how to think about opening an onlline store for retail/dropship?

[sugababy]

I am recently thinking about running a small business for online retail for more extra income.I would pretty much love to sell men apparel,shoes,etc. My idea is like letting chinese wholesale stores like http://freeshipping.cm/index.php, http://wholesale-orders.com/ etc. ship to my customers.So,I don't have to invest on stocking goods before selling ..Do you think this idea will be okay ?

As I have free time apart from working and can be online often,I think this is my advantage.The only problem is how to promote .I am not expert on this.So,I would like to hear some suggestions.

 

[VinnyMac]

What's the difference between that and selling on Ebay or Amazon?

 

[SlimPickinsVntg]

I have an online retail shop on Etsy called SlimPickins Vintage. I started about a year ago and one day vision having an actual brick and mortar location. The best promotion I've gotten is word of mouth, secondly would have to be Etsy itself, and Thirdly would be social media, but specifically instagram and twitter. I was very skeptical at first and didn't even have one. But the people you can reach out to and those of like minded interest is second to none that I've found thus far. Feel free to PM me for anymore questions. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the same mistakes I have, am, and will make.

>grace & peace<​

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SlimPickinsVintage​

 

[goslinggoon]

Ive been thinking about doing the same thing, i feel like the most difficult job is consistency when it comes to promotion and marketing. Any words of advice on how to get the word out? What do you do for marketing ?

Also, how did you get brands to join your shop? ie. wholesale, indy companies, etc..

 

[i10casual]

This is a tough gig if you don't have thick skin. You have to keep on top of the actual seller. Items may not get to the retail buyer for up to six months. You have to be prepared to keep taking the heat or give them their money back. A lot of manufacturers wont sell to you at wholesale prices unless you have an actual physical store.

 

[bigsuishan]

good,A lot of manufacturers wont sell to you at wholesale prices unless you have an actual physical store.