The only reason you should launch an e-business strategy is because it is right for your business and will deliver a sufficient return on investment. Entering into e-business for the wrong reasons likely will backfire on you. Having a Web presence, but one that is poorly thought out and badly executed, is worse than having none at all. The risk of reputation backlash is real. Customers who once held you in high esteem will lose respect if your Web site does not function according to their expectations.
Online customers have high expectations for Web site functionality.
The price of not delivering to these ever-growing expectations can be harmful, if not devastating, to your corporate image, both online and offline. Many companies see themselves as having an entrepreneurial spirit that will help make them a leader in their industry. That is a good instinct, but must be tempered with planning. Ask yourself why you should get into e-business. And consider the future pain points you are likely to have, like not having an adequate sales force to execute your business plan next year.