E-commerce business handbook is very important for true beginners. E-commerce business is becoming a new development trend of the economy with strong transformations, impacting businesses and individuals. However, many people still don't truly understand it or how to start an e-commerce business. The following e-commerce business handbook will help you.

1. E-commerce Business

Before learning about e-commerce business handbooks, you need to clearly understand what e-commerce business is.

According to Decree 52/2013/ND-CP dated May 16, 2013, e-commerce business activities are the conduct of part or all of the commercial activities process through electronic means connected to the internet. Specifically, it is based on the following forms of e-commerce organization:

- E-commerce websites serving sales purposes;

- Websites providing e-commerce services, most commonly:

• E-commerce marketplaces;
• Online auction websites;
• Online promotion websites;

- Other types of commercial websites as regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

2. Conditions for E-commerce Business

Although there is no specific e-commerce business law yet, Vietnamese law has regulations on e-commerce business activities as follows:

2.1. Conditions for establishing an e-commerce website

- The founder of an e-commerce website must be a merchant, an organization with appropriate functions and duties, or an individual who has been granted a personal tax code

- The website must have a valid domain name and comply with regulations on information management on the internet

- Has notified the Ministry of Industry and Trade about the establishment of an e-commerce sales website as regulated;

2.2. Conditions for establishing a website providing e-commerce services

- Must be a merchant or an organization with appropriate business lines or functions and duties.

- Must have a website with a valid domain name and comply with regulations on information management on the Internet.

- Must have a service provision project clearly stating the following contents:

• Operational organization model, including service provision activities, promotion activities, and service marketing both within and outside the online environment.
• Structure, features, and main information sections on the service provision website.
• Definition of rights and responsibilities between the merchant/organization providing e-commerce services and the parties using the services.

- Has registered to establish a website providing e-commerce services and has had the registration confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade as stipulated in Articles 55 and 58 of this Decree.

3. E-commerce Business Handbook

Before starting an e-commerce business, you need to prepare thoroughly to ensure all factors contribute to a smooth business operation, aligned with market demand, because e-commerce business may seem easy but also requires meticulous investment that you might not immediately envision.

Planning your E-commerce Business

To have a good business plan, you always need a proper and detailed market research process. Online market research will help you easily find business leads, source products, and develop suitable marketing strategies.

You will find it easier to research the online market compared to the traditional market because modern software and data measurement technologies are available to measure consumer behavior and user search behavior. ECOMCX, with its team of experts and modern techniques, will help you conduct market research quickly and accurately, along with the most optimal e-commerce solutions.

Researching how customers make purchasing decisions

Although user habits are gradually shifting online, for some industries and sectors, there are differences in needs and purchasing decision methods. Therefore, you need to be sure whether the product you are selling can be easily sold online before deciding on the level of investment for your e-commerce business.

Additionally, you need to balance the operating costs of e-commerce business because many expenses will arise during the business process that are necessary to ensure business efficiency; these costs will replace the expenses for premises, staff, and equipment in traditional business.

Some typical costs you need to know when doing e-commerce business are as follows:

• Web design, maintenance, additions, periodic Web modifications.
• Processing various transaction correspondence, orders, costs for online marketing activities, calculating statistical indicators, sales commissions.
• Shipping costs, Financial costs, Commission rates.
• Letter of Credit (L/C) processing fees, Credit terms, Payment schedule
• Packaging costs, Domestic shipping fees
• Salaries for E-commerce business staff.
• Storage fees, After-sales service costs, Costs for exchanging, returning damaged goods…

Thus, e-commerce business is a new transition that businesses need to approach carefully from the very first steps to avoid mistakes that lead to inefficiency and costly expenses. One of the biggest reasons is that businesses do not choose the right reputable provider of good solutions and tools to explore this potential market.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact ECOMCX to be provided with leading e-commerce business solutions today, with the support and consultation of a team of experienced experts knowledgeable in market and information technology.

Hopefully, this e-commerce business handbook will help you make the right choices and steps for your business's e-commerce development.