Is it safe?
Experts and Analysts repeatedly argue that it is much more safer to use credit card in the net than in real life situations. The hesitation in the minds of public are soon expected to vanish.

Encrypting standards such as SET, evolved by Visa & MasterCard will not allow even the merchants server to see the Card Number and widely favoured by the banks. This, and secure link such as SSL avoiding anyone peeking at your information, together makes it much safer than handing your card to a shop assistant exposing your no. & name, and yes even your signature.

Is it viable?
Will anybody buy on-line what can be had around the corner?
Well, that would be an over-kill. But then, there are people who use mobile phone to call someone upstairs just because they got it in their hands.

Habitual (or Laziness) excesses apart, if internet communication becomes still cheaper (it will) and if it can be accessed in Mobile Phones, Handheld PDAs, TVs etc., (it's already there). We are bound to do most of our purchasing via internet.

Don't worry about the low level of Credit Card Population in Asian Countries. Banks are rushing for on-line transaction setup. Even if credit card will not become common place, simple Savings account holders will soon get pay card, with which they can pay as much as they have in their accounts online.

Can Small businesses withstand?
Internet is a great leveler. Small businesses have equal opportunities as large players. If you have a product that is unique & not many companies are making it. Then, e-Commerce is likely to give a quantum leap of your business.

Travel, Hotel industry & Bookshops, Computer spares vendors are seeing significant gains and reaches for their business.