Planning to set up your first e-commerce business, but not sure what to put your hands into first? Although starting an online shop itself doesn't seem complicated, there are certain rules to keep in mind. This will give any budding entrepreneur the chance to establish themselves on the Polish or foreign e-commerce market.
First webshop is a big responsibility, especially for those who are just starting out in the e-commerce market. Starting an e-business can prove to be very difficult, especially for those who do not have a large financial base to help them pay for their day-to-day needs and carry out their e-business development plan. 
Unfortunately, usually one in two online shops does not stay long on the e-commerce market. An ill-chosen strategy, product or target customer group are most often responsible for its failure.
How do you run an online shop?
Running an online shop does not usually involve any additional conditions to be met by the shop owner. However, it must be remembered that you need your own server and domain to set up your first online shop. Nowadays, it is possible to use off-the-shelf software, which is less functional but generates lower costs. However, it is more common for e-commerce owners to outsource the creation of a website to professionals, so that they can manage all its functions themselves.
An online shop as a business can be run in any form except as a partnership. If you run an online shop as a sole proprietorship, you must remember to register it with the CEIDG. In the case of other forms - in the National Court Register.
As of 2018, it is also possible to avoid all the formalities involved in running an online shop. This is made possible by the so-called unregistered business, for which you do not need to have a business activity. Its downside, however, is that it is not possible to exceed a monthly income of 50 per cent of the gross minimum wage for the year (in 2020, this is PLN 1,300 gross). 
First online shop - what should you keep in mind?
When setting up your first online shop, there are a few important things to bear in mind.
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Carry out a market analysis before starting your business
If you want your e-commerce business to be as profitable as possible, it is essential to get to know your competitors. First of all, make sure that your business is not just another duplicate shop offering exactly the same goods - i.e. an indistinguishable e-shop which, without good marketing, advertising and favourable prices, will simply disappear in the crowd of its twin.
Remember to pay attention first of all to the assortment offered by other shops and its price. In further analysis, it is worth looking at how competing online shops are designed and how the product is presented, as well as looking at the promotions and discounts offered by the owners (e.g. a loyalty card to collect points).
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Develop an action strategy
When setting up your first e-shop, it's worth thinking about and preparing everything carefully. First of all, you need to think about what products you will offer your potential customers and who they will actually be. Remember: the most important thing is your product range and the people who buy it! It is also worth finding an attribute that will make your online shop stand out from the rest of e-commerce.
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Keep your shop running properly
Appropriate and customised software for your e-shop is the basis of your entire business. Therefore, if your first e-shop is to be your main source of income, do not skimp on buying more sophisticated software. It will allow you to modify your shop over time, adapting it to the needs of the customers you acquire and the range of products you introduce.
It is also important that the online shop to be set up does not have any errors - language, graphic or system errors. Problems that occur during its browsing may discourage the customer from buying, thus deciding that he or she will not return to your e-shop. Remember that the graphic design is very important - people first buy with their eyes, so take care of appropriate visual effects.
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Advertise your e-business
In the ever-growing e-commerce market, there are very many companies offering exactly the same goods. It is therefore very important that a customer who is looking for these particular products buys them from you and not from a competitor. Appropriate advertising of your online shop makes this possible. Don't forget about it!
Above all, try to build a good image for your company online. Be active on social media, and try to publicise any kind of promotions or actions you carry out as part of your e-commerce strategy. This will ensure that your customer base continues to grow.
- Don't forget efficient shipping
Customers want to receive their order quickly and without damage or complications. E-commerce owners therefore need to establish a partnership with a courier company. What should be taken into account when choosing a logistics partner? The uncomplicated procedure of establishing cooperation, the speed of delivery and attractive prices. InPost offers Subscriptions for Companies, which guarantee all this! Check out our offer and choose the right subscription for your e-commerce business."
Choose InPost Subscriptions for businesses and send parcels at a fixed price.
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- One contract for courier and Paczkomat shipments
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- Price guarantee for the duration of the contract
- Fuel surcharge included
- Dedicated post-sale support
* Net price per Paczkomat shipment in the Subscription 600 plan.
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