[mdub618]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this site and am pretty close to getting a supplier for my ecommerce/e-tailing business. I've been working in a corporate job for a long time, and it hasn't been bad, but I wanted to give this a shot. This will be a side business and I plan on involving a friend or two.

I've read and read a lot of stuff on the web. I've researched product lines and competitors. Now I really just need to read some books (or perhaps some sites) that would really go into how I should set up my site and go over how to be successful in ecommerce. Additionally, besides just a generic reference, I may want some strategic advice, but I believe that these ideas may be better obtained from a site vs. book.

My product is a lower volume, higher margin product, so I am planning on selling first on Ebay and providing an informational site that leads viewers to my listings. This is to test the waters first before spending ($) and investing more time in a professional website.

Any advice on the books I should buy and any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[cutebeast]

1. Why ebay? Tangible product? Does ebay have your targeted audience? Why do you want to leads viewers to your listing on ebay? Why can't you sell direct to them from your site instead?

[DCswimwear.com]

you might try your strategy the other way around. List an item or two on ebay, and reference your site with an embedded url in the image and instruct people to visit your site for more products. This way you gain the visibility from ebay's high traffic while you're building up your organic search engine traffic. Hopefully you can capture more sales directly off your site without paying ebay's constantly rising fees.

just a thought.


Larry Garman
Dangerous Curves Swimwear

[mdub618]

My thinking was that people trust Ebay. Since I wasn't selling in massive quantities at least I would not worry about insertion fees. Also, since I don't have the know-how or the resources to set up a shopping cart and payment system, I thought it would be best to test the waters on Ebay.

In response to the first response, it is a tangible product.

[DPayne]

The Bible - most beneficial book you can read

[mdub618]

Ok, what else.

[pboychuk]

If you are looking for ebay advice, I would check out the powersellers forum. Do you have a website up?

[mdub618]

Okay, did not know about an Ebay Powersellers forum. I could not find it initially, but will look more into it.

I only have the domain(s) registered so far and am the process of securing suppliers.

Thanks.

[anniemac]

Hi mdub618

The insiders secret course is the course that you should read - this course has been running for 12 years which on the internet is forever! A guy called Corey Rudl set it up, and many many big names credit him with their success. Unfortunately he died very young (only in his early thirties) but his friend, Derek Gehl has taken over and in most peoples view has done Corey proud. The course is not just for internet money makers i.e. affiliates etc. In fact it is for anyone who wants to run an internet business. They will teach you how to set up website, build links, get ranked in search engine, advertise etc etc etc. Folder one concentrates on sourcing products (sounds like you have done that), researching markets, creating a web site that sells, automating your website (important if you have a nine to five job!). The second folder goes into advanced strategies like building email lists, email marketing, setting up your own affiliate program so other people sell your product etc etc.

There are two downsides depending on your point of view - the first is that they do a lot of upselling i.e. they explain how to do something (and in very easy to understand english) but then they tell you how to turbo charge your efforts by using another of their products but you dont have to buy these!

The second is that the price is more than you will pay for an ebook - you can have a trial at $2.95 for 30 days but to be honest, I dont think anyone sends it back - the full cost depends on where you live for shipping but i paid circa $250. However, I have paid at least $500 on ebooks via clickbank most of which I have to say were complete rubbish. I did buy Rosalind Gardners book but then she credits her success to this course.

Best of luck with the business - I hope you succeed.

Annie

[masterrh]

Hey man,

I'm starting an E-commerce store as well so I will offer my .02

First, in regards to books, I don't have any recommendations as far as an e-commerce book goes and I doubt you'll find any good ones just because the technology/industry changes too fast. Your best bet is what you are doing, forums and googling (in regards to e-commerce only, there are tons of books on business, marketing, etc blah blah but you know this).

You didn't really explain your situation in detail but I would forego eBay and try Amazon.com webstore. It will provide you with the trust you need as far as buyer protection AND it will allow you to use the domain(s) you have registered. Plus people can buy from your site without having to have and eBay ID and Paypal account which is a hassle. Plus with their recent increase in final value fees a lot of people are still upset with eBay so I would avoid it (note - I've been using ebay since 1999).

Best of luck,

webstore.amazon.com is the address, I think they have a one month free trial so that will allow you test without paying anything.

readytocover.com is my site, I am leaving Amazon shortly for my own shopping cart site (expansion) so I haven't really upgraded it.

[mdub618]

Wow, that was great advice. I will look into amazon webstore right away.

My initial thinking is as such: The products I will sell are high margin, and I will not be selling in mass quantities, so I wanted to start with Ebay first. That way I won't have to worry about setting up a sophisticated website, and will not have to worry about setting up a shopping cart and credit card acceptance.

Thanks.

[analyzed]

Hello!,

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