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Running an online business can be hard work. You may start as a one-person business, doing everything yourself for your customers, such as processing orders and marketing. You could also face potential threats to your business as part of your journey as an eCommerce brand. One problem your e-commerce brand faces is common risks to your eCommerce store, such as security risks, supply chain disruptions, or data breaches. This article will explain risk management for online businesses and the advantages of having a risk management plan.
What is Risk Management?
As an eCommerce business owner, risk management is where you find ways to manage risk to your internet business. You do this by understanding the risks of your internet brand and assessing them. You also manage risk by reacting to risks that occur or may occur. Your intention when carrying out risk management for your eCommerce brand is to:
- reduce risk that is present for your business as much as possible;
- avoid potential dangers for your internet brand; and
- have ready solutions planned when risks occur.
Businesses such as your eCommerce brand will react differently to risk and have their own chosen strategies. Regardless, it is an excellent way for business owners to understand risk management and create a risk management plan for their online business.
What Risks Might My eCommerce Business Face?
Your eCommerce business may, for example, face strategic risks. This means risks regarding your objective and where you position your internet brand in the market. It may also include operational risks. These can be through the day-to-day running of your eCommerce brand, such as:
- a fire destroying stock in your warehouse;
- poorly handled packages when goods are delivered; or
- staff an illness, such as flu, and your business is short-staffed.
Day-to-day running risks for your eCommerce brand may also result in reputational risks. For example, the above example of a parcel delivery to your online customer suffering damage on the way means that they may write a poor review on your website. Internet users on your site may see this and decide not to buy from you.
Another possible risk to your eCommerce business is technological and commercial risks. These are high risks for eCommerce brands as, for example, you need a server to keep your website up, which is your platform for your goods or services. Also, your internet brand relies on technology to process customers’ payments.
When your eCommerce brand faces technological risks, it can also expose you to legal compliance risks. A technical flaw could cause a data protection breach, meaning you risk a hefty fine. There are also many other legal risks your eCommerce brand can face. For example:
- Intellectual Property (IP) risks, such as trademark infringement;
- not complying with advertising regulations, such as through the use of your social media; and
- failure to comply with many consumer laws that affect eCommerce brands, such as the legal requirement to ensure the goods you sell are as you describe them.
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Why Does My eCommerce Business Need Risk Management?
There are various reasons why your eCommerce business needs risk management, such as a risk management plan. Running a business is full of risks, which can affect your cash flow and the overall profit of your international brand.
Ability to Respond and Progress Effectively
Your eCommerce business is prone to risks, yet risk management will allow you to be aware of these. For example, there are risks to your eCommerce brand in the form of:
- financial;
- technological;
- reputational;
- strategic;
- reporting;
- compliance; and
- operational and running risks.
Being aware of risks allows you to respond better to them as an eCommerce business owner. This means that these risks, when they occur, will enable you to deal with them more effectively and in less time.
Ensuring Legal Compliance
Your eCommerce business must be legally compliant. Risk management is one tool that helps you comply with legal obligations and avoid commercial litigation.
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When you manage risk, you become more aware of potential dangers to your eCommerce business. This means you can deal with them or avoid them before they escalate into a legal matter.
Key Takeaways
As an online brand, you face risks to your business. Therefore, risk management is essential. This allows you to understand the potential risks you may encounter, reduce them, and create solutions.
Your eCommerce business is prone to various risks. These include legal risks, such as failing to comply with advertising law when marketing your online brand. Your internet brand may adopt different strategies to combat risks. One of these is a risk management plan. This can help you respond well to risks, ensuring your business remains effective and ensures legal compliance.
If you need help understanding risk management for online businesses in the UK, LegalVision’s experienced eCommerce lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 0808 196 8584 or visit our membership page.
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