Creating Shopping Sites for Commission

Client does not want to increase his business

[Tsuren]

I have tried to offer for couple of people “e-shop for free”. Client provides me filled database of merchandizes then I create an e-shop. Sometimes I make several shops. It does not matter. The shop has friendly administrative interface, contents shipping module etc blah-blah-blah. I make design for my expenses; I make promotion for my expenses… I do not ask for payment in advance.
Clint starts to pay me after he starts to gat some money. He pays me several percents of income. Sounds like I sell money in a cache register. Actually it’s true. I do sell money in a cache register.

BUT!

I have been having problem with one of my client. He is very happy he earns a lot of extra money with me but he is lazy. He is too lazy. He does not work with customers properly (He can even to forget to send an order). He does not make photos and description for a new merchandizes (more than a month). Looks like he is full and he does not want to increase his business. He is very busy buying collectible Alfa-Romeo, superb poppy etc.

I am not worrying about him. I am trying to imagine a way to escape the same situation in the future.

Who has some ideas?

______________________________
Sorry for my English. I did not speak English at all just several months ago.

[edited by: stuntdubl at 7:09 pm (utc) on June 27, 2004]
[edit reason] no e-mail drops please [/edit]

[danieljean]

It's a business model that has worked for several people I know. The trouble is always finding reliable clients! :)

For this customer, I would stop all PPC and other advertising until they paid attention to orders. Maybe they need to hire an extra person to do this? They won't do well unless they fulfill orders and give decent customer service. If they can't do that, you won't do well either.

I'd start looking for other customers. Do background checks- how long have they been in business, what is their credit rating, what are margins in their sector, etc... Since a lot of people accept this offer, it's ok to spend a bit more time researching and lowering your risks.