With concepts like e-commerce, the online world is creating a new economic network where the exchange of goods and services is quick and convenient. E-commerce, in fact, has now transformed into the main virtual shopping street of the world.
Before explaining how e-commerce can benefit nonprofits, let’s gain some insight into what e-commerce actually is. The introduction of the internet has transformed the marketing methods of yesteryears. The amount of online trade that takes place now-a-days has grown at a very fast pace, the major contributor being e-commerce. E-commerce is the process of buying and selling of goods and services over the World Wide Web. E-commerce websites are 24/7 online shopping malls that provide organizations with a perspective on consumer behavior and preferences. Many people confuse this term with online retail selling. However, online retail selling, which is also known as e-tailing, is specie of the genus e-commerce.
Having an online store has become important for all organizations, especially nonprofits. It not only assists in raising money for a cause, but also helps gain the support of patrons. It allows customers to know about the activities of the organization and thereby, brings credibility to its work. This kind of commerce also directs patrons to the information they require.
As an orgnization with a mission for the greater good, there are several things that you can do with e-commerce for non profits. From T-shirts to stickers, from badges to some downloadable items, you can sell anything to create awareness for a cause and raise funds for the activities of your organization. The only thing that you need to do is to design an e-commerce website. Make sure with e commerce for non profits that the design is such that it maximizes consumer satisfaction. To ensure that, you need to emphasize on the features that affect the usability of the website. The web design should focus on grabbing the user’s attention, positively positioning the organization, and creating a link between the user and the organization.
If designed properly, e-commerce for non profits can be an excellent channel to reach out to a global audience and raise money online.