Retailers report that shoplifting has a significant effect on their bottom line, stating that about 0.6% of all inventory disappears to shoplifters. In 2001, it was claimed that shoplifting cost US retailers $25 million a day. Information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoplifting
The beauty of stocking your products in an office space or warehouse, is the products aren't accessible to the general public. So unless your warehouse guy has 'light fingers' your stock shouldn't go missing. Increasing expenses, rent (especially if located in a Shopping Centre), electricity, staff wages are forcing retailers to close up shop and head online.
Don't be fooled - there are still costs involved when selling products online!
You no longer have the 'wallets past your door' and you will have to spend a great deal of time, marketing and researching to get your website known.
Have you asked yourself?
- Why are people going to visit your website and make a purchase?
- Do you have all your processes set up so when somebody does make a purchase they feel safe and secure they will receive their product in a timely manner?
- Have you organised reliable couriers or transport for your items?
- If you don't have the knowledge or time for SEO (search engine optimisation) do you have the funds to pay somebody to do it for you?
- If you don't have a store now, where are you going to store your products? If in your garage do you have a safe and secure place to keep your products?
