i don't know much about navigating online,but would like to get my creations some exposure, not sure where to start or how.your suggestions appreciated.i make beaded jewelry made with semi precious gemstones from around the world
2006-06-06 07:50:05 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing
The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.
I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
Business Startup Specific:
* How to Really Start Your Own Business, Fourth Edition by David E. Gumpert
* How to Really Create a Successful Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide by David E. Gumpert
* What No One Ever Tells You about Starting Your Own Business: Real-Life Start-Up Advice from 101 Successful Entrepreneurs (What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business) by Jan Norman
* Business Start-Up Kit by Steven D. Strauss
* Start Your Own Business (Entrepreneur Magazine's Start Up) by Rieva Lesonsky
E-Commerce Specific:
* Starting an Online Business For Dummies, 4th Edition by Greg Holden
* How to Start and Maintain A Successful Online Business by Kelly Thornton
* The Complete E-Commerce Book: Design, Build, and Maintain a Successful Web-Based Business by Janice Reynolds
Retail Specific:
* Start and Run a Profitable Retail Business by Jim Dion, Ted Topping
* Retail Business Kit for Dummies by Rick Segel
* Specialty Shop Retailing: How to Run Your Own Store Revised by Carol L. Schroeder
* So You Want To Own The Store: Secrets to Running a Successful Retail Operation by Mort Brown
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-06-06 08:17:15 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't use e-bay. The market is so saturated that you will spend more on listing fees than you will earn in return. I would try a yahoo store. Not the $40 version at first, but just the simple $10 - $20 version. You won't be able to accept orders online, but can accept orders via e-mail or telephone. It is very simple to set up... yahoo walks you through all the steps and has very detailed help guides.
2006-06-07 08:28:57 · answer #2 · answered by charm27 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, the US Postal Service offers seminars about selling and shipping on EBay. These are free and occur at post offices throughout the country. I would check with them.
2006-06-06 07:53:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In addition to ebay, i would suggest creating a website.. You may not realize how much more customers will trust you if you have a well-designed website.. And websites don't cost much..
host it on smallbusiness.yahoo.com for about $10/month and get a design company to make it for about $400-500..
Check www.o2supplyinc.com they designed mine. and helped with hosting, etc.
2006-06-06 08:02:33 · answer #4 · answered by moneyman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open your own little online store on e-bay. I love to shop in the little mom and pop stores that advertise on e-bay. It's quick and easy to do. Best of luck to you and I'll be watching for you.
2006-06-06 07:55:13 · answer #5 · answered by luvthat88car 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋