Is it still worth creating an online store?

Changing Trends in E-commerce

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, many individuals considering a career change contemplate the idea of creating an online store. The shifting buying and consumption patterns in the online market have captured the attention of aspiring entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the remarkable surge in global sales and e-commerce transactions has spurred a growing number of people to venture into the realm of virtual stores. It’s not just career changers; even established brick-and-mortar retail giants like Walmart have recognized the value of establishing an online presence to cater to their customers. This raises an important question: Is creating an online store still a viable option?

In this article, we will address the main concerns of those contemplating opening an e-commerce business and assess whether it remains a worthwhile pursuit.

The Evolution of Online Stores

The origins of online shopping and sales can be traced back to the late 1970s when English inventor Michael Aldrich developed an online transaction processing system. Over time, this system evolved into what we now know as e-commerce and online payment methods. However, it was in the 1990s that online sales gained significant traction, thanks to the emergence of major companies like Amazon, Pizza Hut, and American banks.

The growth witnessed in this sector over a relatively short period was beyond anyone’s imagination. For instance, Amazon alone generated a staggering $46.37 billion in online sales of physical goods, not to mention digital products. But with such rapid growth, has the profitability of online stores diminished or reached a saturation point? Let’s explore this and other related questions.

Is the Niche Saturated?

Given that almost three decades have passed since the inception of e-commerce, one might assume that this niche has become oversaturated and highly exploited. While it’s true that there are numerous players in the market, especially in popular sectors such as clothing, cosmetics, perfumery, and books, there is still room for innovation and differentiation. If you’re considering creating an online store, it’s crucial to offer something unique and stand out from the competition. People are drawn to novelty, and replicating existing models may not yield the desired results. To help you in this endeavor, we have shared some ideas on how to innovate within a saturated niche.

The Competitive Market

As mentioned earlier, the ever-changing landscape of consumer behavior has sparked an interest among entrepreneurs to invest in the online marketplace. Consequently, both small-scale businesses and large corporations have recognized the advantages of expanding their operations to include e-commerce. While established brands may already enjoy success in their physical stores, they understand the potential offered by the virtual realm and have established a strong online presence.

Considering the competition, it’s important to bear in mind that your online store will be pitted against major brands with global recognition. Does this mean the market is fiercely competitive? Yes. However, by targeting your products effectively towards a specific audience, you can carve out a niche and thrive in your online venture. If you’re uncertain about identifying the right market niche, we recommend reading our post on micro niches.

The Importance of Planning

Before embarking on any new business venture, it’s essential to be prepared for the various challenges that may arise. Starting an online store does not exempt you from the need for careful financial planning. From the outset, you will incur expenses, and it’s crucial to avoid the misconception that launching a virtual store is a quick and effortless process.

One common pitfall for new online stores is neglecting the planning phase. Some individuals view online stores as an alternative to traditional employment, failing to adequately plan and strategize for their new venture. Consequently, these stores fail to achieve the expected success. Therefore, meticulous planning is indispensable to ensure the viability and prosperity of your online store.

The Pros and Cons of Creating an Online Store

Now, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of creating an online store:

The Pros:

Expanded Market Reach: If you already own a physical store, venturing into the virtual realm allows you to sell to customers worldwide, transcending geographical limitations and opening doors to increased sales.
Enhanced Customer Engagement: Working online facilitates faster and continuous communication with your customers. Leveraging social networks, chatbots, emails, and other channels enables seamless interaction with your target audience.
Cost Efficiency: Establishing an online store is generally more cost-effective than maintaining a physical store. The absence of expenses like rent or purchasing a physical space reduces financial overheads.
Free Advertising Opportunities: Through content marketing, you can promote your business without incurring advertising costs. However, it’s important to note that relying solely on free advertising may take time to yield significant results, and exploring paid media strategies can be beneficial.
Accessibility for Non-Technical Individuals: Even if you lack expertise in technology, there are numerous user-friendly systems available to assist you in creating and managing your online store. Selecting the right platform allows you to tailor the layout to suit your business.

The Cons:

Hard Work and Dedication: Building a successful e-commerce venture requires dedication and effort. It’s not just about showcasing product photos and descriptions; it involves perseverance and diligent work. There are no shortcuts in this business, and you must be prepared to put in the required effort to achieve desired outcomes.
Intense Competition: Starting an online store in the present scenario means facing stiff competition, not just from fellow entrepreneurs but also from established global brands operating in similar niches.
Logistics and Fulfillment: Delivering products to customers entails additional considerations, such as offering postal delivery services, which can result in additional expenses beyond the product cost.
Maintaining Professionalism: Even though your business operates online, it is crucial to maintain professionalism. Factors like invoice issuance and offering secure payment options require attention and effort. Operating an online store solely through bank deposits and as an individual may not foster customer trust and confidence.
Initial Investments: While the initial investments for an online store may be lower than those for a physical store, there are still expenses to consider. For instance, if you sell physical products, you’ll need to create an inventory before gauging its potential market demand.

Exploring Alternatives to Online Stores

After considering the pros and cons of creating an online store, you may still be uncertain about whether it’s the right path for you. Fortunately, there are alternative options available:

Marketplace Selling: Instead of creating your own standalone online store, you can consider selling your products on established e-commerce marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or Alibaba. These platforms already have a large customer base and provide infrastructure and marketing support, which can be advantageous for new sellers.
Dropshipping: Dropshipping allows you to sell products without needing to carry inventory or handle shipping. With this model, you partner with suppliers who handle the inventory and fulfillment. When a customer places an order, the supplier ships the product directly to the customer. This eliminates the need for upfront inventory investment and simplifies logistics.
Social Media Sales: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest offer features that allow businesses to sell products directly on their platforms. You can leverage your social media presence to showcase and sell your products, tapping into your followers’ networks and utilizing built-in purchasing features.
Subscription Boxes: Consider creating a subscription box service where customers receive curated packages of products regularly. This model provides a recurring revenue stream and can be attractive to customers who enjoy the element of surprise and convenience.
Local Market Presence: If you prefer a physical presence, you can focus on building a strong local customer base by participating in local markets, fairs, or pop-up shops. This allows you to connect with customers face-to-face, showcase your products, and build a loyal customer base in your community.
Service-based Business: If you have specific skills or expertise, you can consider offering services instead of selling physical products. Examples include consulting, coaching, freelance work, or online courses. These types of businesses can be operated online and can be highly profitable with the right market positioning.

Remember, the choice of the business model depends on your preferences, resources, and target market. It’s important to evaluate your strengths, interests, and market opportunities to determine the most suitable approach for your entrepreneurial journey.

While the online marketplace is competitive, creating an online store can still be a viable and lucrative business option. Success in this field requires dedication, differentiation, and careful planning. By identifying a unique selling proposition, targeting a specific audience, and leveraging digital marketing strategies, you can carve out a niche for your online store.

Alternatively, exploring alternative options like marketplace selling, dropshipping, social media sales, subscription boxes, local market presence, or service-based businesses can also be profitable and fulfilling endeavors.