Financial Matters with Jane Dennis
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In this week's article we highlight some of the issues you will need to consider if you are contemplating selling your goods or services online for the first time.
Business and Legal Considerations
Determine whether you are selling locally, nationally, or internationally and the expected scale of operations. Ensure you comply with UK laws, including the Consumer Contracts Regulations, GDPR for data protection, and any industry-specific regulations. Register for VAT (if required) and understand how online sales affect your tax responsibilities, including cross-border VAT rules. Check if your current business structure supports online trading, or if adjustments are needed (e.g., sole trader, limited company).


Products and Services
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Hide AdCreate a catalogue of your goods or services, including descriptions, prices, and stock levels. Consider your online pricing strategy, factoring in delivery costs, transaction fees, and competitors’ pricing.
Online Store Setup
Select a suitable e-commerce platform such as Shopify, Squarespace, or consider marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy. Secure a domain name that reflects your business and arrange reliable hosting services. Ensure your website is user-friendly, visually appealing, mobile-responsive, and has clear navigation.


Payment and Security
Set up secure payment gateway options (e.g., PayPal, credit card processors). Install an SSL certificate to encrypt customer data and build trust. Implement measures to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions.
Shipping and Delivery
Decide on shipping providers and delivery timescales, offering options such as standard, express, or free delivery. Develop a clear returns and refunds policy in line with legal requirements and display it prominently.
Marketing and Branding
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Hide AdEstablish a consistent brand identity, including logo, colours, and messaging, to stand out online. Optimise your website for search engines with keywords, quality content, and blog posts to attract traffic. Set up social media accounts and consider paid advertising, email campaigns, or affiliate marketing.
Customer Support
Provide easy contact channels for customers to reach you, such as live chat, email, or a helpline. Include an FAQ section and make terms and conditions readily available.
Analytics and Feedback
Track Performance by using tools such as Google Analytics to monitor traffic, sales, and customer behaviour. Encourage customer reviews and feedback to improve your service and build trust.
This checklist provides a reasonable foundation to help you transition into online selling smoothly and successfully. Good luck!