posted on July 10, 2001 11:57:42 PM
I have an idea for a product. Now, it would be sold mostly on a website, but could still be put on auction sites. I can get 50 of them for around $200 (minimum order is 50 pieces). They would sell for $10-12 each(I hope). I do not know if they are a desired item but I can't find one on the net. I would like to have it, so someone out there might too.
Here's my problem. Would it be best to just order the product and hope it sells? Or set up a pre-sell so I get a better idea of the actual demand for it? The first idea, if they don't sell, would leave me with some inventory sitting around. The second idea would be great, but if only 3 orders come in, I still have a bunch of items that won't sell.
posted on July 11, 2001 06:08:47 AM
well it looks like either way you will have some laying around, worst case scenario.i personally would not bid on a presell unless it was a collectible item that was yet to be released.so it comes down to if you are willing to risk $200. in the grand scheme of things it is only 200 bucks, look at it as reinvesting your ebaqy profits into inventory. in my opinion if you think it will sell why not risk the money....business do it every day. if you are thinking of building a website the inventory overflow is the least of your worries..i suggest if you go the website route you do some research. building it is the easy part, getting hits and exposure is the difficult part. websites are no diferent than brick and mortar stores, you need to generate traffic thru exposure, getting people to come is the hard part. it is not a field of dreams "if you build it they will come" its more like if you bust your ass promoting it etc. they might come...to me ebay and like sites are a good way to get an item up and running,of course if sales are too good it also lets competiition know about the item.....hope some of that made sense......
[ edited by skeetypete on Jul 11, 2001 06:09 AM ]
posted on July 11, 2001 06:12:39 AM
Before you consider doing a pre-sell, check the ebay rules on this very carefully. There are limitations and restrictions. This might factor into your final decision.
posted on July 11, 2001 09:06:27 AM
Thanks. I might just take the next step, buy the inventory, and see what happens. Worst part though is my wife and I are looking for a house, and I'd hate to find out we are need that $200.
