Statistics show, that only a small percentage of people visiting a web site actually buy something. Now if you're selling a "high ticket" item, that could have resulted in thousands of dollars worth of sales, and may be perfectly acceptable. A "low ticket" item, on other hand may have only netted a small amount, and made a small profit or barely recovered costs.

The web site selling "high ticket" item must balance their production capabilities with demand. Maybe they can't handle any more customers. The person selling "low ticket" items has their work cut out for them.

So let's concentrate on what "low ticket" person has to do.

The pundits say that you must sell yourself first, and product or service will be an easy sale. Well this is true to a certain extent. You must however have something that is saleable, at a competitive price.

Let's talk about price. Yesterday I was browsing through an online Garden Supply Store - yes it is getting to be that time of year. Common items were typically priced at almost double what I could get them for in our local store. While I got some good ideas, that vendor lost a sale. Prices must be competitive - and if you add shipping and handling, differential is even higher. So, concept of selling locally available items at a higher cost just doesn't make sense. The online entrepreneur is going to have a very difficult time competing with chain stores.

If you intend to do business on web a good reputation is extremely important. The web is a difficult medium to pursue a business on if you are unknown. That is why it is important to have a web site that gives your prospective customers information about, not only your business, but you as well. A short paragraph or two with a picture will go a long way.

But that is just beginning. You must also be known on web as a person who is knowledgeable in your field. There are a number of ways to do this, and exposure is key. How can you get your name in front of people as an expert.

Some go "spam" route, which is a mistake. You might get to be well known, but most people have a dislike for this type of email. You just may be building a "bad" reputation, and wind up being someone they consciously avoid. I receive information concerning recasting my home mortgage, on a daily basis and these are last people I would do business with.