4 Things to Consider When Starting a Sustainable eCommerce Business

Julie Starr • January 6, 2022



You’ve probably heard that you can make a ton of money by running an eCommerce business. But the one thing most people don’t talk about is the tons of failed eCom businesses in the marketplace. 

Research shows that 80-90 percent of all eCommerce businesses fail, usually within 90 days of launch. That means only 10-20 percent enjoy any success. And most of the businesses that fail do so because of many reasons. If you want to improve your odds of success in eCommerce, there are things that you must consider before launching the business. Let’s take a look at them. 

Product Source

Before you start an eCommerce store, you need to first ascertain that you’ll have a dedicated product source. This can be a manufacturer, supplier, or you can even manufacture the product yourself. 

Most successful eCom store owners just source the bulk of their products from China, sign an agreement with the supplier, and receive steady shipments. This is how they’re able to sustain their inventory and make sure that they never run out of product. 

So, after choosing a product, make sure that there’s a reliable supplier who can consistently maintain the quality you want and can meet your order volume. 

Ensure There’s Adequate Demand

This is pretty obvious, but it bears repeating. ECommerce should be about your passions. It should be about demand first and foremost. For example just because you like your machinist tool chest and think it’s cool doesn’t mean that other people like theirs. 

They may just be indifferent. The same applies to model trains. You can love them and talk about them all day. But not everyone does. In fact, the percentage of people who like model trains is simply not enough to sustain or grow an eCommerce business. 

However, there are few instances where product demand lines up with passions. When this happens, you can easily hit a home run in your eCom business.  

Optimize Your Product Delivery Process

How long will it take for customers to get their products if they order from you? Remember, we live in a world where Amazon is currently doing same or next-day deliveries. 

And while many customers will understand that you’re not Amazon or Walmart, they’ll expect a relatively fast delivery process nonetheless. So, make sure you have your order fulfillment and delivery process thoroughly lined up so there are no delays when the orders start flooding in. 

Secure Adequate Manpower

One of the biggest complaints that eCommerce business founders have is not having enough manpower particularly during the seasonal rush. As a result, they often have to work overtime and with little sleep to get orders out the door to customers. 

Unfortunately, this often leads to order mix-ups with customers receiving products they didn’t order. And when customers are unsatisfied, they tend to spread the word about their negative experiences. This is why you must make sure that you have enough manpower to fulfill customer demands at all times. 

In fact, some eCommerce operations have a temp staff roster –sort of like Amazon- that they call on when the order volume skyrockets.  If you have to hire temporary staff, do so.

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
Share by: