What is an Online Only Store?

An online only store is a type of business that sells products without a physical location. Typically, online stores offer a wide range of merchandise and provide customers with a catalog that they can view online.

An online only store can be a great way for consumers to access brands that don’t have brick and mortar locations, or for retailers who offer specialized items that aren’t available in their local stores.

Availability

One of the perks of running one store is the ability to tailor your product line to your customers tastes and preferences. Whether you are in the market for a new pair of kicks, a fresh coat of paint or something more upscale, there is likely an online retailer to match your needs and budget.

You will also find no shortage of quality and reputable suppliers if you do a bit of homework. Choosing the right partner for your next venture is no sweat.

Convenience

Convenience has always been a key motivator for shoppers. Whether you are looking to buy plane tickets, groceries or household items, online only stores offer convenience in a number of ways.

Saves time There is no need to spend time driving or parking, as you can shop from the comfort of your home or office. You can also compare prices and reviews without having to travel from store to store.

Freedom of choice Product options are often much wider in an online only store than in a physical store, as there is no limit to shelf space. This means that you will be able to find products in different sizes and colours, which can be more difficult at physical retail stores.

No pressure to buy extras There is no salesperson hovering around trying to convince you to purchase more than the item you are currently in the store for. Posters, colours and other tactics are used at physical stores to entice you to look at other goods.

Accessibility

Increasingly, people are shopping online and this trend is a boon to many consumers. It helps them reduce the cost and hassle of travelling to stores, and it is convenient for them to shop from home or on the go.

Unfortunately, this also means that some customers, who may have disabilities, are being excluded from the benefits of shopping online. Moreover, if your online store does not provide accessibility services for these disabled shoppers, you could lose them to competitors who have made it easy for them to navigate the site.

Creating an accessible e-commerce website is essential for both your business and the customers. Getting your site to meet the standards of web accessibility will help you expand your customer base and increase your ROI.

Variety

The ubiquity of the internet has resulted in a proliferation of online retailing. Aside from the plethora of new and existing online retail establishments, the competition is stiff in this highly competitive industry. This is especially true for small and medium businesses. For this reason, the most effective business models will likely be those that offer high customer service.

The best companies will have dedicated and knowledgeable staff that can provide customers with the requisite customer service. This, in turn, has a positive impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.