If you are not familiar with Shop.org already, they are a leading membership community for Online retailers that assists with industry happenings such as networking, research, learning resources and more. They host several events over the course of a year and provide a lot of advocacy related to the online selling and shopping spaces.

Shop.org recently announced through a press release and on their blog that they are now expanding their industry reach and plan to become major advocates for public policy related to Online sellers, merchants and the industry as a whole. As part of the new jump into advocacy, Shop.org is creating the first ever Policy Advisory Group, comprised of online retail executives, designed to identify potential issues for Online retailers and provide guidance in advocacy efforts.

Here are a few quotes from individuals who plan on taking part in this new initiative:

The online retail industry needs a strong voice in the policy arena to match its growing economic force. Conversations about online retailers are happening on Capitol Hill and it is time that Shop.org became a part of them.

Though multichannel retailers share many of the same concerns as other companies, the online community consistently faces a number of specialized issues that do not affect stores. By focusing on the specific needs of online retailers, Shop.org will be able to expand upon the work that NRF has already accomplished in this area.

Shop.org plans to focus on two main issues which Online retailers face. The first of which is a “spyware bill” that has essentially become more of a general online privacy bill. the bill is being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives and would essentially require online shoppers to “opt in” before an Online retailer could collect any personal information. In addition, they plan to tackle credit card interchange, which requires merchants to pay a percentage of their sales back to the credit card company. This percentage is especially damaging for eTailers who are required to pay card not present fees, which can be fifty percent higher than what traditional merchants pay.

How to find out more and get involved:

It helps to become a member of Shop.org. You can do that by applying here.

Membership benefits include:

• Network with a community of experienced Internet and multichannel retail executives
• Benchmark your performance against other retail companies
• Learn best practices and the latest trends in online marketing and merchandising
• Get discounted rates to attend the industry’s premier networking events
• Receive free research reports

From Shop.org: To learn more about these and other issues, I invite industry participants to join us for a policy brief at our upcoming Annual Summit in Las Vegas. The brief, which is scheduled for Wednesday, September 19, from 7:45 – 8:45 am, features Liz Oesterle, NRF’s VP, Government Relations Counsel and Steve Pfister, NRF’s SVP, Government Relations and chief lobbyist.

Note from eCopt: RE:Disclosure - I do not get compensated for anyone who joins Shop.org and I do not make any money off recommending Shop.org memberships. I choose to report on stories I personally find interesting and in no way receive kick-backs, special deals or any other type of compensation.