Starting an e-commerce business can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some key points to know before starting an e-commerce business:

1. Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify a profitable niche or product. Analyze competitors, target audience, and market demand. Tools like Google Trends, Keyword Planner, and industry reports can provide valuable insights.

2. Business Plan: Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target market, marketing strategies, financial projections, and operational details. This will serve as a roadmap for your e-commerce business.

3. Platform Selection: Choose the right e-commerce platform that suits your business needs. Popular options include Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and BigCommerce. Consider factors like ease of use, scalability, customization options, payment gateways, and integrations.

4. Website Design and User Experience: Invest in a visually appealing and user-friendly website design. Ensure it is mobile-responsive, fast-loading, and optimized for search engines. Provide clear navigation, intuitive product categorization, and secure checkout processes.

5. Product Sourcing and Inventory Management: Determine how you will source your products, whether through manufacturing, dropshipping, or wholesaling. Establish reliable suppliers and develop efficient inventory management systems to prevent stockouts or excess inventory.

6. Payment Gateway and Security: Set up secure payment gateways to process customer transactions. Popular options include PayPal, Stripe, and Square. Implement SSL certificates and other security measures to protect customer data and build trust.

7. Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Develop a robust marketing strategy to attract customers. Utilize a mix of digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, influencer collaborations, and paid advertising.

8. Customer Service and Retention: Provide exceptional customer service to build trust and loyalty. Offer multiple channels for customer support, such as live chat, email, and phone. Implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track customer interactions and personalize marketing efforts.

9. Logistics and Shipping: Determine how you will handle order fulfillment, shipping, and returns. Research shipping carriers, negotiate rates, and optimize packaging to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

10. Analytics and Optimization: Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and customer lifetime value. Use data-driven insights to optimize your marketing, product offerings, and user experience.

It is important to note that this answer provides a general overview, and each aspect mentioned can be further explored in detail. Additionally, seeking advice from experts, attending e-commerce conferences, and joining relevant communities can provide valuable insights and references for starting an e-commerce business.