Business

An ecommerce site is a business. Our Management & Finance category addresses online payments, funding needs, employee issues, merchant profiles, key metrics, multichannel and omnichannel strategies, cross-border analyses, inventory management, accounting topics, sales taxes, and much more.

Inventory
Is Online Marijuana the Next Big Thing?

November 13, 2022 • Jeff Siegel

Sweeping state-based marijuana legalization has created a booming industry. But limitations remain for ecommerce.
Inventory
5 Tips for after-Christmas Promotions

November 6, 2022 • Armando Roggio

The January sales lull can be frightening for merchants. An after-Christmas promotional event can provide a necessary boost.
Business
Frugal Living Suits ‘My Wife Quit’ Founder

November 4, 2022 • Eric Bandholz

Steve Chou is a successful entrepreneur. But quality of life drives many of his business decisions. Frugal living is one component.
Finance
Charts: Banking Trends and Outlook

November 2, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

Recent studies by Deloitte and Boston Consulting Group highlight the enormous changes facing retail and business banking. We tell the story in three charts.
Cross-border Selling
Ecommerce Flourishes in Latin America

October 31, 2022 • Marcia Kaplan

Ecommerce growth in Latin America during the pandemic was among the highest worldwide. Those habits appear to be permanent.
Business
Agency Marketer Goes In-house at Range Leather

October 28, 2022 • Eric Bandholz

Tim Aton worked at a marketing agency running high-dollar campaigns for clients. Then a friend who owned a leather-goods company called. Here's Aton's story.
Finance
Charts: Global Economic Conditions, Outlook

October 26, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

The International Monetary Fund projects a downturn in the global economy. We summarize in four charts research from the IMF and McKinsey & Company.
B2B
My Experience Selling B2B versus B2C

October 25, 2022 • Christopher Dobroth

Contributor Chris Dobroth is a seasoned ecommerce exec, having sold goods to both businesses and consumers. He shares his experiences in this quick-read post.
Business
DTC Holsters Are a Last Line of Defense

October 21, 2022 • Eric Bandholz

Mike Pfeiffer is a web developer turned YouTube entrepreneur. In 2015, he made a firearms holster at home for his own use. Then he mentioned it on his videos. Here's his story.
Business
Charts: Trends in Manufacturing, 3D Printing

October 19, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

Despite the global economic downturn, investments in manufacturing technology remained stable in Q2 2022. The use of 3D printing is growing.
Amazon & Marketplaces
Shoppers Buy Necessities, Not Gifts, in Amazon’s October Event

October 17, 2022 • Marcia Kaplan

Consumers responded to Amazon's Early Access Prime event, but not for holiday shopping. Here's our recap.
Shipping & Fulfillment
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Ecommerce

October 11, 2022 • Pete Bruckshaw

Ecommerce packaging and logistics cause serious environmental harm. But the industry is improving, with many tools, services, and programs to help merchants. Here's an overview.
Inventory
Alcohol Selling Online Is Complicated

October 11, 2022 • Jeff Siegel

Selling alcohol online has potential. However, U.S. laws and regulations are stringent around the subject. We explain.
Finance
Financing Options for SMB Ecommerce Merchants

October 10, 2022 • Armando Roggio

Amazon's Community Lending is one of many loan options for small and mid-sized sellers. Here's a rundown, with pointers to consider.
Finance
Supply.co Founder on Selling the Business

October 7, 2022 • Eric Bandholz

Supply.co is a direct-to-consumer seller of razors and shaving supplies. Co-founder Patrick Coddou has just sold the company, having survived the iOS 14.5 debacle. Here's his story.
Local Business
Retail Apocalypse Reversal?

October 5, 2022 • Armando Roggio

Physical retail stores face challenges amid ecommerce, supply chain issues, and labor shortages. A Shopify-like approach for brick-and-mortar businesses could be the answer.
Local Business
Charts: Online Grocery Delivery Trends

October 5, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

The pandemic-driven shift to online grocery pickup is not declining. That's according to two recent surveys. We explain in four charts.
Business
What Motivates Consumers to Shop Sustainably?

October 3, 2022 • Marcia Kaplan

Concerns about sustainability vary depending on age, gender, and location. Research shows merchants have different perceptions than consumers on the topic.
Local Business
Should Ecommerce Brands Sell via Dealers?

October 2, 2022 • Armando Roggio

A brick-and-mortar dealer network could help online businesses. We explain the pros and cons, and how to get started.
Business
Business Is Art to Fringe Sport Owner

September 30, 2022 • Eric Bandholz

Fringe Sport is a leading online seller of barbells and exercise equipment. Founder Peter Keller addresses his priorities — business and life — in this week's "Ecommerce Conversations" episode.
Inventory
Charts: Global Supply Chain Trends 2022

September 28, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

Controlling costs and minimizing risks are among the top challenges of supply chain executives worldwide. Here's our look at a recent survey by a leading research firm.
Shipping & Fulfillment
5 Ways to Upgrade to Eco-friendly Ecommerce

September 27, 2022 • Pete Bruckshaw

In 2022, sustainable selling is not just good for the environment. It also drives sales. Here are five steps to go green.
Payments
Charts: Global Payments Trends and Outlook

September 21, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

Funding decreased in Q2 2022 for payment technology companies. Nonetheless, much innovation is afoot. We tell the story in this week's charts.
Cross-border Selling
Southeast Asia Tops Worldwide Ecommerce Growth

September 15, 2022 • Marcia Kaplan

There are 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Five of them have the fastest ecommerce growth rates on the planet. Here are the numbers — sales, growth %, and leading providers.
Business
Charts: Trends in Technology, AI for 2022

September 12, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

The adoption of artificial intelligence and other technologies is accelerating global productivity. We look at the latest trends, using four charts.
Amazon & Marketplaces
Ecommerce Briefs: FBA Increases Fees; Walmart Expands Healthcare

September 9, 2022 • Marcia Kaplan

Amazon Prime and Walmart+ compete for subscribers; FBA imposes holiday fees; Walmart extends healthcare initiatives.
Finance
Charts: Global Fintech Trends Q2 2022

September 7, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

Global investments in privately held financial technology firms slowed in Q2 2022. We tell the story in four charts.
Business
The Ultimate Brand in Tattoo Skincare

September 2, 2022 • Eric Bandholz

What began as a side hustle for a group of graduates became a multi-million dollar DTC company. Mad Rabbit's Drew Fallon explains the journey in this week's Ecommerce Conversation.
Inventory
Stagnant Sales Are Creating an Inventory Glut

September 1, 2022 • Marcia Kaplan

Recession fears combined with supply-chain excesses have created a dramatic increase in unsold inventory. We explain.
Business
Charts: U.S. Retail Ecommerce Sales Q2 2022

August 30, 2022 • Adel Boukarroum

Ecommerce was 14.5% of total U.S. retail sales in Q2 2022. We tell the story in three charts.