I've got a business idea but...

[Jaro]

Guys, I know that many of you have experience with selling products on the web. For the past few months I've been playing with the idea of selling a product. I think it's a great idea and has a lot of potential. Let me explain:

The product I'm talking about is an item many people use at their home. Only very few of them use it for the purpose I use it. I was thinking of three different approaches:

1. sell the actual item online with the right marketing
2. create a website explaining the new way how to use the item and earn from advertising
3. sell the idea

What I already did:
- I made a research on websites like alibaba.com and learned how much it would cost to import the item from China (not much but almost all of them require big orders)
- I did a research on the internet and found out that no one presents the item the way I would do; there are a few mentions in forums but no business made so far I believe

What keeps me from pushing the idea further:
- I have no experience in selling products
- selling the item would require me to establish a company
- I can't imagine receiving big orders of the item nor do I have money for it

I would appreciate if you could point me to the right direction or give me an advice how to proceed. If you have any further questions please ask me here in this forum or contact me by private message.

[bradwilliamson]

Hey Jaro! Brad Williamson here...

With my limited knowledge of what you are wanting to sell, I think you could potentially do this...

Brainstorm your ass off and try to think of a feature you can add to this product that NO ONE has yet implemented. Your main goal should be to innovate this product into something that is patentable. Once you have this new and improved widget, you can approach companies that are in your widget's industry and try to strike up a licensing deal.

Patents are expensive, so the good news is that they aren't always necessary when trying to win a licensing deal. Sometimes a company will pay you for your idea without one. However, if you have a patent and you sell the concept, you will probably win yourself a more lucrative royalty.

Whatcha think? Does that sound like a good idea?

Brad

[alexander6706]

Well, I think that the net will be the most appropriate way to make money for you .In this way you can get earnings without making physical exertion. But, you should be careful as there are many loopholes online. Creating a video sharing website good idea to earn money. It will take 24 Hours and you can start earning immediately with the help of youtube clone, video sharing software, flash player - OmnisoftSol.com - Home.. It develops web solutions designed to make you serious profits. His VidsharePro is a video sharing script that not only allows anyone to start a video sharing website, but also allows anyone to sell digital as well as physical products on their video sharing website.

[Shaye Richardson]

Have you considered looking for a partner in your business? Someone who has the skills you lack? You may have to share the profits but at least you can get your business off the ground....

[Shaye Richardson]

p.s Brad's idea about coming up with something unique - something that can give it a twist

Shaye
Thousand Dollar Profits

[Granny]

Alibaba.com is great source for the worldwide products marketplace.

You said that your product is a household item, so that means it is readily available locally. Just that you have a different process. Initially, that seems to lessen the reason to import the products. What would the reason be for people to buy this product from you if they can get it anywhere? That is difficult to discuss not knowing what the product is.

But, lets say there is a reason for people to buy from you. That leaves the problem of importing in large quantity, especially since we don't yet know if you will have the sales.

My suggestion would be to focus on sales. You can get the product locally although the price will be higher. Once you know that you have the sales you can import later.

If you do have a patentable product, or process, I would suggest talking to patenthawk.com They are sharp and may front all the patent cost and co-own the patent with you, if the patent has potential.