{"id":4575,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:33","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/internet-and-e-commerce.html"},"modified":"2024-08-19T13:38:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T18:38:54","slug":"internet-and-e-commerce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/internet-and-e-commerce.html","title":{"rendered":"Internet and E-Commerce Business Law"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Internet and E-Commerce Business Law<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Despite a general economic downturn in 2020, one area saw dramatic growth: electronic commerce.\u00a0E-commerce surged<\/a>\u00a0by an extra 19% in 2020 and 22% in 2021 on top of projected growth rates. When the COVID-19 pandemic kept people home, they shopped online, creating a boom for existing online businesses like Amazon and a growth market for entrepreneurs.<\/p>\r\n

Although e-commerce business growth began to slow somewhat in 2023, it remains a viable business model for owners of large and small companies. Competition is sharp, and the smart startup owner will take time to learn about the online business market and get sound legal advice before plunging into the world of online retail.<\/p>\r\n

E-Commerce 101<\/h2>\r\n

The original e-commerce business model copied the brick-and-mortar store model: If you make it, they will come. Today’s marketing strategy requires a new business to create new customers to buy their products. You’ll have to create a demand before creating a customer base for your product.<\/p>\r\n

Your e-commerce platform may resemble a physical store or be more ephemeral. These days, some online businesses have no physical location. They exist only as online catalogs and order fulfillment warehouses.<\/p>\r\n

Business Types<\/h3>\r\n

The first thing you must do is define your business type. Your business type will dictate your online presence.<\/p>\r\n