Do you want to start a business but you are a kid?The article has some ideas on how to build an online store.
Step 1: Make a list of things that you enjoy doing.
Write down any ideas you can come up with to turn your knowledge and talents into money.Think about what you want to sell.Is it a product?Is it a digital product that can be sent over the internet?
Step 2: How you make your product unique, high quality, and something people might want or need is something you should consider.
If you think rough sketches will help you, make them.If there are any, include the inner parts and mechanisms.Write down the function and operation.
Step 3: Put your ideas down.
Writing down your ideas is a good practice.Make a list of the materials you will need.
Step 4: Name your products and business.
Descriptive names that people will remember are what you should come up with.Help them find you again if you want to be a repeat customer.A logo that describes and gives off the feel of your business can be created.Good product descriptions can help you sell more.
Step 5: You should do market research.
Take a look at the design, materials, finished product, and price points of similar products.You should set your prices.Take into account the cost of materials, how long it takes you to make it, and what your competitors are charging.Make sure your price is fair to both you and your customer.Don't think you'll sell more if you just sell cheap.People won't buy from you if it's too cheap.You can make cheap prices when you sell to people in your school because they'll see exactly what you're selling.
Step 6: Determine the shipping costs.
You'll use the packaging to ship your item.Postage can be found on the post office website.You can estimate the cost of postage by using a postal scale.If you don't have access to a postal scale, your parents may not be able to weigh it for you at work or at the post office.Take the cost of packaging into account.If you're sending first class to save money, you need to make your own boxes or padded envelopes, because the post office has free boxes for priority mail.You can add these costs to your shipping price.You don't want to spend all your money on shipping.
Step 7: Send your orders as fast as you can.
People who shop on-line expect fast delivery.If you want repeat customers, make sure you do this.Keep them happy.
Step 8: Postal discounts can be used to take advantage.
If you're paid by PayPal, you should go into your account and click on "Print Shipping Label" next to your customer's name to buy postage.You won't have to go to the post office if you use this service, and you'll get a postage discount of about $1.When you buy tracking at the post office it costs $1, so by printing postage on-line you will save about $2 for each package.It adds up.You can pass the savings along to your customers.Just in case your package gets lost or damaged, you can get $50 free insurance if you buy your postage labels from PayPal.All you have to do is put your package in your mailbox and the postman will take care of the rest.You can ask your friends and family to save boxes for you.If you reuse boxes, make sure you cover the bar codes on the outside so they don't get scanned at the post office.The boxes should not show pictures of food or other products.Remember, this is a business and you want to make a good impression.It's important to protect your product from damage in transit.Ask your family and friends to save bubble wrap for you.Share your tracking numbers with your customers.If someone tries to scam you, you should have proof of delivery.
Step 9: Think about where you will sell your product or service.
There are different options for selling venues.
Step 10: You have to plan on how to accept payment.
You will need a parent to set up an account for you.If you don't have a checking account, you'll need to either use your parents or get one.
Step 11: Discuss your plans with your parents
This includes how you will pay for your materials, where you'll sell your product, your shipping plans, and so on.If you show your parents that you've thought out every aspect of your business, they'll be more likely to support you in your venture.They might have some good ideas to help you.You will need your parent's support if you are selling online.They have to either set you up to take payments or allow you to use their account.If you're too young to use a credit card, how will you cash a check?You need your parents.Try to find a compromise if your parents disagree.Work on your business after you finish your homework and chores.You can use your weekends to get everything done for your business.Let your parents know that running a business and playing video games will affect your social life and that you're willing to let that happen.You should show your parents how you will balance out your activities because they will want you to do other things.Maybe you can make a deal to start your business if you promise to act mature in every aspect of your life and improve your grades.It's not possible to start selling right away, but you can use this time to do everything you need to in order to get your business off the ground.Use your allowance to buy things.You can get a scale for $10You should start with a well-stocked store if you want to make a product.Make products first, then set aside money for the postage scale so you're ready to leave as soon as you get permission.This will show your parents that you are serious.
Step 12: You should start making an online store.
There are many choices.There are free site hosting services that you can search for.To evaluate each option, read their terms of use and learn about the services they offer.For a stand-alone website, you will need the freedom to take payments and do Search Engine Optimization so you're found in search.If you want to sell on an established high traffic platform, check it out.They already have a lot of customers on their sites and they make selling easier since you don't need to make a website.They keep business records for you so you can look at what items sell and what doesn't.Your future products should be based on those market trends.Simple.
Step 13: Don't forget to keep the business records.
Write down everything you spend for your business and how much you make.To make sure you're making a profit, compare your expenses to your income.
Step 14: Design your on-line store to represent your product and personality, but keep extras to a minimum.
No one wants to listen to music.If a potential customer goes to your website when they're at work, remember that song you like so much.You lost a sale when they stopped the music.You don't want that.A subtle background can be used.You want your products to catch the attention of your customer.Don't use animated gifs or unnecessary flash.Keep focused on your product.If you want people to give you money, you need to look professional.You should have a contacts page, an about page and a policy page.Your policies will tell customers how you ship and when, what your return policy is, and if you take custom orders.If you are making friendship bracelets, tell people you will make them any color they want or in a different style.If your business is starting to take off, you may be able to order inexpensive business cards from a site like Vista print.When it comes time for them to shop for a gift, you should include a card in every order you send.You can make your own business cards, but make sure they look professional and are cut straight.If you don't have a paper cutter, have someone take you to a Kinko's where you can use theirs for free.Print out a sample page to show your parents.If you need to make changes, they will tell you.
Step 15: Take advantage of the opportunities to promote your business.
Tell your friends and family is one of the simplest ways to advertise.They might like the product you sell.
Step 16: People will find you if they're looking for a kind of product related to yours.
If you sell plant seeds, use the word "planting seeds" in the title.Think of search phrases like pumpkin seeds or marigold seeds.Don't use a lot of words, write a little and use your words in sentences.
Step 17: Promote your business
You need to be found to make an online store successful.Social media can be used to create buzz.Use social media.You can create a Facebook page for your business.You should write a short story about your business.Stay active and post pictures of your products as you make them, and include links to your store.Invite everyone you know to join your group and have them share your new products.You should write about the subject of your business at least once a day.It's okay to let your personality shine through on your website, but make sure you don't have any spelling errors.You want this to be personable and professional.