Do you dream of setting up your own e-commerce company in Switzerland? Congratulations on this exciting decision! The path from idea to successful business can be challenging, but with the right preparation and practical tips, it's easier.
Preparations: The key to success
Before you lay the foundations for your company, thorough market research is essential. Take a close look at the competition, analyze the potential customer base and identify opportunities and risks. It is important to have your finger on the pulse of the market in order to make the best decisions.
Also find out about the challenges of selling to other countries, especially if you want to offer physical goods in the EU as a Swiss company. Read more here. Internationalization can open up new opportunities, but it also requires careful planning.
Before you start, you need a solid foundation - a business plan. Create an overview for your company and ideally use one of the many (free) templates that are available on this topic. A detailed plan not only gives you orientation, but can also convince potential investors and partners.
Once you have a business plan and a clearer idea of your costs, needs and customers, the decision on the legal form should no longer be so difficult. You can also get support from companies that specialize in helping start-ups. VAT registration should not be underestimated, especially if your turnover reaches or exceeds CHF 100,000 per year. Dealing with this topic at an early stage will save you unpleasant surprises later on and unnecessary costs at the beginning.
Marketing / Sales: Making your company visible
If you ask me, this is the most important and most underestimated topic for founders.
Your offer must not only satisfy the needs of your customers, but they also need to know about it!
To do this, you should be prepared to market your company and your brand well.
 | The visual identity of your company is an important recognition feature. Create an appealing logo and secure a unique brand name. Also check that the brand is still available and not trademarked, as well as the availability of URLs and social media accounts before you commit. Even if you don't use all social media channels immediately, I advise you to reserve the handles anyway. Also create a professional email address to make it easier for customers to contact you. |
At the same time, you should define your clear target group. Imagine a specific person and take their purchasing behavior and interests into account.
Think about how you want to communicate with your customers. Find your personal "tone of voice" - because the way you speak shapes the image of your company.
Decide which sales channel you want to focus on - B2B or B2C. Both have their own marketing strategies and approaches. Choose the most effective channels for your target group.
Decide how you want to sell your products: online store, platforms, retail store or events? Of course, you don't have to commit to just one channel.
Especially when it comes to marketing and sales, you need to try out different things at the beginning to find the right way for you. The approach must suit you, your company and your target group. The more capital you have at your disposal, the more you can buy in services to help you.
Website: Your digital flagship
Choosing the right platform is crucial for your e-commerce success. A few examples of platforms on which you can set up your online store are Shopify, WooCommerce or Wix. When choosing, pay attention to required functions, prices and your experience.
Apart from aesthetics and user-friendliness, it is important that your website is optimized for search engines. Only then will it appear high up in relevant searches and can be found by potential customers.
Other: Keeping an eye on the details when founding a company
As a founder, there are many other things you need to pay attention to and find a solution for.
For example, there are accounting requirements for companies that vary depending on their legal form. Decide whether you want to do the bookkeeping yourself or hire a company. Bexio or Banana are well-known software providers.
The storage and shipping of physical products must be thought through and implemented. Depending on the size, weight, sales solution, type of product (e.g. perishable or fragile goods), etc., the right solution must be found. Decide whether you will handle the shipping yourself or outsource it.
Find out about necessary and recommended insurance policies and take the right decision for you.
Consider hiring employees right from the start. The monthly salary payment is a responsibility that needs to be carefully considered.
I hope with this overview, you are well equipped to set up your own Swiss e-commerce company and not forget any areas that are important to look at and think through. And now, have fun designing your own company!
Would you like a little more support?
Are you someone who likes to work with checklists? Then you can download a summarized checklist with exactly these topics (including some helpful links) here.
If you would like an individual consultation, get in touch with me here for a free, no-obligation introduction. Then we can see together how I can best support you.
Good luck on your journey into the world of e-commerce!
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