How to start up business

Flyonthewall

Bobster64 wrote: »

I would recommend testing the market online without purchasing any stock to see if there is any demand. As long as you do not actually take any payments it is ok to do this. This gives you the ability to experiment with costs and delivery charges. If the demand is sufficient then you can take this info as proof to a bank or investor who will then lend you the money to get going.

How do you mean by testing without any stocks or payments?

Bobster64

Flyonthewall wrote: »

How do you mean by testing without any stocks or payments?

PM me and we can have a chat. Happy to offer advice to any budding Branson.

lincroft1710

Flyonthewall wrote: »

No because it's something that collectors/fans of the items will always want so I know there's a market and I know how many stores sell similar items within at least a 10 mile radius of me.

If these items are already being sold locally, then would there be room for yet another bricks and mortar shop.

You have repeatedly moaned about Royal Mail costs. Are these items of a size which could be sent via courier, which can be cheaper than RM.

Flyonthewall

lincroft1710 wrote: »

If these items are already being sold locally, then would there be room for yet another bricks and mortar shop.

You have repeatedly moaned about Royal Mail costs. Are these items of a size which could be sent via courier, which can be cheaper than RM.

They're not really being sold locally, especially not really local. There's 1 store miles away that sells some of what I'd sell and another a little closer that sells related items, but not exactly what I'd sell.

I wasn't moaning, I was stating that based on Royal Mail costs the postage would be high and it's too high to make a profit. That's just a fact.

They could be sent by courier, but all their prices have gone up and it's more hassle for me to send through them. Plus I don't trust them all to actually deliver the items.

EPL

Flyonthewall wrote: »

They're not really being sold locally, especially not really local. There's 1 store miles away that sells some of what I'd sell and another a little closer that sells related items, but not exactly what I'd sell.

I wasn't moaning, I was stating that based on Royal Mail costs the postage would be high and it's too high to make a profit. That's just a fact.

They could be sent by courier, but all their prices have gone up and it's more hassle for me to send through them. Plus I don't trust them all to actually deliver the items.

A little bit of advice here lad, and please don't think I am being harsh. I am no business guru myself, but you will never succeed with this business if you continue to have this 'I cant' attitude.

Every bit of advice people on here (some very knowlegable posters as well) have given you, you have dismissed with the words 'I cant'

Instead of focusing on how many obstacles there are and what they are, start focusing on how you are going overcome these.

Flyonthewall

EPL wrote: »

A little bit of advice here lad, and please don't think I am being harsh. I am no business guru myself, but you will never succeed with this business if you continue to have this 'I cant' attitude.

Every bit of advice people on here (some very knowlegable posters as well) have given you, you have dismissed with the words 'I cant'

Instead of focusing on how many obstacles there are and what they are, start focusing on how you are going overcome these.

I'm not a lad.

It's not an I can't attitude, it's a I have not worked everything out yet attitude.

I am. I've said who knows how many times that I am still researching and that I would love to sell online but I have to figure out the postage problem.

Flyonthewall

Just to try and end this thread because it's gone round in circles so many times it's daft.

I am still researching and planning.

I will continue researching and planning.

The question I had has been answered.

I am trying to figure out the postage problem.

I am considering all options; shop, online, market, collection, postage, gumtree, ebay, own site and all that.

I am still finding out all the figures and that includes still looking for the cheapest price of the items.

Thank you to everyone who has replied.

There have been some helpful comments, my question has been answered and they will help me with the details of this business idea and any future ones.

EPL

Flyonthewall wrote: »

I'm not a lad.

Apologies.

Flyonthewall wrote: »

It's not an I can't attitude, it's a I have not worked everything out yet attitude.

It is.

Flyonthewall wrote: »

I am. I've said who knows how many times that I am still researching and that I would love to sell online but I have to figure out the postage problem.

Well maybe if you tell us what the product is, or give us weight and dimenssions then maybe we could suggest something.

How on earth were you expecting to pay for and run a commercial property if you are complaining over postage prices by doing it online

Flyonthewall

EPL wrote: »

Apologies.

It is.

Well maybe if you tell us what the product is, or give us weight and dimenssions then maybe we could suggest something.

How on earth were you expecting to pay for and run a commercial property if you are complaining over postage prices by doing it online

No worries.

It isn't. I just haven't worked it all out yet.

They vary in weight and dimensions.

I can get more profit per item to help cover costs.

martindow

I find it hard to understand how you will not make any money if you have postage charges but somehow it becomes profitable with the enormous overheads of a shop.

As has been said if you can give approximate weights, sizes and values of a some items you have in mind people could help you with postage options.

We're on page 8 and and your plans seem as vague as ever!