7 Tools for Selling Online with ITIN: A Guide for Immigrant Businesses
Selling online can be extremely daunting. Truth is, majority of immigrant businesses that sell food or have service business, are not using online tools to sell. If you have been thinking about selling online, consider using this guide where we outline 7 tools you need to get started and help you take your business to the next level.
7 Tools that you absolutely need
Tool #3: Shipping and handling system
Tool #4: Product Images and descriptions
Tool #6: Customer service system
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Tool #1: A Website
A website is the foundation of any online business. It serves as a digital storefront for customers to browse and purchase products or services. If you do not have a website, at a minimum you should have this.
Example: Sometimes a landing page is all that is necessary for your business.
Website Builders: WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace.
Tool #2: Payment System
To accept transactions from customers, a payment system is necessary. This will help you accept payments other than cash, or check. Note that most if not all of these payment processors take a small % fee of the transaction.
Payment systems: PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, Square, e-checks, or credit card processing.
Tool #3: Shipping and handling system
To deliver goods to clients quickly and effectively, a shipping and handling system is essential. This may involve choices like flat-rate shipping or in-the-moment shipment estimates. Note that every shipping cost will vary by the dimensions (length, width,height) of the package.
Popular systems: UPS, FedEx, USPS
Tool #4: Product Images and Descriptions
Product descriptions and photographs are essential for presenting your products to customers. Customers may make educated purchasing selections with the aid of excellent photographs and thorough explanations. Don't have a camera? No worries. As long as you have a smartphone, you can take great high resolution photos.
Popular tools: Canva, Adobe Photoshop,
Tool #5: Marketing plan
To effectively advertise goods and services to prospective clients, a marketing strategy is required. This may involve strategies like influencer collaborations, email marketing, or social media marketing. Consider using our buyer persona guide.
Popular tools: Mailchimp, Hootsuite, PREPARE
Tool #6: Customer Service system
A customer care system is crucial for handling questions and issues from customers. This can involve services like a dedicated customer service hotline, live chat, or email assistance.
Popular systems: Zendesk,Freshdesk, Livechat
Tool #7: Sales System
To track and analyze sales data, you need a sales system. Options like inventory management, sales data, or previous client purchases may be a part of this.This is more important as you begin having more online sales.
Popular systems: Salesforce, Quickbooks, Salesforce
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