Business has the most success potential when it is able to move along with market demands. There is actually no need to completely abandon a tried and tested manner of doing business such as in brick-and-mortar stores but they do have to learn more current ways of doing business such as the e-commerce to ensure maximization of presence and profit. Making use of the respective advantage of offline and online businesses can provide just the exact formula to always remain on the customer’s list of preferred businesses to patronize.
Brick-and-mortar businesses make use of a physical location as a point of purchase for their customers. In the process, they are able to establish a presence that customers can identify and locate as opposed to an online business which can only be identified through their websites. Traditional customers remains a considerable niche which should not be neglected. They are the ones who prefer to examine their products before purchase and still enjoy the thrill of going through actual displays in finding their choice buys. The main disadvantage of this type of business is the overhead expense in maintaining a physical store as well as the need to hire employees.
Online businesses are relatively inexpensive when compared to their brick-and-mortar counterparts. There is also no limit as to what specific nature to enter into as long as it can be marketed online. Its main disadvantage is the issue of trust that plagues website-only businesses. Another disadvantage is the wide range of competition easily found in the online environment. These issues are resolved by establishing reliable service and appropriate marketing efforts.
A combination of the offline and online business model has worked for many businesses. Not only does the option solidify an established brand, it also increases market potential both ways. Nothing beats giving customers wider options to purchase from your business.
Originally posted on November 29, 2011 @ 8:19 pm