2. Choice of domain name
• All websites have a domain name, e.g.
www.halfords.co.uk.
• Should be short, easy to remember and spell
• Must be registered, and is then leased for a
specified period.
3. Set-Up issues
• A website can be created in-house (an
employee of the business) or outsourced to a
web design agency.
• In-house – tends to be cheaper and a basic
site can be created using programmes such as
FrontPage.
• Outsource – experts can give advice on all
areas of design including security. More
expensive but professional results.
4. Availability of resources to cope
• Going online the expectation is sales will
increase.
• More stock may therefore be needed and
more employees to meet demand.
5. Requirement for customisation
• This means enabling the customer to
personalise their sites with personal log on
areas.
• Social network sites and sites like Amazon do
this very effectively.
6. Relationships with partners
• Operating Online is likely to involve working
with other organisations.
• Financial Service Providers may provide
finance for website development, additional
stock or expert staff.
• Distribution and Delivery Service must be
excellent for businesses that sell goods online.
8. Payment Security
• Personal details entered online need to be
kept secure and safe.
• To help prevent fraud and keep customers
details safe SSL (secure sockets layer) encrypts
the information in a browser such as, Internet
Explorer. This protects the buyer who sees a
locked padlock symbol and ‘https’ on the
address line.
9. Global Market
• Selling online means selling all over the world.
• This could mean dealing with unfamiliar
regulations and legal requirements, as well as
different cultural expectations.
• Language barriers and different currency will
also be a risk to the business.
10. Errors in Ordering
• Order forms need to be automatically checked
for errors by querying unexpected entries
(such as very large quantities) and areas left
blank.
• Site should also prevent the same order being
made twice.
11. Website updating
• Websites need updating regularly to ensure
the information is accurate, correct and
detailed.
• Taking action on incorrect information can be
very serious, especially on sites such as the
NHS.
12. Personal Details and Fraud
• Customer details must be kept safe and a
website must have a privacy policy which
states how customer information will be used
by the business.
• Likewise the website must emphasise its
security with online fraud being widespread.
13. Hardware and Software Failures
• Technical faults can create serious problems
for online business.
• Some businesses have their website hosted
offsite in case of fire and flood at their main
premises.
