One of the best ways to earn online is to run an online store and sell goods and services through it. The income from the online store depends on the investments and work expended. At the same time, there are a huge number of options that will allow you to create a free eCommerce website. What direction will allow you to earn the most?
The best way to get the first money is to earn a percentage of the online store sales. Of course, running your website with direct sales is in demand, but it comes with some additional challenges associated with implementing delivery, payment, and direct communication with customers. Below you can find popular ideas related to online stores that will allow you to make your first money.
Global online store with direct access to goods
This method is one of the most resource-intensive ways to operate an online store. Initial investments start from $5000. It will take at least 1.5 months to implement the project and the first profit will be equal to $3000. The principle of work consists of access to goods and their supply to consumers. Here is what is needed for good organization of work:
- Constant monitoring of the goods' availability and the number of sales.
- The investment of a considerable amount of money.
- Willingness to work with delivery.
It is worth bearing in mind that the client does not intend to spend weeks waiting, so all items must be in stock. If everything goes according to plan, stable earnings will please you. A good profit will come in a couple of months, it will amount to $10 000.
Localized Merchandise
Less global and not requiring investments is the creation of an online store that sells local merchandise from your city. Depending on the type of goods offered, the initial investment will be from $1000 and it will take 15-30 days to implement. If the city is large, several points of self-delivery can be set up, so it will be convenient for customers to pick up their goods. The advantages of an online store in your city will be:
- Easy control over orders.
- Easy organization of service.
- Small investment.
- Delivery within your city.
It would be a good idea to include the cost of delivery in the final price of the product. Another bonus of the business will be the need for small storage space for the products.
Dropshipping
The essence of dropshipping is the sale of the supplier's goods with the help of an intermediary. The income from such an online store is good because there is no need in spending money on the maintenance of employees, renting premises and warehouses. The minimum investment will be $200, and the level of monthly earnings reaches $3000. How does the work happen:
- The owner of the website puts the goods for sale.
- The buyer pays the named cost of the product and delivery.
- The dropshipper pays the supplier the wholesale price of the product and shipping to the buyer.
- The supplier sends the product to the specified address.
The scheme of work is simple and does not require a long study of the market. It is enough to choose a niche, assess the risks and you can create an eCommerce store, advertising it amongst friends and acquaintances.
What goods are better to sell in the online store?
It is necessary to decide in advance what goods will be in demand. To do this, conduct research activities, find out the wholesale value, analyze where other entrepreneurs invest, and what is the demand for it. Tried-and-true items can be tested when selling on free resources. Some products for sales:
- Inexpensive electronics and gadgets.
- Baby products.
- Products for animals.
- Intimate goods.
- Handmade goods.
- Auto and bicycle parts.
- Goods from China.
Each option has peculiarities. For example, when selling handmade goods, the owner produces his or her goods. When selling products from China, you can make a good markup. Automotive parts will be in demand if the store is conducted in your city – the client will be able to personally come up and assess the quality of the goods.
How to find clients to make your first profit from your online store?
The first thing to do is to use all suggested marketing tools for promotion. In parallel with this, you can apply proven, but slightly outdated methods, such as handing out business cards with their data in the city. This option is suitable for an urban online store.
Monthly promotions, incentives, and bonus programs will help attract the customer base. Communicating with potential customers on social networks is a good way to find them. You can organize a social event or online raffle and post.
