eCom Myths Vs Reality

There’s a lot of noise out there about what it takes to start an eCommerce business — and most of it puts people off before they’ve even had a go.

From thinking you need thousands of £’s to get started, to believing it’s only for people with a background in tech or marketing…it can all feel a bit overwhelming.

But here’s the truth: it’s never been easier to launch something online. With the right tools (most of them low-cost or even free) and a bit of creativity, almost anyone can build a simple eCommerce business – even on a budget.

So let’s clear up some of the biggest myths that might be holding you back…

Myth #1: You need loads of money to get started

Reality:

Nope. You can launch a solid online shop today for less than two coffees and a sandwich from GAIL’s.

Platforms like Shopify, Etsy or even selling through Instagram/TikTok Shop can get you up and running for peanuts.

No space for stock or warehousing? Try dropshipping or print-on-demand to skip the whole stock situation entirely.

Myth #2: You need to be a tech genius

Reality:

You don’t need to know how to code or have previously worked at Google. Most eCommerce platforms are built for normal people – drag and drop, simple integrations and step-by-step guides.

Myth #3: Only big brands can make serious money online

Reality:

Nonsense. Some of the most successful online businesses are tiny, weird and laser-focused. If you solve a real world problem or make someone feel something, you’re already ahead.

Myth #4: Once your site’s live, the sales just roll in

Reality:

Wish this one was true, so badly. If you build it, they probs won’t come…unless you drive them there. You’ll need to put in work with marketing – socials, email, SEO, ads etc. But the beauty is, you don’t need to spend a fortune – just try to be consistent and creative.

Myth #5: Customers only care about price

Reality:

Sure, some people love a deal. But many shoppers care more about brand vibe, trust and service than saving a couple of quid. If you’ve got good products, fast delivery and you actually talk like a human, people will come back.

Myth #6: You’ve got to be on Amazon or you won’t survive

Reality:

Amazon’s not for everyone. Yes, it’s massive – but you give up a lot of control. Your own site lets you build your brand properly, collect customer data and create a proper experience. Plus, no one’s taking 15%+ of every sale.

Myth #7: Email marketing is dead

Reality:

Far from it. Email is still so important for eCommerce – especially when done well. Abandoned carts, back in stock, loyalty points reminders and discount codes still convert really well. It’s free traffic to people who actually like you – don’t underestimate it, your email database should be one of the foundations of your business.

Myth #8: It’s too much work to manage everything

Reality:

There are tools to help manage your online store nowadays – inventory, fulfilment, email flows, customer service bots, AI copywriters etc. Once you’re set up, it doesn’t have to be full-on madness.

You can automate the vast majority of jobs you don’t enjoy & spend time on the things you love!

Myth #9: A great product will sell itself

Reality:

It’s a nice idea but it just doesn’t work like that (in my experience). Even the best products need visibility. Marketing, storytelling, strong visuals – they all play a huge role.

Most of the time a small business can’t afford to shout the loudest but again, if you can solve a problem, whether it be common or niche & make people care about what you’re doing, you’ll be onto a winner!

Myth #10: Ecommerce is too competitive now

Reality:

Yes, there are a lot of online stores out there – but most are average. If you can bring a unique angle, actually care about your customers and show some personality, you’ll really stand out. People love finding small, independent gems – so give them one!

Final thoughts

eCommerce can seem complicated from the outside but a lot of that’s just noise. The barriers to entry are lower than ever, the tools are out there and you don’t need a huge budget or background in tech to get started.

The most important thing is starting small, learning as you go and focusing on building something people actually want.

The rest – branding, traffic, conversions – all comes with time and consistency.