Not to mention problems of credit card fraud, privacy invasion and other unseemly attacks on your money and good name. Some of dangers include:

- Your credit card numbers can be stolen by any number of means. These credit cards will then be charged up as high as they will go. You are legally protected from this kind of thing, but you have to report it quick and you will not be able to use disputed amount while it is being investigated.

- Spammers can get hold of your email address and send you undesired advertisements.

- Unauthorized people can get your personal information and use it against you in some way.

- In extreme cases, people may use your social security number (and other numbers) to gain credit in your name. This is called identity theft.

Here are some suggestions to help fight some of these things.

Smaller e-commerce sites must strive to increase their customer base while costs are still low. Smaller e-commerce sites can see what multi-million dollar sites are doing and simply copy much of what they are doing. Although copying strategy is not a strategy of a market leader, smaller e-commerce ventures rarely have resources to be market leaders.

Strategy #2 - Build Loyal Customers Base Now

While costs are relatively low, now is time to build a loyal customer base that can serve as core business. Small e-commerce ventures should be spending money now to increase size of customer base. Lock in advertising rates and establish ad programs where prices can be grand-fathered in. It will cost a lot more later.

Strategy #3 - Allow For Frequent Site Updates

Keeping your site fresh will keep your current customers coming back to your site without being bored or put off because your site has not changed. The motto, "Content is King" applies to e-commerce sites too! Shoppers and customers need helpful, educational information that keeps them coming back to your site.

Strategy #4 - Move Inventory Around

Just like in a bricks and mortar store, you need to move inventory around. Place different items on sale. Create timely sales. Put items on special and bring them to homepage. Feature items with more information. Put up special graphics for sale and special items. Offer a clearance sale or a clearance section to your site.

Strategy #5 - Auctions for Profit

Supplementing your e-commerce sites with selling on auction sites can be an excellent sales and advertising opportunity. Put items for auction on auction sites and make sure it has a link back to your own e-commerce site.

Strategy #6 - Watch Backend