportunities : Reach customers through multiple channels, increasing the likelihood of purchases. Better data collection : Gather insights from various sales touchpoints to understand customer behavior and preferences. How businesses can adapt to an evolving retail environment The retail landscape is constantly shifting and businesses must adapt to stay ahead. Here are strategies for brick-and-mortar stores to incorporate eCommerce elements and vice versa: Brick-and-mortar stores Learn how to create a website : Create a user-friendly website with a website builder or join online marketplaces to reach more customers. "I built our website in less than a week. Prior to Strathcona Spirits, I worked in eCommerce and online communications, so I knew what I wanted. I didn’t want an eCommerce site that was clunky and difficult to update, where the smallest change required a developer. This was a lean startup so we wanted to have a website that we could easily update ourselves, or delegate to an employee to update, in a really simple and time-efficient way. So that's how I decided on Wix." - Andrea Shubert, co-founder of Strathcona Spirits Use social media : Engage with customers on social media platforms to drive traffic to both your physical and online stores. Offer online ordering with in-store pickup : Combine the convenience of online shopping with the immediacy of in-store pickup. Ecommerce businesses Optimize for mobile shopping : Ensure your online store is mobile-friendly, as many consumers shop on their smartphones. Consider physical touchpoints : Explore pop-up shops or partnerships with physical stores to create a tangible brand presence. Leverage local delivery services : Provide fast, local delivery options to compete with the instant gratification of in-store shopping. Read more: Shopify alternatives  Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives

Get started by:  Creating a website →  |  Getting a domain → It’s no secret that inflation and supply chain issues have made holiday predictions more difficult. Meanwhile, managing an eCommerce website  during the holidays has become increasingly complex, with more and more ways to shop online and in person. Despite these new challenges, the eCommerce holidays are shaping up to be a fun and wild time. You’ll want to make sure you’re ready for whatever may happen and start working on your eCommerce holiday readiness ASAP. To help you out, our team of eCommerce experts has put together a list of tips to prepare your online store  for this holiday season. Keep reading for ideas on how to make your store stand out and turn casual browsers into regular buyers. Read also:   What is eCommerce? How to start an eCommerce business How to start a business Types of businesses How to start an online store Understanding eCommerce holiday readiness Your business website  is your brand’s flagship destination, where shoppers can find the most comprehensive selection of products and engaging content. As the eCommerce holidays approach, your site needs to be ready for the surge in traffic. Achieving eCommerce holiday readiness means optimizing your loading speeds, making sure your site is mobile responsive and able to handle the extra load of visitors.  It also means prepping other aspects of your business, including your website, inventory , logistics and marketing campaigns. Ultimately, you want to check that everything is running smoothly before a tidal wave of orders comes.  The 15-step eCommerce holiday checklist Prepare for an influx of traffic Get your site for mobile ready Make sure that products are easy to find Fine tune your product pages Put your best offer on the table Optimize the checkout process Enhance your inventory flows Send inventory to fulfillment centers early Sell in-person with Wix point of sale Expand pickup and delivery options Set up your multichannel strategy Schedule email campaigns to boost conversions and loyalty Offer gift cards with cross-channel flexibility Leverage content to inspire holiday cheer Get social 01. Prepare for an influx of traffic There’s nothing worse than a site outage, especially during something big like a  small business Black Friday  sale event or a major product promotion. An outage doesn’t just prevent customers from completing a purchase—studies show that  brand trust is heavily impacted by site speed , so a glitchy or slow-loading site can put your reputation at risk. Poor site performance can even impact brand visibility, since Google factors in page speed when deciding on page rankings. To avoid unwelcome surprises, test your website across multiple devices and install any third-party eCommerce apps early on. Avoid launching new apps or rejiggering your site in the middle of the peak season, when most people are interacting with your store.  In addition to this, get your analytics in order. Connect your site to Google Analytics and other preferred tools that will help you understand who’s landing on your site during the holidays. Familiarize yourself with helpful reports, including the ones available with Wix Analytics , so you know where to look whenever you want to investigate site traffic, sales and/or site performance.   02. Get your mobile site ready This holiday season is set to be the most mobile-driven yet, with a record $128.1 billion expected to be spent via mobile devices, according to the Adobe Forecast . This would account for 53.2% of online sales. You’ll therefore want to cater to customers on-the-go by auditing and optimizing your mobile store. Ensure that your product pages are easy to find with a few taps. Avoid overcrowded or hard-to-read pages. Audit mobile loading times, and simplify menus and page elements to account for smaller screens. Want to give your site a holiday makeover?  Check out these eCommerce website templates  to create a festive shopping experience that attracts customers.  03. Make sure that products are easy to find Make it easy for your customers to discover relevant products by offering multiple pathways for finding the perfect gift. Features like video lookbooks, quizzes and gift guides can be very useful for shoppers who arrive at your site without a specific product in mind. When learning how to sell online  successfully, particularly during the holiday season, these eCommerce tools  can make a big difference. Alternatively, add “best sellers” or “related products” recommendations that can cross-sell or upsell buyers as they’re browsing your site. Or, add decorative flash sale banners and countdown clocks to your site that draw attention to your products, plus special deals.  Learn how to add a related products gallery to your Wix site , or install an app like Reconvert  that’s compatible with Wix and provides even more ways to increase AOV. For shoppers who already know what they want, your navigation menus and search bars should feature seasonal items or promos, including links to gift cards and themed collections. 04. Fine tune your product pages The holidays aren’t the time to skimp out on your product pages. Publish robust product pages that contain everything that shoppers need to know to confidently make a purchase. Some ideas for strengthening your product pages: Include detailed descriptions that avoid generic superlatives like “great” or “excellent” and instead demonstrate what makes your products unique. If you’re in a creative rut, use an AI-powered solution like Wix’s text creator to help turn your thoughts into easy-to-read descriptions. Touch up your photos using tools like Wix’s AI-powered image features, which let you crop or extend images, improve the resolution and/or erase objects from the background of a photo (among other things). Add a pre-order or a “notify when back in stock” option for not-yet-released or popular items that might sell out quickly, respectively (learn how to allow pre-ordering on your Wix site  or set up back-in-stock notifications on Wix ). Experiment with helpful elements like product comparison matrices, how-to videos and in-depth content about how your products are sourced (if appropriate). Clearly show delivery timelines or local pickup options, so shoppers know all of their options upfront. Clearly link to your return and refund policy, so first-time customers feel more confident about shopping with your brand. 05. Put your best offer on the table With inflation causing record-high prices, consumers are on the hunt for ways to save: 91% of Americans check for discounts before making an online purchase, according to research by Capital One Shopping , and 80% of American shoppers say they’d be open to buying from a brand for the first time if offered a discount.  Offering a discount can help convince your shoppers to hit “buy.” Remember, however, to balance the incentives carefully. While deep price cuts can drive holiday sales volume, they can also set the wrong expectations with new customers. New customers may expect low prices year-round if you’re not careful. During the holidays, free shipping is an especially attractive offer. In fact, recent eCommerce statistics show that nine out of 10 consumers say free shipping is the top incentive to shop online. Online consumers are also six times more likely to value free shipping over fast shipping, and most (93%) will buy additional items just to qualify for free shipping, reports Capital One Shopping .   Of course, it’s important that you protect your eCommerce profit margins. So, deploy free shipping offers strategically for limited-time periods or for purchases above a spending threshold. 06. Optimize the checkout process A simple, clear checkout process is paramount to closing the sale. In fact,  roughly 20%  of shoppers abandon their carts because the checkout process is too complex. To avoid losing sales in the final stretch, design a checkout flow that caters to various payment preferences and devices. Connect Wix Payments  to  accept major debit/credit cards , PayPal, digital wallets, BNPL and other popular forms of payment. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, use  Wix Point-of-Sale  to ensure synchronization between your online and offline transactions. When it comes to the eCommerce checkout  experience, be mindful of the amount of information you require to complete a purchase. Opt for a shorter, simpler flow that only requires essential details. For optional settings—such subscription opt-ins or “save cards on file”—present these as checkboxes that require minimal effort on the buyer’s part.  More tips: How to customize the checkout page on your Wix store How to set up and managed abandoned carts via Wix   07. Enhance your inventory flows In normal times, inventory management can already be difficult. The holidays only add to the pressure—and safe to say, you won’t want to be testing shoppers’ patience. Protect your brand from overselling, late shipments and other costly mishaps by setting up the right  inventory  flows ahead of time. Harness inventory management tools that can automatically sync quantities across your sales channels. Connect with your 3PL or suppliers and discuss ways to ensure order accuracy, fast shipping and custom packaging if necessary. Set reorder points, reserve safety stock and even accept pre-orders to keep your inventory in check. If you’re looking to take a more hands-off approach and potentially expand your holiday offerings, you can always explore dropshipping or print on demand. Both allow you to outsource storage and fulfillment and only pay for what gets sold. More inventory management tips: Breaking down the basics of inventory management for SMBs What is inventory turnover? 08. Send inventory to fulfillment centers early While forecasting demand is tricky, it’s crucial to get an early start and stock up on your merchandise, especially if you plan to run any special promotions during the holidays. It’s also your responsibility to move stock to where it’s likely to be needed most, whether that entails your physical stores, fulfillment centers or local warehouses. Send ample amounts of stock to each provider and make sure any shipping partners are aware of upcoming discounts or marketing campaigns that might spike sales. Be mindful of cutoff dates for partners like Amazon FBA that require holiday inventory to be sent early. Double-check that your items and packaging comply with 3PL requirements to prevent any foreseeable delays, and test your order management system to ensure shipments are routed properly. 09. Sell in-person with Wix Point-of-Sale While times have changed, physical retail is no less valuable. Warby Parker, Everlane and even Amazon are just some of the brands establishing physical stores to grow their business. Even if you don’t have a physical footprint year-round, the holidays are ideal for temporary store formats. Think: standalone pop-ups, mobile units or “store within store” concepts like the recent matchups between Kohl’s and Sephora or Macy’s and Toys “R” Us. Holiday craft fairs and markets present other opportunities. Whether your physical sales location is a temporary experiment or a permanent community fixture, take advantage of  Wix Point of Sale (POS) . Wix POS offers both mobile and docked solutions for accepting payments wherever you sell, and keeping orders, prices and quantities consistent across channels. 10. Expand pickup and delivery options Nearly a quarter of online holiday orders  were fulfilled using “Buy Online, Pickup In-Store” (aka BOPIS) in 2022—and for good reason. BOPIS offers a fast, free fulfillment option for customers, while minimizing shipping costs for sellers. Given that BOPIS users may be inclined to purchase additional items while in store, this strategy can be a revenue-winner. If you have physical locations, see if offering store or curbside pickup makes sense. Pair this with other shipping options, taking care to update your shipping policies (e.g., your delivery timeframes, delivery areas and costs) for the holidays. Tip: to help level your shipping costs, you can require minimum order values to qualify for specific delivery options.  11. Set up your multichannel strategy While your online store is your digital home, you’re likely to attract a wider audience if you branch out to other popular destinations like Amazon, eBay and others. Google once found  that during the holidays, 54% of consumers used at least five channels to search for gifts in the course of a typical two-day period. So, the more locations your brand can be found, the greater your chances of driving new business. That said, you don’t need to be on every channel, whether through ads or native product listings. Focus on where your target audience already hangs out online. See if your eCommerce platform offers native integrations or tools for  managing multichannel sales  to simplify your work. As you expand to more channels, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how items are ranked, displayed and promoted on those channels.   Make sure your product listings and promotions are synchronized; the goal is to offer an intriguing assortment of items across channels, without undercutting your core eCommerce site business. Themed selections, trending items and unique gift picks are all good options to showcase on third-party channels. More tips: A guide to online marketplaces   How to set up Facebook and Instagram ads through Wix 12. Schedule email campaigns to boost conversions and loyalty Email is the quiet workhorse of eCommerce marketing: 47.5% of marketers report that it’s still very effective for achieving business goals (across many types of eCommerce  businesses),  according to Hubspot . Context and timing are crucial, so use early-season campaign results to better hone subsequent promotions. “The most powerful marketing action you can take is to think of the entire holiday season as one large, multi-part campaign,” advises Mike Rossi, co-founder and CEO of   Smile.io , a Wix  partner. “Before you draft your first email, you need to have a cohesive plan for what you’re going to do with the results of that first campaign. How will you market to newly acquired pre-Black Friday shoppers in the coming months to retain them? Do you want to reactivate past customers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when everyone else is marketing to them, or hold off until the post-holiday season when sales are typically lower?” “Having a cohesive plan to know which of your customers you want to market to at each point of the holiday season is crucial if you want to make the most of this critical time for your brand,” Rossi adds.  When you’re ready to set up your email campaigns, Wix’s AI email tools can lend a hand in designing and writing catchy holiday emails. Alternatively, apps like Klaviyo  can help you further segment and personalize your emails, in addition to SMS.  13. Offer gift cards with cross-channel flexibility In uncertain times, gift cards are a reliable hit. These days, gift cards are no longer just presents for other people— 21.2% of gift card buyers  intend to use those cards on themselves to access certain discounts, manage their money better or receive other benefits.  This year the trend is set to continue, so offering gift cards and highlighting them prominently is a smart move. Even smarter: allowing shopping credits to be used both in-store and online, regardless of the gift card format. Be inspired: Holiday card design 14. Leverage content to inspire holiday cheer Content such as videos, blog posts and gift guides can be useful for a number of reasons. Not only do they inspire your customers to take action, but they also help you to powerfully reach new audiences. Establish a holiday content calendar that can help you engage customers in a number of ways. Consider partnering with another brand or influencer for unboxing videos, blog features, live stream and other collaborative content. Or, invite user-generated content (UGC) by asking your customers for reviews, launching a hashtag campaign and hosting a contest through which participants can win rewards by creating or sharing content around your brand. Tools like Wix’s AI blogging and image tools can further speed up the process of creating new, attractive content. Just remember to prioritize quality over quantity; every piece you publish should provide value to your buyers and remain on-brand.  15. Get social More than half of 2021 consumers (58%) said that they planned to turn to social media for gift inspiration during the holiday season,  according to McKinsey . With the meteoric rise of channels like TikTok and ever-more-seamless tools to buy within social apps, you can expect that number to grow this holiday season. To focus your efforts, consider which social networks your target audience already uses and what content resonates with them on those channels. Hashtag campaigns might be ideal for Instagram, while Pinterest users are more likely to pay attention to beautifully curated boards. Meanwhile, TikTok viewers might follow your brand after seeing a funny video set to a trending tune. Get creative and harness the social channels at your disposal. Ecommerce holiday trends to boost your marketing campaigns This holiday season, keeping up with the latest eCommerce trends is crucial for maximizing your marketing efforts. Here are a few trends to keep in mind:  Early promotions: Holiday shopping is starting earlier than ever, with many brands launching sales as early as October. Personalized deals: Shoppers are responding more to personalized offers tailored to their preferences.  Sustainability: Eco-conscious consumers are looking for brands with sustainable packaging and products. Omnichannel presence: Customers expect seamless shopping experiences across multiple platforms, from social media to online stores.  Your goal is to capture attention without getting lost in the noise. From email marketing to using social media to showcase limited-time offers or flash sales, focus on creating a sense of urgency and connection with your audience. You can also consider leveraging holiday-related SEO strategies to increase visibility during eCommerce holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and beyond. By tapping into current eCommerce holiday trends, you’ll increase your chances of attracting eager shoppers and driving more conversions.  Ecommerce holiday readiness FAQ What is eCommerce readiness? Ecommerce readiness refers to how prepared a business is to handle online sales. This includes a website that is prepared for high traffic, has secure payment options, reliable shipping methods and an overall streamlined customer experience to meet the demands of online shoppers. What is holiday readiness? Holiday readiness is the preparation retailers and eCommerce sites enforce to optimize their operations for peak shopping periods, like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. Holiday readiness includes ensuring website performance, stock levels, marketing strategies and customer service are all ready to handle the surge in traffic and orders during holiday sales and events. How much does online shopping increase during the holidays? Online shopping typically sees a significant boost during the holiday season, with sales increasing by 20-30% on average, and sometimes even more during major events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Do retailers ensure website readiness for the high traffic on Cyber Monday? Yes, retailers, including eCommerce websites, take extensive measures to ensure their websites can handle the surge in traffic on Cyber Monday. This includes stress-testing servers, optimizing load times and implementing fail-safes to avoid site crashes, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for customers.

International eCommerce , selling your products globally, is a rewarding challenge that can heavily impact your sales — in a positive way. In fact, Wix ecommerce websites  that successfully sell cross-border  average 680% more in sales - but only the top 10% ship to two countries or more. While there are huge advantages to selling internationally, it’s a good idea to prepare before jumping in — which is what this guide is for. What is international eCommerce? International eCommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services across national borders online. As a type of ecommerce it involves online transactions between businesses, consumers and even governments from different countries. A global marketplace allows companies to reach customers worldwide, expanding their potential market significantly. Examples include: Amazon's global ecommerce platform, serving customers in numerous countries Alibaba, connecting Chinese suppliers with international buyers ASOS, a UK-based fashion retailer shipping worldwide Etsy, enabling artisans to sell handmade goods globally eBay's global marketplace for new and used items Booking.com, facilitating international travel accommodations Why is international eCommerce significant? International eCommerce has become a central part of the global economy, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. It allows companies of all sizes to access markets worldwide, dramatically expanding their customer base and revenue potential. This not only increases economic growth but also drives innovation as businesses compete on a global stage. For consumers, international eCommerce opens up a world of choices, providing access to unique products and services from diverse cultures and regions. It can mean price competition and often leads to better deals for shoppers. Moreover, the convenience of 24/7 shopping across time zones has revolutionized consumer behavior. As the technology needed to sell online continues to advance (and as ecommerce platforms become more accessible), international eCommerce is poised to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of starting an ecommerce business and selling online . How to get started with international commerce: 10 steps Conduct market research Choose an international market to sell in Learn the rules and regulations for where you're selling from and to Marketplaces vs. online stores Localize your store Display prices in local currencies Connect a payment provider Handle your fulfillment and shipping Mind your marketing Keep your customers happy 01. Conduct market research Every successful selling strategy starts with good research. And with international ecommerce it's no different. Make sure you understand the overall demand for your products in your country, as well as globally. Then look into the following: Trendlines Competition Customer acquisition costs and customer lifetime value Gaps you’ll need to bridge Price ranges and possible profitability   02. Choose an international market Find the best place to start. Selling internationally is tough and you’ll likely need to build your skills and tools as you grow. So don’t just jump into selling to all countries - pick a specific market to target. Then, let your research guide you. Choose the right international market or cluster where your market research shows the demand for your products is sufficient. Make sure you plan accordingly, by budgeting and creating measurable goals.   03. Learn the rules and regulations Before you jump into a new locality, make sure you’re up to date on any laws or restrictions regarding selling or shipping your items in that location. The most important thing to make sure is that your products are neither on the restricted items list, nor the prohibited items list. Remember that even parts of your products can be marked as prohibited or be deemed too dangerous to ship. Having dangerous components does not mean malintent – some restricted items are as innocent as batteries. And while it isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, it may mean your products cannot travel by air, which will prolong delivery times or result in a high handling fee. 04. Marketplaces Vs. online stores You’ll have to decide whether you want to sell in an existing marketplace that knows how to do international commerce, or whether to build it up from the ground yourself. Sell internationally using marketplaces The good: Order fulfillment is handled by a very well oiled machine Local sales tax and regulations are handled by the marketplace The bad: Higher platform costs means you can expect lower profit margins Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay receive a much higher number of returns & refunds What you need to do: Integrate your store with Amazon , eBay , or others. This is extremely simple on Wix, and should take you a few minutes, but can be done on all platforms one way or another. You may need to further customize your account: For example, to sell internationally on eBay  you may need to add Paypal, and reach certain thresholds on both sales and reviews. Sell internationally from your own store The good: Control everything about your brand and your business The bad: The international fulfilment process can be complex You’ll need to take care of sales tax rules. We strongly recommend avoiding any manual work around taxes choosing the automatic and simple way by integrating your store with sales tax automation tools like Avalara . 05. Localize your store Build trust with potential shoppers by helping them easily understand all the information on your store. The first step to localizing your eCommerce website is to add more languages . Hire a native speaker to go over all of your pages to make sure your content is culturally sensitive, grammatically correct and in line with your brand. This means all texts and images are appropriate and present your business in the right light. Take your time with this step as you handle all other aspects of this process. Not only is this important for building your brand identity in a new location, it will also help you reduce returns and refunds due to things getting lost in translation. These kinds of mistakes can be costly when it comes to international shipping. 06. Display prices in local currencies People want to shop in their own currency. Add a currency converter  to your eCommerce website to automatically swap currencies depending on the shopper’s location and language. Make sure your converter updates on its own so when you run sales or modify your pricing, you won’t have a lot of manual labor waiting for you. 07. Connect a payment provider When it comes to choosing a payment provider, there are few things you should take into account. Ask yourself the following in order to choose a viable payment provider: How do people actually prefer to pay in your target market? Do they use credit cards or Paypal? Are they used to paying in cash, or a two-step payment provider like in Brazil and Japan? Do they respond well to buy-now-pay-later options ? Take the time to learn about the best payment providers for your eCommerce business before choosing how to accept online payments . 08. Handle your fulfillment and shipping A huge part of successfully selling products internationally is being able to deliver your products as fast as the local market expects – and preferably faster. Here are some tips to make sure that happens: Check customs and international shipping regulations — The penalties of not knowing the rules are delays and costly fines. Look into costs for shipping internationally — Taxes, fees, duties and tariffs vary depending on where you’re shipping from and where you’re shipping to. Pack your products safely —  Choose the right size package for your product’s shape and weight, avoid empty space after all, you’re paying for this, seal your boxes securely as nobody likes receiving an open package, attach clear labels, otherwise it won’t get shipped. If you’re selling high-end products, consider paying for shipping insurance. Peace of mind is worth a lot. Find the right shipping provider — Connect a shipping vendor who ships internationally.  Try to work with a single vendor that covers all of your target markets. This is critical when you’re selling to numerous countries. Offer different services to cater to more types of customers — Choose a carrier or a shipping app based on credentials in the countries you're shopping to, how frequently you send there, price and speed. Consider third-party fulfilment — Third party fulfilment companies can do much of the heavy lifting when shipping internationally. While this will eat into your profit margins, it might be worth it in terms of effort and fulfilment quality. 09. Mind your marketing It’s important to be mindful of your marketing strategy in order to best target your new customers. Keep in mind that your products may appeal to different sorts of shoppers with different marketing attributes, depending on the location. For example, a mid-market watch in Mexico may be perceived as an affordable one in Canada. This means you’ll have to put in the time to understand who you’re targeting and adjust your marketing plans accordingly. This should include everything, like your ads budget, the influencers you choose, the best affiliates to connect with, and the range of discounts you’re willing to give. 10. Keep your customers happy Selling internationally may bring with it a whole new set of customer complaints, especially with regards to sizes, shipping times, and – of course – refunds and returns. Do whatever you can to respond to your new customers quickly, respectfully and professionally. A happy customer will keep coming back and tell their friends to come buy too. Ready to start selling? Create your free online store today.

Over the past decade, eCommerce business owners and consumers alike have demonstrated a vast capacity for resilience and as the industry continues to grow, it’s important for store owners to consider the things they know about th e cu rrent eCommerce  lan d scape, while also preparing for the unexpected. To this end, we’ve compiled a list of 10 strategies and tips to focus on to help your eCommerce business grow. Read more: Best eCommerce platforms Squarespace alternatives Wix vs Squarespace How to grow your eCommerce business: 10 ways 1. Build a community   2. Think like a brand marketer   3. Explore new sales channels   4. Offer eCommerce Gift cards   5. Live stream shoppable events   6. Nudge zero-party data collection   7. Construct a customer advisory program   8. Build out a story-driven product detail page model   9. Invest in content   10. Test new markets 01. Build a community around your business Several years ago, Lush UK announced they were leaving Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Their aim was to redirect their community of customers to their online store , speaking directly with their customers using live chat on their website or via email and phone. On Twitter, they wrote : “Over the next week, our customer care team will be actively responding to your messages and comments, after this point you can speak to us via live chat on the website, on email at wecare@lush.co.uk and by telephone: 01202 930051.” Building a brand community fosters customer loyalty  and connection. This goes beyond brand awareness to fostering an actual relationship with your customers. It’s all about the interactions and conversations you have with your customers. Much of this occurs on social commerce platforms like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. But, increasingly, brands like Lush UK are bringing their communities back to their own digital storefronts. Take personal care and beauty retailer Sephora which hosts a variety of community-oriented features including groups, conversations (Q&As with brands), a gallery of customer images and videos, and a hub for events.   Sephora’s community hub  is hosted on Sephora.com where customers can post and share content, but it also pulls from social platforms like Instagram to feature customer images and videos. When assessing the value of brand communities, Harvard Business Review notes that communities help in a variety of ways, for example, by resolving issues via the community and reducing the number of support requests. They can boost visibility in search results and create buzz around an event, product, or initiative. One underutilized method to create a community around your business is to add a forum to your site. Forums help you foster lively conversations, building customer advocacy in an inviting and active way. They’re also a great way to capture more detailed customer feedback as you’ll be able to see your most passionate customers talk about your products and services. Already a Wix use r? Wix Groups  a llows you to add robust forum features to your existing store through a one-click process. Your forum will be fully customizable, allowing you to mirror your site’s brand aesthetic and comes mobile-friendly out of the box. 02. Think like a brand marketer The proliferation of eCommerce vendors including traditional retailers like Walmart, digital behemoths like Amazon and emerging direct-to-consumer brands like Warby Parker and Allbirds, make it difficult for small retailers to stand out. When you are learning how to start a business , you figure out that differentiating your brand in this crowded environment involves lots of work from a branding perspective. But building brand recognition—and loyalty—is particularly important for eCommerce businesses. Nearly 80 percent  of consumers purchase items because of the brand name. Investors love a good brand too, with over 80 percent prioritizing brand recognition. This year, online store owners will need to think like brand marketers every step of the way. That means building a community (see above), embracing social media, focusing on creating and delivering high-quality content, and leveraging opportunities like options to sell subscriptions  (as well as AI in eCommerce ) , using a service like the one offered by Wix, eCommerce gift cards and different fulfillment options to foster loyalty and improve customer experience. 3. Explore new sales channels Brands can no longer rely on paid Facebook or Google Ads to create demand. A diversified marketing approach is the only sustainable approach to building an eCommerce business, particularly when you consider how many channels consumers use across their entire buying journey. A great example of this is Amazon, with recent data demonstrating that over 70 percent  of U.S. consumers begin their product searches on the retail giant’s website. Thus, your eCommerce strategy should include an understanding of how to sell on Amazon  (and a plan to start selling on the platform). You should also explore/experiment with new channels beyond Amazon including: Ebay : There are 187 million global users on eBay and the site boasts 101,000 shopping hours a month. Google Shopping : Google offers several different ways for eCommerce businesses to showcase their products including search and Shopping ads. Bing Shopping: Yes, Bing is still an option, with 60 million U.S. users and a high-value audience (but less competition from other advertisers), this is another one to add to the mix. 04. Offer eCommerce gift cards Digital gift cards can help boost brand awareness, drive sales, and inspire customer loyalty. Use of digital cards has skyrocketed over the past year and a half as a result of several pandemic trends. These include the rise in demand for advanced payment solutions and the widespread use of mobile shopping (specifically, smartphone usage). Growth in this sector is staggering. The global digital gift cards industry generate d $258.34 billion  in 2020. This is projected to increase to $1,101.03 billion by 2030. There are many ways eCommerce gift cards can benefit your online store. They can attract last-minute shoppers to your website during the holidays, improve your search engine rankings with dedicated “gift card” landing pages, and attract new customers. Gift cards also help boost revenue above and beyond the cost of the card, since research has shown that recipients tend to overspend the card amount by an average of about $60 . They’re also a great way to reward loyal customers for repeat business. 05. Live stream shoppable events Live stream shopping is an emerging digital trend that both online store owners and customers are embracing. A live stream shopping event occurs when a person or business uses streaming video to sell products or services in real time to a live audience. The delivery method varies but can include social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, eCommerce websites and dedicated video platforms like YouTube. Live stream shopping events can be one-to-many events where a host broadcasts to an audience (e.g., QVC style) or one-to-one clienteling events where a salesperson speaks directly to a customer while the customer shops. Live stream shopping is extremely popular among Gen Z and Millennial consumers, with roughly 60 percent  of both groups saying they’re comfortable purchasing from a brand’s live stream event. As live stream shopping grows in popularity, the functionality offered by platforms and providers continues to improve. For example, TikTok recently rolled out a shoppable feature that enables users to add pop-ups to live shopping events. Viewers can tap on the product popup to add the item to their shopping cart with mobile checkout beginning within TikTok. This kind of functionality within live stream video is happening across the entire social media ecosystem and promises to be an exciting new tactic for eCommerce businesses in the new year. 06. Nudge zero-party data collection Zero-party data is the information that a customer shares directly with a business. It differs from first-party data in that it doesn’t include website analytics, CRM, social media profiles, and other customer data shared indirectly. Zero-party data is becoming increasingly important because privacy regulations like Europe’s GDPR and California’s CCPA limit the collection and sharing of consumer data by third parties without their consent. Zero-party data facilitates eCommerce personalization—enabling you to customize content like product recommendations, offers, and deals to your customers as they shop online. Focusing on this strategy is cost-effective since you likely already have a database of customer information, plus consumers are willing to provide their data to companies when there’s a clear benefit. The best way to collect zero-party data is by asking customers to register on your website  or app. Think about how you can get more than just contact information during this process. For example, you can ask about sizing and color preferences or other details relevant to what you sell (e.g., preferred operating system, topics of interest, etc.) You can also get zero-party data by creating email campaigns, offered by services by Wix CRM , and adding surveys or polls  to your website. Learn more: eCommerce KPIs  you should be following 07. Construct a customer advisory program Most businesses want to know what drives, excites, and motivates their customers, but getting this information from simple polls or customer feedback forms can be challenging. Creating a customer advisory program can help you better understand your business. Advisory programs are great for building community and they don’t have to be a big expense. You can offer your customers gift cards or free merchandise as an incentive to participate. An effective customer advisory program uses different methods of outreach (e.g., focus groups, surveys, beta tests, etc.) to obtain high-value feedback from your customers about your business, products, and user experience. eCommerce merchants can test different messaging and gain a much better understanding about which products customers prefer. Advisory feedback can also help you create more intuitive and conversion-oriented user experiences, gain insight into preferred online payment solutions , and unearth nuances like whether customers want options to buy products internationally. 08. Build out a story-driven product detail page model Creating effective, conversion-oriented, and impactful product detail pages is a balancing act. It requires that multiple elements work together to inspire customers to make a purchase. Most customers abandon product pages due to lack of information, clear images, a poorly visualized call-to-action, and lack of trust elements (e.g., accreditation badges, return policy link, etc.). Merchants can optimize the buying experience by making every product page tell a story through the use of detailed product descriptions, great visuals (including video elements) and compelling social proof in the form of badges and customer reviews/ratings. You should also clearly indicate product availability and communicate urgency (e.g., low stock, shipping cutoffs around the holidays, etc.). A product page that tells a story contains crisp, informative product descriptions accompanied by important information (e.g., the model’s measurements and size they’re wearing). It should speak directly to your target audience, and clearly communicate the product’s features and benefits while communicating emotion (e.g., cozy, comfortable, festive, etc.). 09. Invest in content The right content can help eCommerce merchants educate, inform and engage with customers. The content on your product detail pages, category, and home pages is really the bare minimum of what you should have on your online store. To sell online, you need to connect your content strategy with your commerce strategy, aligning messaging across all customer touchpoints. When building an eCommerce marketing strategy , plan your content around the customer’s needs. Make sure people can find information about your products on social media and can access information via mobile devices. Your content strategy should consider every channel where your content will appear. Content should be accessible and documented so that it can be easily retrieved and repurposed. A great way to begin planning content for the coming year is to do an audit of your existing content including what’s outdated and what’s missing as well as a wish list (e.g., live stream video events, long-form blog posts, updated product images, etc.) This will help you understand the timing and resources needed to consistently create and deliver content throughout the year. Learn more:   eCommerce business names   10. Test new online markets The internet is nothing if not a vast global marketplace, blurring the definition of what it means to buy and sell locally. Globally, buying power is growing. In 2020, 1.4 billion people were part of the global middle class, with 85 percent located in Asia Pacific countries . Suffice it to say, there’s never been a better time to test new eCommerce markets. International eCommerce presents a huge opportunity for digital store owners who want to expand to new markets. Our own data has found that Wix online store owners who sell across borders average nearly 700 percent more in sales than those who don’t. Learn more: International ecommerce When testing new markets, it’s important to thoroughly research the rules and regulations of each region, localize your store (e.g., by adding native languages , ensuring content is culturally sensitive, and hiring a native speaker to review all website elements). Selling to new markets can help differentiate you from your competitors. It’s a great way to grow your eCommerce business. Learn more: Shopify alternatives Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives Best business ideas to start with little money   Every Wix online store  is built to deliver industry-recognized speed, performance, and reliability.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → Learning how to start an eCommerce business can be a complex endeavor. To put your business on the path to success, you need more than an idea; you need a plan. This post provides a step-by-step guide to the process of starting a business , from initial inspiration to the first online sale and beyond.  Ready to start selling? Build your eCommerce website  with Wix. How to start an eCommerce business in 10 steps As with any entrepreneurial venture, careful planning and preparation are essential to your success. Here are the steps to follow to get started with your own eCommerce business:  Identify your online business niche Do market research Select the right product mix Secure product sources Write a strong business plan Set your business name and legal structure Choose an eCommerce platform Create your online store Manage your eCommerce business finances Market your eCommerce business 01. Identify your online business niche While it may seem counterintuitive, your chances of making it big in eCommerce are better when you start by thinking small—that is, when you start by defining a niche for your online business. While it’s helpful to study the general trends, broad categories can be crowded with competitors. As one example, health and personal care is slated for growth to over 13% of the eCommerce market  through 2027 but trying to compete with major drug chains or beauty retailers can prove difficult (if not impossible) for new players.  Instead of targeting a large, general market, target a niche market. For instance, you could start an eCommerce business that focuses on organic skin care for teens, with a selection of cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen for acne-prone skin. Finding a product to sell is perhaps the most crucial part of starting an ecommerce business, so make sure to do your research. It helps to have expertise in your chosen niche. You’ll spend a lot of time researching the right products or services to provide. You’ll dive into every detail of the business. And, at least at first, you’ll likely manage day-to-day operations, so you should be passionate about what your ecommerce business idea .  02. Do market research Once you’ve pinpointed an ecommerce business niche or idea, it’s time to research and evaluate your potential market. Not only will you learn more about your audience but you’ll also gather the quantifiable data you need to make revenue projections and calculate costs. To understand the market, consider these strategies: Identify your audience type :   Are you catering to corporate professionals or individual consumers? The audience you have in mind will help determine the type of business  you intend to operate. While many eCommerce businesses serve exclusively B2B or B2C customers, some sellers serve both. For example, a gourmet food seller that typically sells to individual consumers may offer corporate gifting services for the holidays. Or, an apparel retailer may provide customization options for bulk orders, enabling companies to print custom uniforms that include their logos. Get familiar with the main ecommerce KPIs before getting started. Size your market : Build a profile of your ideal customer based on their demographics, geographic location, interests, spending habits and any other salient details. Then use that profile to guide your research into census and market data to arrive at realistic numbers. Your goal is to understand your potential customers better as you gauge the ultimate potential for growth for your eCommerce business. These benchmarks will also help you forecast revenue and demand as accurately as possible until you begin generating sales and have an earnings history to use as a guide. Immerse yourself in the trade : Follow trade media and individual thought leaders in your chosen category and read up on overall eCommerce trends via publications. The Wix eCommerce Blog  is a great place to get started. Study the competition : Dive deep into competitor websites, sign up for their email updates and track news coverage on your competitors. Pay attention to how they market themselves, both online and offline. If you can dig up financial reports or earnings, that information can guide your own forecasts and projections. Ask your audience directly : Use surveys and polls to gather information from your potential customers. Hang out in relevant social media groups and forums and attend in-person events where potential customers congregate.  03. Select the right product mix Your niche and your target market will guide decisions about which products to sell or services to offer. Consider, for example, whether your audience would be receptive to curated kits or gift sets, and whether seasonality is a factor. Price and profit margin are essential to consider, as they determine the potential for your business to scale. A break-even analysis will help you figure out how much of each product you need to sell to recoup your initial costs and begin making a profit.  When selecting products to sell, you’ll want to consider factors like:  Product life : Know your expected product life cycle. This will help you create a multi-year plan for your eCommerce business. Some big-ticket items are built to last decades; buyers who ordered a sofa may not return to your site immediately, unless you offer complementary items. On the other end of the spectrum, replenishable goods like pet food or beauty supplies may inherently attract repeat purchases. For these, you may want to offer bulk discounts or start a subscription box business  to further encourage repeat business.  Price expectations :   While offering a variety of price points can broaden your appeal with buyers, if your audience is used to purchasing luxury goods, then you may want to limit your selection to top-of-the-line offerings. If you’re a B2B seller, consider whether your corporate clients expect you to offer items in bulk at wholesale  prices.  Cost of goods sold (COGS) :   As you select products, consider overhead costs and logistics , such as whether items require fancy packaging or “white-glove” delivery and installation. Digital products, by contrast, have no shipping or physical  procurement  requirements. You can calculate COGS with the following formula: beginning inventory + purchased inventory − ending inventory. Once you have guidelines in place, dive into the specifics. If you need inspiration and want to see what’s trending, turn to competitor websites or search best-selling items on marketplaces like Amazon. Ecommerce tools like Google Trends and Algopix can also help identify hot products. Or, use your favorite SEO or keyword research tool, like Semrush, to find frequently searched products, validate a product concept and/or discover which brands are most frequently searched in your market. 04. Secure product sources and suppliers Once you have specific items in mind, you’ll need to determine the right product sourcing method. Perhaps you create all of your products by hand and want to keep it that way. Or, maybe you’re interested in dropshipping with a platform like Modalyst , Wix’s native dropshipping solution. Depending on your budget, resources and preferences, you have a few options to choose from when it comes to sourcing products: Make goods by hand yourself : Quality is fully within your control, but it can be tricky to scale your business or keep up with high order volumes.  Hire a manufacturer :   You source products from a third-party manufacturer but sell them under your brand name. Items are made to your specifications, and you retain control over production, pricing and branding. You can make goods efficiently in large quantities, but good communication with your production partner is essential to ensure quality is up to snuff. Partner with name-brand manufacturers : If you seek products from specific manufacturers or designers, you can contract as an official reseller or dealer and offer those products through your eCommerce site. While your brand will get a boost from the affiliation, you’ll need to price items low enough to compete with other sellers, and some brands may have policies around a product’s minimum advertised price (MAP). Both can cut into margins. Retailers can also create their own branded merchandise via private label  lines in partnership with manufacturers, straddling the manufacturer/retailer divide. Costco’s Kirkland line or Amazon’s AmazonBasics are just two examples of this strategy. Source from wholesalers : Wholesale suppliers offer catalogs of goods, often from multiple manufacturers. You can find inexpensive products to buy wholesale, which gives you leeway in pricing. On the flip side, products sourced overseas may bring additional delivery costs and tariffs as well as the expense of inventory and warehousing. Work with dropship suppliers :   Dropshipping shifts traditional retailer responsibilities to suppliers, enabling you to launch an eCommerce business with minimal upfront investment. You handle the marketing and choose your products, but incoming orders are routed directly to your suppliers, who are responsible for shipping items directly to your customers. You never have to buy and hold inventory, run a warehouse or ship items yourself. On the flip side, you have less control over product quality and delivery, putting your brand in a vulnerable position if suppliers slip up.  Ghost commerce  takes it a step further, where the supplier ships items, yet you maintain your brand’s image and handle customer relations. It’s important to weigh your options when choosing a product sourcing method, and truly evaluate all of them carefully. Before you make a definitive decision, ask yourself the following questions: Do you want to customize or brand your products? Because wholesale suppliers produce in bulk, it may be hard to tweak selections to match your criteria. As an intermediate option, some suppliers offer white labeling, which allows you to sell ready-made products with your logo and branding. And if you want to personalize products further, explore print on demand. This is a subset of dropshipping that allows you to offer custom designs on a selection of products created to your specifications as orders come in.  How much capital do you have to invest in inventory ?  If you’re working with limited startup funds, dropshipping can be a more economical route for launching your brand.  How complex are your warehousing and fulfillment needs?  If you offer recurring subscription shipments, corporate gifting services or bulk order capabilities, you may need to manage logistics yourself to ensure deliveries are accurate and on time.  How do your competitors source their products?  While you don’t want to outright copy your competitors, research as much as you can about their processes to identify any potential differentiating advantages they have. Do they have exclusive dealer rights to brand-name merchandise you want to stock? Do they offer products sourced exclusively from sustainable suppliers?  What is your backup plan if one of your suppliers has issues? Nearly four in 10 shoppers  have abandoned online purchases due to items being out of stock, so take proactive steps to avoid disappointing buyers. Find backup sources of widely available wholesale products, and cover contingencies in your contracts with suppliers.  How will you scale  your business?  Manufacturing or making your own products gives you the greatest amount of control, but they also make it difficult to meet rising demand. You may need to contract with a new factory altogether, hire staff or find other expensive solutions. For a more flexible option, you may want to consider dropshipping or wholesaling.  What are your audience’s expectations?  Buyers are prioritizing sustainability more and more. In fact, U.S. consumers are reportedly willing to pay an 11% premium  for products with reduced environmental impact. If your customers expect ethically sourced products, include those factors in your sourcing criteria. 05. Write a strong business plan to validate your idea Document all the research and planning you’ve done up to this point with a formal eCommerce business plan . Not only does a business plan capture your work in a comprehensive and detailed format, but it also provides a touchstone for keeping your day-to-day operations focused on your mission. The strongest business plans keep teams aligned during launch and lay the foundation for attracting the right business partners and investors.  While the individual components of a business plan can be tailored to your unique priorities, you should include the following elements to be sure the document is relevant and useful:  Mission, description and unique selling proposition (USP) : Your business plan should outline the reason your company exists, summarize at a high level what it does and identify what sets your brand apart from others. This information helps you stake your claim in the marketplace and guides future decisions about priorities. In particular, it’s critical to flesh out your  unique selling proposition . Your USP guides your product positioning , helps you to stand out from the competition and identifies partners and consumers who share your values. For example, “plastic-negative” water company and Wix merchant  Mananalu  differentiates its products by supporting a larger cause. Mananalu water is packaged in refillable aluminum bottles, which are easier to recycle than plastic. In addition, each time a consumer buys a Mananalu water, the company pledges to remove a plastic bottle from the ocean waste stream. Shoppers can even buy further “plastic offsets” to support the company’s cause. Climate Neutral certification and “1% for the Planet” membership provide third-party credentials attesting to the company’s commitment to sustainability. Market and SWOT analysis : Summarize your market research and describe your company’s position relative to the competition. Provide an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) to pinpoint your areas of greatest potential growth. A realistic analysis will help maintain focus not only as you launch, but as you scale and add new offerings.  Your offering :   Use your previous research and planning to create a detailed description of your products and/or services, product sourcing and pricing strategy. Describe how this offering aligns with your audience’s needs. In addition, describe your plans for customer service and order fulfillment as crucial components of the brand experience. Marketing  plans : Describe how you plan to introduce your eCommerce business to your target audience, including which digital channels you’ll prioritize and which technologies you’ll rely on to execute marketing tactics. Financial forecasts : Using your previous research, build a model forecasting expenses, revenues and growth. To ground your projections in reality, use real-life results from competitors or other businesses in your field. Consult trade publications and category experts for growth benchmarks and formulas to incorporate. Funding sources : Describe how you’ll secure the startup resources you need, whether through your own savings, private equity, crowdfunding or investors. If you’re presenting your plan to potential funding sources, customize the information to explain the rationale behind your request and describe the benefits of funding your business. 06. Set your business name and legal structure After you put your business plan together, you’ll need to set up the actual legal framework to support your business. Start by picking a business name that reflects your brand identity and USP. If you need some inspiration, try researching popular search keywords, brainstorming names related to your niche or playing with different spelling variations. Wix’s free business name generator  can provide more ideas. As you narrow the list, check that the names are: Easy to read, say, spell and remember Search-friendly Available as a website domain  Not being used by another business (in the U.S., individual states maintain registries of businesses you can check) Once you have your business name figured out, you’ll need a logo. You can create one yourself, work with a graphic designer or try out the Wix logo maker  for free. Next, you’ll want to choose the right legal structure for your eCommerce company—a key step in starting a business of any type. Your overarching business structure will define your liabilities, tax status and more. Consult with legal professionals and accountants to determine whether a sole proprietorship ,  partnership ,  limited liability company (LLC)  or corporation  is right for you. In the U.S., you’ll also need to register your business and apply for a federal employer identification number (EIN) in order to pay taxes, open a business bank account or obtain financing. You can do this through the IRS’s website for free. 07. Choose an eCommerce platform At this point, you’re ready to bring your brand to life through building your own ecommerce website .  The first step is to choose the best eCommerce platform  for your needs. There are dozens of website builders on the market, so evaluate your options carefully. To ensure your eCommerce website development goes smoothly, look for a platform that provides: Professional aesthetics : Wix offers hundreds of specialized online store templates  you can customize to reflect your brand. A domain name : You’ll need a domain name  of your own to match your business name. Enterprise-grade security : Wix offers a secure infrastructure  with 24/7 security monitoring to protect against data breaches. Top performance : It’s critical to have web hosting  with the capacity to support a speedy, high-performance site  on both mobile and desktop devices, even during peak sales periods. Built-in analytics : Wix’s analytics dashboard helps you track key ecommerce metrics , such as website traffic  and generate historical performance reports. Customizable shopping cart pages : A customizable shopping cart page  will ensure your branding and messaging are consistent throughout the purchase process. Variety of checkout options : Flexible eCommerce checkout  options should support whichever payment method your customers prefer. Wix Payments is an integrated payment gateway system that can connect to in-store point-of-sale (POS) registers, too and allows you to accept payments on a website. A content management system : A content management system  (CMS) should ideally support robust product information and brand-building features such as blogs, how-to articles and buying guides. Back-office functionality : Look for integrated tools that help automate back-office functions, like bookkeeping and order fulfillment. Wix offers ecommerce tools for tasks like inventory management , invoice creation  and more. A reasonable pricing model : Your platform’s pricing model should make sense financially for your business, both now and in the future. As you research, pay close attention to recurring fees and special surcharges so you understand the total cost. With Wix, you can build a website with eCommerce functionality for as little as $27 per month. Get ready for launch. Sign up  for Wix today. 08. Create your online store Regardless of which eCommerce platform you choose, it’s important to research the best practices for designing an eCommerce store . Knowing how to make a website  includes the following best practices: Be clear about what you sell : Make it easy for customers to understand your business and products by using consistent design elements and language throughout the site. Avoid jargon-heavy or overly cutesy names for product categories and individual items; use accurate language that matches the search terms your audience enters. Once shoppers are ready to buy, don’t beat around the bush; use clear calls-to-action like “Shop Now” or “Buy Now.”  Invest in high-quality imagery : A picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s especially true in eCommerce. Buyers can’t physically touch and try products, so photos and videos help convince them to have faith and click “Buy.” High-quality photos that clearly show details and features are essential, while videos demonstrate products in action and can be repurposed for social platforms like TikTok.  Showcase user-generated content (UGC) : Buyers trust others like them to communicate authentically about products and services, so find ways to spotlight customer reviews, user-submitted photos and social media comments. The same holds true in the B2B world; 86% of businesses  consider verified reviews a critical factor in purchase decisions when deciding vendors. Embrace mobile : Transactions on mobile devices already account for four in 10 online sales , and an even higher share of product research occurs on smartphones thanks to their “anywhere, anytime” availability. Your eCommerce site shouldn’t just be mobile-compatible. You should assume the majority of interactions with your brand will occur on the go. Make sure that pages load quickly even when wi-fi isn’t available, and that images render clearly on small screens. Learn more: eCommerce vs retail How to grow your ecommerce business 09. Manage your eCommerce business finances Once you’ve launched your eCommerce business, you need the tools to track sales, profit and growth. Three things in particular are worth monitoring closely: Plan for seasonality : Holidays, annual weather patterns and other cyclical influences can cause your income to spike and dive. For example, in the U.S., the final quarter of the year can account for more than 30%  of annual sales for some categories of retailers. Other cycles might be particular to your industry: if you offer bookkeeping or accounting services online, for example, your peak season might end on April 15, the filing deadline for personal income taxes. Accurate forecasting can help predict when sales will pour in so you can manage cash flow to cover leaner months. Get a handle on fulfillment costs :   If your eCommerce business involves delivering physical goods, be prepared to spend 15% to 20% of net sales on fulfillment costs . Of course, if you provide a virtual service or a downloadable app or software product, you can avoid these costs altogether. If you use dropshippers to fulfill orders instead, you won’t carry those overhead costs yourself, but the suppliers will likely pass them on to you as part of your fees. Guard against costly chargebacks and returns :   It’s estimated that 17.6% of all online sales are returned . Add in the cost of reverse logistics—where goods are returned to stock for resale or simply discarded—and you’ll want to prevent returns in the first place. Try to create detailed product pages that include fit and sizing guides, compatibility information and materials. In addition, bolster your customer service content to address common questions before purchase; communicate shipping timeframes so consumers don’t cancel orders in transit if they don’t arrive in time. Finally, set a return policy you can actually afford. Read more:   SMB online commerce  for acquiring banks and merchant acquirers. 10. Market your eCommerce business Launching your online store is an achievement, but by no means can you “set it and forget it.” With so many eCommerce websites available, you need to promote your brand to attract new buyers and create incentives that keep customers coming back. As you allocate your marketing budget to sell more products online, focus on the digital channels you know your audience uses. Follow these strategies:  Personalize the shopping experience : Seven in 10 consumers  now expect personalized interactions with companies, and businesses meeting that expectation can boost their marketing return on investment (ROI) anywhere from 10-30%. Seek out tools that enable you to automate eCommerce personalization in email campaigns, product recommendations and post-purchase promotions. For example, with Wix, you can add a “Best Sellers” or “Related Products” gallery  to your product pages. Boost word-of-mouth buzz : Encouraging customers to create and share reviews is just the start when it comes to building word-of-mouth advocacy for your brand. Create promotions that reward customers for referring friends and family, and post share-worthy takes and exclusive offers on the social media networks that your customers use most. To further boost visibility on social media, consider working with micro-influencers. These personalities may not have millions of followers, but they have devoted audiences whose interests can align closely with your brand offering.   Prioritize SEO : More than half of consumers  rely on search engines as their top tool for shopping research, so stay up-to-date on best practices for search engine optimization to give your brand the best possible chance at visibility. Develop rich content, optimize for mobile devices, maximize site speed and earn inbound links to improve your rankings.  Build loyalty :   While it’s natural to devote attention to finding new customers during launch, you also need a plan for keeping the customers you already have. It’s less expensive to build a loyal following than to continually churn through one-time purchasers, and repeat customers tend to outspend new buyers . Consider creating a loyalty program that rewards buyers with perks and exclusive offers based on how much they spend. Drive more sales with Wix eCommerce marketing . Start an eCommerce business checklist Task Completed Define your niche and products to sell 2. Conduct full market research 3. Create a business plan 4. Choose a business structure (LLC) and register it 5. Obtain all necessary licenses and permits 6. Set up business banking and accounting 7. Source products and suppliers 8. Choose an eCommerce platform — Wix 9. Build and publish your online store 10. Set up payment solutions and shipping 11. Develop a marketing strategy 12. Plan your customer service processes What is an eCommerce business? An eCommerce business is a company that sells products or services online. With an online store, you can serve customers around the world, and buyers can browse and make purchases at any time of the day.  Ecommerce sales have increased faster than other retail businesses in recent years. In the third quarter of 2023, for example, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports that retail eCommerce sales grew 7.6% year over year  to $1.8 billion, compared with 2.3% growth in the overall retail sector. Given this growth, it’s no wonder that merchants of all types now view eCommerce as an essential part of their business. It’s worth noting that while some eCommerce sellers operate exclusively online, others use their websites to enhance and complement offerings at physical store locations, manufacturing plants or offices. Business-to-consumer (B2C)  eCommerce serves individual retail shoppers, while business-to-business (B2B)  sellers offer products or services to other companies.  Learn more: What is an eCommerce website? Types of eCommerce Ecommerce advantages and disadvantages How much does it cost to start an eCommerce business? The cost of starting an eCommerce business depends on many factors, from the type of products you sell to the features you need to power your online store. But when all is said and done, you could spend anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 . That range may seem high—in fact, you may wonder if you could drop a zero from the lower end of the scale. Dropshipping can eliminate upfront inventory and fulfillment costs, and platforms such as Wix offer inexpensive eCommerce site hosting plans and design services. But even with this minimalist approach, you still may need to factor in costs for things like marketing, technology and software, legal and administrative fees, and more. No matter how much startup capital you have at your disposal, it's important to do your research and plan carefully before starting an eCommerce business. This will help you avoid costly mistakes and increase your chances of success. The potential costs to consider include:  Business formation and licensure : Setting up your business structure and governance, securing any required licenses and filing registration and tax paperwork can add up to several billable hours from legal and accounting professionals.  Ecommerce platform : The technology behind your eCommerce website is all-important and should support integrated shipping, payments and marketing from one unified dashboard. Depending on the platform, each module may be priced separately, or you may be charged a single annual fee for all-in-one service. Products : The upfront cost of your products will vary depending on what you're selling online  and which sourcing method you choose. If you hold inventory, add the overhead expense of storage or warehousing space. Design, eCommerce photography and copywriting : As you set up your online store, you may wish to enlist professional help with the website design, product photos and written content. If you’re launching in more than one country, you may need to find translation services to ensure product copy is localized accurately. Customer service : Responsive service is a must for building your brand’s reputation. Make a plan to personally handle incoming questions and requests or hire staff to ensure adequate coverage. Logistics : If you want to handle order and ecommerce management yourself versus outsourcing to a dropshipper, you need to invest in packaging, staff to pick and pack orders, and contracts with freight carriers or third-party logistics providers to handle deliveries. Marketing : Even if you don’t allocate budget to paid advertising, you’ll still need to invest hours into setting up social media accounts and optimizing your website for search engines. Why start an eCommerce business in 2025? The global eCommerce market is expected to reach a value of approximately $7 trillion by 2025 , so there’s no time like the present to get started. Here are just a few reasons to start an eCommerce business this year: The barriers to entry are (relatively) low :   While launching an eCommerce business successfully does take some initial investment, it’s far less expensive to build a brand online. In the past, shopping technology was prohibitively expensive and required a professional IT staff to manage. You can earn a profit (relatively) quickly : While you won’t generate millions overnight, the relatively low startup costs and efficiencies of scale you can access via dropshipping means that you may be operating in the black within a year to 18 months. While the size of your profits depends in large part on your category and your wholesale product costs, relevant, high-quality products and superior service can help justify the higher prices that lead to bigger margins. You can access rapidly-growing global markets : As much as the U.S. represents a huge eCommerce market, other parts of the world are seeing even more exponential growth—and you can sell to these nascent markets without needing a physical presence or local staff. While China is dominant in terms of eCommerce market size and penetration, countries that are potentially more accessible, such as Canada, Mexico and the U.K., are all top global targets to consider . You can run your business your way :   As the world discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital businesses can be managed remotely. You can route orders to dropshippers and respond to customer service queries on your own time, anywhere—a stark contrast with traditional retail, which tethers you to a store location and requires staff to serve customers during set hours.  How profitable is an eCommerce business? The profitability of an ecommerce business is dependent on many factors, including the type of industry and niche you choose. When trying to determine how profitable this business type might be, or how long it might take to reach profitability with an ecommerce business you'll need to consider the following: Industry and niche Different industries and niches have varying profit margins. For example, businesses selling high-value products or unique items with low competition, such as luxury or handmade goods, may have higher profit margins than those selling low-priced commodity items such as stationary, for example. Business model The business model you choose, such as dropshipping, wholesale or manufacturing, directly impacts profitability. Dropshipping, for example, means lower overhead costs especially at the start but may mean lower profit margins. Manufacturing products requires more upfront investment but can also mean higher profit margins, especially long term. Operating costs Keeping your operating costs low, including website fees, marketing expenses and shipping costs, is crucial for maximizing profitability with an ecommerce business. Marketing and sales strategies Effective marketing and sales strategies that drive traffic and conversions are essential for generating revenue from your online store. This also means controlling your customer acquisition cost (CAC)—the cost of acquiring new customers should be lower than the lifetime value of a customer to ensure profitability. At the same time, increasing your average order value by offering product bundles, upselling or cross-selling can boost the profitability of your business. This also means focusing on customer retention and building strong customer relationships for repeat customers. How to start an eCommerce business FAQ How much does it cost to start an eCommerce business? Starting an eCommerce business can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your goals and needs. Basic expenses include purchasing a domain name, setting up a website or eCommerce platform, inventory (if selling physical products) and marketing. Additional costs may arise if you invest in professional web design, advanced software or specialized tools. To keep expenses manageable, start with a clear budget and prioritize the essentials needed to launch and grow your business effectively. Do I need an LLC for an eCommerce business? An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is not strictly required for starting an eCommerce business, but it offers valuable benefits. It protects your personal assets by separating them from your business liabilities, which can be crucial if your business faces legal or financial challenges. Some entrepreneurs start as sole proprietors to minimize costs, but forming an LLC can provide added credibility and legal safeguards. Consider your business’s scale, risks and growth plans before choosing the right structure. What are the 4 types of eCommerce businesses? B2B (Business-to-Business):  Transactions occur between businesses, such as wholesalers selling to retailers. B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Businesses sell directly to individual customers, like online stores or subscription services. C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Individuals sell products or services to each other, often through online marketplaces. C2B (Consumer-to-Business): Individuals offer products or services to businesses, such as freelancers providing services or influencers creating sponsored content. Is eCommerce a profitable online business? Ecommerce can be a highly profitable online business with the right strategy and execution. Profitability depends on factors like choosing the right products, effective marketing, controlling costs and creating a strong customer experience. However, competition and rising costs for advertising or shipping can present challenges. By staying adaptable and focused on adding value for your customers, you can build a sustainable and profitable eCommerce business. Is it hard to start your own eCommerce business? Starting your own eCommerce business comes with challenges, but it’s more accessible than ever thanks to modern tools and resources. Initial hurdles often include learning technical skills like setting up a website, navigating competition and managing logistics such as inventory and shipping. However, platforms, templates and guides can simplify the setup process significantly, even for beginners. With a clear plan and the right support, launching an eCommerce business becomes a manageable and rewarding endeavor.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → When you’re running an ecommerce business , gut instinct alone won’t make you successful. Success requires having a clear understanding of the health of your business. It requires having a constant pulse on your eCommerce metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to keep your business growing in the right ways.   That said, eCommerce metrics can run the gamut. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll look at the eCommerce metrics across these three categories: Marketing-focused data points  like conversion or customer retention rates Business-related measurements  like profit margin and cost of goods sold Customer service-related benchmarks  like net promoter score Keep reading for a breakdown of each and tips for improving your online store’s performance. What’s the difference between an eCommerce metric and KPI? KPIs and metrics are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are not one in the same. A metric is a data point that can be used to inform a KPI or your understanding of a business process. For example, “time on page” is a metric that indicates how engaged your consumers are with your products and your online store. A KPI, meanwhile, is a clear and measurable goal that you set to guide your growth. It is a subset of your most important metrics. For example, if your KPI is conversion rate and your goal is to increase conversions from 2.5% to 3.5%, then you may use several metrics (like time on site, bounce rate, and cart abandonment rate) to gauge progress and understand the steps that you need to take. The purpose of both metrics and KPIs is to help you quantify, benchmark, and track success. Once you identify the right metrics to routinely track, you can establish a baseline and collect data on various business functions. You can then use this information to tweak your business strategy and improve individual ecommerce KPIs . 17 eCommerce metrics you should be tracking Customer acquisition cost (CAC) Organic vs. paid traffic Cost-per-click (CPC) Return on ad spend (ROAS) Bounce rate   Average session duration Transactions   Conversion rate Cart abandonment rate Return rate Cost of goods sold (COGS) Net profit margin Average order value (AOV) Customer retention rate (CRR) Customer lifetime value (CLV) Customer satisfaction score (CSAT) Net promoter score (NPS) Marketing-focused   01. Customer acquisition cost (CAC) CAC is your average cost of attracting a new customer. Calculate CAC using the below formula, where promotional costs include any money you put towards a certain campaign. These costs don’t just refer to ad costs, but also the money that you spend on producing content, hiring designers, and using software to build and track your campaign. CAC = Total promotional costs ÷ number of customers acquired As an example, if you spent $2,000 launching a Google Ad campaign and attracted 150 customers, then your CAC would be $13.33/customer. You'll want to make sure that your CAC is manageable and costs less than your customer lifetime value (CLV). A few ways to reduce CAC: spotlight higher-margin products, optimize your ad spend, and build up your organic strategies to reduce your reliance on paid channels. 02. Organic vs. paid traffic Knowing the source of your web traffic can help you to understand the effectiveness of your eCommerce marketing  efforts. Two important traffic channels include: Organic : The number of visitors you attract to your site through unpaid channels. Improving organic traffic volumes typically means having a strong eCommerce SEO  plan, plus making the most of your owned media channels (email newsletters, blog, and social media channels). Paid traffic : The number of visitors you attract through paid channels, such as Google Ads or paid social media campaigns. Paid channels offer the advantage of immediate and wide-scale reach, but require ongoing payment to see consistent results. To find the breakdown of organic versus paid traffic, use tools like Wix Analytics  or Google Analytics . If you find that your paid traffic far outweighs organic traffic, then it’s likely time to focus on your organic channels. Otherwise, you might see a lot of your traffic dry up whenever your ad budget dries up. It’s also worth looking at differences in conversion rates and behaviors, depending on which channels your buyers enter from. Are buyers converting better after seeing a certain ad? Are they browsing multiple items on your site, or are they just viewing and buying one particular product? The answers to these questions can help you decide how to optimize your campaigns and improve your site to deliver a better experience. 03. Cost-per-click (CPC) CPC is the amount you pay for each person who clicks on a link within a pay-per-click ad (think: Google ads, Amazon ads, and Facebook ads). The higher-volume a keyword, the more competitive it generally is. So you’ll likely pay a higher CPC (i.e., submit a higher bid) to win placement on these SERPs. At this point, you’ll want to avoid overpaying for ads by doing your due diligence. Are keywords attracting people with the right intent? Are there other long-tail keywords that you could target at a lower price? How can you tweak your targeting, and what can you do to make sure that every ad you deliver drives results? 04. Return on ad spend (ROAS) ROAS is an emerging eCommerce metric that enables you to measure how much revenue an ad campaign brings to your business. ROAS = Total revenue generated from paid ad campaign ÷ total campaign ad spend So, if you earned $12,000 in revenue from a Facebook Ad campaign that cost you $1,500, your ROAS would be $8. ROAS is most often expressed as a ratio. In this example, your ROAS ratio would be 8:1. Across all industries, a generally accepted positive ROAS ratio is 2.87:1 . 05. Bounce rate Bounce rate represents the number of people who only view one page on your site before exiting out. Bounce rate = (total # one-page visits ÷ total # of website entries) x 100 Bounce rates are provided by most web analytics tools, like Google Analytics and Wix Analytics. A healthy bounce rate is relative. However, most sites will see bounce rates between 26% to 70%, according to a study by RocketFuel, with bounce rates between 41% to 55% considered average. Bounce rates above 70% may signal technical issues with your website, such as slow page speed, broken links, or mobile responsiveness problems. (A super low bounce rate could also signal tracking or other issues, as some bounces are to be expected.) If you notice high bounce rates on your site, check for technical errors as well as poor-performing content. It’s possible that customers aren’t connecting with your products, your messaging, or overall branding. Or, the messaging on your landing page may differ drastically from the messaging someone sees on an ad (as an example). 06. Average session duration Average session duration is the amount of time users spend (on average) during a single visit to your website (though the definition of a “session” may vary between tracking tools). In general, a longer average session duration is good. It’s an indicator of your visitors’ level of interest in your brand or products. But it could also mean that it takes longer than it should for your shoppers to navigate your online store. The best way to know is by digging into what users are doing once they enter your site. Are they exploring multiple pages? Are they actually taking steps towards making a purchase? Where are they dropping off? If most people are abandoning their carts, a longer session duration could be a symptom of an inefficient checkout process. For comparison, the average session duration across all industries is four minutes and 17 seconds, according to a report by Contentsquare . However, time spent on buying sessions across industries is longer—averaging 11 minutes on mobile and 20 minutes on desktop. Business-related 07. Transactions The number of transactions from your website doesn’t tell the full story regarding your profitability, but it does indicate the popularity of your products over time. Transactions are, quite simply, the number of individual sales made on your site over a specific time period. You can choose to track transactions on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to develop a baseline. Doing so will help you measure the impact of seasonality or discounts on specific products. It will also help you separate your most popular products from the least popular ones. However, make sure to measure transactions against order value and margins to confirm that your most popular products are worth further investment. 08. Conversion rate A “conversion” could mean different things to different people. For example, a marketing team may define conversions as the number of signups to an event. By comparison, you may choose to define conversion as a sale—or, you could track several types of “smaller” conversions, like adding a product to a cart, entering a coupon code, or signing up for a free trial. Once you’ve defined what a conversion means for your business or campaign, you can calculate conversion rate using this simple formula: Conversion rate = (conversions ÷ total visitors) x 100 Note that as you look to increase conversion rate across your eCommerce site , your store design could heavily impact user behaviors. Here are several conversion rate optimization tests that you can try out if you’re looking to raise your conversions. 09. Cart abandonment rate Cart abandonment rate is, as the name suggests, the percentage of shoppers who add items to their cart but leave your store without completing their purchase. Cart abandonment rate = [1-(total # completed transaction ÷ total # of unfinished transactions)] x 100 Today, nearly seven out of every 10 shopping sessions end in abandoned carts, according to the Baymard Institute . And that translates to $18 billion in lost revenue  per year. There are seemingly an infinite number of reasons why shopping cart abandonment continues to happen—some of which are in your control, and some of which aren’t. Among the many strategies you could try: send abandoned cart emails to shoppers who left without making a purchase. Wix stores with active abandoned cart recovery automations have increased sales by up to 29%. Other ideas: offer free and/or faster shipping, provide multiple payment options at checkout, and simplify your overall checkout process to reduce friction. 10. Return rate Growing rates of product returns stand as another headache for many eCommerce retailers. Retail returns jumped from 10.6% in 2020 to 16.6% in 2021, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail . This amounted to more than $761 billion of merchandise that ended up back in stores or warehouses. To calculate return rates for your store, use the below formula: Return rate = (# orders returned or refunded ÷ total # of orders) x 100 It’s important to keep in mind that returns don’t just cost you money. They have the potential to erode your brand reputation if customers aren’t satisfied with their purchases. The best way to improve your returns rate is to ask your shoppers why they’re returning your products at the time of return. If they say that the product they received doesn’t match their expectations, it could be a sign that you need to improve the quality of your product pages (or the quality of your products). Another tip: make sure that your eCommerce return policy is clear and easy to find. Plus, take steps to prevent retail bracketing. 11. Cost of goods sold (COGS) COGS, short for “cost of sales,” rolls up all the expenses of sourcing or manufacturing your products—including the costs of raw materials, labor charges, and other costs directly related to the creation of your product. It does not include utilities, marketing costs, taxes, rent, or other indirect costs. COGS = Beginning inventory + total purchases – ending inventory COGS is particularly useful in calculating your inventory turnover ratio and margins. It can also help you learn your true production costs so you can see areas where you can reduce them without affecting product quality. 12. Net profit margin It goes without saying that you don’t just want to be making sales. You want to be making a profit. The best metric to measure your progress in that regard is net profit margin. Net profit margin = [(Revenue - COGS - operating and other expenses - interest - taxes) / revenue] * 100 Net profit margin is indicative of your bottom line, whereas gross profit margin gives you an immediate look at whether your business is operating at a profit or loss. The average eCommerce net profit margin is 7.26%, according to Investopedia . Learn more about diagnosing (and improving) your eCommerce profit margins . 13. Average order value (AOV) Your AOV is a measurement of how much income you generate per order. This eCommerce metric provides insight into your shoppers’ purchasing habits, and helps gauge the effectiveness of your marketing and pricing strategies (among other things). AOV = Revenue ÷ total # of orders When you increase AOV, you’re more focused on retaining and strengthening your bond with existing shoppers versus acquiring new customers. For example, many Wix merchants use Wix’s out-of-the-box tools or Velo to better upsell and cross-sell buyers. Think: “related products” banners or free delivery after a customer meets a minimum cart total. Check out other ways to increase AOV using Wix. 14. Customer retention rate (CRR) It costs five times as much  to attract a new customer as it does to retain an existing one. Your CRR measures how well you hold onto your existing customers and therefore is a good metric of overall eCommerce efficiency. CRR = (# of return customers ÷ total # of customers) x 100 An average eCommerce CRR is about 30%, says Omniconvert . Improve your CRR by creating ad campaigns targeted at existing customers, developing an email newsletter to nurture current customers, or creating rewards and discounts to incentivize repeat business.   15. Customer lifetime value (CLV) CLV is an estimate of the total revenue you’ll earn from one person (or a group of people) over their lifespan as your customer. It’s influenced by your conversion and customer retention rates (CRR), and can also help you benchmark your CAC. CLV = Average transaction value x average number of purchases x expected years of relationship CLV is normally calculated over the period of one year. So, if your customers spend an average of $75 per shopping session, purchase around six items a year, and shop with you for an average of five years, your CLV is $2,250. Optimizing customer lifetime value is important for nurturing brand loyalty, and ensuring that your customers have a positive experience when shopping with your brand. Customer service-related 16. Customer satisfaction score (CSAT) CSAT scores involve a popular method for gauging customer satisfaction. Establish a CSAT by asking your customers a single question: “How satisfied were you with your experience?” Ask them to respond on a scale of one through five (five being the best). Once you’ve collected all the responses, you can generate your CSAT score: CSAT = (total # of “4” and “5” responses ÷ total # of responses) x 100 Alternatively, you can ask customers to rate an interaction between extremely satisfied, somewhat satisfied, satisfied, not satisfied, and very dissatisfied—and find the CSAT from extremely satisfied and somewhat satisfied answers. You can measure CSAT at various parts of the customer lifecycle, such as when someone makes his or her first purchase, or someone interacts with your customer service team. This can help you to identify areas that need improvement. It’s worth noting that in eCommerce, the average CSAT score is 81%, according to relationship operation company Netomi . 17. Net promoter score (NPS) NPS is another, complementary way of analyzing customer satisfaction. It involves asking your customers a different question: “On a scale of one to10, how likely are you to recommend our store to a friend?” Scores ranging from nine to 10 represent “promoters,” while scores ranging from seven to eight represent “passives.” Scores ranging from zero to five are “detractors.” NPS = % of promoters - % of detractors The higher your NPS score, the better your overall CX is considered to be. Yet in eCommerce, customer expectations are rising, bringing greater emphasis on even higher NPS scores. While an NPS of 50 is considered very good in most industries, the average eCommerce NPS dramatically rose to 62 over the past year, reports Retently . Keep a close watch over your eCommerce metrics Above is just a sample of metrics you could be tracking. There are plenty others that you could and might already be tracking. However, not all metrics are worth the same to your business. It’s okay to pare down this list to just the ones that are the most relevant to your goals. Keep in mind that a platform like Wix eCommerce  already includes dashboards and reports for tracking the performance of your store. Look at the reports that are already available to you and take steps towards improving your business by making data-driven decisions.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → As the ever-evolving eCommerce industry expands, it continuously represents the share of total retail sales. Having a strong foundation and understanding what is eCommerce  and the different eCommerce models is crucial to navigate the digital marketplace and create a successful online business strategy.  Whether you're new to the world of eComm or looking to optimize your existing business and create a website —this article will outline the different types of eCommerce and help determine which is the right fit when starting a business . Start selling: build your  eCommerce website  with Wix today. 8 types of eCommerce The eCommerce market consists of various models, each with unique features to meet businesses' specific needs. Before diving into the world of eCommerce business , consider and understand these models: Business-to-consumer (B2C) Business-to-business (B2B) Business-to-government (B2G) Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) Consumer-to-business (C2B) Consumer-to-government (C2G) Business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) Business-to-administration (B2A) 01. Business-to-consumer (B2C) As one of the most common types of eCommerce used today, business-to-consumer (B2C)  businesses focus on selling goods and services directly to the end consumer. These businesses invest in creating a seamless user experience, offering personalized recommendations and providing easy checkout options. They often use digital marketing strategies like social media advertising and email marketing to drive traffic to their eCommerce website. Popular types of eCommerce within this include dropshipping , print on demand and ghost commerce . Learn more: Print on demand companies B2C examples : Amazon, Target and Coal and Canary Wix user and B2C example Coal and Canary 02. Business-to-business (B2B) While business-to-consumer models involve a transaction from a business to a private individual, business-to-business (B2B)  is the sale of goods or services from one business to another. Businesses focus on providing a streamlined ordering process, allowing buyers to order products in bulk, manage their inventory and track orders in real-time. B2B eCommerce platforms can offer customization features like tailored pricing for bulk orders, easy reordering options and integration with inventory management systems. B2B examples : Salesforce, Slack, Something Good Studio Wix user and B2B example Something Good Studio 03. Business-to-government (B2G) Businesses in this eCommerce model sell products or services to government agencies. These include a wide range of sectors like cybersecurity, waste management and urban planning. B2G platforms often have robust security features and strict compliance standards to ensure the safety of sensitive information shared between the two parties. B2G examples : FedBid, GovSpend and GovPlanet 04. Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) When two individuals engage in a transaction, rather than business entities, it falls under the category of consumer-to-consumer. Online platforms can act as intermediaries, providing a secure platform for buyers and sellers to connect and complete transactions. It also allows consumers to buy used or refurbished items at a lower price point, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious shoppers. C2C examples : Etsy, ThredUp, Vinted 05. Consumer-to-business (C2B) Consumer-to-business covers services provided by individuals, for businesses. Freelancers, consultants and independent contractors who offer their skills and services to the marketplace often use this structure. Businesses use online platforms to post the projects they need help with, and individuals can bid on those projects, providing services at a competitive price. C2B also includes influencer marketing, where individuals with a large following on social media can collaborate with businesses to promote products or services. C2B examples : Wix Marketplace , Fiverr and Upwork  06. Consumer-to-government (C2G) Consumer-to-government eCommerce involves transactions between individuals and government agencies. Consumers sell goods or services directly to government agencies, including providing goods or services for government contracts, grants or other procurement opportunities. This type of eCommerce is frequently seen in the healthcare industry, where medical equipment or services for government hospitals are purchased from individuals. C2G examples : eHealthTech, Medical Equipment USA and Grants.gov 07. Business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) In this eCommerce model, businesses sell their products or services to other businesses, who then resell them to the end customer. This type of eCommerce can be used in industries like retail , where businesses buy goods from manufacturers and sell them to consumers in their stores. B2B2C can also involve third-party distributors or wholesalers, allowing those companies to reach a wider audience and expand their target base. B2B2C examples : Best Buy and TJ Maxx, Walmart 08. Business-to-administration (B2A) The business-to-administration (B2A) eCommerce model involves transactions between businesses and public administration or government institutions. Companies provide goods, services or innovative solutions aimed at supporting public sector functions such as digital tools for tax filing, e-learning platforms for education or software solutions for government processes. B2A examples : DocuSign for government e-signatures, SAP Public Sector and Government Digital Services (GDS) 5 eCommerce delivery model frameworks In addition to the different types of eCommerce, there are also various delivery models businesses can use to fulfill orders and get merchandise into the hands of purchasers. Each framework has its unique approach to generating income, and businesses can choose which model best suits their goals and target audience. These delivery methods can greatly impact customer engagement  and play a role in the overall success of an eCommerce business.  Direct-to-consumer (DTC) Subscription DTC White label and private label Dropshipping Wholesale Direct-to-consumer (DTC) Direct-to-consumer is a popular delivery model where businesses sell their products directly to the end customer without any intermediaries. This method allows businesses to have full control over the production, pricing and marketing of their products, resulting in higher profit margins. It also gives them direct access to customer feedback and valuable data, that allows for better insights into consumer behavior and preferences. DTC examples : Warby Parker and Izzy Wheels Direct-to-consumer (DTC) example and Wix user Izzy Wheels Subscription DTC Subscription DTC eCommerce involves a recurring fee to receive goods or services regularly. Businesses selling consumable merchandise like beauty and grooming products, groceries or curated meal kits can benefit from this approach. Selling subscriptions  offer convenience for customers, as they can enjoy regular deliveries without having to reorder each time. Subscription DTC examples : Casper, Barkbox and Dollar Shave Club White label and private label White label and private label models allow businesses to offer products manufactured by another company under their brand name. With white label, the merchandise is sold to multiple retailers, who then rebrand it as their own. Private label involves selling a unique product created exclusively for one retailer or business. This channel allows businesses to offer a wider range of goods without having to invest in manufacturing. White label and private label examples : CVS Pharmacy (white label) and Target's Up&Up brand (private label) Dropshipping Ecommerce dropshipping  is a type of retail fulfillment business where production, warehousing and shipping are outsourced to a third-party supplier. In this model, there is no need to worry about stocking or fulfilling items personally. Instead, manufacturers or wholesalers ship orders directly to customers. Dropshipping examples : Modalyst, Printful and Vistaprint Wholesale Wholesale eCommerce involves businesses purchasing products in bulk at a discounted price from manufacturers or distributors and selling them to shoppers at a higher price. This option requires businesses to handle storage, shipping and customer service but allows for more control over the merchandise and pricing compared to dropshipping. Wholesale examples : Costco, BJs Wholesale Cluband Uline  Read more: Best eCommerce platforms Squarespace alternatives Wix vs Squarespace Shopify alternatives  Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives How to choose an eCommerce business model Understanding the different types of eCommerce and delivery frameworks is a principal for how to start an eCommerce business . The next step is to dive deeper and focus not only on what type of products or services you offer via ecommerce KPIs but also get to know your audience. By narrowing in on the specifics, this will guide your answer on which type of eCommerce is right for your business.  What are you selling?  Consider the nature and demand for your products and services. For example, if you're selling handmade goods, a subscription model may not be the best fit, as customers may prefer a variety of products rather than receiving the same one regularly. If you're offering digital services or software, a subscription model could provide a steady stream of income.  Who is your customer? Understand your target market and their shopping habits. For instance, if you're selling luxury items to high-end customers, a wholesale or private label model may be more fitting as it allows for control over branding and pricing. If you're targeting budget-conscious consumers, a dropshipping or subscription model may be more appealing.  What are your cost and profit margins? Consider the resources you have available and which approach aligns best with your capabilities. Some types of eCommerce may have lower overhead costs but also result in lower eCommerce profit margins , while others may require significant upfront investments but offer higher profit potential. For instance, a subscription strategy may require regular product restocking and customer service management, while dropshipping may only need an initial investment in marketing and eCommerce website development .  What is your competition doing? Analyze what successful competitors in your industry are doing and whether their approach would work for your business. Additionally, keep an eye on emerging eCommerce technology trends and see if incorporating them into your chosen method could give you a competitive edge. Advantages of eCommerce models From sustainable eCommerce and the rise of AI in eCommerce, the industry is quickly changing the way markets operate. Before plunging into the world of eCommerce, it’s critical to first understand why businesses are turning to this method of selling. Here are some advantages of eCommerce models: Expanded reach Traditional brick-and-mortar locations are limited by their physical footprints and can only attract customers within a certain area. An online store is open at all times and accessible from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to break into new markets without being limited by geography. Reduced overhead costs Running a retail store can be expensive. Rent, utilities and employee wages all add up quickly, making it difficult for small businesses to compete. In contrast, eCommerce stores have reduced overhead costs since there is no need for a physical storefront. Additionally, digital marketing strategies are usually less expensive than traditional advertising methods. With less operating costs, eCommerce businesses can often offer lower prices to consumers while maintaining profitability. Enhanced customer experience With eCommerce models, shoppers can receive a more personalized shopping experience compared to traditional shopping methods. Online businesses can track customers’ browsing and purchasing histories to make better product recommendations and offer promotions tailored to their interests. Providing personalized customer experiences helps build loyalty, which can lead to repeat business. Improved inventory management Brick-and-mortar stores often face the challenge of properly managing inventory turnover . This can lead to either out-of-stock products or excess inventory, both of which can be expensive and hurt the bottom line. In contrast, eCommerce models allow businesses to better manage their inventory levels. With real-time inventory tracking systems, businesses can quickly restock popular goods and reduce inventory levels on slower-moving items. Learn more: Ecommerce tools , eCommerce merchandising strategies Disadvantages of eCommerce Ecommerce has truly transformed the way people shop and conduct business. As with any system, it's important to be aware of limitations when considering setting up an eCommerce business. Technology dependence : Ecommerce heavily relies on information and communication technologies, which makes it vulnerable to disruptions. Be aware of the potential risks and take necessary measures to ensure a smooth online shopping experience. Regulatory issues : Currently, there is a lack of adequate laws and regulations governing eCommerce activities, both nationally and globally. It is crucial for policymakers to address this gap and establish comprehensive frameworks to protect consumers and foster trust in online transactions, also to facilitate the growth of international ecommerce . Shipping delays : Customers may have to wait longer for their products to arrive, or there could be issues with delivery, such as damaged items or lost packages. This can result in customer dissatisfaction and a negative impact on the reputation of the business. Product experience:  When shopping online, some consumers may feel hesitant to make a purchase without being able to physically examine the products beforehand. Providing detailed product descriptions, high-quality images and customer reviews can help alleviate these concerns and enhance the overall shopping experience. Security concerns : In the digital age, security threats such as hacking and data breaches are a concern for online transactions. It is essential for eCommerce platforms to implement website security  measures, such as encryption and secure payment gateways, to safeguard customer information and instill confidence in online shoppers. Types of eCommerce FAQ Which types of eCommerce businesses are successful?  The success of an eCommerce model depends on various considerations, including the niche, target market and execution of the business. The key lies in choosing the right model to align with your business goals and cater to your customers' needs.  What hosting company should I choose for my eCommerce store?  When selecting a hosting website , consider factors like uptime reliability, website speed and performance, security features and customer support. Cloud-based platforms like  Wix for eCommerce  make setting up your store easy.  Check out the best eCommerce platforms  for your specific business needs.  How do I start an eCommerce business?  Starting an eCommerce business involves several essential steps including market research, setting up a website, sourcing products or services, marketing and promoting your store. To learn more, see our guide on how to start an online store  and how to build an eCommerce site . Is eCommerce a profitable business?  Ecommerce continues to thrive as a lucrative industry, with many businesses seeing significant success and profits. Proper planning, strategic decision-making and adaptation to market trends can increase your chances of running a profitable eCommerce store. First, learn how to sell online , then go build a website  to get your business started.  What's the difference between vertical and horizontal ecommerce? Vertical ecommerce focuses on selling products within a specific niche or industry (e.g., only selling beauty products — often meaning greater depth of expertise and tailored customer experiences. Horizontal ecommerce offers a wide range of products across multiple categories (e.g., Amazon). While less specialized, horizontal models can capture a larger market share. su What is re-commerce and how does it differ from traditional ecommerce? Re-commerce, or reverse commerce, focuses on the buying and selling of previously owned or used goods. Unlike traditional ecommerce, which typically deals with new products, re-commerce platforms promote the resale of goods, promoting sustainability and circular economy principles. Examples include ThredUp for clothing or BackMarket for electronics. comv What is conversational commerce and how does it enhance the online shopping experience? Conversational commerce integrates messaging apps, chatbots or voice assistants into the shopping process. It allows customers to interact with businesses in real-time, ask questions, get personalized recommendations and make purchases through chat interfaces. It's particularly effective for complex products or services that may require additional explanation or guidance. What is collaborative commerce (c-commerce) and how is it different from traditional ecommerce models? Collaborative commerce involves multiple parties working together in the ecommerce process. This can include partnerships between businesses, integration of customer feedback into product development or peer-to-peer marketplaces. Unlike traditional models where businesses operate independently, c-commerce emphasizes shared resources, co-creation and community involvement. Examples include crowdsourcing platforms, peer-to-peer lending in fintech, or businesses collaborating on limited edition products.

Build your website in minutes, try Wix for free today  → Shopify might be one of the biggest names in eCommerce, but that doesn’t make it the best choice for everyone. Maybe you’re feeling restricted with limited design options or just want something simpler and more cost-effective. The truth is, building an online store should feel easy and empowering, with access to the tools you need to succeed. Whether you’re looking for a free website builder  to cut costs, an AI website builder  that simplifies design or a DIY option that guides you on how to build a website from scratch , there’s a platform for you. In this article, we’ll explore the best Shopify alternatives that give you more control, better pricing and features designed for your business. When choosing a website builder, you want one that’s flexible, powerful and easy-to-use. Wix is the go-to platform for millions of users looking to create a stunning website effortlessly. See what makes Wix stand out from the crowd and why it’s the right fit for you.  8 Shopify alternatives Wix Wix Studio Sellfy Adobe Commerce Ecwid Big Cartel Volusion WooCommerce 01. Wix Wix eCommerce  plans balance flexibility, affordability and ease of use for sellers to build the types of websites  that reflect their brand aspirations and business goals. Unlike Shopify, which primarily focuses on online stores, Wix provides a more versatile platform, making it a strong choice for businesses that want to combine content and commerce. With its drag-and-drop  website builder , Wix allows users to create highly customizable stores without any coding skills. Key features: Wix Payments  or choose from over 80 other eCommerce payment processing  options 900+ website templates , including simple website templates for quick store setup Wix Analytics to track visitor behavior, sales performance and marketing efforts Built-in search engine optimization (SEO) tools to boost search visibility Reliable and secure free website hosting and eCommerce hosting with features like SSL certificates and secure payment gateways Why Wix is an Alternative to Shopify: Wix is one of the best Shopify alternatives for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want an all-in-one eCommerce solution that supports website development . Its intuitive interface makes it easier for beginners to create a fully functional online store, yet it still offers advanced design customization for seasoned users. Pricing:  Ecommerce plans start at $29/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more:  How to make a Wix website How to sell online Free online store Wix premium plans Is Wix really free? "I built our website in less than a week. Prior to Strathcona Spirits, I worked in eCommerce and online communications, so I knew what I wanted. I didn’t want an eCommerce site that was clunky and difficult to update, where the smallest change required a developer. This was a lean startup so we wanted to have a website that we could easily update ourselves—or delegate to an employee to update—in a really simple and time-efficient way. So that's how I decided on Wix.” - Andrea Shubert, co-founder of Strathcona Spirits 02. Wix Studio Wix Studio  is an eCommerce and web development platform for agencies and enterprises that offers advanced design capabilities, 350+ responsive templates  and robust eCommerce solutions. Developers can build anything from custom components to full-stack solutions, working within the cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) or leveraging Wix Studio AI  for faster deployment. Plus, you can create interactive widgets and monetize them on the  Wix App Market , which reaches an audience of over 245 million potential customers. Key features: Advanced design tools for creating immersive digital experiences Support for physical and digital products Over 80 secure payment options, including Apple Pay Enterprise-grade security and multi-cloud hosting with all plans AI-powered Wix Studio SEO tools Marketing integrations  with native and third-party apps Smart automation to enhance workflow efficiency Why Wix Studio is an alternative to Shopify:  Wix Studio provides more agency- and enterprise-level design flexibility, AI-driven automation and customization. Its Wix Studio eCommerce solutions, coupled with advanced SEO and marketing features, make it attractive for businesses looking to scale their eCommerce operations. Pricing:  Plans with eCommerce features start at $27/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. 03. Sellfy Sellfy is an eCommerce website  builder for creators, digital entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to sell products online without the hassle of complex website setups. It supports digital and physical goods, print-on-demand and subscriptions. Key features: 6 pre-designed website templates and drag-and-drop functionality Integrated SEO tools  to improve visibility Secure website hosting and domain name  connector Customizable storefront with integrations to two major payment processors Why Sellfy is an alternative to Shopify: Sellfy is a user-friendly platform for creators and small business owners who want a streamlined eCommerce solution. Pricing: Plans start at $22/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: What is a domain name? Domain name search Domain name generator 04. Adobe Commerce Adobe Commerce is a robust eCommerce platform for businesses looking to scale and introduce advanced customizations to thei r online stores. Formerly known as Magento, Adobe Commerce offers advanced tools for creating a business website that can handle high traffic and complex product catalogs. It’s ideal for enterprises seeking a highly tailored web design  and seamless integration with other Adobe products. Key features: Website builder with drag-and-drop functionality and 11 customizable themes Supports selling physical, digital and subscription-based products Support for multiple payment options like credit cards, debit cards, PayPal and more Advanced SEO tools and analytics to optimize website performance  and visibility Comprehensive website security, including fraud protection Cloud-based hosting available Why Adobe Commerce is an alternative to Shopify:  Adobe Commerce offers unparalleled customization and scalability, making it a strong choice for large businesses.  Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs. Learn more: Best AI website builders Best website builders for small businesses Cheap website builder 05. Ecwid Ecwid allows businesses to add online stores to existing web pages or social media platforms. It’s perfect for small businesses or individuals looking for a simple website or single web page  to sell products without building a full eCommerce  store. Key features: Store builder integrates with existing domains, or you can host a new site through Ecwid  73 customizable templates Allows physical, digital and service-based products Choose from 70+ credit card payment providers Basic analytics and SEO features to track sales and improve visibility Security features include an SSL certificate Why Ecwid is an alternative to Shopify:  Ecwid’s seamless integration with existing websites and social media makes it a versatile option for businesses that don’t need a standalone store. Pricing: Paid plans start at $21/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. Learn more: How to make a business website How long does it take to build a website? 06. Big Cartel Big Cartel is a minimalist eCommerce platform for artists, creators and small businesses. It’s perfect for merchants who want a simple, no-frills website design  to sell products online without the complexity of a full business website . Key features: Website builder with 15+ customizable templates and SSL encryption Sell physical and digital products with ease Supports payment processing via cards, PayPal and Stripe Google Analytics and SEO tools for tracking sales and traffic Why Big Cartel is an alternative to Shopify:  Big Cartel’s simplicity and affordability make it ideal for small-scale sellers looking for personal website builders  with built-in hosting. Pricing:  Paid plans start at $12/month (billed annually). Month-to-month plans are also available. 07. Volusion Volusion is a comprehensive eCommerce platform that provides the essentials you need to create a professional website  and manage an online store. It’s a fit for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one eCommerce solution.  Key features: Drag-and-drop website builder with 24+ high-quality themes Sell physical, digital and subscription-based products Supports payment processing with multiple gateway options, including Stripe and PayPal Built-in SEO tools and Google Analytics integration Robust website security features, including Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance Why Volusion is an alternative to Shopify:  Volusion offers a balance of ease of use and advanced website features , making it a strong contender for an online business that’s looking to grow. Pricing:  Month-to-month paid plans start at $35/month. 08. WooCommerce WooCommerce is a powerful eCommerce plugin for WordPress, enabling businesses to create an online store . It’s ideal for those who already use WordPress and want to leverage its flexibility for eCommerce. Like Wix, Ecwid and Big Cartel, WooCommerce offers free website builders  to help you get started. Key features: Customizable website builder with free and paid extensions and 107 themes Sell physical, digital and subscription-based products Supports 46 free and paid payment processing options Built-in SEO tools and analytics for enhancing site performance Website security  plugin with regular updates Why WooCommerce is an alternative to Shopify:  WooCommerce’s integration with WordPress provides flexibility and control, making it a top choice for businesses with WordPress-specific design and functionality needs. Pricing: Free to use, with optional paid plugins. Hosting costs aren’t included. Learn more:  WordPress alternatives Squarespace alternatives Wix vs Squarespace Editor's note: The information presented in this article is true as of March 9, 2025, unless mentioned otherwise. Shopify alternatives comparison Platform Pricing Key features Scalability Wix Free plan available—eCommerce plan starts at $29/mo Drag-and-drop editor, built in marketing tools, Wix Payment Extremely scalable for any business size Wix Studio Ecommerce plan starts at $27/mo Advanced design tools, flexible eCommerce tools Highly scalable for agencies and large businesses Sellfy Starting at $22/mo Quick setup, built-in marketing Best for small businesses and digital creators Adobe Commerce Custom pricing Advanced customization, B2B features Ideal for large enterprises with complex needs Ecwid Starting at $21/mo Easy integration with existing sites, multi-channel selling Works well for growing businesses Big Cartel Free plan available—paid plan starts at $12/mo Simple setup, budget-friendly, limited customization Best for small-scale stores and artists Volusion Starting at $35/mo Subscription options, inventory management Good for mid-sized businesses WooCommerce Free (paid plugins and hosting fees) Customizable, open-source, plugin ecosystem Suitable for small to mid-sized businesses *Pricing reflects annual billing rates Explore more top website builders: Best website builders for SEO Best website builders for consultants Best website builders for graphic designers Best website builders for creatives Membership website builders Best travel website builders Shopify alternatives FAQ What is the best alternative to Shopify? Wix is the best alternative to Shopify, offering a user-friendly platform with powerful eCommerce tools and t he best website designs . You also get a suite of business tools, including: Email marketing:  Use various email marketing tools , plus a business email  address, to attract, nurture and monetize leads Branding tools:  Learn how to design a logo  and create a strong brand identity with a free logo maker  and Wix’s business card maker Business management:  Manage your contacts with a business phone , streamline meetings with the Wix scheduling software  and coordinate sales with the invoice generator Is there a free alternative to Shopify? If you're just starting, Wix offers a free plan with basic features, but for full eCommerce functionality, you’ll need a paid plan. Compare Wix vs. Shopify  eCommerce features to see how much value you’re getting. Although platforms like Big Cartel provide free options, choosing an eCommerce platform based solely on price can limit site reliability , growth and uptime . Who is Shopify's biggest competitor? The top Shopify competitors include Wix, WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce. Each offers unique strengths depending on your business needs and technical skills. Is there anything better than Shopify Payments? Wix Payments offers PCI-compliance for eCommerce sites with competitive transaction fees and a built-in dispute resolution tool. However, some businesses prefer Square for in-person transactions, while others choose PayPal or Stripe for low fees or better scalability .

Start generating business ideas with the Wix Business Launcher →  The first step in starting an eCommerce business is choosing which products you want to sell and who you want to sell them to. If you already have a specific industry or niche in mind, great. If not, that’s okay too. There’s no shortage of eCommerce  business ideas  to pursue. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of 19 profitable eCommerce business ideas with high profit potential. Learn why each category is trending and draw inspiration from some real-world examples of companies that are doing it right. When you’re ready, create your online store with the Wix  online store builder . Still not sure which business idea is best for you? Weigh your options with the Wix Business Launcher, which uses AI to match you with the right business idea based on your skills and goals. The Wix Business Launcher equips you with market research, earnings strategies and a launch kit for every idea, so you can get started with confidence.  19 profitable eCommerce business ideas Fashion products Sustainability-focused products Car parts Furniture and home decor Groceries and foods Shoes Jewelry CBD products Beauty products Subscription boxes Crafts and handmade products Plants and garden products Electronics and IoT devices Mental health and wellbeing products Wedding products and services Pet foods and products Women’s health products Educational materials and courses Baby and children's products 01. Fashion products The opportunity:  Global market value for the online fashion business is expected to hit $1 trillion by 2025. That translates to an annual growth rate of 7.2%, according to data from  Statista . The possibilities:  Fashion is a hyper-competitive industry but with so many niches and personal styles out there, there are still plenty of ways to  start your own clothing line  or  start a t-shirt business . Alternatively, you could  start an online boutique  featuring handmade items and/or items curated from brands and designers that you love. A dropshipping or print-on-demand company can help you get started quickly. Under this model, you can outsource manufacturing and fulfillment to a trusted partner, and focus your energy on designing a diverse range of products.  If you have a flair for creativity, an eye for fashion, or even just a geeky love for funny slogan t-shirts, a fashion business could be the way to go. Fashion ecommerce businesses to learn from: Celia B  - Sells high-quality garments with colorful textiles and patterns inspired by cultures around the world Owl Kitty  - Sells t-shirts and merch featuring their Insta-famous black cat Learn more: eCommerce photography Find the best look for your clothing business with these  fashion website templates . 02. Sustainability focused products The opportunity:  The demand for  sustainable eCommerce  practices continues to rise. Nearly half (49%) of consumers paid a premium—an average of 59% or more—for sustainable goods,  IBM research  shows. Fashion resale in particular is expected to grow three times faster than the global apparel market overall, according to  ThredUP . The possibilities:  Sustainability isn’t a product as much as it is a classification of business. It includes reusable, biodegradable, and sustainable products. Incorporating a sustainable ethos into your branding and operations can help consumers reduce their eco-footprint. If you’re looking to create an eco-friendly brand, consider selling garments sourced exclusively from fairtrade manufacturers or dipping your toe into fashion resale. You could  sell vintage clothing online , sourcing clothes from thrift stores, wholesalers, flea markets and elsewhere. Just like any other fashion boutique, your vintage store could appeal to a specific audience—bet it people who are searching for fits from a specific decade, occasion wear, or rentable designer clothes. Sustainable ecommerce businesses to learn from: By the Moon Vintage  - Sells premium romantic vintage fashions Mananalu  - Aims to “unplastic our planet” by selling water in recyclable aluminum bottles Shampoo with a Purpose  - Aims to reduce plastic waste by selling shampoo and conditioners in solid bars 03. Car parts The opportunity:   The average car has  roughly 30,000 parts  including all the nuts and bolts that keep it in one piece. And across both B2C and B2B segments, finding car parts online is becoming increasingly popular. Having already risen 11% from 2020 to 2021, light-duty automotive aftermarket sales are predicted to jump another 8.5% in 2022, reaching $356.5 billion, according to  two automotive associations . The possibilities:  To differentiate your business, consider  selling car parts  from specific categories, such as service parts, electrical parts, and interior or exterior parts. You could sell more complex components to mechanics, or sell hydraulic lift kits, neon light kits, and other accessories for DIY auto-enthusiasts. ecommerce car part businesses to learn from: I-5 Autohaus  - Offers aftermarket Mustang, Explorer, and Camaro parts CarbonTastic  - Sells bespoke custom carbon fiber steering wheels Smyth Performance  - Sells kits that can turn a VW beetle into a pickup truck 04. Furniture and home decor The opportunity: You don’t have to binge home shows on Discovery+ to cash in on the surging furniture market. Home decor sales are expected to grow to $805.75 billion by 2026, according to  ResearchandMarkets data . The possibilities:  Whether you’re a carpenter, interior designer, or reseller, turn your passion into a profitable business idea by learning how to  sell furniture online . You could design, source, and manufacture your own products. Or, partner with a dropshipper to sell an array of ceramics, linens, and other home decor from around the world—without having to take care of storage of shipping yourself. Artists, photographers, and graphic designers can tap into this segment too. Partner with a print-on-demand company to reproduce your work into stylish home goods. Furniture ecommerce businesses to learn from: Kaekoo  - Sells a variety of thoughtfully sourced and handcrafted home goods 05. Groceries and food The opportunity: Online grocery has exploded in demand and usage over the past five years. An estimated 138 million US shoppers are online grocery users. In 2024 the value of online grocery shopping is set to exceed US$257 billion. The possibilities:  Convenience largely drives online grocery shopping. Be it to find a greater variety of foods, or to avoid hopping in a car to pick up groceries, consumers are increasingly turning to online stores to restock their pantries. When you choose to   start a food business , it’s important to define a specific niche to reach out to. Offer vegetarian or vegan products, locally harvested, or organic foods. Or, sell foods that tailor to specific dietary needs (sugar-free, gluten-free, soy-free, etc.). Another option: sell gourmet items—like handcrafted chocolates, unique jams,or infused oils—that consumers can’t find in their local stores. You may choose to manufacture your own food products from scratch but doing so can be difficult if you’re not familiar with how to develop, brand, and get the right approvals for consumable goods. Dropshipping is another good alternative. Just keep in mind that delivery times may be slower if you’re working with overseas suppliers. Businesses to learn from: The Spice Suite  - Sells gourmet spice boxes for home cooks La Tapatia Tortilleria  - Offers a range of non-GMO tortillas I Love Caviar  - Provides a touch of gourmet at affordable prices 06. Shoes The opportunity:  The global footwear market is expected to grow more than 10% annually through 2025, according to  Statista data . The possibilities:  Shoes are a staple of everyone’s wardrobe, and while particular styles may rise or wane in popularity depending on trends or the time of year, footwear is always in demand. That’s why choosing to  sell shoes online  can be a lucrative endeavor. If you’re thinking about jumping into this industry, consider starting off by selling shoes geared towards a specific buyer segment, e.g., women’s shoes, men’s shoes, sneakerheads, or children’s shoes. Alternatively, you could offer specialty footwear designed for ballroom dancers, ballerinas, or construction workers. Shoe ecommerce business ideas to learn from: Evolve clothing gallery  - Features a thoughtfully curated collection of men’s footwear to complement their apparel collection b.c.e. Shoes  - Offers bespoke athletic, boardroom, and casual shoes targeted at colleges and greek organizations 07. Jewelry The opportunity:  The jewelry industry is worth $229.3 billion in the U.S., according to  Capital Counselor , and the online jewelry industry makes up a solid portion of that.  Statista  additionally reports that the global jewelry market is expected to reach $307 billion by 2026. The possibilities:  If you have the skills to create your own standout jewelry, or have a great eye for spotting trendy pieces, an eCommerce jewelry business may be right for you. There are plenty of niches to pursue when  starting a jewelry business , whether you decide to target a high-value or low-value market. You could handcraft niche products like diamond engagement rings or striking costume pieces that help consumers refine their look. Or, source fashion jewelry that mimics what’s on the catwalk, and dropship pieces from international suppliers or wholesalers. Jewelry ecommerce businesses to learn from: Darby Pritchards  - Sells a wide range of jewelry, fit for various occasions, at affordable prices 08. CBD products The opportunity:  Driven by expanding regulatory approvals, the CBD products market is expected to grow and reach $12.64 billion by 2026, according to  ResearchAndMarkets data . The possibilities:  CBD has been making waves in the health and wellness industry over the past few years. CBD can be found in everything from skincare products to pet treats—and it’s not uncommon to find CBD products in grocery stores across the country. Popular CBD products today include teas, lotions, salves, and drops. If you want to sell CBD online, you’ll need to do plenty of research before you source, create, or dropship any products. You’ll need to comply with federal, state, and local laws, and FDA guidelines in the U.S., along with strict marketing and copywriting restrictions. Furthermore, you’ll need to identify a payment provider that works with CBD merchants. For more information, check out the  FDA’s guidelines  or consult a lawyer. CBD ecommerce businesses to learn from: Physicians' Preferred  - Sells U.S.-grown CBD products that are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free Go Green Hemp  - Offers a wide range of CBD products online, plus uses their website to educate shoppers about CBD and share lab test results that show the purity and potency of their products 09. Beauty products The opportunity:  Overall sales for prestige beauty merchants are up 36.7% over the last two years. The possibilities:  The beauty industry keeps undergoing its own makeover, with niche markets finally getting the attention and support they’ve long deserved. Products for people of different ethnicities, organic beauty products for users with sensitive skin, and sustainable beauty products are among the top sub-markets. If you’re ready to  start a makeup line  in a space dominated by major players, you’ll need to focus on creating distinctive products. Stand out by offering high-quality products and white-glove customer service. Focus on what customers want: easy application, long-lasting and vibrant colors, and/or eco-friendly ingredients. Learn more:  How to start a beauty business Beauty ecommerce businesses to learn from: House of Suppliez   - Sells monthly nail and lash beauty box subscriptions at affordable prices 10. Subscription boxes The opportunity:  Subscription ecommerce sales account for around 3% of the total market. Subscription sales in 2024 are expected to grow in line with general ecommerce sales projections. The possibilities: If you have great products that are ideal for repeat purchases, then subscription boxes may be a good core offering or extension of your existing business. Selling subscriptions  is lucrative and unlimited. For example, you could  start a subscription box  for just about anything: clothes, socks, pet toys, chocolate, coffee, children’s educational toys, luxury goods, makeup, home decor, meals, produce, and even puzzles. The great thing about a subscription business is that it offers you regular recurring revenue. A helpful hint: consider targeting younger generations. More than one-third of millennials (34%) and one-fifth of Gen Z shoppers (22%) are currently trying and are likely to continue to use subscription services, according to  GFK . Subscription businesses and ideas to learn from: Napa Wild  - Offers weekly shipments of fresh produce boxes Beacon Book Box  - Offers monthly subscriptions for fans of young adult fiction Divinia Water  - Offers subscriptions for cases of premium pure bottled water 11. Crafts and handmade products The opportunity:  Sales in arts and crafting sales are on track to reaching $9.9 billion by 2028, says  Vantage Market Research . The possibilities: Turn a personal hobby into a business by  selling crafts online . There are many  things to make and sell  like custom art or handmade jewelry. Or sell custom metalwork, pottery, and hand-knitted mittens. You could even learn to  start a candle business , which offers low startup costs and high profits. Whatever it may be, make sure you choose a craft that’s sustainable and scalable. There are multiple places where you can cash in on your crafts, including marketplaces like Etsy, an online store, or niche alternatives to Etsy. It’s recommended that you don’t solely rely on marketplaces where you lack control of the user experience and branding. Instead, create an online store that serves as the flagship destination for your brand, and expand to marketplaces for additional exposure. Craft ecommerce businesses to learn from: Coal & Canary Candle Company  - Offers cheeky candles for playful personalities. Sena Runa  - Sells delicate paper art products Handlebend  - Offers custom copper works and mugs Learn more:   Hobbies that make money 12. Plants and garden products The opportunity:   By 2027 the online plant market is expected to reach US$18100 million, meaning it would have doubled in value since 2021. The possibilities:  Turn your green thumb into profits by selling plants online. You could sell a variety of houseplants, tropicals, or succulents—three categories that have shown significant growth in garden center sales. Boost your business with garden essentials like stylish pots and practical gardening tools. These popular items attract everyone from beginners to experienced gardeners by combining function with style. Self-watering planters are a big trend, making plant care easier and encouraging healthier plants. If you’re targeting plant sales to specific age groups, don’t leave out millennials.  Seven in 10 millennials  reportedly call themselves “plant parents,” and 40% of them say they’re looking to buy new houseplants (or should we say “plant babies”), Plant focused ecommerce businesses to learn from: Robert Plante Greenhouses  - This Ottawa-based garden center made a spectacular pivot from brick-and-mortar sales to  eCommerce  during the pandemic, and their online store remains strong today Learn more:   How to start a flower business ,  How to start a landscaping business,  How to start a lawn care business 13. Electronics and IoT devices The opportunity: As of 2023 US$805 billion was spent on the Internet of Things technology globally. This was slightly lower than initial projections but still a growth. The possibilities:  Smart devices and advanced electronics add convenience to our on-the-go lives. That makes selling IoT products a top eCommerce business opportunity. Sell doorbell cameras, Wi-Fi controlled thermostats or other popular smart home devices. Alternatively, sell drones and drone accessories to real estate agents, wedding photographers, videographers, and Instagram influencers who now use them regularly. If you’re technically savvy, you can design and manufacture your own IoT device. But if you’re not a techie, you can hire people to bring your idea to life or choose a dropshipper who will supply a range of low-cost electronics that you can sell. IoT ecommerce businesses to learn from: Beagle Drones  - Offers drones and drone accessories, using its online store to feature impressive footage shot with its products 14. Mental health and wellbeing products The opportunity:  With more people making self-care a priority post-pandemic, the “wellness economy” has hit $4.4 trillion globally, with a growth rate of between 5% to 10% in recent years, says   Selazar. The possibilities: Between weighted blankets, calming teas, and natural oil diffusers, there’s a large variety of products that you can consider selling in the wellness category. Products like acupressure mats, light therapy lamps, and meditation apps are growing in popularity as younger generations look to enhance their mental health and wellbeing. If you choose to enter this field, be sure to emphasize any credentials or professional endorsements that can build trust. Thoroughly explain how your products work and how they benefit the body in your product descriptions, and back up all claims with scientific evidence. Mental health ecommerce businesses to learn from: Sootheze  - Sells an array of microwave-safe weighted and aromatherapy products (including stuffed teddy bears, blankets and wraps) that reduce anxiety 15. Wedding products and services The opportunity: When brides-to-be and grooms-to-be brainstorm their perfect weddings, a growing number of them are jumping online for inspiration. According to   Applied Analytics , the global wedding industry is expected to grow by 4.8% and reach $414.2 billion by 2030. The possibilities:  As more couples take their wedding registries online and search ideal locations for their destination weddings, the opportunity is ripe for eCommerce sellers. Consider offering custom wedding signage or accessories, like centerpieces and guest books. Other product ideas: artificial flowers, handmade wedding gowns, bow ties, wedding guest favors, custom cake toppers, and more. If you’re a super-organized person who works well under pressure, you could even offer wedding planning services virtually, in addition to selling products. Some eCommerce businesses cater to the entire wedding journey, from engagement to the honeymoon, in an effort to tap into a wider market. Wedding ecommerce businesses to learn from: Box and Bow  - Sells gift boxes for bridesmaids, alongside bespoke hand-carved proposal boxes 16. Pet foods and products The opportunity: In the U.S., 70% of households own a pet, according to  American Pet Products Association data . The global pet industry market is also expected to hit $261 billion by the end of 2022 and reach $350 billion by 2027, reports  Statista . The possibilities: Finding a pet care niche to break into and curating related products could bring you plenty of bacon. Some online pet care brands have practically become household names, showing how much people love pampering their pets with carefully selected treats, toys, and cushy beds. You might choose to take a practical path, sourcing durable toys for tough chewers, supportive beds, and joint supplements for dogs with hip dysplasia. Or, you might choose a more fun and playful route like beautiful pet kennels, decorative jackets, or training hoops. You could design and manufacture new products to meet pet owners’ pain points or exercise your culinary skills by making delicious pet treats. Think about what niche is underserved and target that. Pet ecommerce businesses to learn from: Instachew  - Sells a complete line of smart, practical, and innovative pet products, including their signature Instachew Smart Pet Feeder 17. Women’s health products The opportunity: Increasing interest in healthy living is driving growth in the global health and beauty supplements market, which is expected to reach $84.8 billion by 2030, according to  Report Linker  data. The possibilities: New women’s brands are popping up in every conceivable category, including vitamins and supplements, hair care tools, hair accessories, and size- and color-exclusive shapewear. Electronic gadgets for facial skincare are also among the top-trending women’s products. Think, what could be your USP? What pain point do you want to solve and how can you do it better than the products already out there? If you’re new to the women’s health space, note how women’s products have always had a “ pink tax ” associated with them, but quality hasn’t always measured up to the price. So, your brand could benefit from focusing on quality, as well as products made from eco-friendly, nontoxic materials. Womens health ecommerce businesses to learn from: NuolaWigs  - Offers natural looking wigs for women with complete or partial hair loss Fertilix   - Specializes in prenatal dietary supplements that support optimal reproductive health 18. Educational materials and courses The opportunity:  The global elearning market is forecast to hit $325 billion by 2025, nearly doubling in a decade, says   Techjury . The possibilities: Whether you’re targeting parents looking for homeschooling aids or educators looking for schooling resources in science, math, and literacy, there are many sectors to tap into. It pays to get creative and think outside the box, too. Kits teaching kids about cooking, astronomy, or a foreign language can take off just as quickly as a classic math kit. Note that digital education isn’t limited to kids. Since the pandemic, adults across the world have had added time to take up new languages, hobbies, and interests. Digital products and courses are top-or-the-class in this market. Users want the freedom to learn through any device, whenever—and wherever—it suits. Education based ecommerce businesses to learn from: Tools 4 Reading  - Sells teaching packs to improve child literacy and offers development courses for teachers Hanson’s Anatomy  - Sells bright and colorful study guides Learn more:  How to start a tutoring business 19. Baby products The opportunity:  Oh, baby. The market for infant toys, baby gear, and baby apparel alone is expected to grow to $13.61 billion by 2026, according to data from  Technavio . The possibilities:  Many parents will spend a pretty penny on their little ones, which is why selling children’s toys, clothing, or accessories can be a profitable venture. Some ways that you can differentiate your business: offer lower-cost products that cater to budget-minded parents. Or, sell sustainably made or heirloom-quality products that appeal to parents who are willing to pay extra for higher-end items. In this market, word of mouth is powerful, so sharing customer reviews and providing social proof across your digital channels will help you grow your business. Wix stores that add third-party review apps see an average 10% increase in both overall sales and average order value within the first 60 days. Baby focused ecommerce businesses to learn from: Bonsie  - Sells baby wear that promotes skin-to-skin contact between infants and mothers Cotton Balloon  - Offers curated wooden educational toys and children’s bedroom decor How to start an eCommerce business Starting an eCommerce business can be a profitable and rewarding endeavor, but success comes from careful preparation and a clear roadmap. By following these structured steps, you’ll be equipped to build and grow a thriving online store: Identify your online business niche : Pinpoint a specific area or audience to focus on to set your business apart and meet a targeted demand. Do market research : Analyze trends, competitors and customer behaviors to validate your niche and uncover potential opportunities. Select the right product mix : Choose a range of products that align with your niche, balancing customer demand and profitability potential. Secure product sources : Find reliable suppliers or manufacturers to ensure consistent product quality and timely order fulfillment. Write a strong business plan : Map out your goals, strategies and financial projections to guide your business toward sustainable growth. Set your business name and legal structure : Register a memorable name and choose the appropriate legal entity to solidify your business identity and protect assets. Choose an eCommerce platform : Select a user-friendly and scalable platform, like Wix, to create and manage your online store with ease. Create your online store : Design a professional-looking website, showcasing your products with high-quality visuals and clear descriptions. Manage your eCommerce business finances : Track expenses, sales and profits using tools or software to maintain a healthy financial foundation. Market your eCommerce business : Use SEO, social media, email campaigns and paid ads to reach your target audience and drive traffic to your store. How to choose an eCommerce business idea With so many options for your business, how do you select which niche is best for you? Start by asking yourself these questions. What am I interested in and what do I know?  If you love fine jewelry but don’t know how to tell a diamond apart from a CZ, you’ll face a steeper learning curve and will need to recruit an expert before getting started. However, if you know everything there is to know about animation, then you can consider  making money as an animator . So, think about what you’re passionate about, what you already know, and see where you have an upper hand.  What do I have the startup funds for? Print-on-demand businesses carry smaller startup costs when compared to eCommerce businesses that choose to manufacture their own prices. While you can always bootstrap your business, think about how you can start on solid financial ground. What problems can my products help solve? For example, do you personally struggle to find pet-safe, weed-killing products for landscaping? There’s likely other people who do too. Explore if this is something you can find a solution for and can effectively market to people who face a similar problem. What’s trending in my market?  Is there an abundance of competition in the industry that you’re considering? Is someone already doing what you want to do? Competition is an important factor when deciding on the right line of business. Heavy competition may mean it will take your business longer to reap profits but if you have a great eCommerce business idea, you can make it stand out with outstanding marketing, customer service and a beautiful website. Once you have your business idea sorted, move on to building an ecommerce website to start selling. Learn more: AI business ideas Already an eCommerce business owner? Don't miss out on maximizing your seasonal sales. Check out the ultimate eCommerce holiday readiness checklist  and get your business holiday-ready today while  growing your ecommerce business . Why start an eCommerce business? eCommerce has become more accessible than ever. It allows entrepreneurs to reach a global audience, work flexibly and scale easily. That said, there are both advantages and challenges to consider. Advantages of starting an eCommerce business Starting an eCommerce business offers numerous advantages: Low startup costs One of the biggest appeals of ecommerce is its low barrier to entry. You don’t have to rent a storefront, pay for utilities or hire a large team to get started. Depending on your business model, you might not even need to hold physical inventory. Global reach and location independence An eCommerce website allows you to sell to a worldwide audience, as long as you’re set up for international shipping. This access to new markets isn’t achievable with a local business alone. Plus, you can run your store from anywhere. Scalability Unlike a physical store, an eCommerce business can scale easily. If demand for your product increases, you can expand your offerings simply by adding more products to your site or increasing ad spend to bring in more traffic. With the right infrastructure, scaling doesn’t require as much overhead or complexity. Disadvantages of starting an eCommerce business It's also important to consider the challenges of starting an eCommerce business: High competition While it’s easier than ever to start an eCommerce business, the low barrier to entry means you’ll face fierce competition. Not only do you need to stand out among countless small businesses, but you’ll also contend with retail giants like Amazon. Fragility of online operations Ecommerce businesses can be sensitive to logistical and supply chain disruptions. Shipping delays, stock shortages or quality control issues can quickly lead to unhappy customers. If you work with third-party vendors or rely on dropshipping, you’re dependent on their reliability, which means you might not always have control over the customer experience. eCommerce business ideas FAQ What's the most profitable eCommerce business idea? There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the most profitable online stores vary depending on the products they sell and the market they target. However, some of the most profitable online stores sell: Handmade goods:  Handmade goods often have high profit margins because they are unique and can be sold at a premium. High-ticket items:  High-ticket items, such as electronics or furniture, can also be very profitable because they sell for a lot of money. Niche products:  Niche products, such as those that target a specific audience or interest, can also be very profitable because they don't have a lot of competition. Which type of eCommerce business is best to start? There are many different types of ecommerce businesses, so it's important to choose one that's right for you. Some popular options include: Dropshipping:  This is a business model where you don't need to hold inventory. When a customer makes a purchase, you simply order the product from a supplier and have it shipped directly to the customer. This is a great option for beginners because it's relatively low-risk. Wholesale:  This is a business model where you purchase products in bulk from a supplier and then sell them at a profit. This can be a profitable business model, but it requires more upfront investment than dropshipping. Retail:  This is a business model where you sell products directly to consumers from your own website or store. This can be a very profitable business model, but it requires a significant investment in time and money. What are some good eCommerce business ideas for beginners? Dropshipping because of its low entry costs and no need to hold inventory. Print on demand, for many of the same reasons as dropshipping, it's also low risk in terms of initial investments. Online courses, or digital products can be quick and easy to create, and all you need to sell them is a website. What are some super unique eCommerce business ideas? Customized products always make for unique ecommerce business ideas. Think customized pet collars or bowls, for example. Niche subscription boxes can also be a unique idea, depending on what you choose to sell. Is it difficult to start an eCommerce business? Starting an eCommerce business is relatively accessible thanks to tools like website builders and online marketplaces, but it comes with challenges. You’ll need to decide on a niche, set up a professional site and develop marketing strategies to stand out in a crowded market. While there’s a learning curve, careful planning and persistence make these hurdles manageable. How long after starting an eCommerce business will I be profitable? Profitability depends on factors like your niche, pricing and marketing efforts, but it typically takes several months to a year. Early stages involve upfront investments in your website, operations and marketing, which may delay profits. With efficient cost management and consistent customer growth, you can expedite this timeline.

Turn your ideas into sales and start selling with Wix eCommerce →   So you’ve got a rock-solid eCommerce business idea and you're ready to start your business but you need to figure out the cost of building an eCommerce website . How much is it going to cost you to take what’s inside your head and turn it into a beautiful, fully-functioning online store? The short answer: it depends. Because every eCommerce website is unique, it’s difficult to pinpoint exact costs from the get-go. But once you know the factors behind website development costs overall, you can get a clearer idea of the budget you’ll need to start an online store . On Wix, you can build an ecommerce website for free. However, once you launch your site and want to start accepting payments from shoppers, you’ll have to choose a paid plan. Wix offers several annual eCommerce plans ranging from $27/month for basic eCommerce features to $159/month for more advanced capabilities. We’ll break down all the major aspects of eCommerce website costs and explore strategies to keep your costs to a minimum when building a website for your online business. Learn: How much does it cost to build a website , How to start an eCommerce business Ready to start your eCommerce journey? Now’s the perfect time to bring your vision to life. With Wix eCommerce, you have the tools to build a professional online store and create a website that captivates your audience, drives traffic and boosts sales. From endless customization options and built-in SEO to powerful marketing tools, everything you need to grow your brand and reach more customers is right at your fingertips. Take the first step and explore Wix eCommerce today. Make your mark online and turn your ideas into success. Ecommerce website cost: total figures Your total costs will depend on whether you plan on building your eCommerce site on your own, or if you'll hire web developers (among other professionals), or an agency to do the work for you. These variables mean that there are no hard-and-fast numbers but the following ranges can help you start budgeting more wisely: Small store (one to 99 products) Cost to start on average: $1,000 - $5,000 Maintenance costs: $500 - $1000 Medium-sized store (100 to 499 products) Cost to start on average: $5,000 - $10,000 Maintenance costs: $1,000 - $2000 Large store (500+ products) Cost to start on average: $10,000 - $50,000+ Maintenance costs: $2,000 - $10,000+ Factors and features affecting eCommerce website cost There are six main factors or features to look at when it comes to calculating the cost of an eCommerce website. Hosting Domain Payment processor SSL and security Ecommerce platform Website design Copywriting 01. Hosting Monthly cost range: $0-$50 (varies by traffic and features) Options include: Shared, VPS, and dedicated eCommerce hosting based on your needs Wix offers free web hosting as an essential part of every website's infrastructure Learn more: How to build a website 02. Domain Annual cost range: $0-$20 Choose a strong branded, memorable domain name (With Wix domain name registration is free with a paid plan) Your ecommerce website cost can vary depending on which top level domain extension you chose (some are more expensive than others based on popularity and demand), which domain registrar you use and if the domain you need is already registered by someone. In this case you may need to bid or negotiate to buy it. 03. Payment processor Transaction fees: 2-3% + fixed fee (varies by provider) Check out Wix payments solutions and receive payments online Different payment solutions and processors have different fees and these will determine the total cost of your ecommerce website. 04. SSL and security Annual cost: $0-$50 Essential for securing customer data and transactions. Almost 75% of the data breach cases  investigated by Visa in early 2022 involved eCommerce companies. That’s why routine updates, security checks, and patches are a must-have for your online store. Staunch security will help keep your data—and your customer’s data—safe from hackers and ensure your website stays up and running. All Wix eCommerce sites come with enterprise-grade website security and SSL certificates 05. Ecommerce platform Monthly cost range: $0-$200 (varies by features and scale) Check out these best eCommerce platforms or these best eCommerce website builders to choose from Your eCommerce website cost can mainly be decided by the cost of your eCommerce platform or builder. Because many platforms include hosting, domain name, and security features - how much you pay for your eCommerce platform often will determine the total sum of your site's cost. Using an all in one platform like Wix can be the most cost effective way to keep down your eCommerce website costs without having to sacrifice on design and functionality. 06. Website design Templates: $0-$100 (one-time cost) Designer: $500-$3,000+ (one-time cost) Choose based on budget and customization needs Learn how to design a website for free with Wix Generally the more complex the design, the more expensive your eCommerce website. Or at least this use to be the case and may still be valid if you choose to work with a web developer and designer to build your eCommerce site. If you opt for an eCommerce website builder, then generally your design and its complexity won't impact the price if you use available, customizable templates. 07. Copywriting Freelancers: $50-$150/hour or $500-$3,000+ per project Agencies: Higher rates, often include extra services The cost of eCommerce copywriting depends on the scope of work, who you hire and the complexity of your niche. Specialized niches often require more research and expertise, which can raise rates. Freelancers offer flexibility with hourly or project-based pricing, while agencies may charge more but provide added expertise and services. Investing in a well-planned copywriting budget tailored to your niche can make a big difference in your store’s success. Ecommerce website cost breakdown Ecommerce website features Approximate cost Consider Hosting $0-$200+ per month Shared, VPS, cloud hosting depending on your needs Domain $3-20 annually Choose a brandable, memorable name Payment fees Transaction fees: 2-3% + fixed fee (varies by provider) - Security and SSL Annual cost: ~$50 Essential for securing customer data Ecommerce platform $20-200+ Wix ecommerce plans start from $27 Website design Templates: $0-$100 (one-time cost) Designer: $500-$3,000+ (one-time cost) Wix has 800+ free web design templates 6 top potential extra eCommerce website costs Number of products   Design and user experience (UX)   Custom features and eCommerce functionality   Maintenance and support   Marketing your eCommerce site Branding 01. Number of products One of the biggest defining variables is the size of your store. Most eCommerce websites will grow to have hundreds of pages, spanning category pages, product detail pages, and other purposeful landing pages . In general, the more products you have, the more costs you may incur in terms of website storage, eCommerce website optimization  bandwidth and design. For example, building an eCommerce website with 1,000 products or fewer can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, while websites with more than 1,000 products can cost significantly more depending on design complexity, custom features, hosting and maintenance.  While you may not know the exact number of products you'll sell, start by asking yourself these key questions: How many products are you starting with?  Start by knowing how many items you’ll launch with. Whether it’s a small selection or a large catalog, this will help you plan your site’s structure. How should you organize your products?  Group your items into clear categories or collections. This makes it easier for customers to find what they need and improves their overall shopping experience. Do your products have variations?  If your items come in different sizes, colors or materials, ensure your site design can handle and display these options smoothly. How much detail should each product have?  Think about how much information, imagery and specs your customers need to make a confident purchase. What are competitors doing?  Look at similar eCommerce sites to see how they organize and showcase their products. Learn what works and how you can improve on it. 02. Design and user experience (UX) A whopping 94% of shoppers’ first impressions specifically relate to your website’s design , according to WebFX . That means that nearly every customer expects to see a beautiful, well-branded site—which may, in turn, require the touch of a highly skilled web designer. But rather than just creating an eye-catching website, you’ll want to build an eCommerce website that’s also user-friendly. That’s where your site’s UX comes in. The ultimate goal of your site’s UX design is to reduce the number of clicks (or taps) it takes for a shopper to find a product and complete a purchase. In eCommerce , successful UX involves a number of things: easy-to-navigate menus, detailed product images, mobile-friendly pages, smooth checkout, and more. Depending on the complexity of your site, your design and development costs may vary. Quick tip: If you’re not sure where to start with UX, check out other retailer’s sites and study how they use navigation menus, breadcrumbs, search bars, filters, buttons, and other elements to remove friction from the buying experience. 03. Custom features and eCommerce functionality A self-hosted or SaaS platform will give you the basics you need to create a website . However, an eCommerce site requires much more. You’ll need to connect your site to payment gateways, fulfillment options, promotion tools, and other functionality that transforms your site into a store. Some eCommerce platforms like Wix include many built-in features. Others require many plug-ins and integrations to work. Plugins range from free to anywhere between $40 and $500 on average. A few popular plug-in examples: QuickBooks Connector : The app lets you automate your accounting by syncing site sales to an existing QuickBooks account. It’s free to install and comes with a 30-day free trial. After the trial period, you’ll need to pay subscription fees that range between $30 to $200 a month. Price Table : This plug-in lets you create side-by-side price tables on your website. It’s free to install and runs between $3.19 and $12.69 a month. Modalyst : A popular dropshipping and print-on-demand platform, Modalyst is free to download but charges between $30 and $67 per month, depending on your subscription plan. (However, with a Wix Business Unlimited or Business VIP plan, you can gain access to Modalyst at no extra charge.) Payment gateways also bring some downstream costs. Most of the top payment apps charge you 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction. Make sure to factor these ongoing expenses into your overall eCommerce website budget. 04. Maintenance and support In addition to calculating how much it costs to build an eCommerce website, you must set aside money for regular maintenance and support. You can either handle your website maintenance in-house or hire a web developer  to do it. Maintenance will include items like site improvements, updates, bug fixes, and new pages. Your maintenance plan should further embrace this crucial consideration: Website performance  and speed: As you add products to your site, you run the risk of slowing down your site, which is one major reason why eCommerce sites fail. Proper maintenance will help you launch new content without crippling your website’s performance. Considering how an improvement of just one-tenth of a second in mobile load times can produce 8.4% more conversions —site speed matters. 05. Marketing your eCommerce site The cost of marketing an eCommerce site varies widely, depending on the strategies you want to invest in. For small businesses, basic marketing expenses, including social media ads, Google Ads and email marketing, might range from $500 to $5,000 per month. Larger businesses could spend $10,000 to $50,000 or more monthly on comprehensive strategies, including content marketing, influencer partnership and advanced SEO. Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost of paid marketing vs. organic marketing: Paid marketing Paid strategies like social media ads, Google PPC and influencer collaborations deliver fast results. Social media campaigns start at $500 monthly, PPC ranges from $500 to over $50,000 depending on scale and influencers charge from $50 to $10,000+ per campaign. These methods drive immediate traffic and require ongoing optimization to ensure ROI. Organic marketing Organic approaches, such as SEO, content marketing and social media engagement, focus on building trust over time. SEO costs range from $750 to $20,000 monthly, while content creation may range from minimal in-house effort to $10,000 for professional campaigns. Social media and email marketing are generally lower-cost or free if handled internally but require time to gain traction. Ultimately, marketing eCommerce website costs depend on business goals, competition and the desired reach and impact of the campaigns. There are ways to go about marketing your site organically and for free (minus time invested) but these can take longer to gain traction and traffic compared to paid strategies or campaigns. 06. Branding Branding is a crucial investment for any eCommerce store, but how much should you spend? On average, small to medium businesses typically spend between $4,500 and $15,000 per year  on branding. This includes creating a distinctive logo, selecting a cohesive color palette, developing a consistent tone of voice, and ensuring that all customer touchpoints reflect the brand’s identity. While this may seem significant, strong branding pays off by building trust, loyalty, and recognition—key factors that influence customer decisions and conversions. A well-branded store creates an emotional connection with buyers, encouraging repeat purchases and turning customers into advocates. For eCommerce businesses, branding is a strategic investment in standing out in a competitive market and driving long-term growth. Learn more: eCommerce advantages and disadvantages How to lower your eCommerce website cost How can you stay at the lower end of cost ranges—or even come in under the averages—when you build an eCommerce site ? These four strategies can help you save some money without impacting quality or design. 01. Use pre-made templates When it comes to creating the perfect look for your eCommerce website, you have two options: You can pay a web designer to create a custom design for you. Or, you can use a pre-made eCommerce template . Paying a designer will run you about $75/hour on average . (You can find talented and ready-to-hire web designers on the Wix Marketplace .) Alternatively, you can purchase pre-designed templates, which are usually free or, at most, a couple hundred bucks. Considering how website developers may charge as much as $3,000 for a mobile-optimized website, templates tend to be more affordable and easier, especially if you’re starting with a smaller site. Wix offers hundreds of designer-made eCommerce website templates  for various types of businesses. 02. Choose the right platform "This was a lean startup so we wanted to have a website that we could easily update ourselves—or delegate to an employee to update—in a really simple and time-efficient way. So that's how I decided on Wix." - Andrea Shubert, co-founder of Strathcona Spirits Using a SaaS-hosted platform will save you money on hosting, domain registration and an SSL certificate. However, not all platforms are created equal. Some require many more plugins than others to create a fully functioning store. Others are simply clunkier, and more difficult to use. So, as you shop for the right eCommerce platform , make sure to ask the right questions: Does the platform allow me to customize the look and feel of my site according to my brand’s specific needs? Does the platform support my desired payment solution(s)? Do I need to be able to connect it to a POS or enable other special features, like recurring payments? Will the platform give me the storage space I need to get started and the additional capacity I’ll need to scale my business appropriately? Does it integrate with my preferred sales channels and apps (e.g., the marketplaces I sell on, or my inventory software)? Can it help me win back customers with abandoned cart recovery features and other marketing tools? Does the platform include easy-to-reach customer support in case of emergency? Shameless plug : If you’re wondering, “ Is Wix good for eCommerce ?,” the answer is yes. When you build your eCommerce website  on Wix, you get access to secure online payments, a minimum of 50GB of storage space, and unlimited products. Then, as your business grows, you can scale up your subscription plan and get added services, such as dropshipping, product reviews, and automation. 03. Prioritize necessary features Consider how when you buy a new car, you can save money by being selective of the features or option packages that you actually need. The same principle applies to your eCommerce website cost. You’ll want to spend most of your budget on the need-to-have features. When you’re first starting out, focus on pages and features that are most likely to drive sales: Product category pages Individual product pages Multiple payment gateways Simplified checkout Integrated site search tools “Related products” widgets that drive cross-sells and upsells Technical SEO to help people find your site Once the basics are in place, you can start budgeting for add-ons. Most eCommerce platforms will offer you hundreds of apps that you can integrate into your online store whenever you’d like. These apps make it easy and cost-effective for you to scale your store as customer demand increases. Inside the Wix App Market , you’ll find 500+ powerful solutions for coupons, accounting, fulfillment, warehousing, print on demand, and more. Ecommerce website cost FAQ How much does an eCommerce website cost a month? Monthly costs for an eCommerce site will vary based on how your site is built and on which website builder or platform. With Wix, costs can range from free, to paid plans that start at $17 a month. These costs can be considerably higher if you build your site with a professional web developer or agency. Compare website costs between Wix vs. Squarespace in this article. What is the cheapest eCommerce website building option? Wix offers flexible, affordable plans starting from $17, with a free version for those comfortable with a branded domain (e.g., username.wixsite.com/sitename ) and site ads. All paid plans include a custom domain, reliable hosting, AI design tools and 24/7 support, plus a 14-day trial for any premium plan with a refund option. How much does a typical eCommerce website cost? The cost of an eCommerce website depends on its features and complexity. Customizable website builders like Wix cost around $17–$36 per month for basic plans. Small business websites with professional design and advanced functionality may range from $1,000 to $10,000. Fully custom-built solutions for larger businesses typically start at $10,000 and can increase significantly based on specific requirements.

Get started by:  Creating an online store →  |  Getting a domain → Ecommerce is the online exchange of goods and services over the internet. It involves online transactions between businesses (B2B), businesses and consumers (B2C) as well as between consumers and consumers (C2C). Ecommerce encompasses a wide range of activities, including electronic business, online shopping, online marketplaces, electronic payments, online banking and online auctions. Ecommerce is an integral part of the modern global economy. Over the past couple of decades, it has transformed both the way we shop and the way we do business. In fact, eCommerce is on track to take over traditional retail sales altogether. According to Nasdaq, by 2040, eCommerce could facilitate as much as 95% of all retail sales . By 2027 it's on track to account for around 23% of all retail sales. With Wix, it’s easier than ever to set up an eCommerce website . An online store created with an all-in-one platform like Wix lets you sell products or services anywhere in the world. If you’re brand new to eCommerce, you’ve come to the right place. This article will answer all of your questions about the world of online retail when it comes to starting a business . What is eCommerce? Ecommerce (short for “electronic commerce”) is an umbrella term for any transaction done over the internet. Ecommerce can involve the sale of physical or digital products as well as services of all types, from scheduling a yoga class to booking a hotel. It's like a digital marketplace that's always open. In an increasingly digital world, eCommerce, as a type of business , is more prominent than ever. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that eCommerce sales totaled $277.6 billion  during the second quarter of 2023 alone. And according to Statista, global eCommerce sales are forecast to reach $8.1 trillion  by 2026. Ready to start selling? Create your online store  with Wix. When did eCommerce start? Ecommerce traces its roots back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, when foundational technologies like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) began to shape digital transactions. EDI allowed businesses to exchange documents like purchase orders and invoices digitally, replacing traditional paper forms and streamlining operations. Around the same time, teleshopping emerged as a precursor to online retail, enabling consumers to order products through television broadcasts and phone hotlines. The 1990s marked a turning point in eCommerce, driven by the widespread adoption of the internet and the emergence of pioneering platforms like Amazon and eBay. Founded in 1994 and 1995 respectively, these companies revolutionized online shopping by connecting buyers and sellers on a global scale. How does eCommerce work? Here is a simplified overview of how an eCommerce transaction works: A customer visits an eCommerce website, marketplace or app and browses the products or services offered. If the customer finds something they want to buy, they add it to their ecommerce shopping cart . The customer proceeds to checkout, where they enter their shipping and billing information and select a payment method. The eCommerce merchant processes the payment and ships the product or provides the service to the customer. Each of these steps could look a little different depending on the exact nature of your eCommerce business . For example, you could partner with a third-party logistics company to handle packaging and shipping for you. Or instead of selling retail  goods, you may choose to sell online services or courses that don’t require any physical inventory. At its core eCommerce includes: Supply chain ecommerce management Inventory management Data collection and security Electronic funds transfer Shipping services Ecommerce now comes in many shapes and sizes and often involves multiple players. It also involves a variety of touchpoints, including a well-built website. Learn more: Ecommerce vs. retail What is an eCommerce website? If you want to succeed in your endeavor, it's crucial to know how to create a website  that's tailor-made for eCommerce. Simply put, an eCommerce website allows your business to sell products and services online. It's a digital storefront where your customers can browse, select and purchase items (see eCommerce website development ). A typical eCommerce website includes features, such as: A desktop and mobile interface A product catalog with product descriptions  and images A shopping cart software system for customers to keep track of the items that they want to purchase A checkout process  where customers can enter their shipping and billing information Secure website security features  to ensure the protection of your data and that of your customers High uptime and site reliability  to handle large numbers of traffic to an ecommerce site - Wix sites have 99.99% uptime, for example Secure payment processing Order tracking and customer support resources Types of eCommerce businesses The main types of ecommerce include the following: Business to consumer (B2C) Business to consumer  is one of the most common types of eCommerce models. B2C businesses sell goods and services directly to the end customer, and can include anything from physical products to online services. Think: Amazon, Nike or an online tutoring business. Looking for the best Squarespace alternatives ? Try Wix for free and see how it compares in this  Wix vs Squarespace  guide. Business to business (B2B) Business-to-business models are also very common, and refer to companies that provide goods or services for other businesses. B2B eCommerce covers a wide range of businesses, including wholesalers, raw material manufacturers and service providers. Consumer to consumer (C2C) Any transaction done between two people, rather than business entities, is considered consumer to consumer. This type of business  model includes transactions done on platforms such as eBay or Craigslist, or on social media marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. Consumer to business (C2B) Consumer to business covers services provided by individuals, for businesses. This model is often used to include freelancers and other small service providers. A common form of C2B is when a business purchases stock images, videos or music created by individuals. Consumer to government (C2G) Consumer to government involves individuals using online platforms to interact with governmental services, such as paying taxes or fines. Examples include filing taxes through IRS e-file or paying parking tickets via municipal websites. Business to government (B2G) Business to government provides products and services for the federal or local government to purchase. These include a wide range of sectors like cyber security, waste management, urban planning, etc. Government to business (G2B) Government-to-business transactions reverse the B2G model. This model is often used to refer to information that companies can purchase access to, such as blueprints or legal files. Learn more: Best eCommerce platforms Examples of eCommerce business models There are several types of common eCommerce businesses that operate under the structures listed above. A useful way of breaking them down is by explaining the various types of products or services they offer. Dropshipping Dropshipping  is a business model in which you can sell products online without physically holding any inventory. Think of it as being the middle-person who connects the customer with the manufacturer or supplier. When a customer places an order for a product in your online store, the order details are forwarded to a trusted supplier, like Modalyst . (Alibaba, Taobao and Aliexpress are China based suppliers and wholesalers popular with global drop shippers). The supplier then ships the product directly to the customer. When you start a dropshipping business , you don't have to stress about logistics , manufacturing , inventory , warehousing or order fulfillment. You're also not limited by space—you can sell an unlimited array of products. Take Wix merchant The Boho Birdy , for example. The Australian e-tailer offers a wide array of clothing, including colorful boho, beach and bridal fashion, housewares and baby items to a global customer base. According to the store’s FAQ page, it partners with “suppliers and manufacturers to ship directly to … the customer.” Try our dropshipping website builder  to launch your eCommerce business  today. Print on demand (POD) The print-on-demand business model is a form of dropshipping. As a business owner, you’ll create designs and artwork, then select what products you want those designs printed on. A third-party supplier or print on demand company like Printful  handles the actual printing, fulfillment and shipping. When starting a print-on-demand business , you can choose from all kinds of products to offer, spanning T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, phone cases, stickers and more. Plus, you have the freedom to experiment with designs until you hit your stride with one that takes off with your customer base. For example, Wix user LemonMade Apparel  operates a print-on-demand business model that partners with social media influencers. From LemonMade’s storefront, buyers can browse shirts, tote bags, ornaments, stickers and other merchandise for their favorite influencer. Both LemonMade and the influencers receive a portion of the sales. Start building your print-on-demand shop today with Wix . White labeling While labeling is another form of dropshipping where you can create your own brand without the need to develop products from scratch. With white labeling, you’ll sell products that are already successfully produced by another company under your brand name. Your company name, logo and designs will appear on the packaging. The white label provider handles product development, manufacturing and fulfillment. Private labeling Private labeling involves selling products under your own brand, but having them manufactured by a third-party. This is a common practice for eCommerce businesses that don’t have the capabilities, space or capital to handle their own manufacturing. Private labeling differs from white labeling in that the products are unique and exclusive to you and your business, while white labeled products are generic. Some providers will also handle fulfillment for you. This approach lets you build a unique brand identity without the headache and expense of product development or manufacturing. Ghost commerce Ghost commerce  also involves selling products under your own brand while keeping the source confidential. The foundation of a successful ghost commerce operation lies in establishing a website or online store, producing engaging content, and cultivating a strong social media presence. Characterized by low operational costs and straightforward setup, this model allows you to operate efficiently, relying on your marketing capabilities and customer service skills. Like dropshipping, you will want to find a reliable manufacturer to partner with. Subscription service Finally, another common eCommerce business model is subscriptions. Subscription box services  help you gain repeat orders and customer loyalty. For a set price, your company will create and/or curate a package of products or services delivered at set intervals—usually every month or every three months. You can offer incentives for long-term commitments at a reduced monthly cost (e.g., offering a 15% discount if a customer buys a three-month subscription rather than one month). Common examples of subscription services include meal prep delivery (like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron), fashion boxes (like Stitch Fix or Nuuly), streaming services (like Netflix or Hulu) and software as a service (like Adobe Creative Cloud or Ahrefs). Wix user House of Suppliez  utilizes this model in addition to their offering of supplies and classes for professional nail and lash technicians. Their monthly subscription box offers a curated collection of nail and lash products for professionals in the industry. Learn more: Shopify alternatives Wix vs Shopify WordPress alternatives Types of eCommerce products Physical products Businesses that sell their own physical products online are common, and are often what people refer to when they mention eCommerce.These online stores include both retailers and wholesalers that sell any sort of physical product; this could include clothes, books, groceries, gardening accessories, artwork, etc. Most businesses that sell physical goods online operate through their own store website, and/or as a merchant on an eCommerce marketplace like Amazon or Etsy. Artist and Wix user Lauren Simpson  is a great example. Lauren’s website and online shop features prints, cards and stickers depicting an incredible series of paintings inspired by the Alaskan wilderness. Services There is an endless variety of services you can purchase online, from hiring freelancers to streaming movies. As such, not all service-based eCommerce businesses operate similarly. Many business owners sell their services on their own website or on a dedicated platform for similar services. It’s also not uncommon for a business to ask first-time customers to contact them or fill out a form, rather than purchase the service upfront. This often depends on the type of business, as well as the clientele. Digital products There’s a type of eCommerce product that’s sort of in between physical products and services—digital products. This sector has gained popularity over the past couple decades with the growth of online retail. It includes software, music files, in-game purchases (in video games) and more. Digital products are the easiest to provide to the customer, as it’s just a matter of enabling a download. They also have the added benefit of being freely duplicatable, as opposed to a physical product, which requires manufacturing. See Sewn Ideas  for inspiration here. This Arizona-based online shop offers a complete line of PDF patterns for various shapes and styles of handbags, designed for everyone from beginners to advanced sewers. Once you pay for a pattern, you also unlock a password to access instructional videos. Pros and cons of eCommerce There are many reasons to start an online business. But before you start bouncing around eCommerce business ideas , it’s important to understand what advantages and challenges eCommerce holds. Benefits of an eCommerce business Low investment and operational costs : Compared to a physical brick-and-mortar storefront, eCommerce requires a much smaller initial investment. Instead of renting a location and remodeling it to create the perfect store, you simply need to create a website. Operational costs are also much lower, as you can avoid the rent and high utility bills associated with physical storefronts. Learn more: eCommerce vs. brick and mortar Stays open 24/7 : Online stores and online auctions, as opposed to physical businesses, aren’t limited to business hours. An eCommerce business can operate 24/7, always generating income, even when you sleep. Reaches more customers : By operating your business online, your clientele isn’t limited to a physical location. Your online store or mobile eCommerce  app can cater to customers around the world, shipping internationally from day one. Ecommerce in emerging markets, such as China and India , is also on the rise in terms of both sellers and buyers. Fast and easy for customers : Letting your customers order their products online and receive them at home makes the purchasing process much faster and simpler than going out to the store. Online shopping also gives them the additional convenience and flexibility of payment options, such as one-click purchases via digital wallets such as PayPal or Apple Pay. This means customers are more likely to make impulse buys, as well as come back for more, given they’re happy with your products. Facilitates omnichannel retail  and selling : Thanks to platforms like Wix that let you manage multiple sales channels in one place, you can easily list one product on various online platforms—online store, mobile app, social media (Tik Tok for example), online marketplaces (Ebay, Etsy, etc.)—to increase your chances of making a sale. Easily scalable : Scaling up an eCommerce business is much easier than scaling up a physical one. Sure, you may need more storage and have to hire a few employees to deal with order fulfillment and other tasks, but you won’t have to find new locations or hire enough employees to run an entire store. Don't miss out on maximizing your seasonal sales: Check out the ultimate eCommerce holiday readiness checklist  and get your business holiday-ready today. Challenges of an eCommerce business Harder to interact with customers : Most of the disadvantages of eCommerce stem from the inability to physically communicate with your customers. This makes it harder to understand their needs and to make sure they’re happy with your business. To counteract this, it’s important to keep in touch with your customer base however you can, be it social media, emails, surveys, etc. Shoppers can’t try before they buy : In an online store, customers can’t physically try on clothes, test gadgets or even get a general feel from just holding an item in their hands. Many online stores offer a free return policy  to ensure their customers don’t hesitate. Great product photos and videos can also help give your customers a better understanding. Learn more about ecommerce photography in our guide. Faulty tech can ruin sales : When your business is online, any error or bug can cost you. There are many unexpected hurdles that can pop up—transaction errors, glitchy page designs, server crashes and more. These can not only botch a sale, but also deter customers from coming back to your online store. Make sure to build your website and store using a platform with a history of site reliability . Wix, in particular, has a proven track record of minimizing these issues. Crowded and competitive : In many cases, eCommerce is more competitive than physical retail. Rather than compete with other businesses in your town or neighborhood, you’re competing with the entire world. Things can get ugly trying to compete on product and shipping prices, especially with bigger companies that can often undercut you on both. Good marketing is the key to success in eCommerce and standing out from the crowd. Where different types of eCommerce take place Ecommerce can take place in spaces all across the internet. Different types of eCommerce  can take the following forms: Online store : An online store  is the most straightforward and customizable option for eCommerce. A platform like Wix  allows businesses to create and manage their own online stores easily. Its success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, scalability, affordability and wide range of features. Social commerce : This is the practice of selling products through social media platforms. Businesses can create online stores on these platforms or use them to promote their products and generate sales. These days, you can even conduct transactions directly through social platforms in most cases. Some popular social commerce platforms include Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Mobile commerce (mCommerce) : This is the practice of buying and selling products through mobile devices. Mobile commerce is becoming increasingly popular as more people use their smartphones and tablets to shop online. Some popular mobile commerce platforms include apps from Amazon, eBay and Walmart. Online marketplace : These are websites that allow sellers to list their products for sale. Some popular marketplaces include Amazon, eBay and Etsy. Marketplaces offer a variety of benefits for sellers, including access to a large pool of customers, reduced marketing costs and simplified payment processing. Getting started with eCommerce If you’re looking to create an eCommerce business, starting an online store  is a great first step. These five steps will get you off on the right foot: How to start an eCommerce business in 5 steps Choose what to sell online   Build and design your online store   Find a manufacturer   Find shipping partners   Connect a payment provider   01. Choose what to sell online The first thing you’ll need to do before you learn how to sell online  is decide on what you actually want to sell. Start by identifying your interests and passions. It's much easier to dive into a project when you're enthusiastic about it. Then, do some market research, taking notes on what similar online stores are doing. Look at trends, including what's popular, what's unique and what’s profitable. Don't be afraid to fill a niche—it's often where the magic happens. Remember, your products should not only resonate with you, but should also resonate with your potential customers. 02. Build and design your ecommerce website To start your online store, you’ll need to make your own website to sell  using a platform that can facilitate eCommerce. That’s where Wix comes in. Wix is an all-encompassing, end-to-end solution for e-tailers of all sizes. Through Wix, you can sell goods through your online store, social media and sales channels, or in-person with Wix point of sale  software. You can additionally manage shipping, inventory, shopping cart software, marketing, analytics (track your ecommerce metrics ) and more, all from one unified dashboard. Once you build your website and create your store, it’s time to design it.  Ecommerce website design  is crucial in creating a positive shopping experience and can make or break an eCommerce business. Wix offers hundreds of designer-made online store templates  that you can customize to your own preferences. It’s time to design your dream store. Sign up  for Wix today. 03. Find a manufacturer After you’ve decided on a product, or line of products, you’ll need to figure out how to manufacture them. The type of manufacturer you need to find  depends entirely on what kind of products you’ll be offering, and how many. Alternatively, you may choose to dropship or only offer digital products and services, in which case you may not need a manufacturer at all. 04. Find shipping partners Shipping is a big part of any online store. You want every single customer to receive their products fast and in one piece. To pull that off, you’ll need a great eCommerce shipping  company. Look for a shipping company with a track record of reliability; remember, your own business reputation is at stake with each delivery. Speed is important, too, since fast delivery times can give you an edge in online shopping. Finally, consider excellent customer service. When things go wrong, you need a shipping partner who can address concerns quickly and efficiently. Again, for business models centered around services, digital goods or dropshipping, you may not need to worry about this step. But, for digital sales, you still need to make sure your products are distributed properly, meaning emails go out without errors and download links are always live. 05. Connect a payment provider No business is complete without getting paid. You'll need to connect your online store to a payment solution system or process, like Wix Payments in order to accept online payments . To ensure customers always have a comfortable way to pay, you may want to provide several payment options, including credit cards, Buy Now, Pay Later, mobile payments and digital wallets like PayPal. How to make eCommerce work: marketing strategies and tips to get started The importance of marketing in your eCommerce strategies  can’t be understated. It’s a critical part of gaining new customers, as well as retaining your existing clientele. No eCommerce business is complete without it. Below are a few important ways to maximize your marketing efforts. Optimize your online store’s SEO One of the most important ways to drive traffic to your online store is by optimizing it to appear higher in search engine results. This is called SEO (search engine optimization). Boosting the SEO for your online store isn't difficult; it's about consistency and knowing your audience. Start by understanding what your target customers are searching for, and tailor your product descriptions to those keywords. Make sure you answer their search questions. Next, make sure your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly and is mobile-friendly. Good SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Make use of content marketing Content marketing is a common practice in starting a business  of any type. In short, it means creating engaging blog posts, newsletters, social media posts and other content to attract visitors to your website. Using content marketing wisely, in conjunction with SEO, can have a huge impact on your store’s traffic. Utilize Facebook and Google Ads Facebook Ads and Google Ads are two of the most common paid advertising channels for eCommerce, and they can be very effective. Between Facebook, Instagram and Google, you can cover an enormous share of all internet users. With all that reach, you’ll need to be very precise when setting up your campaign, or you risk spending your marketing dollars on the wrong audiences. Wix can help you with built-in functionality to create, run and manage Facebook and Instagram Ads , as well as Google Ads . Stay in touch with your customers using email Marketing emails are a great way to stay in touch with your customers after you start an online business , letting them know about new products, sales or even to send a friendly holiday greeting. Email marketing is considered to have one of the best returns on investment (ROI) in eCommerce marketing; WebFX reports that this can be as high as 4,400% . Another great eCommerce marketing tool can be creating flash sales which you can promote via email. Improving eCommerce with data: the what and how Improving eCommerce with data involves using a number of techniques and best practices, among them—leveraging customer insights, purchase patterns and website analytics to optimize your online shopping experience and drive sales. By analyzing customer behavior data, you can personalize product recommendations, improve user engagement and increase your online store conversion rates. At the same time, tracking metrics such as cart abandonment rates, click-through rates and average order value helps identify areas for improvement in the sales funnel. Data can also can reveal trends and preferences, guiding inventory management and pricing strategies to align with demand. A/B testing different website elements, such as product descriptions, images or call-to-action buttons, can help you make data-driven decisions that improve user experience and boost sales. Customer feedback and reviews also provide valuable data for refining products and services. By integrating data analytics tools and continuously monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs),as an eCommerce business owner you can make informed decisions, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction and ultimately drive profitability. Ecommerce regulations and global guidelines There are many regulations and laws governing the practice of eCommerce globally. In the US many of these can be found here . Examples include the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act which validates contracts with an electronic signature and is designed to protect consumers who must give consent to a purchase. The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) aims to protect consumers, including those buying online, from deceptive trade practices - it makes it mandatory for companies to publish a privacy policy, to put in place data security measures (to protect consumers private information and payment details) and puts the onus on businesses to refrain from false advertising in any form. Other countries have enacted similar legislation or bolstered it as eCommerce grows in popularity, for example: The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act, New Zealand UK Consumer Rights Act Distance Selling Regulations, UK E-Commerce Law of China, enacted January 2019 Ecommerce trends, current and emerging: how has the industry evolved Ecommerce continues to grow both in terms of the number of online stores available and the growing numbers of consumers purchasing online. Over the last few years a few trends have emerged including: Omnichannel shopping Integrating physical and digital shopping experiences for a seamless customer journey. Let's say a consumer searches for shoes on her phone. She researched a specific brand. Later that day or week she receives a targeted email from the shoe brand she researched earlier. She then visits the brand's physical store to try on the shoes. Maybe she then uses the mobile app to pay and receives an SMS receipt. Or the shoes are not in stock in store in her size, so the sales assistant helps her order them online with delivery to her home. Mobile-first shopping Consumers shop on their phones, this has been a rising ecommerce trend for a while now. However an emerging trend is big ticket purchases from the mobile. Many consumers still prefer to make big purchases, such as airline tickets or furniture, from a computer. ecommerce retailers are trying to shift this focus to get more sales made from mobile due to its accessibility, buy from anywhere. Social commerce Selling online via social media has taken off in a big way, whether it's brands directly selling or via influencers. How long consumers enjoy being sold to from social media, remains to be seen with some pushback against sponsored content. In 2022 over US$992 billion was spent on goods bought via social platforms. Thailand and India are the two biggest markets for social commerce. It's anticipated to reach $8.3 trillion by 2030. Sustainability and ethical brands While fast fashion remains popular in the world of online selling, there is a growing shift away from it. Consumers are more aware than ever that often cheap online goods means an impact down the production line, either on the environment or in poor conditions for those involved in their manufacturing. eCommerce brands that that prioritize eco friendly products are gaining in popularity as a result. AI in eCommerce AI transforms eCommerce by creating smarter, more personalized shopping experiences. The AI in eCommerce  market in the U.S. is growing fast and is expected to reach  $17.83 billion by 2034 . It analyzes customer behavior like past purchases or browsing habits to recommend products they’ll love. AI-powered chatbots provide instant 24/7 support, answering questions and resolving issues effortlessly. With these tools, your store becomes more intuitive and engaging, building trust, increasing loyalty and driving sales. What is eCommerce FAQ How to make money with eCommerce? Making money with eCommerce involves creating a successful online business that generates revenue through the sale of products or services. It starts with choosing the right eCommerce model or type. From there you'll need to choose a specific product niche or category to sell. Then, do your market research, choose an online store builder such as Wix, source customers and market your site. What is the difference between eCommerce and eBusiness? Ecommerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. Ebusiness is a broader term that includes eCommerce but also encompasses other aspects of doing business online, such as customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM) and marketing. Is eCommerce worth it? This can be a complicated question to answer. In general, profitability is often what defines ecommerce as worth it as a business model. To understand if ecommerce is worth it for you, it's a good idea to start small and low risk, with dropshipping or print on demand as some good beginner options. You'll also want to consider if the time invested in making your ecommerce business profitable is worth it, while factoring in the time it might take you t make it a success. Is eCommerce easy? E-commerce can be easy, especially when compared to other business models, or challenging, depending on your business idea, experience and capital to fund it. With intuitive ecommerce platforms like Wix, setting up an online store is easier than ever. However, successfully running an e-commerce business requires more than just a website. Other crucial focus areas include marketing, inventory management and customer service, all of which can demand significant time, effort and expertise in order to build a successful business. While the initial setup might seem easy, long-term success with ecommerce requireds dedication and strategic planning. What are the different eCommerce revenue models? Direct sales: Selling products directly to customers through your online store. Many large retailers do this - including Target. Marketplace model: Acting as a platform for other businesses to sell their products, earning commission on each sale. An example of this is Amazon or eBay. Amazon currently holds 37.6% of all ecommerce sales in the US. Subscription model: Customers pay recurring fees for access to products, services, or content. Dropshipping : Partnering with manufacturers who ship products directly to customers, eliminating inventory management. Affiliate marketing : Promoting other companies' products on your website and earning commissions on referrals. What's the future of eCommerce? One of the biggest predictions is the rise of hyper-personalization. It currently exists to an extent with highly targeted email and SMS marketing but it's expected to explode. The combination of data analysis and AI technology to create product recommendations for online shoppers is expected to take off in a big way. Whether consumers will respond positively to the personalization, or negatively due to data privacy concerns, is still unfolding. What's mobile vs traditional eCommerce? Mobile eCommerce is essentially online shopping conducted via smartphones and tablets, while traditional eCommerce includes online shopping across all devices, including desktops and laptops. Mobile commerce prioritizes user experience for smaller screens, focusing on an ease of navigation and a streamlined checkout. Traditional eCommerce often leverages desktop-optimized layouts and features. . How can small ecommerce businesses effectively manage inventory without overstocking or running out of popular items? While tricky, there are ways for even small ecommerce business can find ways to manage inventory more efficiently: Implementing a just-in-time inventory system Using inventory management software to track sales patterns Offering pre-orders for popular items to gauge demand Considering dropshipping for certain products to reduce risk Developing relationships with suppliers for faster restocking How can small ecommerce businesses compete with larger marketplaces without sacrificing profit margins? You can differentiate yourself, even as a smaller ecommerce business by: Offering personalized customer service and product recommendations Creating unique, niche products not found on large marketplaces Telling your brand story to build emotional connections with customers Providing expert knowledge and content related to your products Offering flexible, local or eco-friendly shipping options