Setting up an E-Commerce Platform Is More Than Just Selling Goods Online

In this era of increasing digitization, harnessing the power of technological advancement is paving
the way for trade and commerce all over the world. As traditional commerce continues to take
advantage of the power of internet to boost sales, e-commerce emerge to make our lives even
easier. E-commerce is defined as a business that completes its major business operations over
the internet. Amazon, Ebay, Alibaba are some of the most notable examples of such e-commerce
platforms. As Bangladesh also continues to be swept over by this wave, e-commerce, and
especially F-commerce emerge as the new dominant player in the economy. However, does
setting an e-commerce platform mean selling mere goods online? Let us have a look at a few
important points than characterizes an ecommerce platform.

It Is All About the Experience

People prefer to shop online due to multiple reasons. It saves time, saves the trouble of visiting
a store, enables to compare numerous alternatives by price and features and sometimes even
customize goods as per one’s wish. While setting up an e-commerce platform, it is important to
remember that like any other business, to survive; you need to have repeat customers. However,
for an online store that sells a product that may be available in other physical stores, the
differentiating point should be the EXPERIENCE that customers have. Fast delivery, clear
communication, helpful attitude, accommodating the customer’s needs and most importantly,
delivering the promised product are just a few factors that often shape up a customer experience
of online shopping.

Gaining Trust Is Important

The founders of Newton’s Archive, a successful online business that started from scratch and is
today almost a household name for the young adults, express that gaining your customer’s trust
is of utmost importance. According to them, “An ecommerce platform is about creating trust
among your consumers - people you don't see in front of you - to an extent where they start
loving you more for the experience you provide rather than just the product itself. When your
customer chooses shopping online, it's for convenience and comfort from every aspect you can
think of - so that's what you need to ensure for all steps involved in the process.”

Creating Happiness

Many online businesses now-a-days sell unique products, which are not readily available
elsewhere in the market. The trending pop culture often serves as the source of inspiration for
merchandise sold on e-commerce platforms. The important thing to realize here is that, people
have always wanted goodies or articles of their favourite books or TV series to cherish the
connection that they feel. There was a need here, which founders of many online businesses
identified and decided to serve. So, setting up an e-commerce platform is not only to sell the
goods, it is to create happiness, it is to understand what the customer needs are and how to best
fulfill them. It is about putting in an extra effort to create a customized product and ensuring
perfection to the bits.

Unleashing the creativity

A big number of online businesses in our country are started by young talented people putting
their artistic caliber to work and creating unique goods. Be it scented candles, notebooks,
lamps, or even hand painted sarees- we see creativity everywhere. These people are not just
selling goods; they are using their artistic minds to create masterpieces. It is not only a
moneymaking activity for them; it is a reflection of their souls, their hard work, and their
beautiful thoughts. It is through this that they find solace and feel empowering; selling goods is
only secondary to them. To quote Samantha, the founder of Numinous, who has create a
unique platform that offer collections that range all the way from Modern Wear to Framed
Illustrations and T-shirt,

“Most of the times, E-commerce businesses are run by students, mums or dads who are really
passionate about what they do and put a lot of heart into making or acquiring the products
that they put up. These become their stories, a glimpse of who they are and are so much more
than just saleable items.”

Being Independent

With majority of the workforce in the e-commerce sector being mainly women, it is a good step
towards creating financial independence for women. Women can work from the ease of their
home and earn enough to stand on their feet. It also creates a sense of purpose in life for many.
It is through these small businesses that many support their families and continue to live life on
their own terms. It is through these online businesses that hundreds of employments
opportunities are created and driving the economy hand in hand with traditional businesses.

Creating an e-commerce platform poses just as many challenges as opportunities. Although it is

difficult to weigh the pros over the cons, setting up am e-commerce platform surely is not about
selling good only, it is about creating the best customer experience, gaining their trust, creating
a connection with the customers, fulfilling their needs and finally being able to pursue of one’s
own.