In the case of a well-established local business, you might want to use your site primarily to increase traffic at your retail location. Offering incentive discounts to your online customers, for example, may increase the number of prospects coming through the door. New services can be offered online to your local customers. For instance, a local coffee shop lists its assorted flavors and prices on its web page. Local customers can fill out an online order form with a few clicks, submit it by e-mail, and have hot coffee delivered in short order within a specified area.
Payment is made on delivery.
Yes, this could also be done by telephone, but this way the customer never gets a busy signal, and the retailer isn't tied up on the phone reciting his menu ad nauseum. If the market for your services is global, you will need to establish your online identity. Your prospective customers will need a great deal of information about you, your company, and the services you have to offer. Also, in a highly competitive online business, you may want to give detailed pricing information up front. You will want to build in a way to keep your online prospects returning to your web site.