Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I need feedback on my business idea.  I would like to start an online marketplace selling within a niche product category (ie: Bikes and related apparel), for small specialty retailers.  My biggest question is cash flow.  Would this type of business make money if only charging a small listing fee and/or a 5-10% commission per sale?  I'm concerned that this type of business model is doomed unless it becomes big like the site Etsy.com or Ebay.com Any feedback you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

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Well... You can't expect to make a living on it at first.  Some thoughts: You need a wholesale dropshipper who sells your type of items.  Do a google search for one, then google that company for their reputation because dropshipping has a lot of bad apples in it.

The advantage to a good dropshipper is that you aren't paying up front for inventory, which saves you a lot.  If you find one, you might consider setting up an Ebay store to keep your costs down and test the water for how much market interest there is in your merchandise. I understand that you have a bigger scope in mind, but it's important to first do something that brings in some income.  That will help you grow bit-by-bit.  If you get too far ahead of yourself, it's very easy to lose it all.

The key to doing anything on the web is knowing how to promote it and get yourself seen.  On my website, I have a section devoted to many pages of free or almost free marketing ideas which you might find helpful.  Promote It should help give you some ideas.