E-commerce Consultant: Build and Maintain Profitable Online Stores for Clients
The dream of selling online is universal, but setting up a functional, attractive store is a barrier. You can turn this barrier into a high-demand, retainer-based income stream.
Offering e-commerce services is a two-part business model: high-value, one-off **Build Projects** and low-effort, reliable **Monthly Maintenance Contracts** (the true passive income stream).
Part 1: The Store Build (The High-Value Project)
Focus on simplicity and speed using popular, non-coding platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. Your service should be a clear, all-inclusive package:
- **Platform Setup:** Install and configure the core platform (Shopify or a fresh WordPress/WooCommerce install).
- **Theme Customization:** Apply a clean, mobile-responsive theme and match it to the client's branding (logo, colors, fonts).
- **Core Functions:** Set up product categories, payment gateways (PayPal/Stripe), shipping calculation, and initial tax settings.
- **Product Entry:** Configure the first 5-10 products for the client to use as a template.
**Pricing Tip:** Charge a flat project fee ($800 - $3,000) based on complexity, not an hourly rate. This encourages efficiency.
Part 2: The Maintenance Contract (The Recurring Revenue)
Clients who can't build their store often can't maintain it either. This is your chance for predictable income. Offer tiered retainer packages:
- **Basic ($75 - $150/mo):** Security updates, weekly backups, theme/plugin compatibility checks, and 1 hour of small fixes (e.g., adding a discount code).
- **Pro ($200 - $400/mo):** Everything in Basic, plus 4 hours of development time (e.g., product data uploads, landing page creation, minor SEO adjustments).
**The Hook:** Position the maintenance package as essential: "The final step of the build is ensuring your investment is protected with a reliable maintenance plan." This converts high-value clients into recurring subscribers.
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