Along with the advancement of the internet and technology, many people use their laptops, tablets, and smartphones to carry out various activities: buying and selling products online in e-commerce.

E-commerce is an abbreviation of electronic commerce or electronic commerce, which means all buying and selling activities through internet media. Everything from buying, selling, marketing, promotion, and payment is made electronically. In short, online stores.

In 2019, the GlobalWebIndex survey stated that Indonesia had the highest level of e-commerce usage globally, with 90% of internet users (16 to 64 years old) reporting that they had purchased products and services online.

In this fierce business competition, e-commerce is an excellent opportunity for business people to grow their businesses. In addition to a good marketing strategy, having an online store has also been named as the most effective approach to increase sales. Based on data from Bank Indonesia, the value of e-commerce transactions in 2021 is estimated to reach IDR 403 trillion.

Still not convinced to use e-commerce? Here are some reasons why having an online store is vital to your business success:

1. Lower capital and operational costs

Online stores’ capital and operational costs are certainly lower than conventional stores. For example, you don’t have to pay for renting or building a shop, building maintenance, paying for electricity, buying product shelves, or hiring more employees.

2. Wide market reach

Conventional stores only reach buyers in the same or adjacent areas. It’s different if your business has an online store; buyers from all over can buy at your store. This indirectly also increases the exposure of your business. Your complete product catalog can be viewed on the website/application. Buyers can just click, click, click; no need to move from their seats!

3. Unlimited access: Open 24 hours

Conventional stores, on average, have limited operating hours, which generally start from 9 am to 10 pm. Even if one operates 24 hours, it requires a sizeable additional fee. With e-commerce, you only need an internet connection. Potential buyers can make transactions whenever they want by going to the website/app; the order goes straight in and is processed.

4. Promotions that benefit both sellers and buyers

Apart from the increasing usage of smartphones and the internet, one of the reasons for the rapid development of e-commerce is the number of attractive promos that benefit both sellers and buyers. Such as free shipping, coupons and discounts, loyalty points, interest-free installments, and others.

5. Effortless transaction and delivery management

You don’t have to worry about how to transact goods. The buying and selling process has been automated. Payment can be made via bank transfer or Virtual Account. In addition, there is also much e-commerce that has been integrated with e-wallets, such as OVO, GoPay, and Dana. Shipping is also more transparent, buyers can choose the most suitable expedition, and the shipping process can be tracked directly on the delivery status.

6. Improve customer service

E-commerce provides various features that make it easier for sellers to stay connected with customers, for example chat features and consumer reviews. In addition, the refund feature accompanied by a detailed procedure is also available if the buyer wants to request a product return.

Suppose the buyer is satisfied with the service of your store. In this case, the buyer can continue to buy at your store without fear of forgetting your name or address’ store. This is because they have a purchase history feature. The seller will also have the data of buyers who bought their product to be more accessible when promotions.

With e-commerce, purchasing and selling become faster, more practical, and more efficient.