Starting A Business. Questions?

[thomas1700]

Hi, Ive just joined as I have lots of questions about starting a business.

Ive just started a website selling my jewerly, some of which is made by me and some is imported from China. Its only a very small business. I buy in bulks or no more than 100 items at a time.

Im thinking of going further with the shop though and actually opening a store. This is a massive thing compared to having a site though so I have lots of questions.

Im not thinking of doing it for a while as I need to get everything sorted and planned out. But my main question is wholesale.

Like I said I only buy in bulks of 100 each time as Its a tiny business just for extra money, nothing too serious. But Id like to have a store where I could sell clothes, jewerly etc. Im just wondering how to go about wholesaling for this as I would need to keep buying and buying as It would be like a full time job. I buy my items from the website taobao (.com). I cant post links up yet as I dont have enough posts. Its extremely cheap and the jewerly I buy on there is non branded so I have no problems with it coming through customs. But I also dont buy that much often. Im just wondering If I where to buy enough clothes, jewerly etc to fill a store on a regualr basis, what I need to know with customs and buying from taobao. Non of the items I will buy will be branded, but if they where they would be real anyway so thats not an issue.

Im a from the UK by the way, thankyou for taking the time to read.

 

[Blade Printers]

What's Jewerly - you really need to get the spelling right before you start selling the stuff.

Regarding wholesale: Can you not take orders on a longish leadtime then bring the items in when you have orders for them - or is the shipping time too long to do this?

Cheers John

 

[thomas1700]

Regarding wholesale: Can you not take orders on a longish leadtime then bring the items in when you have orders for them - or is the shipping time too long to do this?

Cheers John[/quote]

I can yes, the shipping time is great as it is so thats not a worry. Im just worried that If I was ordering a lot of items that customs could become a problem. Right now I only order usually no more than 100 items but because it is Jewelry the parcels are very small. Im just wondering mainly how I go about ordering huge bulks of clothing, jewelry etc in at a time.

 

[Blade Printers]

If you're wanting to run this as a business you should be getting the importing problems sorted now, as any costs incurred effect your actual selling price.

Speak with other importers or customs themselves - far rather sort this out now than get into trouble later on.

Cheers John

 

[thomas1700]

If you're wanting to run this as a business you should be getting the importing problems sorted now, as any costs incurred effect your actual selling price.

Speak with other importers or customs themselves - far rather sort this out now than get into trouble later on.

Cheers John

Yes I think ill get in touch with customs themselves and get this sorted.

 

[UrbanRetail]

Slightly off topic here, but how do you buy from taobao? Is there an English version available?

Appreciate any help.

 

[richardlangley]

I understand it's a daft question but is ebay a good outlet for your business?

 

[liongroup]

Im thinking of going further with the shop though and actually opening a store. This is a massive thing compared to having a site though so I have lots of questions.

I understand it's a daft question but is ebay a good outlet for your business?

Why wouldn't Ebay be the best option here? Opening a store is a huge undertaking, whereas online is clearly the growth area in retail right now. Etsy might even be the best choice though the merchants selling on there often report mixed results.

 

[Katherinea]

I am also curious about how you bought items from taobao. Is there an English version? As far as I know, there isn't.

 

[Sundy]

I am also curious about how you bought items from taobao. Is there an English version? As far as I know, there isn't.

you can find some taobao agent from china.and they will charge some service fee.they can help you to buy the items.because we have not the local bank card,so we cannot pay the money to the seller of taobao directly.but the agent can accept paypal.so we can buy the items via taobao agent

i also want to buy the items from taobao,so i have learned a lot.but i don't know which agent is best.i found some : taobaobuying.com taobaoagent and so on

you can search them to look at.

 

[Indivijewelistic]

Jewelry is the American spelling Jewellery is the English.

You will be going into competition with Claires and M&S and clothes stores like Next, all of whom sell jewellery and clothes on the high street, as well as the superstores such as Tesco and Sainsburys out of centre stores. So, tough market.

Before you look at leasing any shop, go and sit in a cafe in that street, or just on a street corner if you have to, and make a note of how many people walk past it, because that will be the most important thing for a shop how many people walk past and are likely to buy.

Check the business rates - these can range from £2,000 to £60,000 in well walked areas - you get nothing for business rates so make sure that yours are not too high.

There are lots of other things to put into a spreadsheet before you start, but I think if you look at the things above that will be a good start.

 

[Blade Printers]

Jewelry is the American spelling Jewellery is the English.

Yes I know - but the OP had neither

jewerly

 

[Indivijewelistic]

Sorry - telling them

 

[Indivijewelistic]

Sorry - telling them :redface:

 

[emmylou74]

Before you look at leasing any shop, go and sit in a cafe in that street, or just on a street corner if you have to, and make a note of how many people walk past it, because that will be the most important thing for a shop how many people walk past and are likely to buy.

I would just add - don't just look at how many people are walking past but look how many have shopping bags. The high street shops are really struggling at the moment - there might be a lot of folks walking past but how many are spending their money on retail items.

With jewellery, if it were me, I would look into doing home parties, selling at call centres, sell through hairdressers, beauty salons, independant clothes shops etc

I know the lure of having your own shop is so appealing but right just now retail in brick and mortar is really struggling.

 

[Indivijewelistic]

Agree totally, opening a shop just selling jewellery is going to be hitting a very competitive market. However, when I set up the shop I didn't factor into the business plan selling that much handmade jewellery out of the shop window - yet on some days it is now 50% of our overall sales. That is because we have a huge amount of walk by, with 5 schools, 3 churches, two anchor stores either side, a busy newsagents next door and a couple of busy lunch-time take aways, sales are, in the main, opportunistic. I think the location and walk-by really does matter.

But I totally agree with you, it is a dire time to take a shop premises and unless you can afford to take the hit if it all goes 'ts up, better to stick with home and internet sales.

 

[Anglepp]

I am also curious about how you bought items from taobao. Is there an English version? As far as I know, there isn't.

you can find a taobao agent to help you. contact me if need any help.

 

[StratBee]

you can find some taobao agent from china.and they will charge some service fee.they can help you to buy the items.because we have not the local bank card,so we cannot pay the money to the seller of taobao directly.but the agent can accept paypal.so we can buy the items via taobao agent

i also want to buy the items from taobao,so i have learned a lot.but i don't know which agent is best.i found some : taobaobuying.com taobaoagent and so on

you can search them to look at.

Why not learn Chinese, instead?

 

[printnstyle]

That is a pretty promising idea. Just make sure not to make rash decisions and misguided actions.

 

[lemuelmayers]

Dealing with the stress of owning a physical store is on the list but if you don't want to suffer this kind of stress. Start an online consignment store. Since the majority of your products will be one-offs, you'll need to ensure that your website is up-to-date by removing sold items the moment they sell and taking quality images of new merchandise the moment you get it. You just have to market your products through other forum and websites so that customer will know that you are selling this kind of stuff. With that you can get customers and buyers.

​

 

[Yuriy]

Hi, Ive just joined as I have lots of questions about starting a business.

Ive just started a website selling my jewerly, some of which is made by me and some is imported from China. Its only a very small business. I buy in bulks or no more than 100 items at a time.

Im thinking of going further with the shop though and actually opening a store. This is a massive thing compared to having a site though so I have lots of questions.

Im not thinking of doing it for a while as I need to get everything sorted and planned out. But my main question is wholesale.

Like I said I only buy in bulks of 100 each time as Its a tiny business just for extra money, nothing too serious. But Id like to have a store where I could sell clothes, jewerly etc. Im just wondering how to go about wholesaling for this as I would need to keep buying and buying as It would be like a full time job. I buy my items from the website taobao (.com). I cant post links up yet as I dont have enough posts. Its extremely cheap and the jewerly I buy on there is non branded so I have no problems with it coming through customs. But I also dont buy that much often. Im just wondering If I where to buy enough clothes, jewerly etc to fill a store on a regualr basis, what I need to know with customs and buying from taobao. Non of the items I will buy will be branded, but if they where they would be real anyway so thats not an issue.

Im a from the UK by the way, thankyou for taking the time to read.

Hi, Thomas!
I was wondering which taobao agent are you using ? I work with Zarmark and they seem to be fine, it's just their English is a bit far from perfect.
Thanks!

Yuriy.

 

[CustomJewelry]

Funny thing is, I just started a Jewelry business and setting the price points is the most difficult part considering how my jewelry compares to the market and also how I can price to still make money. It is a tight rope to walk and very difficult to set the high standards I think my business deserves. Everything I make is hand made, no imports. Going back to made in USA products is important from what I see.

 

[simon_misiewicz]

Selling online V a shop is very different. So I may be asking some silly questions here but have a go:

- What is the footfall in the area you want to get a shop
- What is the average age of people going in that area
- How much will the shop cost (inc rates and power) and how many items would you have to sell just to cover the costs?
- How much more will you sell in a shop rather than the internet
- Can you expand the internet business without having a shop?

I am not putting you off having a shop by any means but it would be good to clarify the current situation.

Hope this helps

Simon

 

[Yuriy]

Why not learn Chinese, instead?

Because even if you know Chinese, it doesn't help much when it comes to actually buying something from Taobao.
First of all, not every seller accepts PayPal payments.

Secondly, even if you ordered the stuff, you are still not sure if it's what you wanted, as you don't have pictures of real products (which a Taobao agency can provide you).

The third one - if you buy from different sellers, you'll have to pay international shipment every time, as for separate products. It will be way too expensive. In case of using a Taobao agency, you'd be sure they collect all the products from the sellers and pack them in one parcel, thus you'd be able to save money on shipment.

And the last one - learning Chinese requires time. I've been studying it for almost 4 years now and I can say you can master 2-3 European languages for that time which takes you to master Chinese. By the way, I still don't feel I "mastered" my Chinese.

As for the agency I'd recommend Zarmark.com, as they at least have good attitude, though their English has some issues. You can talk to them on Skype: zarmarkcs01
Cheers!

 

[StratBee]

Because even if you know Chinese, it doesn't help much when it comes to actually buying something from Taobao.
First of all, not every seller accepts PayPal payments.

Secondly, even if you ordered the stuff, you are still not sure if it's what you wanted, as you don't have pictures of real products (which a Taobao agency can provide you).

The third one - if you buy from different sellers, you'll have to pay international shipment every time, as for separate products. It will be way too expensive. In case of using a Taobao agency, you'd be sure they collect all the products from the sellers and pack them in one parcel, thus you'd be able to save money on shipment.

And the last one - learning Chinese requires time. I've been studying it for almost 4 years now and I can say you can master 2-3 European languages for that time which takes you to master Chinese. By the way, I still don't feel I "mastered" my Chinese.

As for the agency I'd recommend Zarmark.com, as they at least have good attitude, though their English has some issues. You can talk to them on Skype: zarmarkcs01
Cheers!

I have responded to your points below:

1. What does PayPal have to do with this subject? Not every buyer uses PayPal!

2. If, you cannot see what is being sold - Why would you buy it?

If, you were selling a necklace with a vague description like "Colour: Silver" and no picture - How many customers do you think will seriously, consider the item for purchase? In my opinion if, you are buying wholesale common sense will steer you away from such a seller.

3. A somewhat weak case to make to justify, using an agent in my opinion. Wouldn't, such a package set off alarm bells at customs ports?!

4. An individuals ability and determination to learn something is the responsibility of that individual. Learning a language does not have to take 4 years to achieve any, level of proficiency. The speed and absorbtion of learning is determined by the individual. It also, helps if, you are actually interested in the first place.

Are you somehow related to Zarmark and using this forum to advertise the services???
For a company where "... their English has some issues" (as you stated); how can a buyer (particularly, English speaking buyers) be confident that this company fully understands the instructions given to them!!
This surely, equates to a waste of time!

 

[gr9ce]

If you genuinely make your own jewellery and wish to suppliment your stock with Chinese imports it is a massive ask.

You have the quality issues, you get what you pay for, if it is that cheap why etc etc. How much is lead, how much nickel, how much is 'other metal' that has had silver leaf waved over it. How pure are the imported metals. Is it solid or plated.

You know your own products (assume you are not talking stringing beads together as 'jewellery') you know the purity yet will risk devalueing your products with the foreign imports.

A quick look at ebay reveals page upon page of 'silver' and 'gold' jewellery. Do you risk buying? It seems so cheap.

I once bought a gold bracelet set with small diamonds all around. Beautiful listing photo showiing brilliance and clarity that bore no relation to the real thing but the listing had a suitable 'get out clause' on representation that I made the best of a bad job and it wasn't 'that' expensive. Also saw a similar bracelet in a high street jewellers and could see how mine had to be a Chinese copy.

You talk of obtaining small consignments probably under the 'gift' import. These goods are produced so cheaply so if a few get impounded hey ho.

Ebay also charge a premium fvf in the jewellery category. I know I sit looking at a display card of 36 pairs of solid 925 Sterling silver, pierced earrings made I assume in China. Couldn't even shift them at £3.99 inc postage each! Don't get me going on lovely glass pendant jewellery which could only be shifted via ebay at a loss should I be willing..

If it's cheap and available via Chinese agents then everyone is trying to sell it!

Opening a B&M only for these products is a huge risk. Better to mix with other gift type goods.

Better use craft fairs etc to showcase your own work and develop sales via word of mouth, facebook etc.

 

[alltryco]

Hi, Ive just joined as I have lots of questions about starting a business.

Ive just started a website selling my jewerly, some of which is made by me and some is imported from China. Its only a very small business. I buy in bulks or no more than 100 items at a time.

Im thinking of going further with the shop though and actually opening a store. This is a massive thing compared to having a site though so I have lots of questions.

Im not thinking of doing it for a while as I need to get everything sorted and planned out. But my main question is wholesale.

Like I said I only buy in bulks of 100 each time as Its a tiny business just for extra money, nothing too serious. But Id like to have a store where I could sell clothes, jewerly etc. Im just wondering how to go about wholesaling for this as I would need to keep buying and buying as It would be like a full time job. I buy my items from the website taobao (.com). I cant post links up yet as I dont have enough posts. Its extremely cheap and the jewerly I buy on there is non branded so I have no problems with it coming through customs. But I also dont buy that much often. Im just wondering If I where to buy enough clothes, jewerly etc to fill a store on a regualr basis, what I need to know with customs and buying from taobao. Non of the items I will buy will be branded, but if they where they would be real anyway so thats not an issue.

Im a from the UK by the way, thankyou for taking the time to read.

I come from China. can I help you? but i don't know what you mean.

 

[The Wholesaler]

If you are only buying 100 pieces at a time I would of thought it would hardly be worth buying from Chin when you take into account shipping and having to use an agent.

 

[The web design girl]

It is a wonderful thing being able to make a living doing something that you enjoy, but it is important not to get carried away or your dream will get further away from you. Any new and small business needs to learn the balance of keeping their overheads to a minimum and offering the appropriate quality. If you do a good job making jewellery your customers will be happy, spend more and recommend you. If you supplement your stock with cheap imports you will ruin the good reputation that you are building up for yourself. Invest your time in designing and making good quality pieces. If you need to supplement this then find a reputable British stockist where you can see and handle the goods first. Then you can offer your customers top quality at a decent price. If someone wants cheap tat they can get that on the high street. People look online for something different and beautiful. eBay is great or commission a small website with good quality photos. Don't worry about a shop or stall its just too expensive and there will be no profit in it. I run a small web design and SEO business and work from home. I could commission random people from other countries to do my work for me at a cheap rate and make a big old profit, but this would then compromise my reputation and the quality. A lesson there, what do you think?