Should Solo Entrepreneurs Include a Phone Number on Their E-commerce Websites?

As a one-person operation specializing in restoring and selling watch straps online, I recently undertook a website redesign and have been contemplating whether to add a contact phone number to my site.

For solo entrepreneurs managing their online storefronts, the decision to display a phone number can be nuanced. On one hand, providing a direct line of communication can boost customer trust and offer a convenient way for clients to reach out with questions or inquiries. On the other hand, as the sole individual behind the business, I’m cautious about being inundated with calls during busy working hours, which could disrupt productivity.

Is including a phone number still a valuable addition for small-scale or single-person e-commerce sites? Or is it sufficient to rely solely on email contact forms? In my case, leaving the contact option as an email address may strike the right balance—allowing customers to make inquiries without risking constant interruptions.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your business model, customer expectations, and how you prefer to manage communication. For many solopreneurs, clearly displaying an email address, along with detailed contact information and response time expectations, can be just as effective while maintaining efficient workflow and professional credibility.