With the right implementation, eCommerce can provide numerous benefits for small retailers. Credit: iJeab via Shutterstock.

Nonprofit organisation and resource partner for the US Small Business Administration SCORE has outlined its advice for small business owners looking to navigate the eCommerce landscape.

According to the US census, online retail sales accounted for 15.4% of total sales in 2023, incentivising small businesses to consider implementing eCommerce strategies.

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SCORE mentor Dean Swanson sees the benefits of eCommerce as expanding your customer base, increasing sales and driving brand awareness. “Even if you only sell a small part of your products or services online, it can attract attention to your company,” says Swanson.

In terms of customer service, SCORE advises that like brick-and-mortar retailers, online business owners should also consider what their customers’ experience is like.

SCORE mentor Adam Torkildson explained: “Your website is the face of your eCommerce business and serves as the primary point of interaction with your customers. Optimise for mobile devices, fast loading speeds, and intuitive navigation to provide a seamless shopping experience that encourages conversions and reduces bounce rates.”

SCORE offers a free, self-guided course “Getting Started with E-commerce.” The eight-part course examines everything from selling platforms to customer service, inventory management, payment options, shipping, returns and more.

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For small business owners looking to use Amazon, “The Amazon Seller Success Series 2024,” a series of free SCORE webinars, sponsored by Amazon, provides guidance on establishing and growing a business in Amazon’s marketplace.

Recent research from the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that for small retailers in the US inventory shrink through theft is a prescient problem.