As internet access continues to grow around the world and new technologies continue to improve, the amount of money that is spent by consumers online is constantly increasing. In the early days of e-commerce many buyers were hesitant to give our credit card information online, but it is a part of everyday life now for many of us. This gives everyone and every small business an incredible opportunity to do business online.

In this article we’ll look at the benefits of running an e-commerce website and we’ll list seven of the leading reasons that you should consider starting your own e-commerce site.

1. Very Low Costs and Expenses

Before e-commerce, the costs and risks associated with starting a store were enormous. There are of course costs associated with owning or leasing a building, utilities, overhead costs, inventory costs and more. Because the costs are high, there is also a great deal of risk involved in owning a store.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, an e-commerce site can be started with very little money and essentially no risk. You can get a simple site up and running for less than $100 (sure, this won’t give you the best e-commerce site ever, but it is possible to get started on this amount). The risks are not even comparable to those of running a traditional business.

2. No Employee Necessary

Managing and supervising employees can be one of the biggest downsides to owning and operating a traditional store. Aside from the headaches, employees also represent one of the largest expenses for business owners. Most business owners don’t really enjoy babysitting employees.

Another huge advantage to doing business via e-commerce is that you can avoid the need to hire and manage employees. Most e-commerce sites can be run by just one person, and if you want to grow you can always hire employees as you see fit.

3. Be in Business 24 Hours a Day

Traditional stores will have hours of operation, and they’ll be closed at certain times. Some stores are open 24 hours a day, but they also have added costs for doing so.

If you’ve ever wanted to make money while you sleep, e-commerce is one option. There will be no need to close your store and customers will be able to visit your site regardless of the time of day or day of the week.

4. Low Barriers of Entry

Traditional brick and mortar stores have vary large barriers that prevent the average person from being able to start this type of business. Most notably are the need for startup and operating costs. If you are able to manage to get started, some significant barriers to success will also exist.

E-commerce businesses offer an opportunity to the average person that involves very low barriers. It requires only a nominal amount of money to get started, and there are plenty of opportunities to do things on the cheap until your online store is producing some income.

5. Lack of Geographical Barriers

As a traditional store owner, in order for customers to buy your products they will have to be close enough to your location to come to the physical store. Obviously, this limits your market to those who live or work within driving distance, or those who are traveling through the area.

However, as an e-commerce business owner you can easily do business with people in all corners of the world. Anyone with internet access can shop at your store. Yes, there are some disadvantages including shipping to other parts of the world, but it can be done if the buyer is willing to pay the added shipping, or you can sell electronic products that don’t require shipping.

6. No Need to Dominate a Market

With a traditional business the costs of operating and staying in business will require that you are a significant player in the market. If your competitors are dominating the market it is almost certain that you will be out of business.

However, with an e-commerce business your costs of operation are so low that you do not need to produce as much revenue in order to turn a profit. While you may not dominate a market, only taking a small portion of the business in a specific market of industry can still leave you witha profitable business. Rather than controlling the market you can just take a small piece of the pie.

7. Flexible Hours

Owning and running a traditional store will require long hours, and you’ll typically have to be working just about whenever the store is open.

Running an e-commerce business no doubt requires real work, but your schedule will be much more flexible as opposed to running a traditional store. Most of the work that you will need to do can be done around your schedule, during the hours that you choose to work.

Steven Snell is a web designer from New Jersey. He maintains CartFrenzy, a gallery of e-commerce websites.