[silverabt]

Hi guys,

im a 19 yrs old college student in Melbourne, Australia, majoring in finance...
i've got a job at my local supermarket and in the process of collecting enough capital to start my own internet business...
However, it can be said that i know absolutely nothing about starting an internet business...
I'm still brainstorming whether to create a website selling goods or providing service...(job sites, student services sites, etc)...

I can see in this forum that most of you have websites already up and running... thus, i'd appreciate it if u guys can help me probably list some of the basic things to do in order to get an e-commerce site up and running...(the start up processes).

Thanks a lot guys...
Looking forward to your help.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Albert

[insomnia]

Its quite complex and I'd be careful to just jump into an internet business without getting some experience first.

Usually, first you figure out what you want to start and research to see if there is a market for it. Then it is the matter of building it, hiring programmers, designers, etc. Next is the matter of getting it online and working, bug free. Then you are able to promote via advertising.

Thats basically web building in a nut shell, business on the net is very different from real life. Good luck with it, I suggest you tone your internet skills by starting a small site or two to practice your marketing type, design skills, usability etc to familiarize yourself.

[wiredcareer]

Hi Albert,

One of my business associates has co-authored a book called "The One Minute Millionaire". I recommend either buying a copy for yourself, or borrowing it from your local library. Another of his books is called "Multiple Streams of Internet Income." A must-read if you want an online business. I'm pretty sure these are both available in Australia.

The Internet is full of pit falls, as well as amazing opportunity. You're right to be cautious. I considered starting something "from scratch" as they say, but decided against it after a few years of research. I just didn't have the bankroll required...

But I now work with a New York Times bestselling financial author, and the Internet made it possible for me. The right business (or business idea) for you is out there, just keep looking/reading/asking. I even have some associates in Australia, too!

Good Luck,
Tracy
---
http://www.online.successfulpeople.com

[earthwonder83]

Hello. Its great that you have an interest in venturing into internet businesses. I currently have two sites up. Neither are are 100% complete. I'm constantly updated and editing my sites. Basically, if you do it yourself...it will take a whole ton of work and studying. I built both of mine myself over the summer. One example: www.aceautogrill.com which is still incomplete, but I do make enough sales so I don't have to work. It doesn't cost zip to start an internet business if you do everything yourself. Only $12.00 a month for a yahoo hosting which is what I use. It gets expensive when you hire people, thats all. I suggest you do tons of research in what you want to offer on the web. Maybe try your hand at basic site building by putting up an auction on eBay. Just ideas for you to get your feet wet.

[silverabt]

thanks for your input...
i had a look at your website...it looks great...i think we have the same interest in automobiles!
so do u manufacture those car grills ur self? how do u handle the e-commerce side of things? it comes with the Yahoo hosting does it?

anyways, nice lookin site...good luck with it.

Cheers man..

[earthwonder83]

Thanks for the compliments. I buy my products from suppliers and manufacturers directly. I stay away from wholesale since it tends to be from distributors and a little higher priced which would cut down on my profits. About the e-commerce side: basically you have two options. 1) Get a complete subcription from Yahoo! web hosting that included a merchant account for e-commerce OR 2) Just get the basic Yahoo! hosting account and add in a e-commerce merchant account urself using PayPal or other sorts. I chose to do it myself by using PayPal since I am saving money at the beginning although the PayPal fee rates are a little higher. But then again, I didn't have much to start anyways. If you worried about web site development...DON'T...since you are able to buy complete web templates on the web. Just seach "frontpage templates" or simiar o the web.