The first thing to note is even though you have built a loyal customer base by selling on other websites, starting your own will require a lot of work to build the type of traffic you will need in order to lead your potential customers to actually making a purchase.
Statistics show that for approximately every 100 customers that visits your website, only 1 to 3 of them will actually buy anything.
These figures are very different from those on sites such as eBay where buyers are coming in ready to make a purchase.
As well, many customers have less reservations about buying through eBay due to the insurance protection programs that they have in place.
Selling from your own website requires that you build that customer confidence yourself.
You are unknown to the general public so you must be willing to work hard to make yourself known.
Besides getting the word out about your new venture you must also populate your store with products as well as useful and relevant content.
If you are not too computer savvy, it would probably be in your best interest to hire a web developer to design it for you.
You can find many reliable website designers online.
You don't have to start out with a very elaborate site, spending thousands of dollars from the start.
What you can do is finance your start up costs from your current business instead of from your pocket book.
As time goes on, you can upgrade your store as your budget permits, since you will need funds to purchase product and run the day to day affairs of the business.
Ecommerce means competing with other niche sellers located all over the world.
You must set yourself apart from the rest.
It is important to not compete on price alone, but offer outstanding service and showing your customers that you are an expert in your field.
Demonstrating to them that you are truly committed to their needs even after the initial sale will hopefully encourage repeat business and a very successful following.