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Selling products online

What Products Can't You Sell Online?

Technology & Telecommunications

Almost every type of product can be found on the internet these days, but there are still some products you can't sell online—and some that are just difficult to sell online. Generally, things you can’t sell online fall into two categories: items that just don’t sell very well over the internet, and items that are illegal to sell over the internet.

Things it may be hard to sell online

Your common sense can tell you a lot about which items people are less likely to 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 foundation matches my skin tone? All of these things are being sold online, and people are buying them, but that doesn't mean they're easy to sell online. If you're starting an online business selling a product that people prefer to buy in person, you'll need to proceed with caution and make sure you have a robust returns policy.

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. For some businesses, however, it may be best to use your website as a promotional or customer service resource rather than as a place where customers purchase items. That may better serve your business needs.

Things it is illegal to sell online

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 internet, while in other states doing so is a felony. (some retailers are 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.

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