When I recently advised a couple on how to make their decision on baby bedding, I realized that I could provide definite criteria, where once I'd have made an irrational choice. These are all things I've learned from starting my own e-business.

Quality is important. I found out early on that it was important to have a good quality website otherwise customers wouldn't buy. Quality tends to be expensive. The same is true when choosing a baby quilt. You don't want appliques that detach, edges that fray or seams that come apart. Your quilt has to stand up to a fair degree of punishment and a great deal of cleaning. Buy cheap and it's likely you'll spend more because you'll have to buy more than once.

E-store Policies. When I set up my website I spent time and effort creating a return policy which would help buyers decide to take the risk of buying a product they had not seen. It is important that buyers know they can send the product back if it isn't what they wanted. If you are choosing a baby quilt online, be sure to check the stores return policy. You should also check the shipping cost. It may be cheaper to buy from a local, physical store, or from another where the price looks higher but includes free shipping.

Be patient. When I started my e-business I expected things to happen in a short time. Then I found that it takes time to build a store and a reputation on the web, just as it does offline. Most worthwhile things take time, but for some reason people assume products sold online will ship immediately. If you order a handmade baby quilt you may have to wait, but it will be worth it because you'll receive a hand crafted item.

Take time to research. When you set up an e-business you are faced with a lot of conflicting advice which can be very confusing. I've learned that I have to take my time to read what the gurus say and then apply some common sense and make up my own mind.

You are looking for the best for your baby. No doubt the experts disagree on what that is. Do you feel that pastel colors are best for babies because they are still recovering from the shock of birth, or do you prefer something brighter? Do you enjoy traditional designs or feel your prefer something that is not gender specific? Do you think something personalized will help your baby develop a sense of self? The advice is out there, but the decision has to be yours.

E-business and baby quilts may seem very different, but as with all areas of life, what you learn from one, can be used in another.