THE ONLINE HUSTLE

After years of running their own successful global accounting and e-commerce advisory practice, and inspiring thousands of entrepreneurs to expand and globalise their own e-commerce businesses, Dr. Angelos Katsaris and Melanie V. Shabangu set their minds to writing this essential book. It is vital reading for novices entering the e-commerce retailing world, and simultaneously delivers practical, usable tips and premium advice for the more seasoned e-commerce entrepreneurs. This book delves deeply into the considerations that every e-commerce retailer needs to bear in mind when setting out into this new online world, making it a must-have addition to any entrepreneur's library. What makes this book so essential is the authors' unconventional approach to exploring some of the myths and truisms that have crept into the online retailing culture. At the heart of the book flows a number of key themes all linking to the world of cross-border e-commerce and global expansion: Where are you going to store your goods? How are you going to remain compliant with the local taxes in the countries you are expanding into? This book takes the mysteries out of doing business in the Middle and the Far East, and provides some interesting shortcuts on market research, barriers to entry and which options to look out for when manufacturing, shipping and storing your goods. It teaches you how to cost your goods, keep good accounting records and be considerate of product compliance, IP and trademarks. It also coaches you on how to keep your eyes peeled for trouble on the horizon. Sales for little or no profit are all too common an indicator of a business about to head into the stormy seas. By knowing your customer avatars and targeting their core needs via efficient advertising and localised listings through the right consultant for your business, you can weather the storm and move into a calmer and brighter future. There are a number of factors that everyone needs to consider when expanding into new and diverse marketplaces, and Dr. Angelos and Melanie explore these complex scenarios while exposing the resources available and dispelling all the myths. The Online Hustle is targeted at those who never thought they could start an e-commerce business on their own. It's for the person who didn't necessarily go to a business school, or the person has been affected by redundancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic and wants to branch out on their own. Think of it as a quick start guide and an indispensable resource to answer all of those burning questions about when, and how, to start an e-commerce retail business. The authors have written the book in a clear and crisp style, organised in a very user-friendly manner. This book is one of those rare finds that will be as useful to those well into their journey, as it is for those just starting out.