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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl Public Forum >> The Forum >> Thinking of starting my own business. https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1387294954 Message started by Mike1988 on Dec 17^th, 2013, 3:42pm

Title: Thinking of starting my own business.
Post by Mike1988 on Dec 17^th, 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

Title: Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Post by thescruff on Dec 17^th, 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.

Title: Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Post by woodsmith on Dec 18^th, 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.

Title: Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Post by Mike1988 on Dec 18^th, 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.

Title: Re: Thinking of starting my own business.
Post by thescruff on Dec 18^th, 2013, 11:06am

Antique black door furniture and security seem to be the in thing at the moment