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Internet Retailing
I hope this isn't considered a misuse of the site.
Thanks to the recession, I recently lost half of my job and am now at home for two and a half days a week as a part-time house husband, with quite a lot of time on my hands, trying hard not to sink into a pit of pessimism and inertia.
I'd like to start up a small online shop, selling.... well, what ?
Can I call on The Massive for some help with this ? I'd be interested to hear any thoughts on (a) gaps in the online marketplace you may have noticed, (b) products you buy or would buy on the internet or (c) things you consider particularly well suited to buying on the internet. Also, it would be great to receive any tips from people who have, or have had, experience of running an internet shop.
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Think of something you love...
...and sell that. Don't expect to make a fortune. If you can design your own site, all the better. Negotiate hard with Paypal for a low commission. Start a blog, use Twitter, (so you appear in searches) get your mates interested. Try to find a different angle.
If I knew of any gaps in the market Roy, I would already have filled them myself! Best of luck, sir. I'm working in online at the moment and its not easy.
Thanks, Richie
That's much appreciated. And best of luck with your venture/s. I know nothing is easy at the moment.
Selling is selling
Something that would be hot on the high street will also be hot online. I would focus on finding the right product rather than necessarily looking for gaps online. You could sell it from a wheelbarrow outside your house, from a store or online. It's essentially the same thing.
Is it?
The trouble (and the opportunity) with the internet is that geography is no longer a differentiator. If I have a good product, good price and good service, I might be able to sell something "hot" outside my house if there was no local competition. But if I try to sell something hot on the internet like iPods, I have to compete with Amazon, Ebay, Tescos, etc. etc.
Personally I'd be going for something specialised - "niche" products or services. But thinking of something like that is not so easy.
As niche as niche can get...
but I'm desperately searching for some proper Cuban heeled, pointy-toed Chelsea boots in women's sizes. Can't find them anywhere.
Watching The Weakest Link....(stay with me)
...the other day and a woman says she was an online retailer when pressed it was Bee Keeping suits - can't get more niche than that!!!!
Also
Look at services. What are you skilled in that other people might need ? Sell yourself.
Depending on what you're selling
Amazon Marketplace is well worth a look. A few minor drawbacks but a steady stream of buyers.
Whatever you sell
Just remember the tiny percentage of disgruntled customers will drive you potty. They will bitch about everything that will probably be beyond your control. Just think of the many satisfied customers and keep doing what you do.
Thanks, this is all useful stuff...
please keep it coming
Technical description
Are you technically minded? If so selling relatively unusual electrical accessories is a possibility. The key thing is to research the possible market and ensure your technical descriptions meet it. There have been many occasions where I've bought something from a higher priced retailer simply because they managed to explain that what the item will do for me eg don't describe a cable as USB A to USB B but say that it's "perfect for printers", you might even say it's "perfect for Epsom Printers". The more specific your details, the more likely your site will come up in search engines as well.
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