Starting an online store

**Klancenet** · 01-10-2009 04:46 PM

I want to start an online store selling replacement LCD screens for digital cameras, PSP's, Nintendo DS's, things of that nature. I'm going to start off selling on Ebay and eventually create my own website selling these replacement screens.

My question is, how do I get all of these different types of screens? Will I need to find a wholesaler for each and every brand and model of camera, or is it possible to find a wholesaler that has a lot of these screens in stock? I know that the best way of finding a wholesaler is to call the manufacturer and ask for a list of wholesalers, but for example, Panasonic makes cameras but do they manufacture replacement screens for them?

Any answers will be helpful, thanks.

**OutdoorFreaks** · 01-10-2009 04:54 PM

My guess is both.

Make sure to ask around, people will help you out.

Best of luck!

**TheBigIdea** · 01-10-2009 05:11 PM

source them from china. but u have to be very very very cautious. and don't do biz with the chinese online ( never never never ever)

make a biz trip there , import and bring em home, test market and see response. if it works, make the 2nd trip, and 3rd, till you really feel comfortable with them and establish a good relationship. you've probably heard of the term Quan Xi in chinese ? Means good relationship.

**Klancenet** · 01-10-2009 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by TheBigIdea

source them from china. but u have to be very very very cautious. and don't do biz with the chinese online ( never never never ever)

make a biz trip there , import and bring em home, test market and see response. if it works, make the 2nd trip, and 3rd, till you really feel comfortable with them and establish a good relationship. you've probably heard of the term Quan Xi in chinese ? Means good relationship.

Well I'm 19 years old and don't have that big of a budget to be able to take a trip to china. I know that some online china wholesalers are reliable but I would never take a chance. Their must be some good wholesalers in the US that would carry these products.

**TheBigIdea** · 01-11-2009 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by Klancenet

Well I'm 19 years old and don't have that big of a budget to be able to take a trip to china. I know that some online china wholesalers are reliable but I would never take a chance. Their must be some good wholesalers in the US that would carry these products.

the wholesalers in the US, they source their products from china too. if you go through them, you're just creating another layer which increases cost. that's not a very wise biz decision. in china u can really get dirt cheap products that're good. buy, relabel, market.

**TheBigIdea** · 01-11-2009 03:44 AM

as for the no money for china trip, take it as a challenge. borrow, or work. 1500 bucks should be good for a 7 day trip.

**Mega B** · 01-11-2009 04:42 AM

Who is going to buy these replacement screen as i cannot see the normal public buying these to replace them themselves or are you thinking about supplying repair companies.I also reckon repairers will already have a supplier ????

**fthom** · 01-11-2009 04:49 AM

I agree with Mega B on this one...I have a few camcorders but if my screens broke I wouldn't have a clue how to fix them, and would get a repair company to do it. It's more than likely most people would think this way, and most repair companies would probably rather source theirs from China, rather than someone who has does the same but is charging more.

**Klancenet** · 01-11-2009 09:52 AM

I've already thought about this and I will have tutorials on the site showing how to replace the screen that they bought. Plus, sending it back to the manufacturer would cost hundreds of dollars more, say you bought a screen for $30 for your PSP and took a few hours to do it yourself. That is way cheaper and quicker than having to send it back to the manufacturer, having it takes weeks or months and cost you an extra $150 or more.

**andymayhem** · 01-11-2009 10:29 AM

i have replaced a LCD on a phone before and it was super easy and quick but when i tell people they are shocked! Im not so sure about there being a big enough market for selling replacement screens. how about you fix them your self.. after you source the screens, maybe buy broken ones on ebay and resell after fixed?

**Klancenet** · 01-11-2009 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by andymayhem

i have replaced a LCD on a phone before and it was super easy and quick but when i tell people they are shocked! Im not so sure about there being a big enough market for selling replacement screens. how about you fix them your self.. after you source the screens, maybe buy broken ones on ebay and resell after fixed?

Well I like to do things myself to save money is their are enough people out their like me then this idea should be successful.