Start selling online: from idea to first revenue

You have a product or idea and want to sell online. But where do you start? The possibilities seem endless and the choices overwhelming. In this practical guide, we navigate you from idea to your first sale, with concrete steps you can take today.

The basics: what do you need to sell online?

Before diving into details, it's good to see the big picture. Selling online requires:

1. A product or service - Something people want to buy
2. A sales channel - Where customers can find you
3. A payment method - How customers can pay
4. Shipping or delivery - How products reach customers
5. Customer service - How you handle questions and problems

The good news: you don't need everything perfect at once. You can start small and scale as you learn.

Step 1: determine what you'll sell

Physical products

The most traditional form of e-commerce. You sell tangible products that you ship to customers.

Own production: You make products yourself. Think handmade jewelry, personalized gifts, or artisanal food.

Wholesale and resale: You buy products from wholesalers and resell with markup. Classic retail model.

Dropshipping: You sell products that your supplier ships directly to the customer. No inventory risk, but lower margins.

Print-on-demand: Products with your design (t-shirts, mugs, posters) are made only after ordering.

Digital products

Products you create once and can sell unlimited times:

• E-books and guides
• Online courses
• Templates
• Software and apps
• Music and audio

Services

You sell your time and expertise:

• Freelance work
• Consultancy
• Coaching
• Subscriptions

Step 2: choose your sales channel

Option 1: marketplaces

Selling via existing platforms with millions of visitors.

Amazon, eBay, Etsy:

• Commission: 6-15%
• Access to millions of customers
• They handle payment

Option 2: own webshop

A website where you're the boss.

The choice of webshop platform is crucial:

• Shopify - Easiest for beginners
• WooCommerce - Flexible and cheap
• Lightspeed - Popular in Netherlands

Read our complete guide to starting a webshop.

Option 3: social commerce

Selling via social media platforms.

• Instagram Shopping
• Facebook Shop
• TikTok Shop
• WhatsApp Business

Option 4: hybrid approach

The most successful sellers combine channels.

Step 3: legal and administrative basics

Business registration

You must register your business before you start selling structurally.

Tax registration

After registration, you'll receive information about VAT. Small entrepreneurs may qualify for exemptions.

Bank account

A business bank account separates personal and business finances.

Step 4: set up payment methods

For marketplaces

They handle payment for you. You receive periodic payouts.

For own webshop

You need a Payment Service Provider (PSP).

Essential payment methods:

• iDEAL - 60%+ of Dutch online payments
• Credit card - For international customers
• PayPal - Trusted by consumers
• Buy now, pay later - Increases conversion 20-30%

Step 5: organize shipping

Domestic shipping

Various carriers available with different price points.

Packaging

Start simple. Fancy packaging is nice but eats into margins on small orders.

Shipping cost strategy

Recommendation: Free shipping from €50 is the sweet spot for most webshops.

Step 6: find your first customers

Free marketing

Social media:

• Post regularly
• Use relevant hashtags
• Share behind-the-scenes content

SEO:

• Optimize product titles and descriptions
• Write blog posts

Word-of-mouth:

• Ask friends and family to share
• Offer referral discounts

Paid marketing

Google Ads:

• Shopping ads
• Search ads

Facebook/Instagram Ads:

• Audience targeting
• Retargeting

Email marketing

Start collecting email addresses immediately. Email has the highest ROI.

Step 7: optimize and grow

Measure your results

Essential metrics:

• Conversion rate
• Average order value
• Cost per acquisition

Learn from customers

• Ask for reviews
• Analyze returns and complaints
• Send post-purchase surveys

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Investing too much before validation
2. Ignoring marketing
3. Poor photos
4. Complicated checkout
5. Neglecting customer service

Timeline: from idea to first sale

Week 1: Determine product, market research, choose channel Week 2: Register business, set up platform, payment method Week 3: Add products, arrange shipping, legal pages Week 4: Test, start marketing, launch!

Read more

• Starting a webshop: complete guide
• Choosing a webshop platform
• Best webshop hosting

Good luck with your online adventure!