Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

This is my first post on this forum, thanks for taking the time to read it. I am a college student who really wants to start my own business at first part time then expanding after graduation.  In doing the life planning activities I found that one of the things I really is enjoy, and am quite good at, finding things for much cheaper than their retail value.

To give an example, I`m engaged and I bought the ring with no help from my parents or friends. It has a total of two carats of stone, is custom designed and I`ve had it appraised (and insured) for $7,500.  Total cost I paid just bellow $1000.  As a note, no it isn`t stolen, or a blood diamond, yes I am sure. 

I know that all businesses need things, often quickly, delivered to their door and cheap.  I`m sure I could provide that service and make enough of a commission doing it to make the amount of money I want.

If you were doing it how would you approach businesses and market yourself? I know I can do it but how do I convince owners/ office managers that I can find what they need in a timely manner?

Thanks,

    Will

 

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"Do not bow your head. Do not know your place. Defy the gods. You will be astonished how many of them turn out to have feet of clay."- Salman Rushdie

Very interesting idea and congraduations on the purchase of your wedding ring...you will have to explain to me sometime how you did that.

However, back to your business idea, i think the toughest thing would be to explain to companies who already have someone doing it, even if it is just their assistant to have you do it.  Also if we are talking about office supplies it would be hard to brake the contracts some companies might be in.  Or if it is major equipment there are probably to few suppliers of that equipment to have any major impact on price.

I think it would be a really tough sell as a stand alone "product/service" however if you added it to some other service it could give you a great leg up on the competition.

Ps Send me an email in regards to the purchase of your wedding ring, i`m in the market myself and I would love some advice.


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Erik
www.usspin.com
www.unitedbusinessalliance.com

What would be your investment if you gave it a shot? Some business cards, a cell phone? Doesn`t sound to me like there`s much downside.

Knowledge has value. If you can do what you say, no doubt there`s a market. Start out with a no-risk guarantee. If you can`t deliver at least a specified savings they owe you nothing. You could probably make a good living buying diamond rings for people who have more money than time but still wouldn`t mind saving enough to pay a good part of the honeymoon. 

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Steve`s got a good point... maybe you should go into gems. 

I was contemplating your question and  thinking about my office supply and packing/shipping supply needs.  Currently, I need to order 6" x 6" x 6" cube boxes for shipping and I need them fast however I`ve never ordered them online and so I have to shop them.  I hate shopping.  Too many choices, too many price differentials, too much hassle all equals much wasted time for me.  In other words, I`d welcome your services however how would I know I`m getting the best price?  Show me the $$$AVINGS!!!   Getting them just-in-time is as important. 

I agree with Erik`s comment.... it would be a tough sell as a stand alone.    As far as marketing- you`d have to wrap other products and services around this idea, get some small accounts started and then in time build upon your reputation for quality low cost products delivered just-in-time.

 

Going into gems might be an idea, but to say something about the original.

My thoughts weren`t guaranteeing getting  the best price, but getting a better price than you`re getting now.  I`d have to ask what you need, when you need it and then what you`re paying now.

Then I`d shop around, and see if I could beat it.  If I can`t you don`t owe me a dime, only the cost of the product and you didn`t waste any more time searching than calling me and saying what when and how much.

I think you hit on the real appeal of the service.  It`s not how much you save, that`s a bonus, it`s how much less hassel you`ve got to deal with.  It`s like having an assistant who`s even more motivated to save you time and money because they only pay if you get a price you`re already paying or better.

As for bundling with other services, I was thinking that networking with concierge, book-keeping and virtual assistant programs would be a good way to create business. 

 

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"Do not bow your head. Do not know your place. Defy the gods. You will be astonished how many of them turn out to have feet of clay."- Salman Rushdie

Will.... for me it`s savings and convenience.  As an entrepreneur I want the cake but I want to eat it too!