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• Getting your business on the internet
• Need More information?

Internet shopping or e-commerce has enormous potential to expand your customer base and create business efficiencies. There are many benefits for traders and consumers in using e-commerce to conduct business. Benefits may include convenience of access, lower prices for goods and services through reduced overheads, ability to provide detailed product information and greater customer exposure.

There are also risks associated with e-commerce for consumers and traders. How do you know if you are dealing with a reputable supplier? The sorts of issues to consider are:

• payment in advance
• delivery costs
• use of information provided (eg credit card or bank account details)
• additional tax and import duty applicable
• pay particular attention to the warranty and refund policy of the supplier you intend dealing with.

Fair trading legislation applies to e-commerce traders and consumers operating and located within Australia. However, similar protection may not be available if you are dealing with an overseas trader. To decide whether an overseas on-line business is reputable be sure to ask many questions before purchasing goods.

Getting your business on the internet

1. Plan

Learn as much about the World Wide Web as you can. Spend some time searching and looking at what other businesses offer. Establish an on-line business plan to define what you aim to achieve by operating over the Internet. For example, you may wish to limit your web presence to a showcase of your products, or information about your business. Alternatively you may wish to implement a full on-line e-commerce facility.

2. Register a domain name

A domain name gives your business an identity that means something to your customers. Every organisation on the Internet has one and those ending with either com.au or au.com signify a commercial organisation. If you wish to register a domain name contact one of the auDA accredited register for more information on the registration process.

The former National Office for Information Economy, now replaced by the Australian Goverment Information Management Office (AGIMO), produced a business guide to registering a web address. The guide aims to assist business to register a web address and illustrates the relationship between a company name, business name, domain name and trademark. Visit their website for further information...

3. Choose an ISP (internet service provider)

The best way to find a good ISP is through word of mouth. Remember, the cheapest is not always the best. Consider the number and quality of modems they operate, the support offered, the web space included in the price etc.

4. Design and publish a web site

An amateur, using basic HTML authoring software, can develop a simple website, however a site utilising advanced graphics or electronic commerce features (eg. on-line ordering) is best left to the professionals. Remember, consumers will judge the quality of your business by the site that they see on the Internet. The cost of designing a site will vary, depending on the complexity that you require. It is worth shopping around for a good deal.

Once published, your site will require promotion and most importantly, ongoing maintenance.

Need More information?

The Australian Government Information Management Office (AGIMO)
http://www.agimo.gov.au
or talk to a website designer or website service provider.

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