I own and operate an online store (still under construction) which features home entertainment, electronics, automotive, home decor, furniture, housware, etc. I am offering free shipping on every product store wide, all the time! Forever & ever. The prices on the products are close to wholesale price. For example, a $6,000 Plasma Screen TV that I would be selling would be marked down to around $2,000. Do you think this is a good idea? Do you think this will draw people to do business with my online store, when the prices are lower and free shipping is always included? Or what ideas do you propose I take into consideration?
2006-09-26 07:56:27 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
And by the way I do integrate some of the shipping cost into the product's selling price.
2006-09-26 08:03:59 · update #1
The reason why I can offer so many products at lower prices is because I do not pay for any products until the products sell. This mean I have the money to advertise, etc. The reason I do offer products at around wholesale is because I am partnered with a wholesale marketer provider. The products are all new, if some are not new yet refurbished it is mentioned in the certain product's description.
2006-09-26 08:13:03 · update #2
YES!!!!! As an online shopper I always check the sites with free shipping first. I find they are the best deals. Give us your web site address We want to support you. Good luck, we need more companies like yours.
2006-09-26 08:02:27 · answer #1 · answered by thirsty mind 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah thats a good idea, but u have to weight the cost of shipping a plasma tv into the cost of the product, since u want to make some sort of money from the products, also u will require a really really good website to keep people coming back, offer free after sales service, eg a free phone number they can call that will give any help with any product u sell.
2006-09-26 14:59:27 · answer #2 · answered by Paultech 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that such a price difference would, and probably should be met with a great degree of scepticizm. Why, In life there is no free lunch, largely, consumers realize that they will get what they paid for and a huge price reduction sends up all the red flags. Good luck though. If you can provide a reasonable explanation for the price difference, might fly.
2006-09-26 15:05:48 · answer #3 · answered by calldrsalsa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah this sounds like a very enticing incentive for people to shop your on-line store. Just make sure you convey to your people just that because you have low everyday prices that your products you are selling are not seconds/re-manufactured items and they they come with the full manufacture warranty.
If your profit margin is acceptable to you and you are willing to do this in a matter of no-time people will be flocking to your store from word of mouth.
Good luck with things! Hope this has helped out.
2006-09-26 15:02:46 · answer #4 · answered by David F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am assuming that you have milions of $ for stock? No? Then its a bad idea - one of the biggest factors for your business in the long run will be the ability to satisfy demand. Sure you will draw people to your store, but because you are selling at close to wholesale prices and may have to replenish stock on a sale by sale basis, your customers will lose faith in you when you are unable to provide the stock they pruchase.
2006-09-26 15:04:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's no way you can sell quality goods, have quality service, afford advertising, and pay all your overhead.... you're competing against companies who buy those TVs by the boat load (literally). There's no way you can do it cheaper.
For example your TV that you're selling for $2k. This means you probably paid about $1k wholesale. Problem is there isn't anyone making good brand-name large plasma TVs for $1,000... they just cost more to manufacture than that.
2006-09-26 15:06:16 · answer #6 · answered by Funchy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to www.synergysolutions.net and take a FREE Online Business Analysis. This will help you as an entreprenuer with the goal setting and motivational aspects of your business. Taking personalities into account and being able to connect with and market to people depending on personality and learning style will make a big impact.
2006-09-26 14:58:44 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free shipping and sales tax avoidance (while it lasts -- state tax commissioners are working on that) is great, and brings you into sync with Amazon.com
But the main point is trust. And reliability.
People want to know WHY your prices are so competitive, etc.
Good luck.
2006-09-26 14:59:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you can afford to do free shipping then do it , it is a great motivater for people to pull the trigger and buy from you ,,,,,, when shopping on line the prices are usually close but the shipping can be dramaticly different for thew same items , I look for the best deal shipping wise , free shipping would be a deteriming factor for me ........... good luck
2006-09-26 15:00:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a profit - E me with the sites address when you get up and running I like to buy things
2006-09-26 14:59:38 · answer #10 · answered by likeitis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋