Ecommerce Reality & Supplier sourcing UK.

[Simon Scott]

I looking for other revenues within my business to make better use of support staff time and am considering online retail / ecommerce of products that my current clients may be interested in or that can would sell ( Construction sector). Essentially PPE , equipment and materials ect.

New business area for us and before I set them to research further I just wanted to ask the general questions to anyone who may have experience;
1. If this still viable market space both due to saturated online presence and the big players in their area.
2. How to source Suppliers.
3. Easiest route to operation / market.
4. Any thoughts tips ect.

I know there will be many who state to focus on my main business but there are several reasons for my intentions;
- My current services is that of support services compliance/ data / project management for SME so works in the nature of support and may help grow.
- If I start holding stock it will potentially it viable to move back into office / unit space. ( currently all returned to working remote and I'm a bit old school)

 

[antropy]

1. If this still viable market space both due to saturated online presence and the big players in their area.

Easy to answer; are there any other small players making money from this?

2. How to source Suppliers.

A lot of people import from China, you need to find one that delivers good quality products (get a small sample first) and make sure they can be trusted when you place a bigger order.

3. Easiest route to operation / market.

Perhaps eBay and your own website, for a quick simple test OpenCart or Shopify would work.

4. Any thoughts tips ect.

You won't know if it will work unless you try.

Paul.