Interested in a business

RLewisH · 10-23-2009, 12:28 AM

Hey guys, I'm 14 years old, I know, I sound like another little kid trying to make money through a lemonade stand. No, I'm not doing it to make money for the next Call of Duty, I'm doing it to start up my own sports card store when I get older. I am interested in running an online store, where I can sell my own cards. Eventually I would like to move on to sell hobby boxes and more expensive things, and hopefully when I'm older, sell to resellers. I've had a very small bit of experience in marketing, notably with my web designs. I am looking to do the web design on my own to cut down costs on getting started. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

I'm also thinking about writing a business plan.

myfayt · 10-23-2009, 09:40 AM

If you open an online store, you need to provide a phone number for people to reach you, as a backup source. If you are in school and you don't get anyones calls, they will go somewhere else. You will need to have a parent, or hire someone to answer the phones while you are in school.

Just something to think about.

bnelson · 10-23-2009, 12:56 PM

Good for you for thinking ahead. Most teens aren't even thinking about the future, let alone planning on starting a business. A business plan is a good idea, at the very least to know for yourself what you want to accomplish and what you need to do to get there. A simpler one will do for something like that, but if you go to get funding or anything at some point, you will need something more detailed. Good luck!

RLewisH · 10-23-2009, 09:39 PM

Thanks guys, I'm thinking about using my cellphone as a business number. I think the toughest part would be time distance though.

myfayt · 10-24-2009, 09:04 AM

With a cellphone, you still can't use it and receive calls during school hours. Just trying to help.

chrisro · 10-24-2009, 10:31 AM

Look into hiring a virtual assistant just during your school hours. This can be really cheap if you have a low call volume and just need them to take a message.

pboychuk · 10-24-2009, 10:51 AM

Sell them on ebay.. Also, before diving into this too far viable is starting a store for these things? Didn't sports cards kinda go through a beanie baby phase and now have little appeal?

RLewisH · 10-24-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pboychuk

Sell them on ebay.. Also, before diving into this too far viable is starting a store for these things? Didn't sports cards kinda go through a beanie baby phase and now have little appeal?

It really depends on how you look at it. There is a giant Sports card expo 2 times a year in which people attend like the Comic Con. There aren't as many people buying sports cards, which is why I'm selling them online, because I can reach a much wider audience of customers. I am willing to do my homework in order to get this business up and running, I like hard work, which is why I'm interested in a business in the first place.

As for a virtual assistant, thank you very much, I never thought of that. I will probably start small, just selling a few cards, and if I get enough progress, I will move on to starting this plan up. Thanks again all for your help, I really appreciate it.

brokemet · 11-03-2009, 06:52 AM

You should first draw your business plan before taking in the risks. Your plan should cover your target market, audience as well as the person whom you will be asking to take responsibility of the web design. Do more research to get you going.

Alexishost · 11-03-2009, 06:58 AM

You said you are looking to do the web design on my own to cut down costs on getting started.

The free solution is to learn and see the video about designing .RLewisH

Bizinaboxx · 11-05-2009, 12:05 AM

Congrats to you for wanting to start your business! We need more young entrepreneurs.

First, don't look at any of your challenges (not being able to answer your phone during school) as an obstacle you cannot overcome. Creativity you can.

Second, do come up with a plan so that you can stay focused.

Third, start small. Target a small market both geographically and demographically and grow your business once you've worked out the kinks. This will help you build a very solid foundation and help cut down on costs.

Biz in a Boxx can help you. It's designed for young entrepreneurs and isn't focused on theory, but practical application. You actually create a functional business plan (not one that most people tuck away in a drawer, never to look at again.) It makes it far easier to start a business. Plus, it will help you determine your marketing psychology, why people buy, how to find the right customers who need your product, branding, opportunity costs, and more.

Success to you!

Melissa Rose

Biz in a Boxx
Welcome to Biz in a Boxx - Biz in a Boxx empowers kids to become business leaders.

Preparing Tomorrow's Business Leaders Today

SmallVolume · 11-05-2009, 04:44 AM

Just go on with your business idea, as some celebrities just begin their business in your age.

REIGNFALL · 11-05-2009, 04:20 PM

This kid has a bright future ahead of him! great job for actually getting online and asking questions. Thats what it is all about!

rogercbryan · 11-05-2009, 04:23 PM

Write a business plan ASAP... start selling on eBay and other sites... develop your supply... maximize profit from your inventory... grow... stay in school... go to college... continue to educate and grow your business... if you keep working at it... you'll succeed