Final Thoughts

Despite a few stumbles, the future is bright for e-commerce. The 20th Century, shaped by the Industrial Revolution, became the age of the automobile and the television. The 21st Century, shaped by the Technological Revolution, is the age of globalization. The Internet massively impacts all aspects of business. In the 21st century, e-business is no longer an option for businesses; it is a necessity.

Today, e-commerce is an ever-expanding consumer industry. For an e-commerce site to succeed it must understand its customers’ mindset. Although price is always an issue, it is rarely the primary motivator for buying a product online. Customers are looking for convenience, and/or products they can’t find elsewhere.

Small websites that cater to niche markets have the best chance of prospering. That is, as long as you take care to ensure that your customers’ shopping experiences aren’t marked with too many potholes.