If you’re not a techie, choosing where your website will live can be a daunting task. For you, making the right decision is paramount, because you’re not going to be able to pick up and leave like someone who knows how to backup a MySQL database, and that you don’t need a driver’s license to [...]

One of the toughest decisions you’ll make in setting up your new business is deciding what software to use to power your site. It’s kind of like deciding what building to house your business in for brick and mortar stores.
Making changes mid-way can be expensive, or just downright impossible. So it’s very important to make [...]

Less than a decade ago, only a handful of baby sling and cloth diaper retailers sold their products online. At the time, a brand new work at home mom could setup shop, tell her closest 100 friends on a message board full of moms that she was in business, and immediately be overrun with orders.
Today, [...]

My daughter started full-day kindergarten this school year and my son is in third grade . As much as I knew I’d miss them, I was excited all summer, anticipating the hours I’d have to focus on my business during the day, and the time I could focus on my family in the evenings.
As it [...]

I have had a lot of people asking me lately if they really should consider starting an online store in this economy. 
The answer is a loud, resonating YES!!!
Now is the best time to start a store and here is why:

Your other income opportunities are becoming much less stable – layoffs, a down employment market mean [...]

The next big step you need to take is choosing an eCommerce Platform.
There are several requirements and aspects to consider during this process.
But first, let me make one point – nothing you do here is permanent! Many people get stuck in this phase and take way to long to analyze the pros and cons of [...]

Okay. Now you have found your profitable niche. You researched the market. You found suppliers for your product line.
You are FINALLY ready to get started building a store.
As I mentioned in the last article, you now need to get your financial and legal ducks in a row.
You should spend some time learning about the different [...]

Once you’ve found a solid market and possible product line, it’s time to find out whether you can source this product at a profitable margin. 
This is the part many people skip – because it isn’t always easy.  But this step is the key to success for all businesses.  You’ve found a solid market segment.  You’ve [...]

Okay.  Finally - the “How To” title that I promised!
By now you have come up with several product ideas.  Hopefully, you started with a market and discovered their needs - checkout my article on Choosing a Market First if you missed it. 
There are three main components to understanding the potential success of a product or product line. 
1. [...]

Let’s talk about some ways that you can generate your product ideas.
Some of you are looking for the overall idea for a new business. Others are looking for idea after idea as to what products to sell on a platform like eBay. And as I mentioned in my last post, you should really [...]