Key findings include:
The number of retailers with ecommerce sites has risen to over 35%, from 11% in 2006.
Of those that don’t have an ecommerce site, 22% claim they have firm plans to launch one.
26% of businesses questioned operate across three channels (the high street, ecommerce and mail or telephone).
10% of businesses are now selling via a major marketplace, with eBay and Amazon being the most popular.
6% of businesses operate across four channels including ecommerce, retail, mail or telephone and via a marketplace.
66% of businesses state that their ecommerce websites are profitable.
26% of online retailers have lost money as a result of online fraud.
60% built their own web site (against 45% in 2006) and the same proportion have implemented their own epos system.
70% created a custom built or bespoke site and 58% opted for a customised epos system.
Source: Internet Retailing
Comment from Rachael Milne, Business Development Manager @ Simple Net.
So according to this survey the SME marketplace is lagging with a low 22% planning to launch their e-commerce strategy.
It's important to note that etailing is generally on the up with 70% of retailers opting for a powerful custom built website to sell their product. At least they are taking their ecommerce seriously, I expect these are the majority of the 66% who are profiting from their online store.
I was surprised to see that only 10% of customers are taking advantage of Amazon / eBay to sell their products. With the amount of advertising pumped into these brands in particular, you would want to take advantage. Circa 30, 000 Australian's primary source of income, is from selling their products on eBay. It's not rocket science.
Anyone can see how important it is to secure their website using a SLL (Standard Socket Layer - or security certificate) to keep credit cards safe online. Online fraud is a serious problem and sometimes this just isn't enough. It is worth checking every order and putting together your own checklist, to avoid loosing stock / money.
Some ideas for your checklist should include;
- calling customers to verify their orders (they will be pleased you are being cautious with their details)
- calling to verify all orders over a certain $$$ value
- being wary of large quantities of the same items being sold.
- orders linking back to free email accounts (gmail / yahoo / hotmail)
- checking the credit card address is in the same Country as the delivery address,
- Several IPG (internet payment gateway) attempts - did they try more than 2 credit cards before the transaction went through?
- Paying higher than average fees for quick shipping / express post
- Checking whitepages.com for customers addresses, this is particularly valuable for overseas customers
Everyone needs to play a part in stamping out online fraudsters, it's not just the banks responsibility.