Hi Don, unfortunately it can be an expensive lesson learning just how easy it can be to loose money by way of Internet scams, and there is no shortage of people lining up to steal every last cent you have.
To be honest I don't know whether the quoted stats are accurate, but when you consider just how many people are trying to develop an online business in retail, wouldn't surprise me at all.
For years people have been selling books are writing garbage about how easy it is to make money through online retailing, and people are attracted to what seems to be easy money for very little effort.
I've been in business for most of my life, and I can tell you that no matter if the business is online or a more traditional offline one, business is business and the same basic principles apply.
Effort equals reward!
If anyone is prepared to put in the effort and expense required to develop a successful online business, then they have a chance of reaching that success.
Yes, I said a chance, it's business and business doesn't come with any guarantees, despite what some will promise you along the way!
Too many don't want to put in any effort at all and then wonder why on earth it's not working. Other put in hour after hour of effort, day after day and get the same result.
We don't expect to become a lawyer in a few short weeks with no background in the field whatsoever. We understand that takes education and a certain level of application to become successful, not just qualified.
Online retail isn't going to be the great success for many that they hope it will be, in fact for most who try it may not bring any success at all. We all can't be lawyers, Doctors, Mechanics or whatever, just because we want to.
If you don't have the application, the drive, a large slice of good old fashioned common sense, along with the ability to follow and put in place good sound business planing, then online retail may well not be the avenue anyone should be trying.
Can you make money from online retail, absolutely you can. Is it easy, easier fro some than others, but as a general rule, no it's not easy, and it's getting harder every day.
Now I'm talking about becoming really successful here. If anyone is looking to make just a small amount to suppliment an income, then that is far more possible without any serious experience.
Bottom line for me, treat it like the business it is and you give yourself the best possible chance of making it a success!