New to Ecommerce

Thinking about jumping on the bandwagon.

[baxuyen]

I'm thinking seriously about getting into ecommerce. After much reading. I'm thinking about starting of as an ebay seller, and try to build up revenue to a point where i can have my own inventory.

The reason for this is because of the line of products that I want to sell require me to have alot of capital to start up. With the 20k that I have to start up. I won't be able to start with a broad enough inventory database to make my site(company) attractive to customers.

With the money I will have to pay for sales tax, packaging, etc... Should i still consider this.

Or should i try to re-dress my business plan for the purpose of seeking outside funding.

Any Input is more than welcome.

thank you.

[shri]

Depending on the product, might be worth your time to look at someone who is selling them locally in your area and see if you can partner with them and sell from their inventory.

Lots of small businesses who're not or unable to focus on the online side of things who could use a good partner who'll take on the risks of going online.

[webtress]

Perhaps you can forge a droppshipper type of relationship with wholesalers of the product, this way you don't have to hold the inventory and can use your funds for marketing.

[baxuyen]

I do have a list of about 100+++ manufacture and wholesaler for my products, but what i don't have is a list of dropshipper. I did try to search for dropshipper in my field, but getting nothing back. Should I just call those company up and ask if they are willing to drop ship for me?

[shri]

Yeah. Try locally if possible.. that way atleast you know who you're dealing with and can work towards a partnership that has potential.

[willybfriendly]

If you are looking for a drop shipper, personal contact is almost certainly necessary. Be sure you know your market and your margins before you start negotiations.

WBF

[baxuyen]

After searching some more I found a dropshipper. I want some opinions on their fees. I want to know if this is a decent price to pay for dropshipping.

Drop Ship fee per order is $1.50.
*If a tracking number is required there is an additional charge of $1.50
*Drop Ship orders are charged actual UPS residential shipping rates
* Minimum order for drop ship orders is $10
*Orders under $50 are charged an additional $2 handling fee
*All orders must be e-mailed or faxed, no phone orders are accepted
*We only ship orders via UPS and to points within the USA
*Orders placed by 2:00 pm CST will ship same day on in-stock items
*All drop ship customers must have a verified credit card on file or qualify for open account
*We will exchange any defective product for the first 30 days from date of purchase with the exception of woofers. All woofers must be returned to their respective manufacturer for warranty repair. Items that show abuse will be returned to your customer
*All returns require a Return Authorization number and must be returned to us freight prepaid. Once the defective product has been received and checked in, a replacement unit will be shipped freight prepaid to your customer
*Any items that are returned for credit will be charged a 20% restocking fee. Only items that are brand-new and in re-sellable condition will be considered for credit.