Selling Household Goods Door 2 Door

RS1987

Hi guys,

First time poster long time viewer.

Looking for some advice on a simple idea that I have.

I am thinking of purchasing special offer and discounted products from the North and selling them down here.

E.g Branded washing powder, Fabric Conditioner, bleach, toilet paper etc..

My mark up would be about 25-35%

I would be selling the goods door2door in working class areas(mostly) like Crumlin, Walkinstown, Kimmage, Inchicore etc...

Does anyone think this idea is a runner?

The goods would be 25-40% cheaper than Tesco, Dunnes etc..
and would be about 20-25% cheaper than discount stores in Dublin.

Not looking to make a fortune but a decent part time income.

I know that it can be extremely difficult selling door to door but at least I would be selling basic items that people genuinely need.

All advice is greatly appreciated.

28064212

I'm guessing you would be in violation of various customs regulations, as the products would not be for personal use. Also, have you factored the cost of fuel in to your calculations (for travelling door to door as well as the trips North)? Do you have a van or what vehicle would you be using (as that would limit the amount you could collect in one trip)?

RS1987

28064212 wrote: »

I'm guessing you would be in violation of various customs regulations, as the products would not be for personal use. Also, have you factored the cost of fuel in to your calculations (for travelling door to door as well as the trips North)? Do you have a van or what vehicle would you be using (as that would limit the amount you could collect in one trip)?

Thank for your reply.

There are no relevant customs regulations/restrictions as NI is part of the European Union.

I have factored in fuel costs ( about €30 per trip). I can get a small trailer if I find I cannot bring down enough goods in the car.

Bandara

I can't see how you are going to be between 25-40% cheaper than the supermarkets, and I can't see how you will make money.

I am currently selling a known brand of bleach (Parazone) at 69c for a Litre bottle, 90 scoop washing powder (from Lever Bros) at 13.99, 22 known brand toilet rolls at 4.99 and 5 ltr of known brand (Comfort) fabric conditioner at 4.99.

Every spar/centra/petrol station is moving heavily into this area and selling them as (relative) loss leaders to get people in their door as against the discount stores/smaller supermarkets. And the buying power of these groups is huge.

What would your retail price on these items be? the vast number of people will not buy unknown brand products, more so now when the known brands have come down hugely in price, I've tried it, trust me.


And lastly in my experience people don't buy the bulk items like these on the spot, they buy them as they need them, once the get to the end of the 5ltr fabric softner they pick one up next time they are out in the shops, people don't have the free cash to buy in advance and stock up when there is no need to do so with the items so freely available everywhere.

I just don't see it as being viable at all.

gavney1

Agree with Hammertime

I can't see you making any money out of this. I personally reckon you'll waste alot of your own time doing this. Reasons are as follows

1. The markup on the items you're talking about is typically very tight anyway (much tighter than it is on clothing etc..). And as hammertime says, lots of retailers are selling these items at a loss (or very close to it)

2. I've never really seen THAT much of a difference between prices up north and down here. Wouldn't it make more sense to buy from a wholesaler in Ireland anyway? They will be cheaper than the supermarkets up north (except where the supermarkets are selling at a loss!)



Having said all that, I do think that there are plenty of people sitting at home who couldn't be arsed going to the shops. And would buy something partly cause they're bored.

Maybe though you'd be better off selling them the latest kitchen gadget or cleaning apparatus? But as for washing powder/ toilet paper etc..., you might get a few sales - but your markup is going to be so bloody small that I'm not sure it will be worth the effort

Personally, if someone came to the door and offered me toilet paper - I probably WOULD buy a few rolls, if it's a decent enough price. As it's something I'm always using. Only reason I never stock up is cause I walk to the supermarket and walk back.
But maybe that's just me

infamous

RS1987-If you can get the products with the mark-ups you have stated you will definitly make money, we used to have the sock man who came around our way and he always done well, also sold blades aswell. I dont know if you can source these products at those prices but if you can people will purchase them from your to door due to handiness. Ignore the negative comments worst case scenario give it a go for a trial period of a few weeks if it doesnt work out so be it, fair play for giving it a go.

ghosttown

First impressions count. In this day and age, if you are saving people money, they will buy, and buy again.... but you must give the right impression. Start with friends, neighbours, word of mouth, get a client list, call at times that suit.........
Don't know how much of a living you'll make, but fair play to you for giving it a go.
Might be best to do a dry run, call around in daylight hours, maybe a Saturday morning, and inform you will be around doing a run with certain products, would they be interested.

Once you get a few onboard who are interested in the service, you could do well...
Not sure of the legalities of course, but best of luck.

The Guvnor

The dry run from Ghosttown above is a good idea and carries with it little risk except to your ego/feet if people are short with you on the doorstep!:)

Best of luck with it - do keep us updated.

gavney1

yeah, changed my mind OP. I was being negative.

Give it a dry run. No harm.

People will probably buy from you. I'm just concerned about how tight your margin will be

JDxtra

I'd rather buy this stuff as I need it - typically when doing the weekly shop. The supermarkets regularly have specials on many products (BOGOFs etc) so you can stock up there.

Personally I never buy anything offered to me by door to door sellers, but I'm sure some people do. You'd have to be selling them pretty damn cheap to shift them in any sort of numbers. Plus aren't the people who are tight of a few quid already buying these products in Lidl/Aldi?

Echospace

Also what happens when the sterling improves against the euro? It's 86p per €1 now, down from almost 89p just a week ago. Things like that could eat into your profits.

wyndham

Where would you be sourcing the goods in the north? Makro? Supermarkets?

I don't see why you would be sourcing in the north, there is no/negligible saving anymore.

Presume you are not VAT registered? UK VAT rate is kicking up to 20% on January 4.

By all means, give it a shot, what have you got to lose, if it doesn't work out you can always use the stock yourself. If you work hard enough at it you could possibly making a living.

pokerface_me

Hi OP, i've been in the buisness for years if you wanna chat i will give you a few pointers. But take this bit of advice i'm going to give you and take it very seriously.

You better make sure for the sake of your own well being that you are not selling on somebody elses patch for all the world. Its as nasty as ice cream wars in some parts of Dublin. I know people who have their cars and vans burned out, houses petrol bombed, also just walking up to you on the street and taking all your stock and money. Its a very handy way of cleaning money and there is a lot of nasty people in the buisness all with major connections in the north where the stock comes from, back garden sheds along the border.Its not all it seems to the naked eye, where there is money to be made, there is competition.

Its a great idea and there is money in it and good money at that, build up a cleint base and always do your best to come across well and friendly. And i will help you source stock here, i can send you some details of where you can pick up stock in Dublin, and you will work off a 30% margin which is not bad.

But forget about Crumlin, Walkinstown and all that area. You will get hassle and tons of it. Head out of the city a bit. Foxrock, Deansgrange, Dun Laoirghe, sandyford. You would be amazed at the amount of sales you will get in areas like these, as i said if you need advice drop me a message no problem.