[CiD743]

At plan2profit.net you can set up an account for free and access a Ventrilo server. Seems like an easier to get this started.. For anyone that doesnt know, Vent is a program that runs a voice server so all you would need is a headset and everyone can talk.

[Gaulkin]

I have my own vent server if you would like to you it.

[seb_rothman]

Im interested as well.

I think we should lay out ground work on top of an existing service that caters to individuals and small businesses alike such as eBay.

Personally, I have quite a few very reliable suppliers for cell phones which are a big hit (here in the U.S.), and from what I understand even more so overseas.

I'm almost certain that the prices I get from my supplier will generate at least a 5 dollar profit per item after all is said and done (eBay listing fees, PayPal fees, shipping, etc.)

If this is something we are collectively interested in, I suggest that we lay out some plans after thorough research into the items we'll be selling. For example, look at many other listings with the same item from other sellers. See what their strategies are, see what their strategies are NOT, what can we do uniquely that will increase attention to us from our competition. Return policies, shipping procedures & costs, additional goodies (handsfree kits, coupons, etc).

I like the idea of a clean, professionally developed eBay page with straight-to-the-fact information. As I customer, an eBay page filled with technobabble about a phone is unneccesary.

Here is an eBay item page format I respect:

** Main photo

** General description about 1 - 2 paragraphs long which can be found on any cell phone website -- paraphrased

** Bulleted list of main features, special features, battery life, etc, etc

** A brief summary of who we are, our return policy and procedure, and a sentence explaining payment options, etc.

** Nice neat photos with our Logo behind every image to ensure the customer that the product is REAL. (Example, put the phone next to or on top of a Y.E.@ eBay banner, or whatever our seller name happens to be -- in a clean sort of way of course)

I've sold a couple of phones on eBay. I've generated a bit of profit. I think what we should do is focus on solid management in all aspects so we can do this in large numbers. If we start to sell phones by the hundreds weekly, we can have a bit of money to do bigger biz... ya dig?

I think we should start off with 1 phone per person. After it sells, let the money pool and we unanimously make a decision on what to do. If for whatever reason we do not continue. The money is split EVENLY regardless of what your auction sold for.

This idea can be further stretched with some thought... this is just what comes to mind. Maybe for every phone listed we try a different page layout, return policy, shipping procedure, etc, etc to see what works best? Who knows? .. I'm willing to take the risk.

PM me or reply. I'm ready to get going.

[crackah]

The problem i believe with phones is that its very competitive, and that there are many sites out there doing that already.

I mean, for a one person thing, i believe its a great idea, but as a collective group, im not sure if its doable.

I was thinking about something to do with finance, but im guessing its something you guys probably arent interested in.

[buynick]

Make sure you get some contracts drafted that protect each other if this thing goes sour...not trying to be a downer, just spreading a word of caution about partnerships formed from an online forum.

[Cognition]

Can I say something?

None of the ideas in this thread are going to work. Why?

First of all, no one has presented a business concept that is based on finding a solution to a problem. There has been no clearly defined problem presented in thread - anywhere!

Second, none of you all personally know anyone else on this forum. You have no idea about their education, industry experience, or business saavy.

I personally think that further participation in this entire thread is in vain.

[akula]

CDAllen is right. The way this thing is coming along, does not correspond to the entrepreneurial process. What's happening here is the wrong way to get off the ground, where the lack of problem definition and participant trust are particularly critical issues.

Changes need to take place.

[philv]

how many peoeple own domains???// maybe throw out domain names and go from there

[philv]

maybe a cool advertising website......make one original...suttin like moola or suttin

[criniit]

All band together and make a young entreprenuer magazine.

[seb_rothman]

Originally Posted by TheCDAllenGroup

Can I say something?

None of the ideas in this thread are going to work. Why?

First of all, no one has presented a business concept that is based on finding a solution to a problem. There has been no clearly defined problem presented in thread - anywhere!

Second, none of you all personally know anyone else on this forum. You have no idea about their education, industry experience, or business saavy.

I personally think that further participation in this entire thread is in vain.

Your second point is absolutely right.

I don't know why a business concept should revolve around solution finding. Wal-Mart sells things for cheaper, they get all the customers. To me, selling on eBay would have something to do with offering the best price which is something we would be able to do with the right supplier. Competition against these bigger sellers is easy to me. Their running costs and other expenditures prevent them from lowering their price too much to where they can compete with me. I however, am someone running a solo operation in which I'll settle for a minimal profit, and will continue to structure my business around that. Keeping a cost-cutting strategy throughout the life of a small business is great. Do you know how much money I've seen people waste by buying office supplies from Staples rather than in bulk from a warehouse. It's silly.

[crackah]

heh, alot of negativity. I will think, get back to you all when im not busy with gay uni.

[Cognition]

Originally Posted by crackah

heh, alot of negativity. I will think, get back to you all when im not busy with gay uni.

Crackah,

No one is being negative. I am only addressing two key areas that need to examined before anyone [participating in this thread or not] decides to initiate a joint venture.

I'm only saying that the competence [education and industry experience] of individuals expressing interest in this "project" needs to considered before anyone decides to partner with another individual on any venture.

Needless to say that a feasible business plan can not be developed before you have clearly defined a problem [with a corresponding solution], and you execute your due diligence in whatever industry you find yourself in.

I'm just trying to save you lots of time and energy rather than wasting it.

[b_miller5000]

austrailiagrads.com for the aussie - job site hosting video resumes and employer recruitment videos.

I have many other domains - all marketable - I am apt with the b-plan, profit models, etc. - but without capital - need developers and a team of people willing to contribute sweat equity to get something off the ground -

look at jellyfish.com - this site is gorgeous - this is the level of site development I want for any of my ventures - this costs $$$$$

to me - it starts with a highly marketable domain name - from there you can develop a business model and profit model - develop the site design and architecture to execute your services and b-models - then its sales and marketing and scaling the tech. infrastructure and organization to support growth -

[instigo]

I am game, and may be able to contribute one or two ideas...it's something I blog about anyway...