You have a good product selling in your store. You have been wondering for a while now if there is an opportunity to sell online, but Covid-19 events have pushed this question into the spotlight. If you are looking to setup an ecommerce store here are 9 critical steps you need to follow.

STEP 1 – Select and Implement the Most Appropriate Platform
There are really two general options to get up and running quickly

• A ‘website builder’ such as Shopify or Wix These are user friendly, online DIY sites that allow you to setup and run your own website.

or

• A website platform such as WordPress with an eCommerce plugin This is a more flexible platform, but as such does require a little more setup.

WHETHER TO RAISE CAPITAL, OR TO LIQUIDATE OR TO GO INTO EXAMINERSHIP
Many businesses are today looking into the future not knowing what decision they should make. Here we will address a number of questions that arise and the pitfalls therein. In this issue, we will explore liquidation. The next issue will explore raising capital and examinership. Liquidation is often seen as the final step in a business but this is not necessarily the case.

The Revenue Commissioners have increased the allowance for the cycle to work scheme. From the 1 August 2020 the allowance for a traditional bike is increased to €1,250. The allowance for an electric bike is now €1,500. The exemption does not apply to motorbikes, scooters or mopeds. Where the cost of the bike or electric bike exceeds the allowance tax must be applied to the balance exceeding the limit.

An employer can choose to give the bike to the employee. Alternatively, if an employee wants a bike but the employer doesn’t want to incur the cost, the employer can allow the employee to write the cost of the bike off against their gross salary. For example, the bike and safety equipment cost €750, the employees gross monthly salary is €3,000. The employer buys the bike and equipment and reduces the employee’s gross monthly salary to €2,250. The employer has incurred no extra cost while the employee gets the same salary when you take into account the bike but is only taxed on the €2,250.
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Have a read through the guide the Revenue have produced which you can find here.

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is changing to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). Unfortunately, there is more involved than a name change. The new EWSS comes into effect from the 1 September 2020. In order to qualify for the EWSS your business must suffer a 30% reduction in Turnover/Orders for the period July to December 2020 compared to the Turnover/Orders for July to December 2019. 
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If you qualify for the EWSS you are required to undertake a review on the last day of every month to ensure you continue to meet the above eligibility criteria. If you no longer qualify, you should deregister for EWSS with effect from the following day i.e. the first day of the next month.

Online selling, digital marketing, social media presence are all buzzwords that have been ever present in the business world over the last few years. The pressure of having an online presence has confused many business owners and deterred many from attempting to go online.

While it may have been possible to avoid going online up to now, the current situation means that you could give your business a better opportunity to survive by being available online. Many businesses with a physical shop are closed for the current and foreseeable period. This means that alternative ways of getting your products to consumers is going to be pivotal to your success. An online strategy does not have to be expensive or overly complicated. If you have not been selling online to date, there are less costly options for you before investing in a big ecommerce website.