6 Months of Running a online Small Business: Challenges, Realities, and Lessons Learned

Introduction

Starting a online small business often feels like stepping into an exciting adventure. I launched my store in July, and after six months, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of online selling. From managing sales and social media pressure to dealing with platform policies and hidden costs, it’s been a rollercoaster ride. In this blog, I’ll share my journey, the challenges I faced, and the tough decision of whether to continue or step away from the business. The realities might differ lets see.

Realities of running a Online small business -

Sales and Returns: A Frustrating Loop

One of the biggest struggles is the return cost policy on online platforms. While a courier delivery may cost ₹50, the return fee can soar to ₹155, making no sense financially. Sometimes, it feels like platforms have a pattern—after giving a few initial orders, they stop unless you invest in paid ads. If you receive a return, your balance often goes negative, and suddenly, you get an order just so the platform can recover its charges.

The Pressure of Reels and Paid Ads

Creating reels for social media is crucial for visibility, but it comes with intense pressure. Despite regular posting and effort, getting views and orders remains a challenge. Additionally, platforms push sellers toward ad campaigns, charging not for sales but for clicks, which may not even be genuine. Without ads, sales stagnate, increasing stockholding costs and leaving money stuck.

Hidden Costs and Policy Barriers

• Trademark Requirement: Registering your brand on platforms often requires a trademark, adding legal and financial hurdles.

• Delivery Issues: Coordination with delivery personnel is another hassle. Delayed pickups lead to late fees, adding further costs.

• Customer Support: Getting help from the platform is time-consuming, and promised callbacks often don’t happen.

The Dilemma: To Continue or Quit?

In the Realities of running a Online small business one of the biggest question that is popping my mind is to continue or not ?

While online platforms offer access to a large audience, their policies often feel like a loop designed to benefit them more than the sellers. Yet, it’s one of the few ways to reach maximum customers. Many times, I’ve considered giving up, but I’m still figuring out strategies to grow and make this work.

Conclusion: Share Your Story

Running a small business isn’t as simple as it seems. If you’ve faced similar struggles or are considering entering this space, share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s connect, learn from each other, and find ways to navigate the challenges of online selling together.