Can you conduct successful sales transactions on the Internet?
Internet users seem to think so.
ActivMedia, an online research firm found that 30 percent of its
commercial respondents reported financially successful Internet sites,
with sales via the Internet totaling $436 million in 1995.
Look at the numbers: Virtual Vineyards sells about $10,000 worth
of California wine each month, while 1-800-FLOWERS' sales total $20
million so far this year. Interactive sales now comprise 10 percent of
1-800-FLOWERS' total sales.
Credit Card Opportunities
Almost all purchases on the Web are made with credit cards.
Although the public does not fully agree yet, commerce is safer on the
Net than with traditional purchase method, said Dr. Ralph Wilson,
president of Wilson Internet Service in Salinas, Calif.
"Sensing new money flowing, major credit card companies are
working feverishly to put together accepted security standards for on-
line commerce," he said. In February, Mastercard International Inc.
and Visa made a pact on Internet security protocols; a payment program
with software, protocols, systems and certification authority should
be available later this year.
Protecting Your Sites
But some security measures are already being taken on the Web. If
you intend to accept credit card orders on your site, contact your
Internet access provider for information about secure server software.
One of the most popular is available with Netscape Navigator Web
software--Web sites running the Netscape Secure Commerce Server
automatically scramble and encrypt personal information such as credit
card numbers.The server costs about $5,000.
In addition to holding 70 percent of the Web browser market,
Netscape offers the largest selection of secure server software
packages that run with Windows NT and Unix. Netscape Istore equips a
stand-alone store for Internet commerce with credit card processing,
reports, billing, and end-of-day sales journals for about $20,000. For
about $50,000 you can build a CyberMall with Netscape's Merchant
System--it creates and handles multiples stores, builds invoices,
provides payment and billing options and handles order processing.
Other less-known servers include include Internet Office Server
by CompuServe, Secure OneServerthose, and a server by O'Reilly and
Associates. All of these run on Windows, Unix or both and carry a
price tag of about $3,000.
Sometimes small businesses can get a service bureau or mall to
fax or e-mail sales orders to them, said Vince Emery, author of "How
To Grow Your Business on the Internet."
Cyber Cash
Some companies also are offering shoppers the opportunity to
start cyber cash accounts. For example, CyberCash and DigiCash offer
systems by which the customer sets up an account with an Internet
company and provide the company with personal credit information.
Transactions are limited to retailers who accept either CyberCash or
Digicash; usually stores in CyberMalls.
Useful Web Sites Addressing Cyber Commerce
According to Vince Emery, author of "How To Grow Your Business on
the Internet," there are several Web sites with useful information
about conducting commerce online. Among them:
* CommerceNet has directories of electronic business consultants and
access providers. http://www.commerce.net
* Premenos is the place to go for information about electronic
commerce and the Electronic Data Exchange--a method for passing
purchasing, inventory and shipping information between computers.
http://www.premenos.com
* Electronic Commerce on The World Wide Web provides case studies of
how business is currently conducted on the Web along with advice on
recommended approaches. http://www.cox.smu.edu