In 2000, nearly 133 million Internet users logged onto the Internet. That number
is expected to grow to 180 million in 2001 and over 200 million in 202. Of those
users, 30-35% use the Internet to buy products and services. In fact, Christmas
2000 was another record breaker for retailers and online sales are projected
to exceed $225 billion in 2002.
The Internet as a sales channel is like no other. It gives you the opportunity
to sell to the entire world, depending on your product of course. But, success
depends on some hard work, and the Internet is no different. Plan well and work
your plan and you will be surprised at the amount of money you will make with
your web site.
The longer you wait, the better the chance that one or more of your competitors
will establish themselves on the web. Right now is the time to establish your
presence and reach new customers and provide information and customer service
to existing ones.
Let’s look at reality. Most people don’t think twice before giving their credit
cards or debit cards to a clerk, even though the numbers are then registered
in a system that may be unsafe and the number may fall into the wrong hands.
However, those same people freak out when asked to use those some cards on the
Internet. Fact is, credit card payments are carefully protected by well designed,
secure Internet commerce systems..
Myths…They’re everywhere. Below are a few myths about the Internet and doing
business on it. Please read them very carefully.