Decide what you want to sell. Find a niche and be prepared to offer content that relates to your merchandise.
Step2
Hire a Web developer and database engineer to set up your Web site as well as the fulfillment process that will allow you to track inventory, accept and fill orders, and handle shipping tasks.
Step3
Set up a toll-free line and be prepared to staff it at least during normal business hours.
Step4
Contact manufacturers' representatives and tell them about your Web site and your strategy for selling their goods.
Step5
Amass an inventory of goods, but keep it fairly thin until you have a good gauge of demand for your products.
Step6
Mention your products and services in articles that appear on your Web site; for example, if you sell tennis shoes, offer articles that help visitors select the best shoes for their needs.
Step7
Work with other Web sites that sell gear related to yours or that provide content that is related to your product line.
Step8
Market your wares. Reach agreements with other Web sites. Send press releases to magazines and journals that cover your niche.
Tips & Warnings
Be prepared for manufacturers to reject you. Many don't want to work with start-up Web sites.
Keep your inventory as lean as you can. It is easier to order more goods from the manufacturer than it is to pay for unsold goods.
When you are ready to expand the operation and hire more staff, consider seeking capital from a venture-capital firm. But wait until you have a track record.
on 5/15/2008
Great article, very helpful insight! I have started over 30 online businesses over the last 10 years and have learned a great deal from my experience. I have written a short blog about my experience along with some tips that I have found to be essential to starting a successful business online. You can read my blog here: http://startasuccessfulbusinessonline.blogspot.com
on 5/15/2008
Great article, very helpful insight! I have started over 30 online businesses over the last 10 years and have learned a great deal from my experience. I have written a short blog about my experience along with some tips that I have found to be essential to starting a successful business online. You can read my blog here: http://startasuccessfulbusinessonline.blogspot.com
on 8/13/2006
When starting a business online, don't treat it like a hobby. If you treat it like a hobby, you'll definitely get paid like it's a hobby. Whatever you do, do not give up. If you aim for failure, you will definitely hit it.
on 11/22/2005
Also research: Do you need a tax ID number, how to prepare tax forms, business insurance for Web site/inventory, and much more than what is said right here.
Comments
kevkev227 said
on 5/15/2008 Great article, very helpful insight! I have started over 30 online businesses over the last 10 years and have learned a great deal from my experience. I have written a short blog about my experience along with some tips that I have found to be essential to starting a successful business online. You can read my blog here: http://startasuccessfulbusinessonline.blogspot.com
kevkev227 said
on 5/15/2008 Great article, very helpful insight! I have started over 30 online businesses over the last 10 years and have learned a great deal from my experience. I have written a short blog about my experience along with some tips that I have found to be essential to starting a successful business online. You can read my blog here: http://startasuccessfulbusinessonline.blogspot.com
Anonymous said
on 8/13/2006 When starting a business online, don't treat it like a hobby. If you treat it like a hobby, you'll definitely get paid like it's a hobby. Whatever you do, do not give up. If you aim for failure, you will definitely hit it.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Startup is expensive. Keep costs down by shopping for business "spare parts". Find good deals at sites like tradeyoursite.com.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Also research: Do you need a tax ID number, how to prepare tax forms, business insurance for Web site/inventory, and much more than what is said right here.