What Products Can't You Sell Online?

Things you can’t sell online fall into two categories: items that just don’t sell very well over the Web, and items that are illegal to sell over the Web.

Your common sense can tell you a lot about which items people won’t buy from an online store. This includes things that customers want

to hold, smell, taste, or simply see before they buy. Is that mattress as comfortable as it looks? Does that perfume have just the right aroma? Which shade of lipstick is most attractive? Unless people already know the scent or the color, they’re unlikely to try it over the Net.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. You probably won’t buy a tailored suit online, but you might purchase a pair of jeans or a wool sweater. And there are always people who will take their chances and buy something online because they’re just too busy or don’t care enough to go shopping. Before you spend thousands of dollars to put your store online, however, ask yourself if you can just publish your catalog online or use your Web site as a promotional or customer service resource. That may better serve your business needs.

You also want to avoid items that are illegal to sell over the Web. These include obvious things such as illegal drugs and explosives that are forbidden almost everywhere. Other items are more complicated, however. Some states allow you to sell alcoholic beverages over the Web, while in other states doing so is a felony. (SendWine.com is trying to get around this issue by partnering with local liquor stores, the way FTD works in the flower business.) The laws on gun and ammunition sales also vary from state to state, in addition to a variety of federal rules on these items. A few states also prohibit the sale of certain animals and food products — California, for example, strictly limits produce imports due to concerns over agricultural pests.

If you think that your online store may cover questionable legal territory, talk to an attorney — there’s no point taking a chance on fines or even jail time if you break the law.