How Much Does E-commerce Cost in 2024
Let's start dispelling the myth: any number can be too high or too low. It depends on the functionality, on the graphics, on how many “tips” the custom Magento development services offer you, which implements your e-commerce project in 2024.
But before jumping into your winning e-commerce project, and not to scare you, I want you to be aware of the commitments and critical points you need to keep in mind so you don't throw away your idea and all your efforts.
Let's start with the things you should pay attention to first
An online store is subject to the same rules as a physical store.
However, in the case of e-commerce, there is nothing to be afraid of, since the paperwork is much simpler than in the case of a physical store.
E-commerce is actually regulated by Directive 2000/31/EC, which establishes the possibility of opening an online store without prior authorization.
But let's start with what e-commerce means
Direct e-commerce is sales through electronic means (marketplaces, social networks, online sales platforms).
Direct e-commerce differs from indirect e-commerce in that the sale of goods uses Internet services as intermediaries.
To open your online store, you need:
- report the opening to the Internal Revenue Service and INPS;
- submit the SCIA to the Unified Production Activity Service of the municipality where the activity is registered;
- register with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- if, in addition to Italy, you also intend to sell in other EU countries, you will need to register in the VIES (Vat Information Exchange System) database.
Accordingly, in order to start your business, the costs associated with paperwork include administration fees to the municipality, SCIA, opening a VAT number, and an annual fee to the Chamber of Commerce.
However, to these costs you will have to add the costs of professionals such as a notary, an accountant and a privacy consultant; all key indicators to ensure that your company complies with current legislation.
You are now bureaucratically good: let's move on to step 2
Too often fundamental aspects such as logistics, scalability, and administration are underestimated when determining the success or failure of e-commerce.
Let's look at them in a little more detail:
E-commerce and shipment logistics
Often the issue of the warehouse where the products we intend to sell will be stored and the management of shipment to Users who purchase our products are not considered.
Timing is fundamental: we always believe that we are selling an object that the buyer cannot physically appreciate, and that the propensity to buy is most often due to the emotional aspect that makes this object want; and makes you want it right now!
So every extra day for the delivery of the purchase is a deterrent to fulfilling the order.
Similarly, one thing that usually puts buyers off is the lack of free shipping.
Administrative management
Receipt or invoice? This is the starting question.
If, for example, your e-commerce is a store that delivers in-house, a receipt might be sufficient.
If, on the other hand, you do not have a cash register, you are obliged to issue an invoice (possibly electronic) even in the case of private individuals.
Therefore, you must take into account the time and any personnel that you will have to dedicate to these tasks at the corresponding cost.
And don't forget the DDT or transport document and a pickup request from any courier.
Returns: a guarantee for consumers, but a risk to your business
Online commerce is treated like a postal order and is regulated in the same way.
Leaving aside any speculation about whether this setting is correct, the fact remains that even without any reason, those who have purchased your product can request a refund when they return it, minus the necessary shipping costs.
Unfortunately, the deadlines set by law for a return request and return by the Customer can cause unpleasant situations.
I don't want to go into detail on this aspect here, but return risk should involve careful thinking about how to manage receipts through various payment methods (another point I plan to write a new article about soon).
Scalability is unknown!
Who would undertake an entrepreneurial initiative hoping not to get exceptional results? Of course not!
But not considering what could happen if our project were even more successful than we expect, this could put us in the paradoxical situation of hoping for fewer orders!!!
Remember, to hire a Magento developer, you just need to contact us for help.