Things You'll Need:
- computer
- internet connection
- know how
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Step 1
First things first. Now that you have decided to open an online store you will need a tax id number. You ca get this online through your state. Try openforbusiness.gov for more info.
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Step 2
Next you will need a business checking account. This account should be separate from your personal account an should be in the business name. The starting balance to open one is normally between $50 - $500.
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Step 3
Next you will need product. You can start out with just a few a first and gradually add more as you go. If you need a wholesale supplier you might want to try wholesale411.com for some listings.
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Step 4
Now that you have products, the next step is to get an online store. You can get a free store through freewebs.com or you can make one for cheap at prestostore.com.
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Step 5
Next you will need a way for your customers to send you payment. Most customers feel comfortable with paypal.com or you can shop around for a credit card processing service. Once you have one make sure that you link your online store to your credit card processor.
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Step 6
Now that you are ready to open you will need to drive customers to your site. You can try freewebsubmission.com to be added to listings like aol & google for free.
Comments
efulfillment said
on 9/12/2009 One of the things to consider when searching for a shopping cart and payment gateway system is if you can easily upload your order fulfillment data to your outsourced fulfillment house.
My fulfillment company provides a list of web store systems such as Yahoo Stores and Volusion that automatically interface with our online fulfillment control pane. Details are posted on our website www.efulfillmentservice.com.
John Lindberg, President - EFULFILLMENT SERVICE
kveta said
on 11/8/2008 Good tip! Thank you for sharing
junkbox16117 said
on 11/7/2008 awesome info