New business advice on; Ecommerce site, Eco packaging, courier

louloulouisa

Hi

I am hoping to start a new business selling educational kids books to schools and for home use that I have created and tested in schools. :eek:

Has anyone got any advice or recommendations on a good Ecommerce site, Eco packaging, and good couriers?

Thank you so so much :beer:

WhyNot?

louloulouisa wrote: »

Hi

I am hoping to start a new business selling educational kids books to schools and for home use that I have created and tested in schools. :eek:

Has anyone got any advice or recommendations on a good Ecommerce site, Eco packaging, and good couriers?

Thank you so so much :beer:

Amazon are arguably the best, and certainly most well known & visited, online website for book supply.

If you agree a 'Fullfilled by Amazon' agreement, they will also arrange the delivery of the books to the end customers for you.

Amazon have their own packaching requirements if you were to adopt this route.

louloulouisa

Thanks WhyNot, Unfortunately printing with Amazon, or Lulu or any of those platforms makes my books too expensive for schools, so I have to print them cheaply with solo press who can print them cheaper in batch. Thank you so much for replying

WhyNot?

louloulouisa wrote: »

Thanks WhyNot, Unfortunately printing with Amazon, or Lulu or any of those platforms makes my books too expensive for schools, so I have to print them cheaply with solo press who can print them cheaper in batch. Thank you so much for replying

There is no need to have Amazon print your books.
I wasn't even aware they offered that facility.

louloulouisa

Oh I see what you mean, Thank you so much, i'll take a look...

thank you

martindow

Presumably Amazon fulfilment charge a stocking fee and postage costs so you need to find out what these are.

If you DIY and are sending individual books the postage cost will vary a lot - if they are under 25mm thick when packed you could send them at large letter rates. If they are thicker than this or you are sending several books at a time you will need to choose between RM parcel rates or use a carrier. Generally under 2kg RM is best over this weight go for a carrier.

How will you be taking payments? For individuals you would want payment in advance so will need a card payment system or accept paypal (or both) via your website. Educational establishments will have their own arrangements, normally paying against an invoice after delivery.

You need to research the costs of the various options to decide whether you will end up with a profit.

louloulouisa

Thank you so much for your helpful advice Martindow,