| If you don't know anything about how to start your | | | | set up your own ecommerce store - a great option |
| own online home business, then you have come to | | | | for those who are looking for independence from |
| the right place. Building an online home business really | | | | fees and rigid selling structures, eCrater is a great |
| isn't so different from building a regular, brick and | | | | provider for this with their free set-up and zero fees |
| mortar one, other than the fact that it can be much | | | | and best of all, plenty of support. |
| faster and easier! Sounds good right? | | | | Where will I source my items from? |
| So start by putting together a business plan and/or | | | | You will need to find a wholesale supplier to work |
| mission statement. Don't be put off by the name, it | | | | with. Be prepared to spend some time doing this |
| simply means set some goals and write down what | | | | because this is the most important part in creating a |
| you want to achieve. It could be as simple as "I want | | | | good business. |
| to earn $2000 dollars to be able to buy a new car". | | | | There are several ways to find a supplier: you can |
| Once that part is taken care of, ask yourself these | | | | visit trade shows and fairs and get to know suppliers |
| few simple questions: | | | | directly, or you can search for suppliers online by |
| What will I sell? | | | | Googling "your product name + suppliers OR |
| Start by getting some ideas on what sort of | | | | wholesalers". However, beware when using this |
| products you think you would like to sell. It's always | | | | method as it can make you highly vulnerable to con |
| best to sell things you are interested in or that you | | | | artists. To ensure you only deal with reputable and |
| have some kind of experience in, e.g. if you have | | | | legitimate suppliers, try a supplier directory like to find |
| previously worked in a mountain bike store, you will | | | | verified suppliers which will save you from being |
| have plenty of background experience and | | | | scammed. While directories like SaleHoo charge a |
| knowledge. Similarly, if you are a keen golfer, selling | | | | membership fee, they can save you a ton of money |
| golfing accessories might be a pretty good idea for | | | | later on when you avoid losing money from being |
| you. Research what some of the best items to sell | | | | scammed. |
| are to get a few ideas, but don't be tempted to | | | | There are a few key questions you need to ask |
| enter into highly competitive markets like iPods and | | | | when you find a potential supplier: |
| DVDs - you are much better off selling a niche item | | | | 1. Do you have a minimum order quantity (MOQ)? |
| that will appeal to a very narrow audience and then | | | | 2. How long have you been a supplier? |
| expanding later. eBay Pulse is a great site to find out | | | | 3. Do you ship internationally? (if you are importing |
| the latest selling trends on eBay. | | | | from abroad) Which companies do you use? Do they |
| Where will I sell? | | | | offer tracking information? |
| While eBay is the most common option, there are | | | | So get to it! Your dream of being your own boss and |
| also some great alternatives out there such as | | | | earning money from your own home is just a few |
| Amazon, Bonanzle and, Craigslist or you can always | | | | clicks away! |