Online sales business ideas

Db0907

Hi all, looking for some help here I am thinking of starting a small business online so I can work from home as my current job doesn't pay a baby sitter. I have been thinking of importing products (not exactly sure what yet) from China and retailing them on eBay. Has anyone got any experience in this kinda of thing. I have good knowledge of how an actual business works but I am struggling with an actual start up idea. I am just thinking of eBay as it's obvious but am open to all suggestions! I don't want to pump too much money into stock to start with just a small earner and build it up as it goes. Anyway any suggestions/ideas/critical views etc all welcome.
Thanks

Graham

While you're waiting for a reply you might find something useful in the many many many other threads about eBay.

933 results: for eBay in the Entrepreneurial & Business Management forum
http://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?subforums=1&forum=106&query=ebay

64 results for eBay Import in the Entrepreneurial & Business Management forum
http://www.boards.ie/search/submit/?sort=best&date_to=&date_from=&query=eBay+import&forum=106

ironclaw

You issue with eBay is your price point, you will not be able to compete with the Chinese sellers. By the time you get product here, potentially pay postage and import duties, then resell you won't be competitive. The only 'in' is you have the product in Ireland so instead of waiting 2 weeks for a parcel, you could potentially have the product to someone next day. The issue is finding a product in high enough demand that someone is willing to order online and wait for. The classic example is iPhone cables, but they can be picked up in a €2 shop. I sold USB keys as a Drop Shipper in college, and made a small profit but it was really pocket change given the immense size of eBay and the rarity of someone finding your product. Mainstream products have global reach these days, so again, you won't be able to match their pricing unless you get an exclusivity deal on the Irish territory. I tried this with a phone accessory before, which actually became a rather big success, but I couldn't' 'buy in' at the volumes they were asking for (circa €10k)

If you want to make very good money at home, you need massive margins, a niche product or be in the services industry e.g. Website developer, social media consulting. If you are any way good at numbers and have a willingness to learn, Forex or day trading is an option but comes with large associated risk. Those would be my top 'work from home' suggestions.

smash

Db0907 wrote: »

Hi all, looking for some help here I am thinking of starting a small business online so I can work from home as my current job doesn't pay a baby sitter. I have been thinking of importing products (not exactly sure what yet) from China and retailing them on eBay. Has anyone got any experience in this kinda of thing. I have good knowledge of how an actual business works but I am struggling with an actual start up idea. I am just thinking of eBay as it's obvious but am open to all suggestions! I don't want to pump too much money into stock to start with just a small earner and build it up as it goes. Anyway any suggestions/ideas/critical views etc all welcome.
Thanks

ok then...

Db0907

I get what you are saying thanks this is my problem I lack in knowledge and ideas for what to actually sell and China is a predictable and obvious place to import from but maybe someone has a different idea of what is out there.

Db0907

smash wrote: »

ok then...

Yea always one I know maybe I'm not wording myself right but sorry if u had to waste your time highlighting all the issues this is why I'm here to look for suggestions! Hardly a crime

Graham

Generally speaking, if it's easy to get into, requires limited specific knowledge and has low costs to entry then it's going to be incredibly tough to eek out even a pocket money sized income from it. Why, because there's probably 2,000/20,000/200,000 other people who have had exactly the same 'idea'.

Graham

Db0907 wrote: »

Yea always one I know maybe I'm not wording myself right but sorry if u had to waste your time highlighting all the issues this is why I'm here to look for suggestions! Hardly a crime

Nobody suggested it was a crime but as you've probably gathered the idea to 'import some general cheap crap and sell it on eBay/adverts/farmers markets' isn't unique and rarely (very very very rarely) results in a viable business.

If you're even still considering it at this point, at least pick a very specific product type to specialise in. Preferably one you're interested in and know something about.

smash

Db0907 wrote: »

Yea always one I know maybe I'm not wording myself right but sorry if u had to waste your time highlighting all the issues this is why I'm here to look for suggestions! Hardly a crime

Your post reads like you woke up, looked at your bank statement and thought "Shít, I need money" and then came here looking for a get rich quick scheme asking:

• What you should sell
• How you should sell it
• Where you should sell it

You had a brain fart. You need to have your product, and have at least a bit of a plan...

Db0907

Graham wrote: »

Nobody suggested it was a crime but as you've probably gathered the idea to 'import some general cheap crap and sell it on eBay/adverts/farmers markets' isn't unique and rarely (very very very rarely) results in a viable business.

If you're even still considering it at this point, at least pick a very specific product type to specialise in. Preferably one you're interested in and know something about.

I get all that I'm not thinking I'm gonna get rich by selling crap from China. Im just not getting my point/ query across properly so thanks for your time anyway.

Db0907

smash wrote: »

Your post reads like you woke up, looked at your bank statement and thought "Shít, I need money" and then came here looking for a get rich quick scheme asking:

• What you should sell
• How you should sell it
• Where you should sell it

You had a brain fart. You need to have your product, and have at least a bit of a plan...

No awake since early have a decent job husband has a decent business just looking for something to do from home for a few extra euro so I can mind our 4 kids that's all didn't want an attack but hey

smash

Db0907 wrote: »

No awake since early have a decent job husband has a decent business just looking for something to do from home for a few extra euro so I can mind our 4 kids that's all didn't want an attack but hey

I'm not attacking you.

If you want something to do from home then pick a crafts hobby, make some bits and try to sell them on etsy. At least you'll have something unique to sell, with minimal start up costs.

Db0907

smash wrote: »

I'm not attacking you.

If you want something to do from home then pick a crafts hobby, make some bits and try to sell them on etsy. At least you'll have something unique to sell, with minimal start up costs.

Thanks for suggestion

pedronomix

Come up with your own idea but here is one I came accross yesterday and she is sold out until january!! https://www.facebook.com/scribblescrabblecreations/

smash

pedronomix wrote: »

Come up with your own idea but here is one I came accross yesterday and she is sold out until january!! https://www.facebook.com/scribblescrabblecreations/

I've seen a lot of people doing this stuff online now. It's very popular.

power101

I would suggest some kind of craft or self made/created individual item if you're looking to not spend too much money. Wood products, paintings, pottery etc

At least then if you can find 5-6 hours on a Saturday you could get a stall at a market aswell to supplement online sales and also market the online shop from there. If you have a load of Chinese cheap products you'll find it difficult to sell them and compete with much larger sellers online who do this full time and would always be able to beat you on price. You would also have the big upfront costs of Duties and VAT importing from China.

Rowela

Db0907 wrote: »

Hi all, looking for some help here I am thinking of starting a small business online so I can work from home as my current job doesn't pay a baby sitter. I have been thinking of importing products (not exactly sure what yet) from China and retailing them on eBay. Has anyone got any experience in this kinda of thing. I have good knowledge of how an actual business works but I am struggling with an actual start up idea. I am just thinking of eBay as it's obvious but am open to all suggestions! I don't want to pump too much money into stock to start with just a small earner and build it up as it goes. Anyway any suggestions/ideas/critical views etc all welcome.
Thanks

Have you considered using Amazon FBA instead of Ebay? You're going to destroy your profit margin posting back out of Ireland as postage here is so high. With Amazon FBA you can import into their warehouses throughout Europe and they will post to customer and handle the customer service. It saves on warehousing as well. If you are determined to import from China, start small, find a niche product on Amazon.co.uk that is under 5000 in its Bestsellers rank with limited competition, and add value to the product (e.g. maybe a bonus product, allowing you to charge slightly more, not less than competitors). Improve on the competitions listings with quality pics, etc. Then find a freight forwarder in the UK that is used to dealing with China and Amazon FBA.

Hanley

pedronomix wrote: »

Come up with your own idea but here is one I came accross yesterday and she is sold out until january!! https://www.facebook.com/scribblescrabblecreations/

Nice one.

That's 3 of next years wedding presents sorted!!!

Great idea

elastico

Db0907 wrote: »

Hi all, looking for some help here I am thinking of starting a small business online so I can work from home as my current job doesn't pay a baby sitter. I have been thinking of importing products (not exactly sure what yet) from China and retailing them on eBay. Has anyone got any experience in this kinda of thing. I have good knowledge of how an actual business works but I am struggling with an actual start up idea. I am just thinking of eBay as it's obvious but am open to all suggestions! I don't want to pump too much money into stock to start with just a small earner and build it up as it goes. Anyway any suggestions/ideas/critical views etc all welcome.
Thanks

You really need your own ideas of what to sell, something you believe in and know something about. No point in somebody telling you there is great money in replacement cables for electric car windows (just picked a random example) if you know nothing about the subject.


Also you said you already have a job, so you will be paying over 50% tax on any profits you generate. And most people these days expect next day delivery, how are you going to manage to even get stuff posted out to customers if you are working all day?

And how do you expect to even receive your deliveries or customer returns if you are not at home during the day when the courier looks to deliver?

And if customers want to phone you up will your existing employer allow you answer the phone during the day?

AsianIrish

Db0907 wrote: »

I get what you are saying thanks this is my problem I lack in knowledge and ideas for what to actually sell and China is a predictable and obvious place to import from but maybe someone has a different idea of what is out there.

I landed on your post as I had a very similar question but different in a few respect. I have started a business in Cork and it is MMA/Boxing gear niche. Luckily, I have also found a club who placed their first order with me. I have a very good manufacturer in Pakistan who make quality products and ROI is good. what I need help with is to take the business on-line. I am. ot sure if this forum allows me to discuss this further as you may find a few local clubs who you can sell if you are interested in. if you find help with on line setup please let me k ow too.

JMR

Db0907 wrote: »

Hi all, looking for some help here I am thinking of starting a small business online so I can work from home as my current job doesn't pay a baby sitter. I have been thinking of importing products (not exactly sure what yet) from China and retailing them on eBay. Has anyone got any experience in this kinda of thing. I have good knowledge of how an actual business works but I am struggling with an actual start up idea. I am just thinking of eBay as it's obvious but am open to all suggestions! I don't want to pump too much money into stock to start with just a small earner and build it up as it goes. Anyway any suggestions/ideas/critical views etc all welcome.
Thanks

This post may as well read...
"Thinking of opening up a shop, not sure what I will sell in my shop or where the shop will be, any ideas?"
An online eCommerce business is just that - a business.
It requires just as much research, knowledge and hard work as any other business to make it a success

_Brian

JMR wrote: »

This post may as well read...
"Thinking of opening up a shop, not sure what I will sell in my shop or where the shop will be, any ideas?"
An online eCommerce business is just that - a business.
It requires just as much research, knowledge and hard work as any other business to make it a success

I think many aspects are harder...

for a bricks and mortar store I can walk up and down a street, choose a stand to rent, decorate the store to a high standard and know if I do a good job it will attract customer interest..

Trying to get a leg up on google rankings is akin to black magic as the rules aren't known...

JMR

I take your point and somewhat agree but increasing your position in the organic search results, while it can be difficult and time consuming, can't be described as akin to black magic, there is a logic to it.

_Brian wrote: »

Trying to get a leg up on google rankings is akin to black magic as the rules aren't known...

_Brian

JMR wrote: »

I take your point and somewhat agree but increasing your position in the organic search results, while it can be difficult and time consuming, can't be described as akin to black magic, there is a logic to it.

There is a "general" logic only.. Or can you post a link to the specific rules that google use to rank websites ??

JMR

_Brian wrote: »

There is a "general" logic only.. Or can you post a link to the specific rules that google use to rank websites ??

Not sure where you got the idea that there is a set of specific rules that when followed will result in higher rankings?
This is a very useful and logical guideline, produced by Google themselves, I refer back to it a lot - Google SEO Starter Guide

_Brian

JMR wrote: »

Not sure where you got the idea that there is a set of specific rules that when followed will result in higher rankings?
This is a very useful and logical guideline, produced by Google themselves, I refer back to it a lot - Google SEO Starter Guide

Thanks..
But Google has a set of rules they apply through their algorithms, but like I said, its a secret exactly what these are, we're left making "best guess" as to what works but never actually sure..

Blizzard

Don’t be discouraged by some of the feedback here, Db0907, I really think most posters are trying to help by telling you that what you’re hoping to do will not be an easy fix or quick way to make money. I can tell you that first hand - setting up an eCommerce website takes time (days, hours, weeks, months!!) and you really need to know what you’re selling and who your target market is. If I can stress anything to you - is that you need, no you must know exactly who your target market is. So, until you find an product/range of products you can wholesale or possibly make or design and create a product yourself that you have in mind for a specific group of people and that you know will sell, keep brain-storming.

When you do find ‘the product’ and are ready to go, the real work begins. Finding the right domain name so you hope to rank high on google searches for the product, designing and creating a website, figuring out payment systems, working on social media (everything from FB, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, blogging, etc.), handling orders, packing things up for deliveries, dealing with couriers, etc. You’ll have to know where to advertise - whether it’s with industry magazines/websites, google, FB, online directories, etc. & these all cost a lot of money.

I think you need to think long, hard and carefully about this as it’s a big step and will involve so much of your time and energy and ultimately money. I wish you luck and hope you find something that works for you.