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 A shop window to the worldHow setting up an eBusiness at home can net you a fortuneOnline spending is expected to be in excess of £30 billion this year and internet shopping accounts for more than 10% of retail sales in the UK, according to research from the Interactive Media in Retail Group. Their figures show shoppers scuttling from the high street to the information highway in increasing numbers and in a move that presents opportunities for people thinking of starting a business at home. Try before you buyIf you have always wanted to 'sell something' but did not want to take on the commitment of a shop front, the internet offers a cost-efficient and increasingly more effective route to market. For less than £500 - the cost of a laptop, broadband connection and basic website - you can get started and all in the comfort of your own home office/front room/shed. Here are two steps you might want to follow.
Put your best foot forwardJewellers, artists and individuals who make things are piling online to sell their wares. But so also are those who spot a market opportunity. I particularly like the story of 15 year old Oliver Bridge who saw a gap in the market and launched www.biggerfeet.com to sell big shoes to people with big feet. He is doing so well that we recently had to lend advice on how he could carry on expanding the business within his home, without taking over the neighbourhood.
As Oliver explains: "at Bigger Feet, because we are web-based, we keep our costs low. However, there is no compromise on quality and, basically, you just get a better deal." In this online retail world, the good deals are there to be had, for you and the customer! What next?
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In this online retail world, good deals are there to be had 
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