And nobody knows how long that process could take, not even states themselves. Many states are asking their citizens to take charge of situation and voluntarily pay sales tax for purchases made online. It's sort of a "good citizen honor system" that I doubt few actual good citizens will willingly take part in.

In my home state of Alabama, for example, sales tax collection department is airing radio spots asking Alabamians to step up to --and toss dollars into--the proverbial collection plate. The commercial kindly suggests that if I have purchased anything from an online retailer, I am honor-bound to proclaim such purchases and submit appropriate sales tax to collection department right away. They thank me in advance for my cooperation.

Now where did I put all those Amazon.com receipts…

The good news for online retailers is, there's no evidence that people buy online to avoid paying taxes or save money, for that matter. If saving a buck were motive, no one would willingly pay shipping charges.

People shop online because it's convenient to do so.

The Internet offers ability to shop worldwide market while sitting in comfort of your own home - a convenience that most people are happily willing to pay for.

Here's to your success!

Tim Knox tim@dropshipwholesale.net For information on starting your own online or eBay business, visit http://www.dropshipwholesale.net

Here's are a few questions that, once answered, will help ensure that your Web site's message is as appealing as its design. Go over these points with designer before design process begins as answers will help determine direction your Web site's design should take.

What Is The Purpose Of Your Web Site? Most business Web sites have two purposes: (1) to educate consumer and, (2) to sell them products or services. If you sell shoes, for example, purpose of your Web site is to educate potential customers on quality and durability of your shoes and as a result, to sell them shoes. If you paint houses purpose of your Web site is to educate home owners on why your services are superior to other painters and sell them on hiring you to paint their house. By defining purpose of your Web site you will give designer information required to create a Web site that best conveys that purpose to your target audience.

Who Is My Target Audience? Your target audience consists of those folks you want to attract to your Web site: potential and current customers, future and current employees, possible investors, etc. Anyone who might be interested in your company and its products or services is a member of your target audience. Correctly identifying your target audience is vital since your Web site should be designed specifically to appeal to your target audience.

Put yourself in their shoes (or in front of their computers). Imagine your Web site through their eyes. If you were visiting a Web site such as yours what would you expect to find and what would you be disappointed not to find? Identify your target audience, then have your Web site designed to fulfill their needs and surpass their xpectations.

What Content Should My Web Site Feature? Your Web site content should be driven by nature of your business. If you're a real estate agent, your site should feature photographs of homes you have for sale and information on buying and selling a home. If you own an auto body shop, your site might feature before and after photographs of cars that you have repaired. Remember to determine purpose of your site, then develop content to serve that purpose. What's My Competition Doing? The last question you should ask is one of most important: What is your competition doing on Web? Do a Google search for similar businesses and click around their Web sites. How are their Web sites designed? What message are they trying to convey? Are they doing a good job of conveying that message and as a result, selling products? What do you like about their Web sites? What don't you like? Make note of things you like and things you hate, then share your findings with your site designer.

Remember, you're not stealing trade secrets here.

You're just borrowing ideas.

Here's to your success.

Tim Knox tim@dropshipwholesale.net For information on starting your own online or eBay business, visit http://www.dropshipwholesale.net