Will it Sell

The average pencil is seven
inches long; with just a half-inch
eraser-in case you thought
optimism was dead.
Robert Brault

It’s not “Will it sell?” its “How much will I sell?”

I have gained the conviction that selling things online is basically simple. The items people
buy in a retail store, they will buy online. Especially since the Internet is becoming more and
more popular each day. You need to believe in the theory that your idea will sell, and then
expand on it. Here is why. People buy the darndest things.
The buying habits of people are an amazing study. The whole field of marketing theories
and the professionals who are in this field can attest to many different theories. However I
never cease to be amazed at the things people give their hard earned money for. Some of
these things are the most ridiculous items you can think of.

Example one:

Somewhere out there in TV land is a person with very menial cooking skills. In fact, some
people fail to grasp some very simple cooking techniques. So along comes some genius
that figures out that there has to be someone who struggles with the monumental task of
making pancakes. They figure that the incredible coordinated task of flipping a pancake is
just too much for the average consumer and that they need to develop a pan that is two
sided. (You’ve seen it on TV right?) This of course is to make the overwhelming job of
making pancakes one filled with victory. My first thought when seeing this was “what kind
of a moron would buy this?” (Please say it was not you, and if it was I am sorry I called you
a moron) I mean is it really that hard? Of course not, but they are selling. This is a niche
market, it may not last long however. My point is, if you sat down and started thinking
about what to sell; you would probably not think you would sell this item. But the theory is
that it will sell and you have to figure out how much of it you will sell.

Example Two:

Every once in a while I will buy something at retail store and turn right around and sell it
online for a profit. I am always amazed at this. The power that brings this philosophy alive
is instant gratification. Most buyers do not research their products. What they are looking
for is to get in and to get out. If something looks good and fits their budget, they will buy it.
They are not really interested in taking the extra steps that a bargain hunter would in
finding the very best deal. Knowing this can be very helpful.
This theory works especially well during the Christmas holidays. You can buy things
regularly at discount retail outlets and sell them online. Examples of these would be Sam’s
Club, Wal-Mart, etc. I know of quite a few people who buy items on Yahoo and sell them on
Ebay. Yahoo tends to have less traffic and sometimes better deals. I have found this to be
true on some items but not a lot of the ones that I am really interested in purchasing for my
own personal consumption. The main point is, if you’re the type of person who keeps an
eye on current trends and prices, you can do well. However keep in mind that is pretty
tough developing an inventory from this method.
You really have to know what is current or “hot” at any given time to really be able to take
advantage of deals or sales. A good source of trends may be living with you at this very
moment, your children. Kids are always up to date and know what other kids think is trendy
or hot. A good walk through the mall with your kids may really open your eyes to some
great selling ideas.

Example three:

Your ideas are good; you just don’t realize it. I have lots of friends that have ideas and don’
t act on them because they don’t think it would sell. Developing an idea or a product can
be very rewarding as well as profitable. Pool your resources; get people or friends to help
you. Hire someone with the skills you lack. You can make anything happen. In developing
new products I often got stuck because a lot of companies require drawings with
specifications and tolerances. I came to a screaming halt each time I ran into that
requirement. Then I remembered I have a good friend that loved my ideas and offered his
assistance. I wanted to sell a certain tool accessory on Ebay, but could not for the life of
me find it. So I had it made, something I never had done before. Now I know that I can do
it, and they sell consistently.

Again its not can I sell it? Its how much of it can I sell? When you start thinking in these
terms, sales potentials get a little more exciting.

Home

It's easier than you think

This site is dedicated to helping
you build an e commerce
business by creating your own
product line.


	DIY Articles