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The Order of Things - starting an ECommerce Site

by beets79
8 replies
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Hello, just a quick question... I am in the beginning stages of starting my online store for apparel, have been doing extensive research for the last couple months and feel like it's all starting to click now in terms of how to go about it. The part where I become overwhelmed is which steps to take when in terms of how to finally get there.

What would be the order of setting up shop? In my mind, I see it like this and could use some assistance if I am missing anything or have things all backwards. Would appreciate it!

1) Find your product
2) Market research how your product would sell
3) Source your product, make manufacturer connections
4) Name your company/brand
5) Find platform to set up shop
6) Set up shop (have been seeing I will also need some applications to handle various parts of the business... shopping cart, inventory, etc)
7) Marketing/Set up social media sites & blog
8) Start selling

Is there anything in between I'm missing there?

Just a general timeline of the order of things would be great, thank you!
#ecommerce #order #site #starting #things
  • Profile picture of the author beets79
    57 views and no replies....lol alrighty then. Thanks anyway!
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  • Profile picture of the author HostColor
    Well, I'd say that (2) "Market research how your product would sell" is probably the most important thing as I'm sure you don't want to find yourself in a situation where you have spend a couple of thousands on web development and e-commerce website setup, but the website doesn't get enough targeted traffic and does not have enough sales.

    I do not know where you local market is and if there's any, but I'd suggest you to organize an event and/or to find a way to promote your new business in the local community. It would help.
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    • Profile picture of the author beets79
      Originally Posted by HostColor View Post

      Well, I'd say that (2) "Market research how your product would sell" is probably the most important thing as I'm sure you don't want to find yourself in a situation where you have spend a couple of thousands on web development and e-commerce website setup, but the website doesn't get enough targeted traffic and does not have enough sales.

      I do not know where you local market is and if there's any, but I'd suggest you to organize an event and/or to find a way to promote your new business in the local community. It would help.
      Thanks HostColor, appreciate the response and advice!

      Wrapping my head around marketing now that I know what I WANT to sell.

      Thanks again!
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  • Profile picture of the author dave_hermansen
    Hey Beets79,

    You've certainly got the basic outline well taken care of here. Where #3 happens might get a little hazy at times though. Some suppliers really only want to work with an established company, so going into your sourcing efforts with something you can show off (a site, or company name) can help you acquire a supplier to begin with. Feel free to check out Store Coach for more details on all the steps (our basic training course is completely free).
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    • Profile picture of the author beets79
      Originally Posted by dave_hermansen View Post

      Hey Beets79,

      You've certainly got the basic outline well taken care of here. Where #3 happens might get a little hazy at times though. Some suppliers really only want to work with an established company, so going into your sourcing efforts with something you can show off (a site, or company name) can help you acquire a supplier to begin with. Feel free to check out Store Coach for more details on all the steps (our basic training course is completely free).
      Glad to know I'm on the right track, and thank you for the course recommendation..much appreciated Dave!
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  • Profile picture of the author Himanshu1988
    Thousands if not hundreds of e-commerce website launch every day. Specifically for apparel it's hard to sell because no one knows the quality of cloths (exception if you are selling branded one). You need to have deep pocket for AD campaign (PPC) as well as SEO which takes a lot of time, budget and efforts. Do you have any previous experience with PPC & SEO. If you think you will outsource SEO then be aware because there are bunch of monkeys out there who will take your money & deliver poor quality result. You may also fall into a trap where you will keep investing more and more because you will think this next move will do the trick.

    I am not discouraging you but just be aware before you do anything.

    Best of luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author beets79
      Originally Posted by Himanshu1988 View Post

      Thousands if not hundreds of e-commerce website launch every day. Specifically for apparel it's hard to sell because no one knows the quality of cloths (exception if you are selling branded one). You need to have deep pocket for AD campaign (PPC) as well as SEO which takes a lot of time, budget and efforts. Do you have any previous experience with PPC & SEO. If you think you will outsource SEO then be aware because there are bunch of monkeys out there who will take your money & deliver poor quality result. You may also fall into a trap where you will keep investing more and more because you will think this next move will do the trick.

      I am not discouraging you but just be aware before you do anything.

      Best of luck.
      That is good to know, and I am trying to go a specific way with the apparel so as not to sell all the same shirts, etc everyone else is. Just working out details as I go to see what will work best.

      Thank you!!
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  • Profile picture of the author neralu
    Dear Beats,

    You have listed out the points clearly..

    However, before you proceed:
    Marketing is the most important aspect of any of the ecommerce site.. I guess everyone will agree to it.

    Whatever you are planning to sell via your website.. Sell it first in Amazon and see how it works with your marketing plan..

    If you cant sell on amazon, then dont waste your time and money in creating the ecomm site..

    My suggestion is not to discourage you, but the fact that , if the item will not work on established site, then it cant work on new site..

    What is your marketing plan.. ?

    I might not visit this thread again, send me a PM, if you need any help
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