Starting an Online Business: Questions?

[xfileluv]

I am job hunting like a maniac and having no luck (like so many others right now). I just graduated with my master’s degree (criminal justice) and have been doing freelance work (mostly writing) while in school. However, now that school is finished, I’m interested in finding more substantial work. I have been researching the concept of opening an online store and have come to several conclusions: there are a lot of scams out there; there are many different products/services that can be offered via an internet store; and I have no clue where to begin.

I would honestly prefer to go with a turnkey site, which would save me from having to build the site, add check-out software, set up Adsense, and many turnkeys I’ve looked at include purchase of the domain name with the package. But I’m not sure how to tell the scams from the legit sites.

One thing I do NOT want to get involved with is MLM, high-pressure sales, or affiliate marketing--I simply know my limits and I don't have the personality for that kind of work. I would prefer a simple business based upon the exchange of a product for cash--I am not interested in scamming people for profit. I am the kind of person who is not happy unless she is actively doing or working on something, so the idea of having a tangible biz appeals to me.

I am also looking into drop-shipping, because there is no way I can afford to purchase inventory right now. My most recent freelance gig ended at the end of June, so I am bringing NO money in right now. Therefore, drop-shipping makes the most sense at this point.

What I am looking for is input on turnkey shops (do you hate them, know if any are legit, has anyone had personal experience with one, etc.) and any general thoughts/ideas/suggestions for someone in my position. I know very basic HTML, but there is no way I could build a storefront site on my own—so keep in mind that I’m not much use on the technical front.

I should also mention that I am NOT looking to get rich. If I could make $1,000 per month, it would take a lot of pressure off the family budget. More than that would be great (especially because my student loan payments will be kicking in soon), but I wanted to clarify that I’m looking for a legit online biz and am not hoping to become a millionaire without doing any work. So please, no “get rich quick” schemes for me.

I really do look forward to hearing what those of you with experience have to offer. Thanks to anyone who has made it this far!

[Drunkenwish970]

OK your question is very long

play it free and see if you can handle the business of selling

go to ZILO . com they do everything you asked about for dropshipping and stores you create

12 years experience in online business ventures

[Wayne]

Chris Farrell membership offers a lot of free information on starting an online business. The key concept is focusing on building a list so that you can repeatedly market products to your subscribers. Check it out at http://www.howbeginnersmakemoneyonline.com/

[derik m]

Hi xfileluv,

Glad to hear you're looking to get started with an online business

Okay, so let me start by saying that all the turn-key websites I've have been worthless. Don't worry it's never been easier for those without any technical knowledge to build a website, and much better than any crappy turn-key website that may or may not be secure.

It sounds like you've already assessed your situation and determined drop shipping might be right for you. You're correct that it doesn't cost a lot, I got started in it while I was in university because of the low start up cost, and because I didn't have time to handle inventory. But it is not totally without cost to get started.

Here are some of the things you'll need to spend actual money on:

1. To find REAL drop shipping suppliers, you typically have to pay a directory for access. Probably the three largest and most trusted are: Worldwidebrands, Doba, and Salehoo. Their prices vary, but I would start there.

2. Becoming a legal business, whether that be a sole proprietorship or an LLC. You'll need to get an EIN (employer identification number) from the IRS. The cost will vary state to state, you can also get assistance from a lawyer or online service, but the cost will increase if you do this. If you use an online service, expect to pay between $150-350.

3. You'll need to put up a website. This isn't as hard as you might think. You can set one up easily with Yahoo Stores or Shopify. I have very little knowledge myself, and I use Shopify.com, they have a very elegant design and a marketplace for apps that easily integrate within your store. It's very easy to figure out for those that have little experience. Both of these will cost you about $50 a month in hosting costs.

4. Then you'll just be spending money on marketing. Google adwords, Facebook, etc.


It will take some time for to get everything set up, so if you're looking for something that can provide a more immediate return, I don't think this is going to provide that for you.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[Rogier]

Hey there, thanks for the question. My view is that affiliate marketing really works, I recommend this for you.

Me and my brother are doing it together and were getting money rolling in.

Affiliate marketing means you sell other people's products where you gain a hefty commission, LoL that's cool! We are always posting our links on forums and stuff so that it directs to our website and blog.

The website we often use help us is the one below, I found out how to make affiliate buttons and links and how to direct your links ect.

But more importantly I learned a lot of stuff which ordinary affiliates don't know.

I really hope this helps, Rogier.

[Sean L]

i have been burned several times with paid surveys and other nonsenses.
those scams, like make $$$ doing nothing at all, viewing websites, scecret shoppers...etc, pls ignore it.
Dont waste your time. let's face it, making $$ is that that easy.

To me to make $$ online, you will need a real products that you can resell them online with Ebay/Amazon.
of course there are many other ways out there, but this is what i know and have been doing it for years.

Where are you based?
If you are serious and based in USA, then you may pm me.

[Garland C]

It sounds like you have thought this out much more than most of the people I help! Well done.

I would continue working with the freelance work in the interim while you build your online business.

For your online business, I would actually avoid "turnkey" solutions because this "cookie cutter" approach to selling online means that there is really no reason for anyone to buy from you because you are just the same as everyone else.

The first step for the online business I think would be to find a niche market that you feel you can work with and learn what are the most serious problems this market faces. Then look to find physical products that can solve this that you can have drop shipped or make affiliate commissions on.

Then you can build up a resource web site with your own unique voice/personality to attract people to the site.

Storefront sites are not as hard as you think. They can be as simple as a Wordpress blog with a PayPal button for payment inserted. Or you can use a simple system like Weebly. Here is a web site editing resource page I put together that might help.
http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/recommend...e-editing/

And here is a free video I did on how to make money by being unique:
http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2009/02/1...ng-unique/

Hope this helps. Good luck with your online venture!

Garland Coulson, "The EBusiness Tutor"