Evaluating the Benefits of Displaying a Phone Number on Your E-commerce Website as a Solo Entrepreneur

In today’s competitive online marketplace, many small business owners grapple with the decision to include a contact phone number on their e-commerce platforms. If you’re operating as a solopreneur—perhaps restoring and selling watch straps—this choice can impact customer trust, communication efficiency, and your overall workflow.

Recently, I redesigned my website to better showcase my craftsmanship and reach more customers. A common consideration at this stage was whether to add a direct phone contact. While having a visible phone number might improve user trust and facilitate quick inquiries, it also raises concerns about potential disruptions during working hours, especially since I handle all aspects of my business alone.

After careful thought, I’ve concluded that listing only my email address may be the most practical approach. For a one-person operation, handling phone calls during the workday can be challenging and might interfere with fulfilling orders and managing other vital tasks. Moreover, in the digital age, many customers prefer the convenience of email for initial contact or detailed inquiries.

That said, there are advantages to including a phone number. It can boost credibility, reassure potential customers of your legitimacy, and offer a more immediate channel for resolving urgent questions. If you decide to display your contact number, consider setting specific hours for calls or utilizing a dedicated business phone line to manage availability effectively.

In summary, whether or not to add a phone number depends on your specific business needs, workflow preferences, and customer expectations. For solo entrepreneurs like myself, maintaining a streamlined communication method—primarily via email—often strikes a good balance between professionalism and practicality.