Ana Rincon, About.com’s Guide to Online Business, has an article on How To Find Products To Sell Online. It’s a good starting point for anyone who’s looking in to setting up cyber shops or considering doing the online auction route.
My personal favourites out of her suggestions:
1) Garage sales and flea markets. This is especially great if you have a good eye for bargains.
2) eBay. Yes, even for stuff that you wish to resell on eBay, you can find some good wholesale deals here.
3) Local Businesses. Not all business have online presences. If you know of a great product within your area that doesn’t have web stores yet, you might consider selling their products.
4) Importers/Exporters. This is especially good if you have some background in the import-export industry, or if you have at least have contacts in countries where you can get inexpensive goods that you can resell for a good profit.
I’m living in Vietnam right now and people are always telling me I should buy up some of the big bargains in handbags, shoes, etc. and sell them for a profit online. Problem is that Vietnam postal service is totally unreliable and likes to impose a customs tax whenever possible. Otherwise, I’d be on it!
Lei: Oh, dear. How did I miss responding to this? Now, you’re in London!