Help for niche idea

khublaikhan

I have got a business idea - I have been researching it for last few weeks and I think I can make a good go of it. I thought I would have my own website and have purchased the .com and .co.uk domains - also trade on ebay.

At first I looked at dropshipping but that option seems a bit of a minefield - plus I was not able to find any dropshipper that had in stock the items I wished to trade.

So I am now looking at sourcing the item from wholesalers, or directly from manufacturers - which require you to have some sort trade account and be VAT registered, pay to actually join their "programmes" etc. I get the impression that you have to be well established to go down this route.

Is there any option or avenue that I can explore to get round having to be a well established/big company to purchase the goods I wish to sell?

All help appreciated.

mambury

Talk to the suppliers and let them know you are a start up.... see what they say

OR

Find different suppliers that are more lenient to start ups....

khublaikhan

Hi Mambury,

I intend to do this but there are very few suppliers making what I wish to sell. I did not wish to come across to them as a complete small time amateur and hence not to be taken seriously. I intend to start off with ebay in the meantime investing in setting up and registering as a bona fide company.

I am now looking for wholesalers with these items in UK - which is a similar (and tiresome imo) process to finding dropshippers - access and pay for a directory of wholesalers who in turn wish to see an established business before they start trading with you. You end up investing your time and money (the little you have) in the beauracracy rather than in the assets.

I intend to speak to an advisor and have already done a business plan course but I am am somewhat surprised at there not being more options for small businesses.

Thanks for the advice

Horace

Small businesses always find it tough. I recommend that you speak to your advisor though. To show an established business you need to have paid some invoices, I am not yet VAT registered because I have no need to be but I would be talking to the wholesalers to see if they will deal with you despite not being VAT registered.

paulofessex

I have an online retail business as a sole trader running my businees from home and l purchase from suppliers, in fact l have accounts with 2 multi-national companies and had no problems with them accepting me at all. I was open with them from the start that l was a sole trader of a small business looking to grow with the help of their products. The only thing you need to consider is that some companys have their 'sales managers' who prefer to visit your establishment, in my case my home, prior to accepting you account. So be prepared as l do feel it highly depends on that persons opinion of your business enviroment. I ensured to advise the sales manager that to expect to be visiting a domestic dwelling.

Good luck with your venture