Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am in the process of starting an online retail business and have several questions.  I would love to find a mentor that has experience selling merchandise via an online store to ask questions of and advice from.  A couple of the questions I need help with are:

1)  Would "Quickbooks" or "Microsoft Small Business Accounting" be the better accounting program to use for a small online retail business?

2)  Is there any other software programs I should consider using to make things easier?

3)  I have located some Wholesalers but where is the best place to look for these contacts?  My business will be selling boxer breed related merchandise.

4)  Is it wise to hire someone to design my site so that I have more time to focus on other agenda with the company?  I am just wondering if this expense is a wise one and I am not especially computer savvy.

5)  If I hire someone to design my website, I would love to hear recommendations for website designers other retailers have had experience with.

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Beth Downey
BoxerHaus.com
The Ultimate Boxer Shopping Experience!
www.BoxerHaus.com

Don`t know how much of a mentor i could be but I`ll answer questions i can answer.

1. I`ve found any account software other than excel, and paper ledgers to be perfect for any business. Depending on how you setup your site some online services will export to quickbooks (which can then be imported into MS SBA). I`d pick the one you are comfortable with, and if you are working with an accountant already get there take on the two. More than likely you`ll be sending them reports from whichever software you choose so there input is important.

2. any software is better than just going at it, or trying to "make something up". true some are better than others, some offer more or less than others. Hence the reason it’s so important to get input from others. Sorry i can`t give real world experience, It`s been forever since i used QB, and i haven`t picked up MS SBA yet.

3. skipping this one.

4. It`s always best to go with a professional. If you check out the web site area of the forums you`ll find lots of great information related to this question. If you want to be taken seriously online then you site needs to reflect that. if you just throw something up there and aren`t serious about it there is a good chance visitors won`t take you seriously. Figure out a budget and then find the best bang for your buck.

5. You`ll get a million recommendations. My suggestion is to find someone local for your first draft. This way you can knock on a door and have a face to face if needed. Unless you think you can manage a remote designer I`d avoid them for now. If you want to go down this path i have a few people i can send you way, and I`m sure there are budding people in these forums just lurking and hoping for work.

Well I can help you on #3

You need to get a subscription to Pet Age and go see the H.H.Backer Christmas show in Chicago.  Oct 2006
This is all focused on pet wholesale to the small retail store.

When it comes to small business accounting software, Quickbooks is a much better choice. I have used it and I can tell you that out of my own experience. However, you should as you should speak with your CPA since he`ll will be theone doing your business taxes (you have one, right?). The CPA will suggest one that will make it easier for both of you to omport/export the accounting data without problems.
 In order to explain why, it would be helpful if you could explain what features are you looking for in the accounting software. Meaning, are you planning on having any employees, do you plan on have any inventory on hand, are you going to writing checks, things of that matter.

In regards to the website design, I would recommend that you would hire someone to do it for you, here`s why;

1. As you have mentioned, you are not computer savvy. For that matter, I would recommend that you hire someone and work closely with them so they can explain the design process and as well as the technology that he uses. This way you will be familiar at least in the begining with the terminology and the technology that is being used on your website. As time goes by, you can continue to learn slowly.

2. Hiring someone to design the website will allow you to focus on creating and running your business as opposed to doing everything yourself.

3. When you decide to hire a webdesigner, I recommend that you meet with few individuals if possible and speak with them about your business needs in terms of the website. Also, as a client you have the right to see their previous work. And, if they are proud of their work and have a history of past work then they will not be hesitant to show-off their creations.
If you have anymore questions please feel free to ask.


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Skype Me!!! @ tomaszpw
Rate Me.

For the website stuff, just go to http://www.Elance.com You can find over-seas people to build you a nice site at a reasonable price.

 

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Bryan C. Fleming

http://www.BryanCFleming.com

Pet Business is a good trade magazine as well and has a more sophisticated  approach to pet business development than other magazines.  Also they have a nice site for finding industry folks.

I agree with Joneses on the Web development, you need to look professional, there are simply too many goofy pet sites out there.  But before you approach a developer, absolutely know in your mind what you want the site to be.

Best of luck!

1.  I recommend Quickbooks.  We`ve been using for more than 15 yrs., and they are there when you need help.

2.  Suggest looking into Paypal Merchant Tools. 

4/5.  Truly recommend web design expertise to help you determine the look and the feel of your website.  A website is ever changing because your business will be changing. You may find you go through a couple of designers before finding the person who will be your best collaborator. 

I guess my first question is ...

Do you want to be a millionaire?

Do you have the desire, to fortitude, the dream, the guts to "risk it all" ... to succeed?

Mentoring is easy ... its easy to help folks stay on track ... if they really have the desire.

The hard part to mentoring is finding, nuturing, grooming, and inspiring those few that truly have the desire to succeed.... but may lack the confidence to strike out on their own.

If you have the true DESIRE to succeed ... and are looking to "break into" on-line retailing, please feel free to contact me. I enjoy helping others to "reach for the stars". Who knows, you may just grab one!!

I recall when I was first starting to dream about GoTruckStop.com ... an associate was concerned what would happen if GoTruckStop.com failed. He reminded me that the resources I was investing was a lot of money. He asked ... "What if it fails?"

My response to him was ... "What if it works?"

And I`ve never looked back yet. Give me a call, if you feel I can help.

Thomas (TJ) Graff
Dir. of Sales and Marketing
GoTruckStop.com
The BEST Trucking and Gift Store Ever!!
http://www.gotruckstop.com
tgraff@gotruckstop.com
480/544/4671

Thomas (TJ) Graff,

That was a great post and was rewarded appropriately.  I am impressed very much so and will have to build a dialog with you.

 

Mike

Thank you for the kind words. If you feel that I might be able to assist you ... in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. And best of luck in everything you do.