Website or online store – how to sell effectively?

Do you have a great idea for an online business and want to reach customers via the internet, but when you start digging into the details, the question arises: website or store? Some say that a store is essential because it includes a shopping cart and everything works automatically. Others claim that a simple website, where you showcase your offer and handle sales via invoices, is enough. Which option is better? Or maybe both?

Don’t worry – we know the decision can be tough. That’s why we created this article to help you make the choice. We’ll show you what websites excel at and where online stores truly shine. We’ll explain how to choose the right sales tool for your business, whether you sell services or products.

Sales website

How does it work?

A sales page is a space that combines the functions of a business card and a sales tool. On such a page, you present your offer – which could be services, products, or custom solutions. The client reviews the description, pricing, and then contacts you to place an order.
You won’t find a shopping cart or automated payment systems here. Instead, sales are carried out individually – usually through phone, email, or a contact form, with orders confirmed via invoices.

Sales fulfillment

Sales on a sales page are handled manually – the client fills out a contact form, submits an inquiry, or directly orders a service. Then, the company sends the order details, agrees on the terms of cooperation, and issues an invoice. The whole process is more personalized and tailored to the individual needs of the client. In the case of product sales, the client usually places an order via a form, and payments are processed once the details are agreed upon.

Who is it for?

A sales page is ideal for companies that:

• Sell services (e.g., lawyers, designers, consultants, hairdressers).
• Offer custom-made products (e.g., artists, craft makers).
• Want to start online sales but don’t yet have significant resources to build a complex online store.
• Prefer direct customer service – instead of an automated sales system, they want full control over the transaction.

Pros and cons

Pros

1. Ease of implementation: Quick launch without the need for complex integrations.
2. Lower costs: No need to invest in payment systems or advanced store features.
3. Flexibility: Ability to personalize the offer and customer contact on an individual level.
4. Ease of management: Fewer technical requirements and less workload related to order handling.

Cons

1. Lack of automation: The sales process requires manual handling, which can be time-consuming with a higher number of orders.
2. Limited scalability: It’s more challenging to handle a large number of customers simultaneously.
3. Less convenience for the customer: The absence of a shopping cart and quick online payments may be less attractive to some users.

Online store

How does it work?

An online store is a sophisticated platform that enables the sale of products or services directly over the internet. Essentially, everything operates automatically: customers browse the offer, add products to the shopping cart, make online payments, and the system generates invoices and passes on the order details. The store is typically integrated with various payment methods (e.g., online transfers, credit cards) and shipping systems (couriers, postal services).
The entire sales process is automated – from the moment a customer clicks “Add to Cart” to the finalization of the transaction and shipment of the goods. In an online store, you have full control over your product assortment, pricing, promotions, and inventory levels.

Who is it for?

An online store is ideal if:

• You sell physical or digital products, such as clothing, electronics, books, software, or e-books.
• Planning to sell on a larger scale – an online store works well with a higher volume of orders, especially if you value process automation.
• You want to offer your customers a convenient shopping experience. A shopping cart, quick online payments, and order tracking are features that attract buyers.
• An online store works best when you have products that do not require individual handling, and sales are based on standard transactions.

Pros and cons

Pros

1. Process automation: The entire sales process – from purchase, payment, to shipment – is automated, saving time and increasing efficiency.
2. Scalability: An online store can effectively handle a large number of products and growing order volumes.
3. Customer convenience: Fast access to the complete offer, the ability to shop 24/7, convenient online payments, and automatic invoice generation.
4. Integration capability: The store can be connected with payment systems, warehouses, couriers, and other tools that streamline sales.

Cons

1. Higher implementation and maintenance costs: Building an online store involves higher initial and ongoing costs (e.g., hosting, integration with external systems).
2. Greater initial workload: Entering products, descriptions, images, and integrating systems requires time and commitment.
3. Need for technical support: Although an online store automates many processes, it may require updates, troubleshooting, and continuous monitoring.
4. Competition: An online store can feel less “personal” than a sales page where customer contact is direct. Customers might search for better deals elsewhere.

Summary

The choice between a sales page and an online store depends on the nature of your business. A sales page works best if you offer services or custom products and prefer to handle sales individually through invoices. It is more affordable and easier to manage. Conversely, an online store is an excellent solution if you sell products on a larger scale and value sales automation. The key is to select the tool that meets your needs, and the right sales strategy will help you achieve online success.