Is a virtual store worth our time and energy?

A virtual store is a must for today's market. Aside from just the visibility your store will get from having a presence on the Web, some customers find it more convenient to order products online.

First, you need to have a Web site. Keep it simple at the start. It should include directions to your store and basic information like hours and contact information. Pictures are a must.

Once you have your Web page, then the real homework begins. Do some research to find out what type of store you want to place on the Web. There are several companies that can customize storefronts for you, or if you have the personnel, you can create your own store using a "shopping cart" program.

A virtual store can be very rewarding, but it takes planning and time. And remember that once you have your store up and running, there will, hopefully, be orders--and then timely order fulfillment becomes very important.

Got a question for Betty Bookstore? Write to her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Feedback on Betty's advice about cell phones in stores:

In answer to a query on how to discourage cell-phone use in stores, I have found a very effective method. When someone answers their cell phone, it is simply a matter of turning off any in-store music that happens to be playing, creating a silence so all may hear the conversation-at least, from that person's end of it.

This tends to encourage all but the boldest of users to suddenly disappear outside, so others cannot over-hear their conversation. I discovered this quite by accident, as the music I was playing suddenly finished one day while someone was talking on their phone. As we are only a relatively small store, it was quite clear her conversation could be overheard, and she quickly removed herself to the street, where it was not so obvious what was being said.

Marion Ryan
Manager
Christian Bookworld
Strathpine, Queensland
Australia

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