Welcome, Guest. Please Login or Register
Welcome To Ask The Trades!
Mar 28th, 2024, 3:32pm
Quote: People never say 'It's only a game' when they're winning.


Page Index Toggle Pages: 1
Send Topic Print
Thinking of starting my own business. (Read 4233 times)
Mike1988
GDPR opt-out









Thinking of starting my own business.
Dec 17th, 2013, 3:42pm
 
Hey guys, I have been putting this off for quite some time, but with the new year around the corner, I would like to hear opinions about starting my own building components business online much like these two below but less broad. ( I am looking to get into the door components market - door handles, hinges and similar)

Links removed thescruff

I have had a look round online but there seems to be so much competition. How are you supposed to break into these online markets? Anyone around these forums have and pointers for me?

Many thanks,
Mike
Back to top
« Last Edit: Dec 17th, 2013, 10:05pm by thescruff »  
 
IP Logged
 
thescruff
Global Moderator
Trade Member
Author
*****
Offline

Who said plumbing was
easy.
Posts: 6037


Total Thanks: 147
For This Post: 0


Gender: male

Trade: Plumber



Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Reply #1 - Dec 17th, 2013, 10:07pm
 
Same with any business you advertise with key words and sell products the custards want at the right price.

Ebay is a good way to get attention to your web site.
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post View members image gallery  
IP Logged
 
woodsmith
Global Moderator
Trade Member
Author
*****
Offline


Posts: 4395


Total Thanks: 135
For This Post: 0


Gender: male

Trade: Joiner

Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Reply #2 - Dec 18th, 2013, 8:13am
 
There are some big trade suppliers as well, Haffle and Wurth for instance, and it would be hard to compete with them.

I would look for a niche market and build up from there. Handles are the best bet as hinges are so readily available. When I made an oak bed the only brackets available in this country were cheap pressed steel ones, in the I ordered some from America. That sort of up market fitting may be something that you could specialise in. Then all you need is a good website.
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post View members image gallery  
IP Logged
 
Mike1988
Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Reply #3 - Dec 18th, 2013, 10:33am
 
Thanks guys, I have a friend lined up to do a eCommerce site for me on the cheap, so now it is just looking around for the cheaper wholesale suppliers now, without sacrificing product quality of course.

I think I may start small with lever handles on ebay and gradually try to push customers towards the website adding more types of products over time.
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post  
IP Logged
 
thescruff
Global Moderator
Trade Member
Author
*****
Offline

Who said plumbing was
easy.
Posts: 6037


Total Thanks: 147
For This Post: 0


Gender: male

Trade: Plumber



Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Reply #4 - Dec 18th, 2013, 11:06am
 
Antique black door furniture and security seem to be the in thing at the moment
Back to top
 
Thank User For This Post View members image gallery  
IP Logged
 
Page Index Toggle Pages: 1
Send Topic Print