Internet commerce for small businesses

Online buying is expected to hit $4.8 billion in 1998, and is estimated to reach the $12 billion mark by the end of this century. This is one of the very few places where small businesses are able to effectively compete with their bigger rivals. All sites on the Internet are equal, and the small businesses can launch complex sales programs and implement effective globalization strategies on the Internet just like the bigger companies. However, certain guidelines must be observed by owners of small businesses in order to enjoy the benefits of the Internet commerce. This study provides some practical implementation strategies to work at each stage of the Web site life cycle in an effort to help small businesses implement successful Internet commerce programs.