No doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed consumer behavior across the globe. More and more individuals opt to make purchases online up from grocery items down to nonessential ones. Younger cohorts of millennials and gen Z-ers even opt for major purchases online amid the pandemic.
Recent data by Statista has shown that there has been significant growth in online traffic among the three e-commerce categories, namely food & groceries, home & garden, and sports & outdoor. The food & groceries online shopping segment alone grew from an average monthly visit of 0.74 billion in January 2020 to 1.02 billion global visits in June 2020.
Taking this into consideration, plus the ever-increasing unemployment rate, led several individuals to consider starting an e-commerce business as well. Given that this industry has proven itself to be quite lucrative not only during this pandemic but also in recent years, this endeavor seems to be a viable option.
Not to mention, starting a home-based online business gives you the much-needed freedom to work comfortably in your own home, far from the troubles of daily commutes. Setting up your home as your office base means minimizing overhead expenses like rent, utilities, and even office employees.
Furthermore, you do not even need to have a degree to start your own home-based business venture. Though you still have to worry about paperwork, licenses, and other legal matters, starting an e-commerce business at home is doable. All you need is the guts, willpower, and of course a good computer or laptop and a reliable internet connection.
All these said, here are a few pointers you need to consider when preparing your home for a home-based e-commerce business.
1. Let Your Loved Ones & Friends Know Of Your Endeavor
Whether you live with your family, with a roommate or two, or just living alone by yourself, it is essential to let your loved ones and friends know of your home-based business. More than you care to admit, this new dynamic will affect them, too.
One of the main reasons you need them to be aware of your new endeavor is to respect your boundaries. It does not mean just because you work from home, they could barge at any time of the day.
Try to create a schedule around your family and friends so that you can still give time to socialize with them. Doing otherwise only leaves you disorganized and the home environment chaotic.
2. Set Up a PO Box Address
Just because you are setting up your home as your business headquarters does not mean anyone can have your home address.
It is crucial that before starting your home-based e-commerce business, you have set up a PO box address for your business correspondence. Having one makes your business endeavor look more official and professional rather than stick with your residential address.
3. Create a Workspace
It is so easy to get work and personal life mixed up when you are working from home. That is why creating a dedicated workspace at home creates a semblance of separation between the two aspects.
Being able to work in peace with no distractions allows us to be more efficient and productive. Not to mention, it leaves you less stressed and anxious.
When choosing a space at home to turn into an office or a workstation, opt for a separate room with good ventilation and lighting. If there is none, a quiet corner that no one often accesses will do.
4. Secure an Area for Your Storage
When starting an e-commerce business, it naturally follows that you would have inventories, paperwork, and other items lying around the house. Of course, you need to take care of them to not turn your home into haphazard chaos.
You may consider turning a portion of your garage into a storage space, or you may also consider renting a storage unit for your products.
5. Consider Your Logistic Options
Shipping and delivery options are vital components of an e-commerce business. It would be best if you never overlooked its value since consumers place a high premium on this aspect.
Nowadays, consumers expect not only to receive the products that they bought in good condition but also in a much faster time. Same-day delivery, one-day delivery, and two-day delivery have become the standard among logistic companies, which any e-commerce business owner should also consider. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, consumers also want to make sure that they are receiving the items safely.
Now that we have lined up the most important pointers in starting an e-commerce business at home, are you ready to begin the work?