biophase
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Hi Folks,
So I am getting ready to start moving the needle toward setting up an eCommerce business. I put some thought into it and I am leaning toward skipping Amazon (perhaps use it later on). The reason for this is control. But, there are some pros and cons to both using Amazon as a platform versus my own website. I will list them below and why I am leaning toward skipping Amazon.
Pros1. Control - I am not vulnerable to Amazon's TOS and changes in their search algorithm.
2. Saving Money - I do not have to pay Amazon to store and ship my inventory.
3. Marketing - I have a little more freedom to market my product(s) on various channels, thus building traffic and a customer base.
Cons1. Shipping - I would have to store and ship my own product(s). Which means, more work and involvement.
2. Traffic - I would not have the traffic Amazon has and would have to build it up myself. Which could take months to a year for something decent.
3. Trust - I think since Amazon is a very recognizable brand people have more trust in buying something off their platform as opposed to some guy with a website and some social media accounts. But I could earn trust over time.
The other thing I have been pondering is instead of importing from China or another foreign country, I am thinking about sourcing and having my product(s) made in the USA. The reason for this is it can be a selling point for some people. Additionally, less wait times, higher quality product, and less risk of getting burned. Plus less shipping cost (maybe). Of course it will probably cost more but without having to pay monthly fees like I would on Amazon, I think it would all even out.
My plan would be to sell products off my own website and build up traffic. As I add more products I may decide to list some here and there on Amazon as a supplement to my business as opposed to building my entire business on Amazon. I don't mind doing all the shipping myself initially but would probably find a fulfillment company to do it later on.
I've noticed a few people here and elsewhere that have not depended on Amazon and have done quite well using their own website and marketing themselves rather than just building an Amazon business. This is what got me to rethink things.
Feedback/comments/suggestions/questions welcomed.
~ Dylan
It sounds like you have no idea what you are doing. Do you even have a product to sell yet?
The top of your list should be: What am I going to sell and why? Not where am I going to sell it.