Contents
- Introduction to the world of online stores
- Main requirements for online stores
- Types of online stores
- Key components of an online store
Introduction to the world of online stores
An online store is a virtual marketplace where users can make purchases and pay for orders online. In recent years, online stores have played a key role in the development of e-commerce worldwide. For example, in Russia in 2022, despite the exit of many brands from the market, online trade increased by 38%. Such platforms allow companies not only to increase their revenue but also to avoid costs associated with renting physical spaces, earning exclusively in the online space. Some formats of online stores, such as marketplaces, significantly help new brands in their promotion.
Typically, the purchasing process in an online store looks like this: the buyer visits the website or mobile app, selects the desired product, and places an order. After confirming the transaction, the product is sent for delivery, and the customer receives it and pays if they haven't done so in advance. An example of the first online store can be considered Amazon.com, launched by Jeff Bezos in 1995, initially intended for selling books. Today, this resource offers a wide range of products, with an annual turnover exceeding 514 billion dollars.
Main requirements for online stores
According to the legislation, online stores must comply with several rules to avoid fines and blocks:
- Use of online cash registers: Since 2018, all online stores are required to use online cash registers. When paying, money is deducted from the buyer's card and credited to the seller's account, with payment data automatically sent to tax authorities.
- Issuance of receipts: The seller can send an electronic receipt via email or SMS, and a paper receipt is not required.
- Public offer: To simplify the purchasing process, online stores place a public offer on their website, allowing them not to sign a separate contract with each buyer.
- Prohibition of banned goods: It is prohibited to sell alcohol, weapons, drugs, and other goods listed in a special list remotely.
- Storage of personal data: Sellers must obtain buyers' consent for the collection and processing of their personal data.
Types of online stores
Online stores can differ based on several criteria:
By type of operation
- Online business: A company that operates exclusively online, without offline stores.
- Additional sales channel: The owner of the online store uses the website as another sales point alongside offline locations.
- Outsourcing services: An intermediary between the seller and buyer, who stores products in their warehouse.
- Dropshipping: A model where the online store does not keep products in stock but redirects orders directly to the manufacturer.
By type of sales
- Wholesale: Products are sold only in large volumes.
- Retail: Products are sold individually at fixed prices.
- Wholesale and retail: A combined approach offering both wholesale and retail sales.
By assortment
- Narrow-specialized stores: Sell specific categories of goods.
- Virtual supermarkets: Provide a wide range of products, similar to traditional hypermarkets.
Key components of an online store
For the successful operation of an online store, its key components are important:
- Homepage: The first thing a user sees should be attractive and informative.
- Catalog: A system of categories and subcategories that allows users to easily find the desired products.
- Product cards: Information about each product, including photos and descriptions.
- Tag pages: Groups of products by similar characteristics that facilitate search.
- Filters: Tools that allow the user to narrow down their selection and find the desired product faster.
- Cart: A place where the user can view and modify their order before payment.
- Personal account: Stores information about purchases and allows for personalized offers to be set up.
- Information pages: A blog or useful materials that enhance customer loyalty.
- Service pages: Information about purchase conditions, including payment and delivery.