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Developing an Eshop – A Complete Guide to Success in E-Commerce

A comprehensive guide to success in e-commerce. The creation of an eShop has become a critical necessity for entrepreneurs in Greece, especially after the explosion of online commerce during the pandemic. According to surveys, 70% of Greek consumers prefer online shopping, while 40% of small and medium-sized businesses have invested in digital platforms. However, many seek quick and cheap solutions, without realizing that success requires strategic planning, technical expertise, and ongoing management.

This guide is a complete analysis of the steps, challenges, and hidden practices for creating a competitive eShop. We will analyze both technical details (platform selection, payment management) and growth strategies (marketing, conversion optimization), adding new trends such as artificial intelligence and voice commerce.

1. The Cost of Creating an eShop: Why Do Prices Vary So Much?

Factors Affecting the Cost

The cost of creating an eshop ranges from €1,000 to €20,000+, depending on:

Platform Type:
- SaaS (Shopify, Wix): €20–€300/month (easy management, limited customizations).
- Custom Development: €5,000–€20,000 (full customization, high maintenance costs).
Design & UX/UI: A responsive design with a high conversion rate (3%+) requires professional development (€1,500–€5,000).
System Integration: Connection with ERP, cash registers, couriers (e.g., Courier Center), and bank gateways (e.g., Eurobank e-Commerce).

Example: Conversion Rate Increase

A Greek canteen eShop spent €1,200 on a cheap platform with a 0.5% conversion rate. After investing €6,000 in custom development (UX optimization, loading speed <2 sec), the conversion rate reached 4%, increasing revenue from €800/month to €6,400/month.

2. An Eshop Doesn’t Sell by Itself: The Importance of Marketing

Essential Promotion Tools

Google Ads & SEO: Cost per click (CPC) in Greece: €0.50–€2 (depending on industry). Use keywords like “buy online [product]” or “fast delivery.”
Social Media: Use Instagram Reels and TikTok for viral content (e.g., product demos).
Email Marketing: Automation system (e.g., Mailchimp) for personalized offers.

Example of Success

The company “Greek Flavors” (export of Greek products) invested €1,000/month in Facebook Ads and influencer collaborations. Targeting European tourists, it achieved a 200% increase in sales in 6 months.

3. Choosing Couriers & Banks: Practical Advice

Courier Companies

Cost Comparison:
- ACS Courier: €4–€8 for domestic shipments.
- Speedex: €3.5–€7 with free returns within 30 days.
Tip: Cooperate with at least two couriers for flexibility.

Bank Payments

Fees:
- Eurobank: 1.5%–2.5% per transaction.
- Stripe: 1.4% + €0.25 (ideal for international payments).
New Trend: Integration of Buy Now, Pay Later (e.g., Viva Wallet) for increased sales.

4. Skroutz & BestPrice: Are They Worth the Investment?

Cost vs. Benefits

Skroutz: Commission 2.5%–9% + monthly fee €200+. Ideal for products with >30% profit margin (e.g., electronic devices).
BestPrice: CPC €0.30–€1. Good for local businesses with a small budget.

Example of Failure

A shoe eShop with a 20% profit margin gave 9% to Skroutz. After 6 months, sales were zero due to low margins.

5. Multilingual Eshop: When Is It Worth It?

Expansion Strategy

Prerequisites:
- Competitive shipping cost (e.g., DHL for Europe: €10–€15).
- Localized content (e.g., translation into French + currency in EUR).
Tools: Use Weglot for automatic translation (€30/month).

Example of Success

“MediHerbs” (herbs) added English and German. With Google Ads DE campaigns, 15% of sales came from Germany.

6. Choosing a Development Company: 5 Criteria

Portfolio & Reviews: Check previous projects (e.g., eShop with >10,000 visits/month).
Continuous Support: 24/7 technical assistance.
SEO Optimization: Integration of schema markup and lazy loading.
Sign SLA (Service Level Agreement): Guarantee of response time (<24 hours).
Cost Transparency: No hidden fees.

7. Eshop Management: Simplicity vs. Professionalism

Essential Tools

Inventory Management: Use Odoo or Efficient ERP (automatic updates).
Product Photography: Use Canva for editing (free plans).
Shipments: Integration with ShippyPro for automation.

Example

An accessories eShop uses Shopify + Oberlo. The manager spends 2 hours/day on product import and order management.

8. Art vs. Science: The Importance of Data

Optimization with Analytics

Google Analytics 4: Track user behavior (heatmaps, scroll depth).
A/B Testing: Test different prices or product descriptions.

Example

A bookstore eShop increased sales by 25% by changing the “Buy” button color from green to red.

9. Future Trends: AI & Voice Commerce

AI Chatbots: Use Tidio + OpenAI for personalized service.
Voice Searches: Optimize for questions like “Alexa, find Greek olive oil.”

Technical Process in Creating an Eshop

Creating an eShop is not just a technical procedure, but a dynamic investment requiring continuous adaptation. Entrepreneurs must treat e-commerce as an extension of their physical presence, with strategic planning and careful resource management.

The key to long-term success lies in balancing innovation and pragmatism. Leverage data, invest in quality solutions, and don’t hesitate to redefine your strategies based on market demands. E-commerce is not a sprint but a marathon of competitive quality and trust.

This guide offers all the essential tools to confidently start creating your eShop. From platform selection to sales optimization, every step is an investment in your business’s future. Start today with Psomiadis Web Development & Digital Marketing and turn your digital store into a profitable growth tool!

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