When starting a business it can be difficult to decide whether to open a real physical shop or an online shop, or even both. With online sales increasing each year, it can be easy to overlook the benefit to a business from having a physical presence, but there are of course advantages to both.

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Benefits of online stores

Lower costs

This is a crucial difference between physical and online retail stores as there are no hefty rents or rates or utilities to pay with an online store.

Wider customer base

With an online store you are not limited to shoppers in your local area, region or even country. You are not dependent on footfall and your goods are available to the world.

Flexible schedules

An online shop means you can have a flexible schedule, your shop is always open but you do not necessarily need to be there …