E-commerce influences in-store transactions

Wondering if investing in E-commerce capabilities on your website is worth it for your business? Consider this. According to Website Magazine, by 2014 eighth percent of all retail sales will be conducted on the Web. This seems to be only a small part of the total sales volume.  However, the same survey indicates that 53 percent of the sales will be influenced by e-commerce because consumers increasingly are using the Internet to research products and companies before purchasing.

It makes sense. Before heading out to the store and check to see if they have a certain product, quickly go to their website and see if they have what you need. Home Depot is a good example. If you are like me, there is a good chance that you need to buy building materials or tools on a regular basis (at least we think we do). I don't think that Home Depot sells a lot of lumber through its web store, but it gives their customers a chance to see the complete inventory and choice of products before coming into the store. Knowing the price and specifications of the product will streamline the retail process as well.

So although your business may not sell much products through the website, the effect on total sales can be very positive. Just because you are a bricks-and-mortar business selling physical products doesn't mean that E-commerce is not for you.