Calling all business owners? New! Established! This message is for you!
Welcome! We're open!
Are you in this phase of your business? Are you welcoming customers?
You have to have customers; in order to be successful! So, what must a business owner do, to get customers?
Running a business requires first, having a plan. Next, you must put your plan into action. If you've planned your business and you've decided that retail is your niche, you're going to need ... products.
Now, there are many ways you could obtain products for your business. But let's start with the basics.
First, will your business be an online business, a traditional brick and mortar business, or both? This is called your business model.
You will need several things. Now, these things will depend on which business model you have chosen. Let's start with the online business. You will need the following, at minimum:
- An online business presence; a website or blog.
- Financing
- Office Supplies
- Home or Office Space where you will run your business.
- Products to sell
One of the best sources for your retail business and supplies for your business is Alibaba. You will need to decide what kind of products you want to sell. Will your store be, a clothing store? Or an electronic store? Or how about a beauty store? Maybe you want to post general merchandise?
It's really up to you? What is your niche? What is your passion?
At Alibaba, you have several choices of wholesale products that you can buy for your store. If you have an online business, you will need to allocate a location to house your products. At home or storage? Maybe a garage or a well-secured shed.
Finding Wholesale Products from Alibaba
There are an array of products to choose from and are all at wholesale prices. You can find items for your store, add them to your cart, place your order and have it directly shipped to you. *Note: Some items will require you to make inquires to suppliers. You will see the link on the product page.
Your information and payments are safe & easy. There are also many unique products from over 200 countries & regions. This is very important, as many people are looking for these types of products. This will also make your store stand out from all the main stream big-box superstores.
Suggestion: Make sure you have a budget. Believe me, it's real easy to get caught up on the low-costs and deals.
There are over 200 million products to choose from, & over 200 thousand suppliers.
Some of the products you will see on Alibaba are:
Now that we've talked about online business setups, lets talk about your traditional brick and mortar business models. Remember, every business has a niche. Depending on your niche, you will need to decide what your brick and mortar business model will be like.
Freelancers, photographers and even retailers can benefit from a home-based business model. Setting up a home-based business will entail a few things, *which varies in your state/city. You will need one or more of the following:
- Approval from Zoning Office To Operate a Home Business
- Business License
- Home Office Space-Designated To Operate Your Home Business
- Your Home Office Tools-Internet Access, Computer, Desk/Table Camera, Cell Phone, etc
- Ecommerce or Service-Related Website
- Designated Home-Office Space to Store Any Equipment or Products Used in Your Home Business
Minimal Out-Of-Pocket Upfront Costs
Traditional Brick and Mortar Stores:
This model requires more out-of-pocket upfront costs. You will need points 1-4 and will have more space do designate for your products and services. But, you will have to pay rent for the building of your business, and property taxes, lights, phone and utilities, in addition to your personal bills you already pay for at home. This is a major consideration when establishing a home business.
Then, there's also security. With a home business model, you can watch over your products while being home. But, a traditional brick and mortar requires 24 hour surveillance; both while store is open and closed. You also may need to hire extra personnel to man the grounds while the store is closed, to protect yourself from theft or property destruction.
So, you now see the two models. It's simply up to you what you are able and are willing to put into your business.
But, there's one more model I'd like to mention. This model requires absolutely no inventory, minimal costs; i.e. Internet access, a computer, usually your own website and minimal advertising costs.
*Add in costs for your business license and zoning expenses.
It's called Dropshipping!
What is Dropshipping, you ask? Using Google Search, here's the definition:
Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you sell products online without holding any inventory yourself; instead, when a customer places an order, you forward it to a third-party supplier who then ships the product directly to the customer.
No Inventory Required:
As a dropshipping retailer, you don't need to store or manage any products in a physical location.
Order Fulfillment by Supplier:
When a customer buys something from your online store, you forward the order details (including the customer's shipping address) to your dropshipping supplier.
Supplier Ships Directly:
The supplier then prepares the order and ships it directly to the customer, often using their own packaging or branding.
Focus on Marketing and Sales:
You focus on marketing your online store, attracting customers, and managing the sales process, while the supplier handles the logistics and shipping.
Low Startup Costs:
Dropshipping can be a relatively low-cost way to start an online business, as you don't need to invest in large amounts of inventory.
Profit Margin:
Your profit comes from the difference between the price you sell the product for and the price you pay your supplier.
Example
You have an online store selling phone cases. A customer buys a case from you. You then forward the order to your dropshipping supplier, who ships the case directly to the customer.
So, this platform can be the easiest, but there can be some potential problems too. Some of them are as followed:
- Product Inspection Capabilities- You will be unable to check the product for cleanliness, product correctness, or damage. The only recourse is to provide after care.
- Customer Service-You can maintain control of your customer service, but the shipper will usually set terms for product returns and shipping times. You will need to adjust your terms to theirs.
I have listed a few programs here that I believe are very good for both business starters and seasoned entrepreneurs.
The first one,
Doba.com is absolutely one of my favorites. They have an array of quality products and very good customer service. Learn more about
Doba
Doba is the industry-leading dropshipping platform which bridges over 200,000+ retailers
with 1000+ top vetted suppliers. With its US-based inventory and high profit margin,
Doba has empowered thousands of retailers for dropshipping success.
Doba simplifies the whole process of dropshipping with its integrations to Shopify, eBay,
Amazon, Wix, Walmart, BigCommerce, Square, Shift4Shop and WooCommerce. Retailers can
discover trending products, manage product lists, place and track orders all in one place.
Dropshipping has never been so easier. Sign up now and get your new user benefits. Here's another great store that offers super wholesale products. Buy by pieces or cases!
Get Spring & Summer Apparel, Fashion Accessories, Outdoor Gear & more at Dollar Days
Dollar Days' Message to you!
As a premier wholesale supplier, DollarDays is the online destination for nonprofits, businesses and others to buy items in bulk and get wholesale prices on what they need to accomplish their missions. We're proud to have served and provided affordable new products for charities, churches, schools and other organizations looking to make their budgets go further.
With our wide range of high-quality products, we have something for everyone. Whether you're searching for disaster-relief supplies or toys and games, restocking your shelves with beauty products and hygiene kits, or preparing for back-to-school season with backpacks and school supplies, DollarDays has what you need to spread more good. If you don't find the right wholesale items for your organization or event, contact us and we can help customize an order specific to your needs.
Thanks for blogging with us. Feel free to add your comments or questions or contact us. Visit https://www.sarahsupercenter.com for specialty gifts and savings on everyday items.
