Estimating Potential Business

[FOB-UK]

I'm kicking off a new Ecommerce business selling clothing and equipment to the UK Armed Forces. The problem I have is it seems to be impossible to estimate how much initial stock I require because I cannot get a clear view as to how much turnover I might have in the early days. I've looked at my competitors sites and business tool provider such a Compete but still can't get a view.

Any idea's help would be welcome

[Qtellwholesale]

I have just dropshipping and found compamies that offer services for this also i have gone to china and found good suppliers, but in the clothing i have found nothing that i would use in china.

threre are very sites out there that can supply you in the uk, but finding them is a different issue, keep looking for them and make sure they have full contact details.

Sorry i cant help any more

michael

[paretowasright]

That is a tough one as not a consumer product that is measured by IRI/GFK or Nielsen. I would look at the search volumes for all your short and long tail keywords, assume a google position you will achieve for each (and use the subsequent google traffic % click parameters)and then work on a conversion rate of 1-2%. I suspect off line advertising may well be the key to your success as its a niche market with a clear target audience.

Oh and the other thing you could do is see if your competitors are measured on quantcast or alexa which may give you an idea of their traffic levels and also look at google ad planner to narrow down your target audience IF you intend to do PPC advertising.

[oldeagleeye]

OP. You say that you plan to sell to the amed forces. Why don't you go down to Aldershot with a van load of kit then. The lads will soon tell you what is most in demand and hence give you an idea of stock levels. I would have said from what I have heard and seen on the news that the Amercian style desert boots would be the best seller.

In fact. As you plan on targeting the army and not the public you might want to consider doing the rounds of the barracks as a better alternative to the on-line shop untill you get established.

You have a hell of a lot of competition on the Internet and the big players have more than 8 yers of Internet marketing experience on you. They have blogs on Twitter & Facebook. Links to army find a friends sites etc. and not just dozens of other links but hundreds. One of your competitors I noted had over 700 inboard links. That is serious marketing and a lot of money spent thereon.

Sorry to be so negative buddy but I think this is one where word of mouth will drive buyers to your web site but you will have to do the rounds first and stick posters up in the mess or something. If this was my venture I would also have a quiet word with the Regiments Quartermaster most of whom will be pretty pis-ed-off they can't supply the lads with the kit that they need and probably agree to help you.

Hope the info helps.Robert

[Moneyman]

find another supplier where you can buy the kit. then have your site sell it at cost. you lose on postage for a month or two but you get a good idea what sells.

[oldeagleeye]

Lose money Moneyman. Never have never will lose money on a deal.:eek:

[paretowasright]

Moneyman...I suspect FOB has wholesalers so does not need to go to such extremes but can partly see your logic ;)

[Moneyman]

It is quite a common trick and a hell of a lot cheaper than holding too wide a stocck list.

[FOB-UK]

Some good advice there. I'll take it on board and let's see where we go, watch this space!

[jmds]

Might be worth while stocking a couple of helicopters if what we hear in the news is correct.

[oldeagleeye]

I'll have a Tiger Tank if you ever get hold of one. I want to see a bloody traffic warden put a ticket on that.:eek: