{"id":3939,"date":"2018-03-12T10:00:39","date_gmt":"2018-03-12T10:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=3939"},"modified":"2026-01-29T10:39:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T10:39:56","slug":"business-plan-template-online-retail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/business-plan-template-online-retail\/","title":{"rendered":"Business plan template for online retail companies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStrategy, Legal & Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness plan template for online retail companies\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\tStacey McIntosh<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Online retail businesses are booming as more and more people choose to shop from the comfort of their homes, swiping and clicking to browse, compare and buy easily instead of braving crowded high streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a good time to start an online retail business and we understand that it can be very tempting to jump straight in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But no matter how great your idea is, it\u2019s always best to do your homework and craft a solid business plan before you launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a business plan? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A business plan<\/a> maps out your business idea, analysing strengths, weaknesses, your competition and the marketplace. It also sets out your SMART goals and projected financial performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put simply, it\u2019s your company\u2019s strategic blueprint and if done well, it can help you secure partners, investors, grants, loans or other funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something that can also help your planning is a Business Model Canvas<\/a>. It is a handy tool to help you build out your business plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Your one stop shop for starting a business<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Thinking about starting a business or already putting your ideas into action? We\u2019ve got the resources, expertise and software to help you achieve your goals.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFind out more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Working\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do small online retailers really need a business plan?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In our view, yes. Compared to a traditional bricks-and-mortar company, setting up an online business can be inexpensive. You may not have to worry about the cost of commercial real estate or even need to secure an investor or bank loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, business plans are not just for attracting investment \u2014 doing the research and putting your plan into writing means your business is more likely to succeed. Factors to consider as part of the business planning process include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Think about the cost and logistics of delivering your products or services to customers, including sending digital products or making them accessible to customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selling<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are lots of different ways you can sell products online, including online stores, seller marketplaces, online auctions and social media sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marketing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fact that it\u2019s relatively easy to set up an online business means competition is stiff. You\u2019ll need to invest in marketing to stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Website<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As an online retailer, your website is your shop. To impress visitors, it needs to look great with clear calls to action. It should also be informative, easy to find and simple to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Without shop staff or call centres, customers are likely to look to social media to engage with your brand and ask for help. Will you have time to be active and responsive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you should write a business plan <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n