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Sweeper09

posts: 2

Feb 02, 2008 4:35 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I have a new online business that I am starting and I have $7500.00 to start this business with. I know its not a lot but it`s enough to get me started.
 
My problem is this, I can invest $3000.00 of my capital towards a software program that will allow me to sell a better product at double the price. But this will leave me with fewer funds for marketing and acquiring customers.
 
If I do not purchase this program, then my product although still good it will not be as good as the one produce by the software, but I can still make a nice return on my investment, it would just make things more time consuming. Plus I will have more funds to put towards marketing and building a customer base. 
 
Any advise would be appreciated!
Feb 02, 2008 8:15 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi,
 
Always concentrate on two things: providing the best product you can and creating a great brand for your company.  That`s where you need to put your budget.  I have someone who does amazing websites for small business, at an equally amazing price.  You also need to find a graphic designer who will create a logo/brand for you at the right price.  There are so many marketing tools to use, especially using SEO and some DIY PR to get started.  Sales will be all you.
 
Know this, just about everyone goes to the web to research and find products and companies their looking for so make the most of it.  Let your brand and high quality product speak to potential customers. 
 
You`ve come to the right place to find out how to stretch your budget.   Contact me if you`re interested in learning more on DIY PR and how it can translate into sales and to get contacts that will help you get to where you need to be affordably.
 
Best,
Jennifer 
robertj

posts: 1458

Feb 03, 2008 12:47 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I have a new online business that I am starting and I have $7500.00 to start this business with. I know its not a lot but it`s enough to get me started.
 
My problem is this, I can invest $3000.00 of my capital towards a software program that will allow me to sell a better product at double the price. But this will leave me with fewer funds for marketing and acquiring customers.
 
If I do not purchase this program, then my product although still good it will not be as good as the one produce by the software, but I can still make a nice return on my investment, it would just make things more time consuming. Plus I will have more funds to put towards marketing and building a customer base. 
 
Any advise would be appreciated!

A few comments / questions:
1 Are you certain that this investment will enable you to sell your product for double the price?
2. If so, then how long (or how many sales) will it take for you to recover your investment?
3. Compare the first year results (numbers) for the two options.
4. If you choose not to invest - what is your exposure if someone else does?
 


-------------------------

Business Growth Masters, LLC -
Capital Catalysts for Entrepreneurs
Home of the Scalable Business Plan and QuikStart Capital Programs
http://www.bizgrowthmasters.com
info@bizgrowthmasters.com


derekm

posts: 4

Feb 03, 2008 12:49 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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I agree with both comments above.  Anything you do in your business you should take a minute to evaluate the Return on Investment (ROI).  That ROI is crucial and depending on what it is you purchase for $3,000 it may simply not give you the best bang for your buck.



-------------------------

Derek - Entrepreneur
Abandoned Word
Abandoned Word is a unique dictionary that allows users to add their own definitions of a word.
http://www.abandonedword.com
CraigL

posts: 9051

Feb 04, 2008 12:39 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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If you`re confident that this $3K investment will make the product better, and increase sales, then it comes down to a psychological problem of fear.

You`re afraid that the product might not sell, and the business won`t take off or even work in the first place. Then you`ll have to push it, hoping to build it on marketing hype rather than factual quality. If that`s the case, then you don`t have a viable product in the first place and the business will cycle up...then gradually die of customer apathy.

On the other hand, if you believe in the product and can demonstrate that it has a market, it`s a good idea, saves people time or money, and solves problems, then the better the product the more likely it`ll start to succeed on its own merits. At that point, you`ll make back your initial investment and use the money "again" to increase your marketing.

So: How confident are you in your product? :-)
oakallstar

posts: 3

May 31, 2009 9:15 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hello All,
I will be moving and most likely will not have a job by the time I move. I dread working the normal 9-5 hours and would like to start my own company, preferably online. The problem is I`m having a hard time figuring out exactly what to do. I have lots of interests such as being green (upcycling/recycling), solar -related items, electronics, dogs, sports, to name a few. I love working with my hands and was thinking about possibly creating a new product and selling it. I need help please. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
patentandtrademark

posts: 1332

Jun 01, 2009 6:39 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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walk dogs

-------------------------

James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com
CraigL

posts: 9051

Jun 02, 2009 1:16 AM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hi there :-)
I`m not sure if you`ve looked at various forum categories here on Startup Nation, but your question is about as open-ended as possible. This is, after all, a site about entrepreneurship and starting businesses. When you boil it down, your question is the reason for this site: "How do I start a business?"

My suggestion would be to start with the basics, here on this site. For example, looking at the main menu at Startup Nation, you`ll see a "Step-By-Step" tab. The first item link is the 10 Steps to Open for Business.

Startup Nation was created by the Sloan brothers who started their own business. They wrote a book about it, then formed this web site. The information they put together comes from a significant amount of experience and from talking with countless people who want to start a business.

So the first bit of advice is to take the time to do a little basic reading or research. Many people believe their problem or question is unique, never seen before in the history of mankind. In fact, that`s almost never the case.
CraigL2009-6-2 1:16:40
RanksIntl

posts: 16

Jun 06, 2009 4:44 PM ET    Quote  Report Abuse
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Hello!
 
So, not only do you need a business idea but once you have one you are going to need an idea on how to start a business.  There`re lots of sites out there that give you business ideas so start by doing some research.  My homepage has a link to business ideas but there are tons of other sites out there with ideas.  Do the research, sticks with your interest, take it one step at a time.  If you do have any concrete ideas I would love to hear about them and see if there is a way to turn them into a business!
 


-------------------------

Renee` Rankine
renee.rankine@ranksintl.com
http://www.RanksIntl.com
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