Setting up an online sweets shop

Setting up an online sweets shop is just like setting up any old online shop. Thus, it should follow the basic 10 rules. What are these 10 rules, you ask? The rules aren’t exactly rules per se, however they are the standard guide if you want to build an online shop, whether you’re selling sweets or clothing, and be successful. These 10 basic rules are as follows.

1. Remember it’s about the product and not the website. – Sure, people would be tempted to decorate their online shops with the fanciest designs that the mind can think of. However, do not overdo it that it actually overshadows the items you are selling. A simple and appealing design that follows the theme of what you’re selling should do. Example, you are selling some retro candies, and then perhaps a very retro candy shop theme would do. Something simple without being boring.

2. Advertise and spread the word – Of course, for your business to gain some profit, you would have to spread the word about it. Meaning, you need to advertise and do some research about what and how people look for the type of products you are selling. Joining communities related to what you’re selling can bring you closer to your market and potential clients.

3. Don’t forget your existing customers- Keep in touch with them and send updates about the new items in your shop. You can do this by creating email newsletters that you can send out to encourage them to buy again from you as well as to spread the word about your shop. This would also help in building customer loyalty as well as a good reputation for you.

4. Make sure your site is sale ready- what do I mean by that? Remember that once a person has clicked on your site the marketing strategies come to a halt and actual selling begins. So make sure that there aren’t many fancy “advertisements” and that they can easily find your products. Also, it’s not advisable to ask people to register first before they can browse the products. You can get all the information you might need when they send in an order.

5. Think about the easiest way they can send in payment- Most sellers and even buyers these days prefer to use PayPal as a mode of payment. It’s easy and quick for both you and your client. Best bit is that you are both protected because you don’t have to reveal each other’s account numbers in order to get a payment through.

6. Make the best possible arrangements for shipping- some people think that the whole concept of shipping is a little daunting. Actually, it isn’t. There are many merchants who ship to worldwide clients without encountering any problems. The often used couriers are UPS, DHL and FEDEX. To shed more light on this matter as well as for shipping rates, you can visit their individual websites for more info.

7. Make sure you comply with the EU Distance Selling Directive- Under this directive; you would need to provide your full contact details including your phone number as well as your address. Doing this would help build trust and confidence. You must also accept returned items within a week of your client receiving it. This would definitely add credibility to your business.

8. Learn about the TAX charges – There are different charges when you sell to different countries so make sure you have your head wrapped around it so as not to encounter any potential problems. This is most especially for people who are selling internationally.

9. Avoid Fraud- This is one of the major problems of selling online. But it happens in very rare occasions and only if you let yourself be at risk. Make sure that you check the customer’s information well. Especially if you feel like something is amiss. Verify the information by asking them to send proof. This is not uncommon and many sellers actually do this. If you are dealing with a fraudster they would most likely give up trying to con you at the first request of verification.

10. Just go for it and don’t give up- Online businesses are very lucrative sources of income but it takes time. You have to put in effort and tons of research and time to build up a good profitable online business. Sometimes it might seem like nothing’s happening but don’t give up. The point is, as time goes by, more people would know about your site and you will slowly build up credibility. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and certainly, no one has become an overnight billionaire with an online shop.

This article has been provided by Luca, the owner of italian sweet shop Pasticceria Zanardi, the right place to buy online the typical panettone artigianale or to send Christmas sweet gifts, like cesti natalizi and/or italian dolci tipici from northern Italy cooking tradition