I have my idea, but I have so many questions

[ziella]

I have my concept. I want to run a baby gift online store. I plan to specialise in one type of gift, and then once I have mastered this, I hope to branch out a little bit.

I am specific in what I want to sell: well known, trusted brands. And am currently in the process of acquiring the name, and domain name. (hence why there are no specifics here- this is the internet, and Im being cautious).

One of my plans is to ensure that all products I send out are sanitized. Is there any regulations regarding this? Could you just use a comercial sanitizing unit?

Also, does anyone have recommendations for wholesalers that sell baby products? Also wholesalers for cellophane, ribbon, etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations for website design/logo design places? I sort of know what I want, but I need someone to be able to create it.

Lastly, is there any other advice, suggestions, recommendations that anyone can give me? I want to be armed with as much information I can get my hands onto, to ensure this works.

Thanks
Z

[Renee Barber]

Hi Ziella

First of all, welcome!

There are lots of graphic designers and website designers/developers on this forum, including me (but sadly I'm all booked up until about September). At any rate, the designers I've encountered on the forum are all friendly, talented and passionate about what they do. You might want to post in the marketplace (I believe that's what it's called) your general requirements to see if anyone wants to 'put their hand up'.

The main advice I have for you is to plan and study your competition. Find out what they're doing, what's working for them and probably especially what isn't so you can harness that information in your planning process. It'll also help you refine your niche.

As part of your planning process, I'd recommend that you read everything you can on these forums because the topics that haven't been discussed are few and far between. One area in particular is a discussion about a few domain registration and web hosting companies that weren't worth their salt. The information contained in the forums may well save you from making costly mistakes.

I'd also recommend that you have a safety net. I've heard it said that it takes about two years for many businesses to really get going with their turnover, depending on how much time and energy you have to pump into the endeavour.

Finally, enjoy yourself. You've presumably picked something you're passionate about so harness that energy. I wish you the best of luck!

Note to Flying Solo moderators: Is there a quick way to search for web designers, graphic designers, etc. on the forums? I know I've seen a listing somewhere ... If that listing isn't sortable/searchable, I think it'd be good to have a listing (by industry) with a SMALL blurb about each company and their offerings (obviously as written by the company). The idea behind this is I'd be much more likely to use a FS forum member for a product or service than a 'random' person out of a phonebook and I reckon others would too. As I said, this might already be somewhere on the forum so I'll have a hunt.

[Thrive Promotional]

Hi and welcome to the forums (I am quite new as well and it has been terrific to read the various posts and submit some suggestions).

A baby gift online store .... very tough competition. Have a search on sites such as hub bub and you will see plenty of your counterparts.

This is a market obviously aimed at women, especially mums (not sure if you are aiming at the general babywear market or more the gift giving market ... you will need to research both, particularly the second area to assess whether the actual buyer of your product is likely to rate your proposed point of difference as important).

Renee is the expert re web design ... so my only added advice is ... this is usually a market that showcases some very impressive design and is quite often has a lot of interactive features ... check them out and note the various designs and other elements for ideas.

Good luck,

Morgan Mackey
Thrive Promotional Products & Corporate Gifts
*bring your brand to life .. make an impression .. stand out and thrive*
www.thrivepromotional.com.au

[KarenC]

Dear Ziella, welcome to the forum.

Regarding suppliers etc I suggest you join the membership of the Gift and Homewares Association http://www.agha.com.au/ You can phone them also. They have a trade show coming up in Sydney in a couple of months. There are so many suppliers to access with a wealth of information.

Together with that site is the wholesalers related website
http://www.gpoint.com.au/ You must register to be able to view.

The Australian Gift Guide is a great resource for accessing trade suppliers.
Subscribe here http://www.giftguideonline.com.au/about_us.cfm

Karen C.

[10110]

@Renée Barber: Great advice.

[Renee Barber]

Originally Posted by 10110

@Renée Barber: Great advice.

@itmentality: Why thanks!

I'm grinning as my first thought was, 'Twitter much?'

Incidentally, I'm now following you so be very, very afraid. ;-)

[Lucki]

Hi Ziella,

Great to have you join the forum.

I would agree with Karen, joining the Australian gift and homeswares is probably the best thing. All the gift wholesalers, ranging from baby products, ribbons, boxes, you name it will be there. If you're based in Melbourne, they'll be having the trade fair in August. I suggest you wear comfortable shoes because it's a lot of walking.

Regarding sanitization, you may want to check with your local council as they may have regulations about this.

Cheers
Lucki

[Ideatesters]

Hi Ziella,
Your chosen market is very competetive and I would love to help you define your offer, with Idea-Testers we have a way to ask your target audience confidentially what they are looking for in terms of service as well as products and think that we need to help you find a specialised niche something that sets your business apart from all others.
If you want to drop me an email, I would be happy to work with you making your Idea a profitable one.

[NetOrigin]

You will need web hosting to go with a domain name. Choosing the right domain name is important to your customers. A short and easy domain name is recommended for your customers to remember. If you have an ABN, you can register a .com.au or .net.au domain. If you don't, then you can register a .com or .net domain.

A .com.au or .net.au domain can cost $29/2 years and a .com or .net domain can cost $15/year.

Now web hosting is needed in order to get the actual website online. You can use a shopping cart system which will make life easy managing orders and customers.

[sharen]

market obviously aimed at women, especially mums (not sure if you are aiming at the general baby wear market or more the gift giving market ... you will need to research both, particularly the second area to assess whether the actual buyer of your product is likely to rate your proposed point of difference as important).
The good stuff or list is a great resource for accessing trade suppliers.
Subscribe here http://www.ranker.com/