Virtually non-existent half a decade ago, shopping online is now the fastest growing form of retailing.

Today, the web is brimming with online merchants leaving the impression that the Internet is a vast, freewheeling bazaar. But as online shopping and retailing continues to move into the mainstream, it’s important to take note of a few basics about to help grow your business or get your money’s worth.

Go for something different and unique
For both online merchants and shoppers, it’s best to offer and look at unique items. It may convenient to just click on the first thing that catches your eye, but there are a lot of fashion items available online offer a touch of personalization.

For Marge Abas of http://estrellasaccessories.multiply.com , it’s all about customizing according to her client’s preferences. “I create one-of-a-kind, hand made accessories and I make sure that what I have to offer my customers are unique in its own way,” she explains.

This idea is echoed by Valerie Mendoza and Jensen Gonzales of http://Y3Lhandpaintedshoes.multiply.com . “We have a lot of competition online for customized footwear, but our specialty, which are portraits is something that we are known for, in addition to the quality of our products.”

VJ Eugenio and his partner Ryan Crisostomo of http://coretemposhirts.multiply.com  focuses on local customization on a broader scale. Known for selling musically inspired shirts, his attention to detail shows in the quality of his wares. “Our cuts are specifically made to fit the Filipino body type and all shirts are designed by my business partner and produce only a maximum of 50 per design.”

Price Competitively
In addition to the convenience, competitive pricing is a distinct advantage that makes online retailers stand out in the industry.

Ronald Mabanag, fellow online entrepreneur who started his business— http://ronaldmabanag.multiply.com with the support of his partner and family began by putting his creativity into handmade, jewelry designing, which he sells at a margin of the price such items go for in regular shopping malls.

“Products like mine usually range at around 5 digits when sold at malls—I wanted my accessories to accessible to a lot of people; to reach a diverse group of customers—a broader market but still maintain the same quality and aesthetic, with a touch of personalization,” he enthused.

Online Interaction
Being online means you are able to interact with your customers regularly. Questions can be thrown in by customers and are actually encouraged by online retailers as it helps build their credibility on the net and allows them to highlight the kind of customer service that you can expect from doing business with them.

“Customers rely on feedback coming from customers. Build your reputation by having unique, high quality products and excellent customer service,” advises Rianna Trinidad, the online entrepreneur behind http://proudmamastore.multiply.com .

Make the Most Out of Technology
The availability of the Internet and other technology certainly makes building an online business easier for aspiring entrepreneurs and shopping easier for online shoppers. But it’s best to get to know the tools of the trade, inside and out.

“Take advantage of the many resources available to make running your business easier. Social networking sites like Multiply and Sandbox, make brand building, product promotion and customer relationship management simple and easy,” asserts Trinidad.

It also presents new opportunities for retailers and convenience for shoppers. Whereas a Google search for fashionable items for instance may bring back no less than half-a-million hits, new web portals like Sandbox offer a more streamlined way of narrowing down your search by categorizing merchants into specific divisions.

Dubbed as Digisoria, a moniker derived from the name of the country’s famed bargain shopping destination and the concept of shopping evolving into the digital realm, Sandbox culls a comprehensive collection of online merchants from different categories to create an online classified ads section that catalogs products and retailers according to their niche allowing shoppers to find what they want or need faster and easier.

Categories are meticulously divided for easy navigation through Digisoria, so that shoppers can quickly find the specific item they are looking for. For example, the fashion category is further divided into Clothes, Timepieces, Hair and Make-up, which lessens the hassle of going through page after page of posts before you can make your purchase.

This also makes it easier for sellers to reach their target market, since they can also leave a link to their homepage in their posts for interested buyers to see more of their merchandise. Other categories include Cameras, Videocams & Photography Equipment, Pets, Travel, Music, Sportswear & Sports Gear, Mobile Phones, Movies and Videos, Food & Snacks, House & Home, Bikes, Cars, & Trucks, Cooking & Baking , Toys & Hobbies, Books & Magazines, Audio-Video Equipment and Computers & Gadgets.

“Sites like Sandbox allows retailers like myself to take advantage of their streamlined system of online shopping. Everything is categorized; it’s specific and it’s niche. It’s a great concept and I’m really hoping to tap into a broader market,” shares Jen Advincula of http://totallychic.multiply.com , who is known for her made to order or custom made jeans and corporate uniforms.

Remember that at the end of the day, building a business online takes patience and determination. Align yourself with the right technology, be sure to interact and network—both online and off—and you will eventually build your credibility.

“Go into it with a basic plan. There’s no harm in starting small and building up your business from there,” shares Maegan Aguilar of http://maeganstar.multiply.com .

Check out the comprehensive selection that awaits online shoppers at Sandbox’s Digisoria, the newest local online directory for Internet merchants showcasing a wide collection of products and services, visit http://www.mysandbox.com