E-commerce

2. What You Can Sell

Internet use in the UK has reached such a level that you can find customers for almost anything online.

2.1 Many internet users are young (18 to 40) and technically minded with relatively high disposable incomes.

• Consumer leisure products, such as music and travel, are therefore good sellers.
• Software and computer equipment also appeal to this group.

2.2 The internet also suits specialist products that would normally be difficult to find.

• For example, collectors' items, niche products or specialist foods.

2.3 Buyers are attracted by good deals on commodity items. Benefits include wide product ranges, easy price comparison, convenience and low prices.

• For example, some supermarkets allow customers to order using the internet, for convenient home delivery.
• Products such as books or CDs do not vary in quality, so people are keen to pick them up cheaply through the internet.

2.4 You can sell information. The internet provides a ready-made distribution channel.

• The internet provides a new market for real-time information, such as share prices or auction results.
• However, people are accustomed to receiving information online for free, so you must offer something with real value which is unavailable elsewhere.