There are many different types of E-com and quite a lot don't involve shipping at all.
Just go on to a site like flippa, or empire flippers. Look at whats for sale, and think about which ones you could re-create for a different niche or area.
Seriously, just spend a few hours on this subject and you'll have answers to most of the questions you would otherwise ask.
Build E-Com. It's relatively low effort to get started, there is no reason you can't spend 6 hours a week for the next 3 months testing the waters.
is this attainable in a remote area, like alaska. or would we be better off an alternative to ecom? I fear the shipping costs would be ridiculous
There are many different types of E-com and quite a lot don't involve shipping at all.
Just go on to a site like flippa, or empire flippers. Look at whats for sale, and think about which ones you could re-create for a different niche or area.
Seriously, just spend a few hours on this subject and you'll have answers to most of the questions you would otherwise ask.