AllBusiness has published a short, simple guide called E-commerce 101 for Manufacturers (distributed by the SF Chronicle). It’s a very basic primer, but useful for manufacturers thinking about starting their own e-commerce site. Some highlights:

For a manufacturer, e-commerce is a way for you to experiment with the world of retail… With an e-commerce site, you’ll have:

• Direct access to customers
• More prospects
• Opportunities to innovate

These steps will help promote your site:

• Include Web address in ads
• Coordinate e-mail and direct mail
• Target ads

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