Starting my own business

[dazzler9000]

I’m after a bit of advice. I like the idea of starting a (very) small business. I’d ideally run it over the web. I see that there are lots of ecommerce website builders about. Anybody know of a good one? Is there anything that I need to aware of and avoid?

I’d also be looking to import goods from China etc. Does anybody have any advice on how to form relationships with suppliers, and again, anything to be wary of??

I really am right at the beginning stages and just collecting information really.

I’d appreciate any advice from anybody who’s run/running their own business.

Thanks.

 

[steviedog]

I’m after a bit of advice. I like the idea of starting a (very) small business. I’d ideally run it over the web. I see that there are lots of ecommerce website builders about. Anybody know of a good one? Is there anything that I need to aware of and avoid?

I’d also be looking to import goods from China etc. Does anybody have any advice on how to form relationships with suppliers, and again, anything to be wary of??

I really am right at the beginning stages and just collecting information really.

I’d appreciate any advice from anybody who’s run/running their own business.

Thanks.

I run 2 online businesses from home. Helps me get through uni without having to get a part-time job.

If you want an all-in-one solution for your website, EKM Powershop offer a good service, I use them for both of my websites. It's £20 per month +VAT, no contract so you can cancel at any time. They have a dedicated contact number, support email and forum for help with your websites which I've found very useful. There are cheaper, or even free options available but they come with very limited support.

With regards to China, I would say unless a supplier comes highly recommended, do not deal with anyone online. The best way to find a good supplier is to go over to China and have a look around.

Hope this helps.

 

[GBDG1]

Sounds like you need to write a business plan more than anything. There are templates available from Business Link but you really need to consider questions like:

What will you sell
What is the competition
How will you market it
Who will buy
What are your margins
Is there a gap in the market
How will you fulfil orders

 

[steviedog]

Sounds like you need to write a business plan more than anything. There are templates available from Business Link but you really need to consider questions like:

What will you sell
What is the competition
How will you market it
Who will buy
What are your margins
Is there a gap in the market
How will you fulfil it

I assumed he had already done all of that. But yeh, that's a first before you start looking at flashy websites and logos.

 

[Mr_Wistles]

Another user of ekmpowershop here. Very good, cheap and easy to setup.

 

[dazzler9000]

Thanks guys, I'll check out ekmpowershop.

I haven't written a business plan yet, but obviously I will. I'm just throwing a few ideas around at the moment.

I have to admit, I'd find trips to China rather daunting.....

 

[TheForge]

I have imported a few small electrical parts from Shenzhen over the years. You can get some really cheap and unusual stuff from china.

I think you should start off with being a reseller of goods already imported from China rather than import the goods yourself.

The Forge

 

[Ned Senior]

Hello Dazzler... someone posted to buy offav a source which has already imported the items... I had a brainwave recently whilst looking around ebay which was to buy items from these hong kong dealers then once they have arrived resell at a profit using the "ships from UK" heading as a selling point
might work might not... worth a go and aswell it would mean you only need to buy one each of a variety of items and test the market with them rather than bulk buy a single line and be stuck with them!!!
HTH
Ned

 

[dazzler9000]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I was looking into UK wholesale companies and stumbled across Wholesale Suppliers & UK Wholesale Products Trade Directory - eSources.co.uk has anybody used them. I see you need to sign up for their premium access service to gain phone numbers etc.

Anyone a member?

 

[steviedog]

You should never have to pay for a wholesale list.

Try searching your local phone book for wholesalers.

 

[dazzler9000]

You should never have to pay for a wholesale list.

Try searching your local phone book for wholesalers.

Thanks, I thought this was the case.