Is it possible to sell some things?

[Mike]

Just wondering weather it is possible to sell some things on a eccomerce site. Like if you wanted to sell video games, it's pretty obvious that it's going to be hard because of Amazon, Game, and other big companies.

So, is it only worth starting up niche ecommerce sites?

Cheers,
Mike

[Chris]

I would say that niche sites are your best bet. Not saying that its not possible to start a brand new general retail type site... but for an individual to do it alone without any kind of funding it'd be just about impossible.

[Mike]

Thanks for the reply Chris, how did you come up with the idea of your swords site please?

I take it that's in the niche category...

[Chris]

Well I made my costuming site some months ago with the idea that eventually I would use it to promote a sword or related type site. The costuming site isn't big yet, but I decided to go ahead and make the sword site now (basically to cash in on Lord of the Rings).

I picked it because of my familiarity with the field, I personally like swords, and because I knew that swords have a nice markup. They're also expensive enough that I'll make a larger profit with lower sales. For instance my profit is about $50 per sword, to get that equivalent profit I'd need to sell like 25 books maybe or something.

I'm also planning on opening up two more knife stores, one that sells throwing knives, and one that sells hunting/survival knives.

[Mike]

Whoa, you sure make a lot on them swords - sounds like a great idea...

Thanks for the advice, think I will leave it a bit til I set up a ecommerce site; too expensive and can't think of anything to sell:)

Cheers,
Mike

[Chris]

Actually thats not much.

You should see the retail markup on things you buy in the mall.

[walt]

Chris,
Some of those same 'United Cutlery' swords were offered on eBay in auctions that expired today. The minimum bids were set at around $150, and I think the auctions expired with no one bidding on them.
The tie-in of the costuming site with the swords cart is clever strategy. You certainly practice what you preach.

[walt]

A little brainstorming about niche markets might be appropriate in this thread.

I once build a cart for a manufacturer of logsplitters. Sales were disappointing and I wonder if an associated site with info about home built log splitters would have helped. Free plans plus an offer to sell components might have been just the right recipe.

I bet that the most successful niche marketers are enthusiasts in some narrow field who offer useful content along with their wares.

In fact, it's probablya tried and true formula. Content is still king.

So, we're looking for content/product tandems that will work. Such as, medieval costuming in tandem with sword selling (clever).

Or how about DIY body piercing instruction in tandem with nose-ring sales.

Or, let's go afer the affluent baby boomers using longevity tips coupled with health food sales.

So, the problem is not finding a product, but rather is doing the marketing. And, building a cart looks like the easiest part.

[Chris]

Ya... I don't plan on competing on a price basis... I'm hoping my customers never think to look on ebay.

Also, with a couple of the swords, there are knockoffs that are pretty prevalent so some of the cheaper ones on ebay are those.

[Mike]

Originally posted by Chris
Actually thats not much.

You should see the retail markup on things you buy in the mall.

Problem is I tend to buy the 'big' items such as games, computer components (rarely), computer software, clothes - and sometimes books.

So really they're the only things that I will know quite a bit about, and they are all items that would be hard to compete with.

[walt]

Originally posted by Mike

So really they're the only things that I will know quite a bit about, and they are all items that would be hard to compete with.

Find a niche within one of those broader markets. Consider this site:
tombraiders.net (http://tombraiders.net/stella/)

It contains tons of info about just one game. And, it has a cart selling lots of related items.

I don't know if its profitable, but it illustrates the point.

[Mike]

Think I'll link a content site with ecommerce...

Got to get this new design for my template site done first though:(

[incka]

Swords are illegal in the UK Mike, so don't try to plan selling them. Next time you go to spain or portugal and go in a gift shop look at the notice by the side of the swords - Don't take into UK - Illegal!

[Mike]

Replica swords aren't I don't think. It's replica guns that are illegal.

[Chris]

I know of merchants that sell the same swords that I do in the UK. Prices aren't as good though.

[incka]

They must not be dangerous then. Some kitchen knives are illegal in the UK!

[Mike]

By the way incka, I wasn't "planning to sell them".