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Australia - is it a good market to start an e-commerce business in?

by andrejka007
6 replies
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Hi fellow warriors,

I'm fairly new to this site, but have been reading through a lot of advice on starting an e-commerce business. I'm so grateful to all those that have contributed, as I've learnt so much in a short space of time.
I'm also very new to Australia as I've just moved here a few months ago and don't really know the market so well, plus I was in a 9-5 job previously, so this is overall a new territory for me in all aspects - a proper beginner.
My question is - is Australia a good market to run an online business (online shop) in? Has anyone been REALLY successful and profitable?
I have read through some comments already and my general feeling is that it might not be that easy. Not just because the population isn't very large, but also the competition is quite fierce, drop shipping method has a very low margin of profit (this doesn't only apply for Australia), self fulfilment companies very expensive, high taxes, very tight regulations...etc.
Or does it really depend on what niche I get into?

Also, has anyone any experience in using the Wholesale Finder directory? Is it worth joining? When I went to their Join page, I was greeted with this message which frankly put me off:

WARNING:
Don't even think about getting this if you're a eBay beginner. Or never sold anything before online. Or haven't at least been in online wholesale business for 3-4 years. Or don't have an ABN. Because we WILL NOT refund until you've owned the membership for at least 45 days. Should a chargeback or dispute occur, we'll dispute it back by showing this to merchant. Reason for this warning? To repel all startup beginners, tire-kickers, sleazebags, serial refunders, and those who believe this will somehow make them rich overnight.

** Only positive, successful, wealthy business owners are permitted to go to next step... **



How is one meant to start a business if they won't accept startup beginners? Every successful company had to start somewhere.... I just don't get it.

Sorry to ramble on, I guess I'm just a bit confused as to whether I should still try and pursue opening an online store in Australia or should I look into other markets like U.S.? Is that where the real big opportunities lie?

Thanks a lot for any advice.
#australia #business #e-commerce #ecommerce #good #market #online shop #start
  • Profile picture of the author sean83
    Hi Andrejka,

    I've lived in Australia for the last 5 years and even completed the NEIS program an Australian course funded by the government for aussie startups which i highly recommend.

    My business plan was based around dropshipping and export, i initially tested the Aussie market with the camping and outdoor niche for a few months, for me personally i found it just burn't my budget up. Whether you will have success with the Aussie market yourself all depends on your niche, and I recommend seriously knowing your niche if you are going to setup a business targeting Aussies.

    The population is not just smaller, but also things are much more expensive in Australia, and the market is much less varied than the US market.

    Also another thing to take into account depending on what niche you are in, is that the Aussie economy is not doing to great at the moment, the AUD is getting worse and unemployment rate is at its highest in over 10 years and increasing.

    Personally I found the US market much more profitable and Americans just seem to have more of a consumer mentality, but this is from my experience as I say you really need to know your niche.
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  • Profile picture of the author TimothyTorrents
    Nobody can tell you if it will be successful, it's up to you to dive in and figure it out. I think you can create a successful e-commerce business literally anywhere on the planet. If I was you, I would do some research and see what people in Australia are buying and then see if you can get those products for cheap elsewhere.

    Then it's just a matter of narrowing down the products until you find one that has the highest potential. I think Terapeak can compile eBay information from Australia, check it out.
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    • Profile picture of the author andrejka007
      Excellent, thank you both for your advice.
      As I'm still unsure which direction to go to, would you be able to recommend me some courses that deal with having an online business in Australia specifically and also in USA for NON-residents? Also, any good books I should buy on ecommerce?
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      • Profile picture of the author sean83
        I'm not sure of specific online business courses in Australia, you might want to look around at your local TAFE or business centre.

        You should check out Dr Ben Adkins Arbitrage Magician, it's awesome, i've learn't so much from him, it's certainly helped me get my business running.
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        • Profile picture of the author skybridgedomains
          Originally Posted by sean83 View Post

          I'm not sure of specific online business courses in Australia, you might want to look around at your local TAFE or business centre.

          You should check out Dr Ben Adkins Arbitrage Magician, it's awesome, i've learn't so much from him, it's certainly helped me get my business running.
          lol tafe for courses online. Good thing about the internet, you are not restricted to geographic location to learn, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I am in Australia and I do OK but I work as a writer and many of my clients are overseas. You need to give us more info on what things you want to do if you want any advice or ideas.
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    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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