1.2 What is your product/service?

Decide if your product or service lends itself towards online provision or order fulfillment. The product you supply may be one that consumers (or other businesses) need to touch and feel before they purchase. Some very successful online products include music CDs, books, wine, computer software, and flowers. Generally speaking, these products do not require the same level of "experience" at the time of purchase compared with the likes of automobiles, lounge suites and even clothing. An extra point in their favour is the relatively smaller investment required to make the purchase. The nature of your product may be perishable, or only suitable for a particular geographical location.

Similarly, remember that if you provide a service, you may not be able to actually attend the required location to carry out the service. You may be restricted by distance, cost, national or international laws, or even lack of professional accreditation in that region.

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