E-commerce, is it really profitable?

Kjeldsen

Hi all,

I am new in this forum. I seek advice, as I am doing research to start my own business, like all of us here probably are:)

My big advantage is that I actually have money to start the business and to sustain myself along the way. I don’t need to work a day job while I am launching my business, and I don’t need to attract investors.

Since I am opening this business with my own money, I am looking for an opportunity with low risk, which with hard work and an initial investment could have a good chance of generating a decent return.

My eyes have fallen on ecommerce, as it looks like something you can start with a low investment and expand incrementally as revenue grows. But even though ecommerce is growing all over the world, margins seem to be razor thin and completion high. I do not know whether it would actually work.

Another big doubt I have about ecommerce is that there are so many dubious sites offering you services and promising that they have the formula to make you a millionaire. It makes you wonder if there really is anything in it for a small player, or just a lot of well, suckers like me trying to open an ecommerce, and a lot of vultures feasting on them.

So I have to questions for you wise people.

1. Is it really possible to make a decent return on an online store as a small player? Have any of you tried it?

2. The Internet is full of ‘start your own business with no money, and without quitting your day job’. What about ‘start your own business with money, dedicated only to this’. Any ideas of which industry could give a decent return with low risk?

Background:
I am educated in business and political science, I have lived in Brazil for the last four years helping foreign companies inter the Brazilian market. Brazil has market of 200 million people a large penetration of credit cards and a fast growing ecommerce industry. Should any of you be interested in bringing your business to Brazil please let me know.

indranibilup

Yes definitely its, just you have to be careful to get all data into hand, study and implement it.

zarood

yes e-commerce is really profitable nowadays people are more used to internet .
within 5-6 years ecommerce would the best option for shopping .
it doesn't mean that it is less popular this is ,it is also popular in the rural area n people are getting really used to it

LukasFilm90

Thanks for good post!

website designer

I am trying to start ecommerce business.. please help me for any tips

mueblesfran

Well it depends on many factors like the field, products, size, target... Also depends on the marketing investment, the harder you do this online work for reputation the better and faster you will get the return. Don't expect to generate a lot in a short period of time, just take your time and work hard in order to increase the number of your visitors.

Domainicle

People are making millions just by recommending people to use ecommerce. Just imagine the profits actual ecommerce owners are making.

avalouisew

Yes it is definitely possible to make a decent return on an online store. I run an ecommerce store and a few other little businesses. Of course you need to have a plan and know what you're doing. Personally, I don't do brick and motar businesses anymore because I find that the overheads for online businesses is so much lower.
Also, if you ever read 'start your own business with no money', that's usually a scam! Nothing is free. You have to invest smart and have capital to start with. As for which industry can give you decent return with low risk.. there are really many options out there. You can look into dropshipping as well so you don't have to stock actual products.

Universitiutara

ya, in my opinion eCommerce are best profitable business. there are many advantage on customer. so everyone wants purchase online shopping.

megainternational

i agree with zarood. now this time eCommerce is most usable and profitable business. everyone use its. i think every people purchase all item on eCommerce business.

JayashreeIyer

It is profitable only if you have successfully established your brand name at online. Any E-commerce website should run Ad-words so that they become more popular and avail offers to customers.

pintorescapital

If yo have a good idea you will have success, one example: Pintores en Madrid

Lindaliulo

It definitely is!

Kevin1234

Yes it is definitely possible to make a decent return on an online store. I run an ecommerce store and a few other little businesses. Of course you need to have a plan and know what you're doing. Personally, I don't do brick and motar businesses anymore because I find that the overheads for online businesses is so much lower.
Also, if you ever read 'start your own business with no money', that's usually a scam! Nothing is free. You have to invest smart and have capital to start with. As for which industry can give you decent return with low risk.. there are really many options out there. You can look into dropshipping as well so you don't have to stock actual products.
Making my mark through startups.

eurus

The answer is definitely true. Needless to say, the trend of customers in shifting into a more digital methods, so our approach must be adapt to what the customers are doing.
E-commerce acts like an online shop, so of course customers will find it more arousing.

Syn Gates

I haven't try Online retail before, but I know that it is profitable but only after a long period of time to build up and maintain.