Where to start?

[Karma]

Hi,

I'd like to make the move in to eCommerce by starting an online shop.

I've been working on both corporate/retail websites for over 8 years (full-time employment) and have created/promoted a number of content websites in my spare time and these do rather well. I've also developed a number of website for people, including two Zen Cart installations.

In all honesty, I feel I have enough skills to run a business and create/promote an online shop.

My question is, where the hell do I start in terms of sourcing products?

Let's say I have an idea for a shop (which I kind of do) - where the hell would I find a supply source for these products at a reasonable cost?

For example, if I've seen the products I want to sell on another (badly promoted etc) website, how should I start seeking down the supplier?

Hope someone can help, loads of other questions building up in my head!

[Karma]

Reading up on this, it looks like my options are either drop-ship, wholesale/trade account or import myself.

Would still like to know how I'd actually find the products I'd like to sell.

[lorax]

Here's the deal as I see it.

If you find a ready made list of sources that provide the products you wish to sell - then you can bet the manufacturers/sources have already have other people also selling the product - e.g. competition for you. It's better for you to find sources that are NOT on lists.

How to do this? Trade magazines & shows, contact trade organizations and the economic development offices in the countries that may have what you're looking for. Ultimately, you're looking for an inside connection with a manufacturer that has a need/desire for someone like you. Good sources take time to find and cultivate.

[Karma]

Thanks Lorax :)

I've decided on what I'm going to be selling but as always I'm making the task more difficult on myself by selling different types of products that are linked only by the topic (if that makes sense).

What would you recommend I do now once I've decided on a shopping cart system? Create a list of products I'd like to sell and then start searching for suppliers?

[bwnbwn]

karma since it looks like you have no contacts in the industry your getting into my advice is to start with one line make contact with a supplier and see how you do.

[Karma]

You're right, I have no contacts in the industry.

Say I want to sell blue widgets, how would I find blue widget suppliers/manufactures if I can't find them via search?

Thanks for the help guys

[ssgumby]

If you know the manufacturer of the blue widget, you call them and ask who you could use for a distributor.

[Karma]

Well I don't know any manufactures as yet but I'll do that as soon as I have a complete list of products.

I've decided to go for the "PrestaShop" cart system and I'm having a $120 logo designed which should be done next week.

I have a rough list of products that I want in my store and next I hope to find the brands/exact product to aim for.

The plan then is to fill my store with some dummy products and make the site look professional before approaching any drop-shippers/manufactures etc. The default for my site will be drop-ship all products until I find a better/cheap source.

Shout if I'm missing anything or going down the wrong route :)

[gpilling]

You could make your own widgets by using contract manufacturers in your area. You would be amazed at what you do that way. I have one product line that I 'make' by having one shop build the product, another makes the packaging and I assemble the unit when someone orders it. about 5 minutes per item to 'make' it.

[morehawes]

I know someone who is the sole European supplier for a US manufacturer. They got this by just writing to the manufacturer with a simple trade request and after a few conversations they ended up getting on really well together. As the relationship grew so did the business and these days manufacturers contact them pestering to take on their products!

It's better for you to find sources that are NOT on lists.

I completely agree with lorax - spend time finding manufacturers and strike up a personal connection with them. It's going to help you stand out from the rest.