How to start an online store?

[The_Hermit_1971]

I would like to start a computer hardware online store and would love somebody to help me with my first steps. How much money do I need to get started? What about dropshipping? I would greatly appreciate any help.

[baggio]

get a good host such as bluehost + this will include some software called fantastico + it will help you build your online store, step by step. it's pretty easy like this. hosting is the only cost as well as a domain. i don't know how much you'd have to pay a month but it shouldn't be to much

[The_Hermit_1971]

Thanks for your answer but I was talking about how to get the distributors to accept your account and give you credit and things like that. How much money do you think somebody should spend to be able to get a considerable discount? Do you know where can I find this kind of information?

[Saving_spree]

Visit How to Start an Online Store - wikiHow......

You will find all the required details....

[frozenstar]

Wow. I guess this is a really tough one. It's a little bit hard to start this thing if you don't have knowledge or understanding about how it works. I guess it is a good start if you establish your team first. Programmers, designers, webmasters, etc. Buy a nice domain that suits the products that you want to sell.

[hallofjean101]

Originally Posted by frozenstar

Wow. I guess this is a really tough one. It's a little bit hard to start this thing if you don't have knowledge or understanding about how it works. I guess it is a good start if you establish your team first. Programmers, designers, webmasters, etc. Buy a nice domain that suits the products that you want to sell.

I definitely suggest that you buy a fitting domain. Once you're done with the programming, designing, etc of your online site. You can try having it optimized.

It's better if you're site is visible on search engines. A very cost-effective means of marketing. But definitely, a LOT of competition.

But if you have a great SEO specialist, your site will surely be in good hands.

[Software Supply]

What you are going to find frustrating is the issue of vendors. The big computer parts vendors sell wholesale for more than you can buy the same items online. Generally the prices would be similar to those in best buy. the prices are set so you can order from the distributor with a credit card. Most of the big ones like ingram micro are publicly traded and you can see that their average annual gross profit margin(before company expenses) is 5% so they aren't making a killing either.

To be able to make money you have to get in the good graces of a manufacturer rep to change your pricing or find closeouts. Typically with good pricing you won't also be able to get terms but instead will have to pay cash up front. If you are new to the biz i would suggest looking for recyclers in your area and see if you could buy small lots of items you could refurbish yourself and test some sales on ebay and see what response you get and build from there.

[honeydanny]

souds a good idea, i want to do it too

[BTOtech.com]

no offense but what can you possibly offer better then the thousands of computer stores that are on the web already? Even if you could offer something here are the facts
1. most web computer stores make about 2% on parts and computers
2. Companies like newegg might make 3 or 4%.
3. if you were to go to one of the half dozen major distributors you will find that the price you pay is about the same or more then if you purchased one part at a time from newegg or the like
4. stores like ewiz.com and newbiiz are owned an operated by distributors (malabs). How do you plan on competing with them
5. Even if you were able to make something out of your venture expect it to take yeats if not an entire decade to make you any decent living. Making anything more then a decent living slinging parts and computers online is very very hard to do. You have 99.99% chances of folding your venture and less then 1% chance of succeeding.
Take it from someone who is intimately familiar with this business. Find another career choice. THis online business of selling technology is the hardest industry to break into.