How to Set up an eCommerce Business From Scratch? - A Step-Wise Guide

The global eCommerce sector is booming in every nook & corner of the world, including the Lehigh Valley. And, this boom has brought in thousands of jobs, unlocking new doors of opportunities for the people in this region. Industry experts believe that the eCommerce industry here will further expand and become robust in this post-COVID-19 era.
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Step 1: Research Your Market

Before starting any business, you must understand what industry you want to work in. If you think about it, most people start by researching their passion or expertise before taking on a new venture.

This same principle applies when starting an online business. Once you know what product or service you want to sell, it's time to find out where your target audience hangs out online!

Step 2: Decide On a Name, Logo, and Tagline
If you're going to be on the cutting edge of eCommerce, you'll need a name that's easy to remember. But, if it's too generic or common, then people may not bother to look at your site.

Your name is also a great place to start developing a brand image for your business. Consider what image you want to convey when potential customers consider whether or not they should buy from you.

If you're selling high-end items, perhaps your logo should include an expensive-looking design element. If you're selling products considered "affordable" but still have quality features and materials, consider using a simpler design instead of one that will draw attention away from the product itself.

Step 3. Create a Website
“Overall the Web Is Pretty Sloppy, but an Online Store Can’t Afford to Be.”– Paul Graham, co-founder of Y Combinator
Create a website that's easy to navigate, intuitive shopping experience, and visually appealing. There's no need to hire a developer or designer, but it would be nice if you could build your website.
Here Are Some Tips:

Use simple design elements. Don't use fancy fonts or graphics that will distract from the content of your website.

Use intuitive navigation (at least for now). You can always add more functionality in the future as your business grows.

Make sure your website loads quickly and that there are no glitches or errors in the display of pages (for example, if there's an error message when users enter their email address).

Step 4: A Warehouse to Maintain Inventory
Setting up a warehouse where your inventory will be stored is indispensable. This is especially important if you plan on shipping internationally and must ensure receiving all packages promptly.

Ideally, your warehouse should be located near where most of your customers live and/or work so they can easily pick up their orders. It's also essential to ensure that plenty of employees in the warehouse know how to pack orders properly and efficiently.

You need to install a pallet rack in Lehigh Valley, PA. Pallets are the most critical part of your business. Make sure you have a high-quality pallet rack to store your products safely and efficiently. These racks are made of steel, making them durable and robust enough to hold heavy loads. Make sure you hire the right installation crew, which is pre-certified for safety programs by AVETTA and ISNET.

Step 5: Your Pricing Strategy
Pricing is one of your most important decisions as a new online retailer. The price for your products and services influences how many people will buy from you, how much they'll spend, and how long they will take to convert into customers. You want your prices to be high enough to attract buyers but not so high that nobody buys from you.
There Are Two Main Pricing Strategies:

Focused Pricing: This is where you offer a limited range of products at higher prices than your competitors do. A good example would be a new luxury car dealership that offers only one model of each type of car and sells it at a premium price point.

Aggressive Pricing: This is where you sell multiple types of products at lower prices than your competitors and then charge more than they do for an additional feature or service. An example would be an internet-based retailer that sells a wide variety of items at low prices but offers free shipping on orders over $50. Customers who buy anything can get free shipping if they order enough stuff!

Final Thoughts
You can maximize your chances of success by preparing in advance and identifying the key factors vital to your growth. That way, you can build your eCommerce business in the Lehigh Valley with a greater chance of success.