User:Vtaylor/SCORE/Learn more.../ecommerce

2022.4.29 - from Lillian

Suggestions from another SCORE mentor

Before you set up a business and an online store ...

Do fresh markets, flea markets and other events. For example, NSB has an art stroll once a month on a Saturday. If your products use your original art, you qualify so be a vendor. The cost is $25 if you prepay and you have a 10x10 space for 9-3 on the First Saturday. Many artists use similar events in their local area.

Of course, you have to make the product but you would have to do that anyway. The onus is on you to report the income and to collect and remit the sales tax, organized or not organized. This is better as a "test the water" idea.

Also, original design on a T-shirt - something that you like may not have a very wide market base. Start by doing one and wearing it and wait for people to say - hey I like that, do you know where I can get one! Stamping shirts is not cheap either.

It is easy and exciting to skip ahead and set-up your store. However, there are expenses to having a store even if there is no business. You can wait and set up your store when you are sure you need it. Better to use your time and money to get some local sales and in-person feedback on the products.

ecommerce
http://www.diigo.com/rss/user/vtaylor/ecommerce