e-tailing plan (what to sell online?)

[Fastforward]

So, I'm planning to start an online retail venture. I have a few ideas, but wanted to get your ideas/thoughts as I narrow down what I want to sell. I will withhold my ideas for now so as not to bias or limit your brainstorming.

Basic premises though:
* Low product liability, therefore, no perishables, consumables, no porn or associated 'toys', nothing regulated by ATF.

* Reasonable price points, nothing selling for more than $100-200. (leaves out most G-35 accessories )

* Not a overworked or household name commodity (books, CDs, most consumer Electronics) Amazon and the like have this sewn up.

Pretty much anything else is fair game.

Please offer up any ideas for things you buy or would like to see online for sale.

I look forward to your input. I respect the demographic that frequents 6MT and value your opinions. If I end up settling on an idea of yours (or something close) I'll be sure to extend y'all a discount

thanks again in advance.
FFWD

[GZire]

I'd say look into a (big) niche market. Sell kitchen stuff. I'm talking things like ladles, big spoons, serving utensils, cutting boards, etc.

[dholly]

Do you prefer B2B or B2C?

[ARMENIN]

GAMES!!! especially w/ the new xbox 360 coming then ps3... Kids, even adults always want games as presents.

[uhohNumber2brb]

I knew this one chick that sold used panties online....she had the scent created and just sprayed them on $1 panties and sold them for $20.
Go towards the fetish market....

[sav505]

Be very careful about the turn-key type stuff. If you can find a company that will sell you their products wholesale, then go for it. A lot of companies require a store front. I think clothing, or electronics would be great for online sales. Maybe if you know someone with stuff that they sell, you can tell them that you will sell of it online. Or if you can get the connections, and have the money, you can buy a container of products from overseas, but then you need to store it somewhere.
Good luck!

[Fastforward]

Thanks for the input so far.

DHolly, I want to start B2C for now and will also leverage Ebay in addition to a stand alone site. Gzire, I really like the kitchen gadget idea. Knives, cutting boards and such. Similar to one of my ideas. Sav, thanks for the heads up on turnkey, but I have also come to realize those scams in the last 4 months of research. I actually have a good line on legitimate wholesalers and drop shippers. I also have a strong background in supply chain and logistics, so the whole warehousing, fulfillment, and shipping side is not a problem.

As for the electronics and games ideas, unfortunately that market is way too saturated and between the large electronics retailers and the big box whses, they have it sewn up on very low margins. My 'real job' already entails selling consumer electronics so I know of this.

So far, so good, please keep the input coming, the more ideas the better IMO.

Thanks again

[Jaylin]

I will agree with GZ here...kitchen utensils and the hard-to-find speciality utensils...with the way people are cutting budgets back there will be more home cooked meals heading our way...

[Fastforward]

Another vote for the kitchen utensils concept. Thanks.

Other areas we were considering include, Asian imports (decor and the like) but that might be too common - Cost Plus seems to have this niche. Also was considering jewelry, watches, clocks, men's gifts (assortment of things guys like/need).

Keep those ideas coming.

[Jaylin]

The hard to find men's gifts are a plus...I know my mom and g/f are always looking for things to buy us...

[Fastforward]

*bump*

still interested in more ideas. Scouting for some right now in Singapore and Malaysia

[Jedmo123]

Originally Posted by Fastforward

Thanks for the input so far.

DHolly, I want to start B2C for now and will also leverage Ebay in addition to a stand alone site. Gzire, I really like the kitchen gadget idea. Knives, cutting boards and such. Similar to one of my ideas.


So far, so good, please keep the input coming, the more ideas the better IMO.

Thanks again

You might get some ideas from this one. I get all my work knives from them.
http://eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/main_front.jsp

Be careful with the name of your site. Especially if you want to appeal to professional foodservice types. I can't access this one at work because the word "knife" is blocked.

If you sold G35 headrests that tilt forward and come in the color wheat, I'll be your first customer.

Custom IPod cases that look good would be great, most of them look like crap.

[Phelan]

Wow, nice pricing there. Don't need anymore knives though....at least not till I get some guns.

[sav505]

If you go to a retail store, or the mall, or anywhere else they sell stuff, look around...Who's in there buying stuff?....Women! They love to buy stuff.

Heres a few suggestions to think about, designer purses, shoes, sunglasses, 7 jeans, home decor (small and light for better shipping), candles, jewlery (not the high end stuff, but the pretty stuff that women like to buy), bras, panties...Ummm...You get the point, women stuff.

Make them feel like they are getting a deal, and they won't be able to turn it down. Women buy stuff they don't need just because it's on sale.

Good luck, and let us know what you decide on.

[Gardiner]

Check out what martysellsu on ebay sells.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQ...ssZmartysellsu