For many people that have dreamed of starting a small business, the Internet has truly become a godsend. Whether it's an offshoot of an existing business or something created out of thin air, the world of e-commerce has exploded alongside the Internet in the last 20 years. However, a prospective small business owner still needs to double check a few things before hanging up their virtual shingle and hoping the money starts rolling in. As with the brick and mortar stores, doing the research before taking the plunge is vital. Putting in the hard work to make sure all is well will certainly be a need in the long run.