8 Common Myths About Online Selling | Flipkart Seller Hub

8 Common Myths About Online Selling vs The Facts (2023)

19 July 2023 5 mins read

When starting an e-business, many owners search online for guidance. And among the abundance of data on the Internet, facts can be hard to distinguish from false and outdated information. Therefore, it is important to carefully evaluate sources and data before considering them as a source of reference. Today, we will share some of the common myths about online selling and burst the bubble revolving around it. This guide is helpful for both established and new sellers in order to set them off in the right direction. The idea is not to confuse them further or increase their fear regarding any aspect of e-business.

Debunking the Top Myths About Online Selling

To ensure complete clarity, allow us to share the facts behind the common misconceptions and myths about online selling.

Myth 1: Huge Capital is the Only Requirement

Many believe that a considerable amount of capital is the only requirement for launching an e-business. Furthermore, people think setting up a digital store online is far more expensive than a traditional business. Some myths about online selling state that the larger the investment, the greater the chances of success in e-business.

Fact:

While having some capital is essential, it is not the only requirement to start an e-business. Providing quality products/services, having a unique selling proposition (USP), transparent brand information, clearly defined terms and conditions and a return policy are other factors to consider when selling online.

Moreover, with the rise of e-commerce websites, starting an online business has become increasingly affordable. Flipkart Seller Hub is the ideal platform where you will find highly cost-efficient options to build your e-business in 2023.

Myth 2: Opening an Online Store is Challenging

Due to a lack of knowledge, many sellers take a back seat and refrain from starting an e-business. Some find the process elaborate and complex. Others fear fraud and believe that the risk associated with online transactions is too high.

Fact:

Establishing an e-business is simpler than anticipated. With the right approach, guide and resources, anyone can launch a successful online selling business. One way to go about it is by registering as a seller on established marketplaces. Flipkart is India’s leading e-commerce platform to reach a wider audience. It is a trusted place to start your seller journey. All you need to do is register your business on Flipkart Seller Hub and start selling.

Myth 3: Partial Treatment Towards New Sellers

When selling online, new sellers feel discouraged by the notion that established business owners receive preferential treatment from e-commerce platforms. This makes them feel like they are at a disadvantage and less likely to succeed. However, such myths about online selling are invalid

Fact:

E-commerce websites are platforms where sellers and buyers connect. They do not play a role in the success of a particular seller. In fact, they vest interest in creating a level playing field for all sellers, as this leads to a better overall customer experience and promotes the growth of the platform as a whole.

While it is true that established sellers may have certain advantages such as a loyal customer base and more experience, this does not necessarily equate to preferential treatment from the platform. In fact, at Flipkart Seller Hub, we offer resources and support to new sellers to help them establish themselves and grow their businesses.

Myth 4: Getting Customers Costs a Lot of Money

Even after the rise of e-commerce platforms, such myths about online selling continue to prevail in the minds of business owners. Many sellers think acquiring customers can be done through money, without which you would not be able to attract shoppers to buy products. But that is not the case.

Fact:

Finding customers and establishing a name on e-commerce platforms takes time and effort. These marketplaces help an e-business reach a wider audience and create a name in a specific business category. For this, no money is required.

With consistent quality and better customer service, a label can earn the trust and loyalty of customers. This further leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing, which is effective in building a strong brand image.

Myth 5: Online Marketplaces Demand Big Discounts, Making Selling Unprofitable

Many people think that selling on online marketplaces necessarily leads to unprofitability because of steep discounts. In fact, they consider e-commerce platforms a venture loss because they believe that online marketplaces compel sellers to lower their prices. Such myths about online selling have a negative perception of e-commerce platforms that discourage small businesses and individual sellers from exploring its benefits.

Fact:

Seasonal discounts and festive offers are a golden opportunity for sellers to drive their sales and growth. They should not be considered as an indicator of unprofitability. Sellers can use various pricing and promotional strategies and offer bundled products, upsell or sell unique products to differentiate themselves from competitors and draw more customers during the sale season.

Moreover, sellers on Flipkart Seller Hub often experience significant growth during sale periods, with up to 5X growth in their sales. The sale events, such as the Big Billion Days, attract many customers looking for discounts and deals. Hence, participating during those periods benefits sellers in increasing their sales and revenue.

Myth 6: Payment Gateways and Logistics Are Expensive and a Major Hassle to Manage

A few myths about online selling suggest that setting up payment gateways and managing logistics can be incredibly expensive and a hassle for small businesses and individual sellers. The assumption is that e-commerce platforms charge high fees and require extensive management, making it difficult for business owners to operate efficiently and profitably.

Fact:

Many e-commerce platforms are integrated with secured payment gateways and supported by logistics partners, which the sellers on the website can avail. This creates a safe place for buyers and sellers to conduct transactions and simplify the pick-up and delivery process.

At Flipkart Seller Hub, the shipping cost is usually calculated on the weight and volume to ensure fair pricing. Furthermore, efficient pick-up networks, professional packaging support and a simple dashboard on the mobile application allow sellers to manage business activities effectively. Moreover, Flipkart e-commerce platform only partners with secured gateways to ensure the safety and security of transactions for both sellers and customers.

Myth 7: Must Require Technical Skills

Some myths about online selling also suggest that e-business is a complex process that requires a high degree of technical expertise and knowledge. Many people believe they need specialised skills, such as coding, web design, etc., to succeed in e-commerce.

Fact:

While some technical skills may be useful in setting up and managing a digital store, having an extensive technical background is not necessary to sell online. With the right platform and resources, even those with minimal technical knowledge can succeed in selling online.

Flipkart Seller Hub is a platform offering a simple and user-friendly interface that allows even those with minimal technical knowledge to set up and manage their online store. There is no need for advanced web design or technical skills. From data analytics to account management, various tools and resources are available on the website to help you become a successful online seller.

Myth 8: Low Trust Factor Towards Online Selling Among Offline Sellers

Fact:

Trust could be a genuine concern among sellers, but with the right guidance and direction, these myths about online selling can easily be overcome. E-commerce platforms have also implemented various measures to increase trust and security. This includes secure payment gateways, buyer protection policies, and ratings and review systems to build trust among users.

Flipkart Seller Hub offers extensive support and resources to help sellers navigate the online selling process. This includes assisting in managing online stores, order fulfilment and customer service. This helps build trust and allows new sellers to ease the transition from offline to online selling.

Myths and Reality of E-Commerce

In conclusion, e-commerce has become an integral part of the modern business landscape, but there are still many myths and misconceptions that prevent individuals and small businesses from embracing it. Now that we have dispelled the myths of e-business, it is crucial for sellers to recognise the opportunities and benefits that they offer.

Whether you are just starting out in the e-commerce world or an established business owner, Flipkart provides an exceptional platform for selling online. Register on Flipkart Seller Hub to become a part of our 7 lakh+ sellers family and unlock a range of benefits. Selling online on Flipkart ensures low overhead costs, efficient logistics and access to customers across India, along with transparent & fast payments for sellers. So, do not let the myths hold you back. Seize the opportunities that e-commerce platforms offer and become a successful seller in India.

Disclaimer: The views shared in this blog by Flipkart Seller Hub are for informational purposes only. Readers are urged to make informed decisions and understand that we do not assume any responsibility for the outcomes of their choices based on the content provided.

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