Practical guide
Showcase website or online shop?
You want an online presence, but should you sell directly on your website? The right questions to ask when choosing.
The showcase website: present your business and generate enquiries
A showcase website presents your business, your services, your work and your contact details. Its aim is to reassure visitors and prompt a phone call, an email or a quote request. It suits most self-employed professionals, tradespeople, professional practices, restaurants and service providers.
The online shop: sell 24/7
An online shop adds a catalogue, a basket, online payment and order management. It suits you if your products sell well remotely, if you can handle shipping or collection, and if you are ready to keep the catalogue and stock up to date.
Selling online also comes with obligations: terms and conditions of sale, pre-contractual information, the right of withdrawal for consumers, and data protection.
Start simple, then grow
Many businesses start with a showcase website, then add a shop once demand is there. A well-built website can grow without being rebuilt from scratch. For a physical shop, a POS system can complete the setup.
Frequently asked questions
In brief
Can I sell services online?
Yes: gift vouchers, paid bookings, training courses, subscriptions… An online shop is not just for physical products.
Does an online shop take a lot of time?
You need to maintain the catalogue, respond to customers and prepare orders: allow for this time before you launch.
Going further
Also worth reading
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