5+3 things you need to know before starting an e-shop
Start your own e-shop without being a master coder. In fact, you don't need to know how to code, or even what you'd expect. But don't forget the essentials that will help you succeed in the online world.
As of today (June 22, 2021), there are 41,540 e-shops on the Czech market. This is an enormous number for the Czech Republic, which has a population of 10 million. It logically follows that your new e-shop must stand out in at least one way in order to survive in this huge competition.
But let's get straight to the point. What do you need (not only from a legal perspective) to run an e-shop?
1. At least a trade license
...so authorization to perform the activity . The operation of a store (whether brick-and-mortar or online) is a free trade, and therefore you do not need to prove any professional qualifications. In other words: any adult can set up an e-shop. Simply fill out the form, submit it to the nearest trade licensing office, pay a thousand and you can get started. However, keep in mind that as a self-employed person, you are liable with all your assets.
2. Company headquarters
...which could be your home address . If you don't want to set up a brick-and-mortar store along with your online store, you can also use a so-called virtual address. However, for credibility, never forget to include the company address on your website.
3. Product warehouse
...or where and how will you store the products you sell? One of the pillars of competitiveness is, among other things, the speed of order delivery, so it is a good idea to think about this factor in advance. If you don't want to look for storage space and want to make it easier, there is the option of dropshipping, where products are purchased from the supplier only after they have been ordered by the customer. This can be an ideal choice for starting an e-shop, but it is necessary to regularly evaluate whether it is no longer worth investing in your own warehouse.
4. Know the possibilities of creating an e-shop
...and now we don't mean knowing all the platforms in detail, but having an overview and choosing the right one, or the right plan. The most famous are the Czech Shoptet, the foreign Shopify or WooCommerce. On these platforms you can create and manage an e-shop yourself even without an initial investment of millions. The only thing you will need to invest is your time. A lot of time. Think about whether you want to delegate this point to experts.
5. Terms and Conditions
...which are required by law and forgetting them (or having them incorrectly) could cost you dearly. Have a professional write them up for you right from the start and you'll be all set - unless you're a pro yourself. Legislation can be treacherous and it can be a real pain for a layperson to understand.
3 tips to help you succeed in the online world
1. Pay attention to the clarity and readability of the website
If you don't know the principles of UX, it's better to have your e-shop created by a professional. They will ensure that you avoid most beginner mistakes that can have a fatal impact on traffic, bounce rate, or sales. This investment can often prevent the early demise of your e-shop.
2. Hire a marketing expert
It doesn't have to be a full-time person, just a handy freelancer who can help you with advertising, keywords, SEO, product comparisons, or perhaps branding or strategy. You need to stand out from the crowd, remember? So do it right.
3. Be prepared for other legal issues
When you are going to entrust a professional lawyer with work on business terms and conditions, throw in the complaint procedure or personal data processing right away. In addition, thoroughly review the Consumer Protection Act, compliance with which the Czech Trade Inspection Authority is very keen to focus on.
