| Jun. 08 2006 at 10:10 PM |
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This article is the Water Boy "you can do it!" article of SUN for me  So, all you online retail entrepreneurs (and I know there are plenty in the community!), how much were your start up costs? Is $20,000 a good ballpark for those still dreaming and saving?"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right."
paraphrased Henry Ford
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| Aug. 01 2006 at 2:20 PM |
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This was an interesting article to work on - clearly there are so many models for online retail, there's bound to be as many stories about how you started up as there are types of retail offerings; some can be successful with just a minimal amount of capital and a simple storefront.
In other cases a more expensive implementation is in order - in this case we tried to target a business that did require, in the mind of the business owner, a very polished look, as the visual presentation of the product (cards) is so key. But we certainly recognize that it's going to depend on the type of business and your target market. If you have a less visually-intensive product, or something that could function well through an inexpensive template or eBay/Yahoo store, that could drastically affect some of your costs.
chuck fuller
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| Aug. 02 2006 at 7:50 PM |
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From the standpoint of someone who is just learning, what are the methods and costs involved with building an inventory for an online retail business? Do I need to make contact with the producers and let them know of my interest to "carry" their product(s), or how does that work? (Assuming that I'm not selling my own, self-made products like this article).
Thanks!
Casey
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| Aug. 14 2006 at 3:06 PM |
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Hey AVgeek!
I am new as well, but yes, just decide what you want to carry (I went "undercover" (he he  ) to shops that served similar customers to whom I wanted to sell and just "shopped" for what I wanted to offer! I had a tiny spiral bound binder in my pockets on which I wrote down names, a short description to jog my memory later, prices, manufacturers, etc. It was kind of fun, actually, esp. if you like what you are trying to sell (which I also deeply recommend).
Then at home I found them on-line (beware, many companies are really just subsidiaries of much larger ones, so good web sleuthing skills are important!), and then I asked to speak with their sales reps. Usually they will be MORE than happy to sell you their products, many will even give a new business fairly good terms, net 30 or 60 (meaning get supplies now and pay in 30 or 60 days), although many will ask for at least the first order's payment up front. Best of luck!
-Baraka
StrangeAffections.com - sex positive, fine art t-shirts for the passionate sophisticate
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| Jul. 13 2007 at 12:43 PM |
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This article says you could secure domain names for less than $100 for a 2 year period. Now I know the article was written a while ago, but even when it was written, domains could be had for far less than that! You can get domains for less than $20 for a 2 year period at godaddy.com, the most popular and reputable registrar on the net.
I'm sure by now this is pretty much common knowledge, but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case.
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| Sep. 03 2007 at 12:54 PM |
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Since 1994, Coastal Impressions has provided our customers with friendly print, graphic design, web design and direct mail service with expert advice. Whether you're a new business, just starting out, or you want to update your look, Coastal Impressions can help your business make a great impression. From conceptualization to the finished product, Coastal Impressions can make your next project or promotion exactly as you envisioned. Coastal Impressions will meet your deadlines and your budget.
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| Sep. 06 2007 at 3:40 PM |
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Cost will depend on whether you use a drop ship vendor. For me, that
was a crucial point, as finances are tight and I have no room for inventory. It
is easier in my view to use drop ship vendors if possible.Katherine Appello
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| Sep. 09 2007 at 7:10 PM |
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Well, from Colombia I would say to Amy if you want to get graphic design works cheaper you must contract by internet artists from wherever country and spread the designs with creatives draws. I can help you Amy.
Bye
Diego
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