5 Ideas on How and What to Sell Online
Harrison left a comment on this blog when I talked about selling online again. He said that he also wants to sell things and perhaps try eBay, but one thing that’s stopping him is that he doesn’t know what to sell. Well, here are 5 suggestions/ideas to get you started:
1) Look at your hobbies and interests. If you like doing something, chances are, you’ll be an expert on the type of products to buy. And, if you know what and how to buy these things, then you’ll be the best salesperson for those products too.
Many businesses begin this way. Scrapbookers who end up with too many products decide to sell (or make) their own. Pet owners who’re looking for the best products for their beloved animals end up knowing how and where to source these items.
2) Look around your home. Are there things that you still need? Maybe you can part with some items and sell them online? Check your garage, your attic, your basement… See what’s been in storage. Are they still in good condition? Then maybe someone else might want them.
3) Make your own products. Write an ebook. Put together a workshop. Design a product. Create an item. Then, sell, sell, sell!
4) Check your contacts’ interests, homes, and products. Maybe you have a partner, friend or relative who can point you towards the right direction. Do they make things that are salable but they’re only interested in making, not selling? Maybe you can sell for them!
5) Be on top of trends. If a movie or book is coming out that’s meant to be really popular, source related products and sell them. Are there big events coming up such as the Olympics, the World Cup, etc? Try to get products that are related to those events and be one of the first to offer them for sale. Or, come up something unique and not easy to obtain.
Hopefully, with these suggestions/ideas, you’ll be on your way to making money online through selling.
Technorati Tags: business, ideas, money, online marketplace, products, selling online
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POSTED IN: Basics of Making Money Online, Creating and Selling Products
6 opinions for 5 Ideas on How and What to Sell Online
Shannon Cherry
Oct 24, 2007 at 7:20 pm
One of the things I like to encourage people is think about what they are already doing with their online business and how can reuse it to make even more money.
For example, if you are using articles to market your business, then take a bunch of related articles, add a bit more content and sell it as an ebook.
The key is to think beyond the original use.
Thomas Sinfield
Oct 24, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I am surprised how many people start things with just the motivation to make money. They have no interest in the product or service. I honestly don’t understand how you could survive doing this.
Jonathan Frye
Oct 25, 2007 at 3:32 am
Great suggestions for the online entrepreneur! As the Internet continues to be more and more central to our lives, there are a lot more items for sale online – you can buy movies, books, antiques, cars, and, even, houses. One more suggestion to add to your list:
6) Look for a void.
Search for items that are not available online or are not readily available online. The scarcity of the item can work toward your competitive advantage and you can make a successful business. Just make certain to do your homework – what is the market for your product, who are you going to sell it to, how are you going to reach them, and why will they buy from you.
Regards,
Jonathan Frye
Blog: Entrepreneurship
Shai Coggins
Oct 26, 2007 at 2:45 pm
Shannon: Absolutely agree with you on that 100%. I always like to encourage people to reuse/recycle/repurpose their existing inventory. Thanks for sharing that!
Thomas: I guess it depends on what people want from this. But yeah, I can’t imagine how pleasurable that will be. I’m always all for starting things off what things you care about. But I guess some people need to do things when they have to. And I think that’s all right too.
Jonathan: Perfect add to this list! Would like to highlight what you said at some stage. Thanks!
Harrison
Nov 1, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Hi thanks for the tips.
I think “make my own products” is the best shot for me. I think this will help me to provide an unique product to the market
zadokbegotten
Mar 25, 2008 at 1:44 am
i would like to be enlightened about your site ok!
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