| So who does what? Understanding what is involved with operating an online store not only helps you assign tasks, but it also assists you in hiring help. The following is a list of typical duties of running an online store. Also, don't forget to check out AppendixA, "Launching Your Yahoo! Business Quick Start Guide." Customer support This means making sure all support telephone calls and emails are answered promptly. Customers usually contact you for more information about a product, the delivery of a product, support for a product, or the return of the product. Order processing When you receive the order, the order credit card needs to be verified and processed. A packaging slip also needs to be printed for fulfillment. Fulfillment Products must be packaged and shipped. This includes printing any labels, adding cushioning, and either taking the packages to the shipment location or arranging a pickup. Marketing This includes creating, managing, and monitoring advertising campaigns. It includes pay per click (PPC), banner advertising, affiliate marketing, link exchanges, search-engine placement, print advertisements, and more. Inventory management Monitor and fulfill inventory levels. When a product reaches a certain threshold, you must contact the vendor to order additional products. Vendor management Depending on how many vendors you use, managing all of them can be very time consuming. Not only do you have to monitor your inventory levels, but you also need to monitor their inventory levels. Ordering multiple products from multiple vendors can be confusing. Website updates Content is king! Keeping your site fresh with new content, products, and specials gets your customers to return to your site. You need to constantly update your website. Updates also include content writing, adding new products, testing new sales copy, developing promotional items, and contributing to your blog or product reviews. Graphic design Business cards, banners, postcards, email newsletters, flyers, Web graphics, and product photos should all designed and developed by a graphic designer. Accounting You need to know how much is going out and how much is going in. Accounting duties include credit card processing, credit card refunds, invoice payments, deposit verification from merchant accounts, and employee salary payments.
Understanding every single aspect of operating your business will help you figure out if the duty should be outsourced or brought internal. It will also help you write job descriptions when placing ads. |
