New Here - Online Retail Question

[cocobe]

Hello, I am new here and was hoping for some advice. I don't have a new amazing idea that I am trying to sell, but simply, or maybe it's not so simple, want to start a website selling clothing and accessories. I want to limit it to a few brands that are already established. I guess my problem is I don't know where to begin. I believe I have enough capital to develop the site and purchase the merchandise; however, I am not sure how to go about making the contacts or even where to begin. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[ikjosh]

Hi,

As far as the website goes, go open source, use something like Zen-Cart (you can find someone to help you install this, it's very intuitive once it's up and running)

I wouldn't carry any inventory - you don't need the overhead, yet. Do drop shipping for now

You need to come up with a USP, or value proposition. Why should I buy my Nike's from your store?

Am I on the right path as far as what you're wanting to do business wise? I can give more advice, but let's start here..

[decochen]

Hello, I am new here and was hoping for some advice. I don't have a new amazing idea that I am trying to sell, but simply, or maybe it's not so simple, want to start a website selling clothing and accessories. I want to limit it to a few brands that are already established. I guess my problem is I don't know where to begin. I believe I have enough capital to develop the site and purchase the merchandise; however, I am not sure how to go about making the contacts or even where to begin. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

I had the same idea, but how to get more customers buying products on your site. As shanghai is developing very fast, I also want to have a site to sell excellent clothing & accessories.

[decochen]

Hi,

As far as the website goes, go open source, use something like Zen-Cart (you can find someone to help you install this, it's very intuitive once it's up and running)

I wouldn't carry any inventory - you don't need the overhead, yet. Do drop shipping for now

You need to come up with a USP, or value proposition. Why should I buy my Nike's from your store?

Am I on the right path as far as what you're wanting to do business wise? I can give more advice, but let's start here..

Every time you gave excellent suggestions. Would you mind tell us your email or msn? i want to learn some from you.

[cocobe]

ikjosh - thanks for the rely.

yes, you are on the right track. the drop shipping sounds good, but even with the drop shipping or carrying the inventory I still don't know how to go about contacting the brand(s) and saying "hey, I want to start a website and sell your items." is it really that easy and also, like you said why would they let me buy the items at wholesale prices to help me make money. I guess it would just help them get out there more, but not sure how to start. there are tons of retail stores and websites. not sure if we are allowed to post links here, but for example a site like lulus . com is something similar to what i would want to do. the website and everything else seems pretty straight forward..its just getting the brands on board. any thoughts?

thanks