Is anyone into online business?

[biars]

Hi all,
I want to start an online business dealing with accessories like belts, scarves, glasses and hats. I want contacts of genuine suppliers from whom I can get quality goods. I want to start small to begin with through social media as I have seen similar things there. For now I need suppliers, if anyone referred me the suppliers it would be of great help. In one of the linkedin groups
I came across a post from a site called http://www.whatcouldisell.com who give verified supplier details. Does anyone know of it or has tried it?

Early advise most welcome.

 

[presidente]

I haven't been into this particular business, but as far as the research I've done for when I was working on an estore, you're going to want to use a lot of tools to judge your competition. I think the one I dabbled with was "market samurai" or something along those lines, helped me study up a bit on how a lot of companies have succeeded, and smaller online startups have failed.

You don't need to particularly buy the program, (there is a trail) or even use it, because the VOD's the developer has put out actually has a lot of insight into the world of online retail, marketing and using social media tools to your advantage. I barely used the program, but I took away a lot of good points from his videos.

Using these kind of resources is important. Not to dissuade you, but of course to learn before you jump into something with blinders on. I know there is a large market for these things, but there are a lot of players at the table as well. Stand out, and use as many resources you can find online to try and be a competitor.

I would recommend any materials from any of the kickstarter big shots - they usually have amazing insight on social media networking and marketing, and if anyone else has any input on videos, podcasts or anything of the like, be sure to check them out as well.

After that, I can just say good luck, and I hope things go well.

 

[Elusive]

The most important concept to grasp in online fashion is season and stock where I have seen many people go wrong is they end up with loads of dead stock after underestimating the demand and under stock can be an issue if your lucky. That said now is the time to enter online fashion however to compete you really must make sure you have a ready market this forum for instance.

Initial research will trump design etc you can tweak these later however you can start an online business with pennies nowadays and it is a very lucrative market should you get it right.



I say give it a try there is a huge open market and we need some more tasteful sellers online and seeing your on this forum I am sure you will do well.

 

[ngl09]

My advice would be to hit up a supplier trade show (Ex - Canton Fair) and find potential suppliers you could work with. You can also find suppliers online at sites like global sources, but you really need to do your research on your market!

good luck.

 

[wiguanerd]

yes,Initial research will trump design etc you can tweak these later however you can start an online business with pennies nowadays and it is a very lucrative market should you get it right.thank you