Eccommerce: Sitting on Gold

[Vitom]

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, I decided to start a new ecommerce website, and I found a really good niche for it.

I see great opportunity for crazy profit.

I only have one major problem.

How can I get my product to my customers faster than the 16-30 day shipping? Should I drop ship from amazon? They can ship a lot faster. Is that even possible?

Because 16-30 days wont cut it. & I do not have space for inventory, hence the reason I am drop-shipping.

 

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[Walter Hay]

Alright Gentlemen, I decided to start a new ecommerce website, and I found a really good niche for it.

I see great opportunity for crazy profit.

I only have one major problem.

How can I get my product to my customers faster than the 16-30 day shipping? Should I drop ship from amazon? They can ship a lot faster. Is that even possible?

Because 16-30 days wont cut it. & I do not have space for inventory, hence the reason I am drop-shipping.

Not enough space? Think about fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) or independent fulfilment services.

If you can make crazy profits by dropshipping, just imagine the vastly higher profits you can make by buying direct from the manufacturers overseas. AND...... You can forget about 16-30 days shipping, as well as the other problems and risks involved in dropshipping from China. (Just my guess that's what you're thinking of.)

Walter Hay
P.S. There are a lot of ladies as well as gentlemen on the forum.

 

[Vitom]

You are right my friend. (edited)

YES. That where I want to get my product from. CHINA.
I have looked into Amazon FBA before... and I found some minor issues I wanted to cut out:

FBA requires some capital to start up front, but that is part of the barrier for my niche.

FBA also has fees associated with keeping your product there, reducing my profit margin.

FBA also makes it hard to keep track of stock, since you can't see it in person.

On the other hand, I still don't have to deal with returns, shipping or customer service still.
Do you have personal experience with Amazon FBA? Did it work for you? -- Or anyone else reading this thread?

 

[Guest34764]

Amazon FBA works and you should use it.

 

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[Mr.Chaos]

You are right my friend. (edited)

YES. That where I want to get my product from. CHINA.
I have looked into Amazon FBA before... and I found some minor issues I wanted to cut out:

FBA requires some capital to start up front, but that is part of the barrier for my niche.

FBA also has fees associated with keeping your product there, reducing my profit margin.

FBA also makes it hard to keep track of stock, since you can't see it in person.

On the other hand, I still don't have to deal with returns, shipping or customer service still.
Do you have personal experience with Amazon FBA? Did it work for you? -- Or anyone else reading this thread?

You might want to research FBA.
Inventory management is pretty good imo.

 

[Vitom]

Amazon FBA works and you should use it.

Is that from personal experience or did you read about it?

@Mr.Chaos : That $3-5k startup cost tho... Same question, Have you used FBA? ^If so- any issues with it?

 

[Mr.Chaos]

Is that from personal experience or did you read about it?

@Mr.Chaos : That $3-5k startup cost tho... Same question, Have you used FBA? ^If so- any issues with it?

Yes I use it. It definitely works and you should read their docs before starting because they are very particular about everything lol!


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/fba-help/QRG/FBA-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf

Download and give it a read.

And yeah you may attempt to drop ship to raise capital but it will become a logistical pain in the a**. Some customers a'rent to receptive to long ship times, we live in an instant this instant that era.

 

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[Guest34764]

Is that from personal experience or did you read about it?

It's common knowledge if you're planning to make an eCommerce channel.

 

[Vitom]

It's common knowledge if you're planning to make an eCommerce channel.

If it's such common knowledge, Then why is it even a debate? Are you speaking from personal experience like Mr.Chaos? Or are you blowing smoke?

I know we aren't reinventing the wheel here,-- but I prefer performance upgrades on mine.
If I drop $3-5k on something, I am going to make sure I do my homework. I'll take risks, but I am not stupid.

 

[Guest34764]

https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/ask-me-anything-about-ecommerce-2015.62360/

 

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[Vitom]

https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/community/threads/ask-me-anything-about-ecommerce-2015.62360/

I have read Bio's AMA thread before. -- also hasn't replied to any posts since 6* July.

 

[Ecom man]

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, I decided to start a new ecommerce website, and I found a really good niche for it.

I see great opportunity for crazy profit.

I only have one major problem.

How can I get my product to my customers faster than the 16-30 day shipping? Should I drop ship from amazon? They can ship a lot faster. Is that even possible?

Because 16-30 days wont cut it. & I do not have space for inventory, hence the reason I am drop-shipping.

There is always space for inventory. Any house/ apartment has some spare space. You can rent a storage unit for a little bit of nothing. If this is a "goldmine" than $50 a month rent is well worth the investment.

 

[Vitom]

There is always space for inventory. Any house/ apartment has some spare space. You can rent a storage unit for a little bit of nothing. If this is a "goldmine" than $50 a month rent is well worth the investment.

You are forgetting one factor.
I'm military.
Military moves a lot.
That's why drop shipping is convenient.

 

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[doinkdedoink]

You are forgetting one factor.
I'm military.
Military moves a lot.
That's why drop shipping is convenient.

All I see is you making excuses for everyone's recommendations.

If you see great opportunity for crazy profits then just make shit happen.

I don't know the dimensions of your product, but you either live in the barracks or have your own housing so either way you should have some spare room. If you're in the barracks and don't have room then I am sure you have some guys in your platoon that have their own housing, have someone help you out.

I'm a veteran myself, military doesn't move that often to where you couldn't store some products for a bit. If there's some crazy profit potential you see then there should be no excuses.

 

[amp0193]

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, I decided to start a new ecommerce website, and I found a really good niche for it.

I see great opportunity for crazy profit.

I only have one major problem.

How can I get my product to my customers faster than the 16-30 day shipping? Should I drop ship from amazon? They can ship a lot faster. Is that even possible?

Because 16-30 days wont cut it. & I do not have space for inventory, hence the reason I am drop-shipping.

Here are some random thoughts on FBA:

I use FBA to ship my website sales. For me to ship something USPS Priority Mail small flat rate box, it costs $6.80, and I have to store it at my house and pack it. When I ship out a package with FBA, it costs me $5.95, and Amazon stores it and someone at Amazon packs it. It's literally almost a buck cheaper for someone else to do it, than to do it myself. A year ago USPS cost $5.90, but even then, paying 5 cents more to have someone else do it is a no brainer.

You have to pay for shipping to mail stuff to Amazon, however they have DEEP discounted rates with UPS, so this cost is very reasonable.

Here are the Amazon storage fees: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201648210

If your product is small, and moves fast, those storage fees are minimal. If you are looking at a larger product, read up on those storage fees and make sure you know 100% what FBA is going to cost you.


For Amazon orders, FBA ships out amazingly fast for Prime orders. For ecommerce site orders, they take a little longer, but generally ship out within a day or two.

See if you can negotiate a medium size "sample" order with your supplier. You might be able to get away with ordering 20-50 units, rather than whatever their huge MOQ is. This would save on your upfront cost on inventory and allow you test the product's demand with a less initial investment. I'm guessing that a large MOQ is why you were saying there was a 3-5k startup cost.

Also, it sounds like you're the type of guy to shop around. Google fulfillment companies and see if anything sounds better. I haven't done the research... FBA just works for me, as I'm already selling on Amazon.


You can also sync Shopify with Amazon so that it fulfills orders automatically. What I do, is route all website orders through Shipstation, and then fulfill through there, all automated.

 

[Shades]

Ill be shocked if you ever do this looking at your replies.

 

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[G_Alexander]

I have read Bio's AMA thread before. -- also hasn't replied to any posts since 6* July.

How is this even relevant? I'm wishing you well man, but you can't get everything spoon fed to you. Bio has a life, and I can guarantee you he is out enjoying the hell out of it. He doesn't need to post here on the forum ever again if he didn't feel like it and still plenty of successes could be minted from his old posts if people would just search and read.

I started my $X,XXX,XXX ecom store using one eBook and Biophase's posts before the "AMA about ecom 2015+ Biophase" thread even EXISTED. It will take effort, time, and risk. If you want a "sure-thing" in success, go punch a time clock -- because there is no such thing. You are going to have to leave your comfort zone.

PS. I am not trying to hate on you; just try adjusting your approach and you will have success.
PPS. Find U.S. based suppliers (or Chinese suppliers with U.S. warehouse/operating hub).

 

[Vitom]

How is this even relevant? I'm wishing you well man, but you can't get everything spoon fed to you. Bio has a life, and I can guarantee you he is out enjoying the hell out of it. He doesn't need to post here on the forum ever again if he didn't feel like it and still plenty of successes could be minted from his old posts if people would just search and read.

I was only responding to omega posting the link to that page.

I started my $X,XXX,XXX ecom store using one eBook and Biophase's posts before the "AMA about ecom 2015+ Biophase" thread even EXISTED. It will take effort, time, and risk. If you want a "sure-thing" in success, go punch a time clock -- because there is no such thing. You are going to have to leave your comfort zone.

PS. I am not trying to hate on you; just try adjusting your approach and you will have success.
PPS. Find U.S. based suppliers (or Chinese suppliers with U.S. warehouse/operating hub).

Thanks a lot. This is what the forum should be composed of. Some support, respect and useful information.

 

[Vitom]

All I see is you making excuses for everyone's recommendations.

If you see great opportunity for crazy profits then just make shit happen.

I don't know the dimensions of your product, but you either live in the barracks or have your own housing so either way you should have some spare room. If you're in the barracks and don't have room then I am sure you have some guys in your platoon that have their own housing, have someone help you out.

I'm a veteran myself, military doesn't move that often to where you couldn't store some products for a bit. If there's some crazy profit potential you see then there should be no excuses.

I move in three months. Thanks tho.

Its NOT an excuse.

Thank you though everyone who has posted helpful advice/criticism.

 

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[Charnell]

I move in three months. Thanks tho.

Its NOT an excuse. Glad you are calling me out? -- I guess you are to pessimistic to see it that way. I am stating facts. Don't you worry tho, I know how to make shit happen. I get $300,000,000 dollar F22s across seas to bomb shit. This little web business isn't the slightest intimidating. working 80+ hours diagnosing and fixing 5th gen aircraft CAN BE intimidating. --PS have you even touched that much money in your life?-- Because I am personally accountable and responsible for the aircraft. IN FACT. They put our names on the side of the jet, After we earn the spot. [HASHTAG]#lifegoals[/HASHTAG]

Thank you though everyone who has posted helpful advice/criticism.

Holy shit, grow up.

What are you actually trying to accomplish here? You are sitting on this alleged goldmine, but refuse to do anything? People are telling you what to do, and you disregard?

Why would you ask advice and then not follow it?

Don't you worry tho, I know how to make shit happen.

No you don't.

 

[Guest34764]

Its NOT an excuse. Glad you are calling me out? -- I guess you are to pessimistic to see it that way. I am stating facts. Don't you worry tho, I know how to make shit happen. I get $300,000,000 dollar F22s across seas to bomb shit. This little web business isn't the slightest intimidating. working 80+ hours diagnosing and fixing 5th gen aircraft CAN BE intimidating. --PS have you even touched that much money in your life?-- Because I am personally accountable and responsible for the aircraft. IN FACT. They put our names on the side of the jet, After we earn the spot. I wake up and piss more excellence than you. #lifegoals

Alright just because you're in the military does not mean you get a free pass to be an a**hole.

I had my suspicions about you but I never said anything.

Congratulations on ruining your forum reputation, no one will ever think about helping you out again after you pulled this stupid shit.

 

[Vitom]

Alright just because you're in the military does not mean you get a free pass to be an a**hole.

I had my suspicions about you but I never said anything.

Congratulations on ruining your forum reputation, no one will ever think about helping you out again after you pulled this stupid shit.

You're 16.

 

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[Vitom]

Holy shit, grow up.

What are you actually trying to accomplish here? You are sitting on this alleged goldmine, but refuse to do anything? People are telling you what to do, and you disregard?

Why would you ask advice and then not follow it?

Please show me where I disregarded the advice. PLEASE quote me on it. Because all I did was make sure people speak from experience. I don't buy BS.

 

[Charnell]

Please show me where I disregarded the advice. PLEASE quote me on it. Because all I did was make sure people speak from experience. I don't buy BS.

Right here.

I have read Bio's AMA thread before. -- also hasn't replied to any posts since 6* July.

On the first page of that thread is everything you need to know. If you want to sell and not store, use FBA. That's your answer.

There are a lot of military members in the world, you are not special. Don't toss it around like you should be placed on a pedestal, especially being in the Air Force.

You really need to work on your interpersonal communication skills.

 

[Ecom man]

Please show me where I disregarded the advice. PLEASE quote me on it. Because all I did was make sure people speak from experience. I don't buy BS.

Every opinion/ option that anyone put out there for you you made excuses why it wouldn't work or why you couldn't do it that way. If you didn't want people's opinions on the best way to do it why ask?

 

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[Vitom]

Here are some random thoughts on FBA:

I use FBA to ship my website sales. For me to ship something USPS Priority Mail small flat rate box, it costs $6.80, and I have to store it at my house and pack it. When I ship out a package with FBA, it costs me $5.95, and Amazon stores it and someone at Amazon packs it. It's literally almost a buck cheaper for someone else to do it, than to do it myself. A year ago USPS cost $5.90, but even then, paying 5 cents more to have someone else do it is a no brainer.

You have to pay for shipping to mail stuff to Amazon, however they have DEEP discounted rates with UPS, so this cost is very reasonable.

Here are the Amazon storage fees: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201648210

If your product is small, and moves fast, those storage fees are minimal. If you are looking at a larger product, read up on those storage fees and make sure you know 100% what FBA is going to cost you.


For Amazon orders, FBA ships out amazingly fast for Prime orders. For ecommerce site orders, they take a little longer, but generally ship out within a day or two.

See if you can negotiate a medium size "sample" order with your supplier. You might be able to get away with ordering 20-50 units, rather than whatever their huge MOQ is. This would save on your upfront cost on inventory and allow you test the product's demand with a less initial investment. I'm guessing that a large MOQ is why you were saying there was a 3-5k startup cost.

Also, it sounds like you're the type of guy to shop around. Google fulfillment companies and see if anything sounds better. I haven't done the research... FBA just works for me, as I'm already selling on Amazon.


You can also sync Shopify with Amazon so that it fulfills orders automatically. What I do, is route all website orders through Shipstation, and then fulfill through there, all automated.

-Yes Sir. Thank you very much. My product is fairly small. Depends on what size you order.

I have already made the first move to go with Amazon FBA. I am grateful for your helpful advice.

 

[biophase]

Alright Ladies and Gentlemen, I decided to start a new ecommerce website, and I found a really good niche for it.

I see great opportunity for crazy profit.

I only have one major problem.

How can I get my product to my customers faster than the 16-30 day shipping? Should I drop ship from amazon? They can ship a lot faster. Is that even possible?

Because 16-30 days wont cut it. & I do not have space for inventory, hence the reason I am drop-shipping.

I read this whole thread and I still don't have a clear understanding of what you are asking.

I don't think you use the term dropshipping correctly. I think you are talking about fulfillment, not dropshipping.

Are you talking selling on your own website or on Amazon?

 

[doinkdedoink]

I move in three months. Thanks tho.

Its NOT an excuse. Glad you are calling me out? -- I guess you are to pessimistic to see it that way. I am stating facts. Don't you worry tho, I know how to make shit happen. I get $300,000,000 dollar F22s across seas to bomb shit. This little web business isn't the slightest intimidating. working 80+ hours diagnosing and fixing 5th gen aircraft CAN BE intimidating. --PS have you even touched that much money in your life?-- Because I am personally accountable and responsible for the aircraft. IN FACT. They put our names on the side of the jet, After we earn the spot. I wake up and piss more excellence than you. [HASHTAG]#lifegoals[/HASHTAG]

Thank you though everyone who has posted helpful advice/criticism.

I actually laughed out loud pretty intensely reading this, thank you. I won't even respond to your whole chair force comment. Best of luck to you, seems like you got it all figured out, why even ask.

 

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[Vitom]

I read this whole thread and I still don't have a clear understanding of what you are asking.

I don't think you use the term dropshipping correctly. I think you are talking about fulfillment, not dropshipping.

Are you talking selling on your own website or on Amazon?

Selling on my own website Sir.

I found a manufacturer in China who I would like to buy and sell product from. They take 16-30 days to ship... that's too long for my customers you know?

I think Amazon FBA is a good idea. Unless there is an alternative that is less to start up.

 

[AllenCrawley]

Selling on my own website Sir.

I found a manufacturer in China who I would like to buy and sell product from. They take 16-30 days to ship... that's too long for my customers you know?

I think Amazon FBA is a good idea. Unless there is an alternative that is less to start up.

Are you talking about dropshopping from aliexpress?