If you're ready to be in charge of your own destiny, but don’t have the capital to buy a franchise or open up a storefront, consider starting an online business. When your store is online, you can reach millions of customers instead of whoever happens to wander in - plus, you don't have to pay for retail space. However, like with any business, you'll need an excellent product and a solid marketing plan.Starting an online store has advantages over having a physical storefront: there's no rent to pay, and you can reach millions of customers from the comfort of your own home. To have a shot at success, however, it's a good idea to put as much thought into starting an online store as you would for any other business. You'll need a great product, a user-friendly website, and a solid marketing plan. Starting an online retail business requires patience, diligence and the right online business tools. The ecommerce landscape delivers a wide range of business benefits, including operating a store 24 hours each day. Delivering a simple shopping experience will keep customers coming back to complete purchases. For someone just starting, online retail business can provide a strong environment for building a business.