Getting set up to take orders online is a major task - it can also be the most frustrating part of getting your business onto the Internet. There are a lot of options if you want to sell via the Internet - everything from simple advertising to advanced programs that interact with your customers. Of course, you can use the Internet like traditional advertising, promoting your products and referring customers to your telephone number or having them mail an order form. And, on the Internet, your store's always open - even if it's 2am on a Sunday morning. When customers view a form with their browser, they see input boxes where they can type their information.
Online forms are very similar to paper forms, but they're computerized.
When a customer types information into your order form, it's automatically sent to a program on the Internet provider's computer. This program processes the order form, typically forwarding it to you in an e-mail message. Using forms, you can collect ordering, shipping, and payment information all via the Internet. Since the information is forwarded to you in electronic format, it's more accurate and much faster to process. All of these features depend on the services offered by your Internet provider, and there may be costs associated with each.