In order to begin selling used books online you will first have to ask yourself the following questions:
1.How do you start selling books online.?
2.Where do you find the books to sell.?
3.How do I know what types of books to sell.?
There are three main ways to sell used books online:
a.Through an online bookshop like Amazon.com or alibris.com.
b.Through an internet auction site like ebay.
c.Through your own website.
Selling books through an online bookseller.In order to sell books through an online bookshop such as Amazon.com you will have to have to register with them and set up a sellers account which will only take a few minutes.Amazon.com in particular provides the option to set up an amazon shop for people who wish to sell large volumes of books on a regular basis.This comes with a monthly charge.If you intend to sell books online fulltime then getting an amazon shop will be advisable.
Where do you find the books to sell?Used books can be found all over the place.The best places to get them at prices that will turn a good profit are as follows:
a.Garage sales
b.Boot sales
c.Charity shops
d.Flea markets
e.Library sales
f.Estate sales
g.House clearance sales and auctions.
How do I know what types of books to sell?
When looking for books to sell it is very important to avoid the following books:
a.Bestsellers,fiction or non fiction.
b.Biographies
c.Dictionaries
d.Encyclopedias
e.Readers Digest condensed books
f.Books with more than one copyright date or evidence of additional printings. g.Book club editions e.g. Book-Of-The-Month Club.
Heavy books are more likely to have a better value than a light ones.Non-fiction
titles are also more likely to have a better resale value than a fiction title. One way of checking if a book you are about to buy will sell well is to search
the title on a book sellers search engine such as Amazon.com,Alibris.com
,Abebooks.com or bookfinder.com
This will give you a rough idea of typical market prices for most books in circulation.In general, you'll need to match up the specific copyright dates and publisher for an accurate comparison.
Books you should be on the lookout for are books about specific non fiction
subjects,so long as they are not bestsellers. The condition of a book also affects the price you can sell it for.A book with a dust jacket will sell better than one without.
A very good guide for anyone who wants to go into book selling is" The Home-Based
Bookstore: Start Your Own Business Selling Used Books on Amazon, eBay or Your Own
Web Site" by Steve Weber.
How much money you make a month will be determined by the following factors:
i.How many books you list for sale.
ii.How much the books listed costed you.
iii.The choice of books you bought.
Bookselling is a kind of business that can be done gradually from a part-time to full time.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Sunday, 29 July 2007
Tuesday, 24 July 2007
8 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Website
There has been a steady rise in the amount of people who use the internet to search for and buy goods and services.
Last year the BBC recorded a 50% increase.It is the increase in users that has made the internet a potential market that businesses need to tap into.The main tool for tapping into this market is a website.
A website is irrelevant to businesses that believe potential customers are unlikely to search the internet for their services or products.That aside every business needs a website.
Why I hear you ask,what can a website do for me that I am not already doing?
Well it will:
1.Help generate sales leads by way of appearing on search engine rankings.A website that targets the needs of your potential customers is bound to attract a lot of potential customers to your website where you can sell them your products or services.
2.It enables you to tap into a global market regardless of the geographical location of your potential customers.Customers who would normally not be able to buy from you will be able to do so through the website.
3.A website enables you to communicate with potential customers about your products and services through your website.
4.A website will enable you to build a community online using either a forum or blog to provide information potential customers have requested this will instill trust in your potential customers consequently leading to more trade between yourself and customers.
5.The use of a website to address customer support and services will lead to significant savings in the cost of hiring staff to answer telephones.
6.A website would enable to display products or services in a gallery online or as a downloadable catalogue which would reduce printing and mailing costs.
7.A website can serve as a market research tool by enabling you to undertake surveys and polls online to measure customers' interest in your products or services.
8.A website can also be used to provide an internal information system for business.This will enhance communication among your staff enabling them to communicate faster and more effectively.This can be achieved by using a password protected part of the website
On the strength of the abovementioned points I believe a website is a very valuable marketing tool that no serious business can afford to ignore.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
Last year the BBC recorded a 50% increase.It is the increase in users that has made the internet a potential market that businesses need to tap into.The main tool for tapping into this market is a website.
A website is irrelevant to businesses that believe potential customers are unlikely to search the internet for their services or products.That aside every business needs a website.
Why I hear you ask,what can a website do for me that I am not already doing?
Well it will:
1.Help generate sales leads by way of appearing on search engine rankings.A website that targets the needs of your potential customers is bound to attract a lot of potential customers to your website where you can sell them your products or services.
2.It enables you to tap into a global market regardless of the geographical location of your potential customers.Customers who would normally not be able to buy from you will be able to do so through the website.
3.A website enables you to communicate with potential customers about your products and services through your website.
4.A website will enable you to build a community online using either a forum or blog to provide information potential customers have requested this will instill trust in your potential customers consequently leading to more trade between yourself and customers.
5.The use of a website to address customer support and services will lead to significant savings in the cost of hiring staff to answer telephones.
6.A website would enable to display products or services in a gallery online or as a downloadable catalogue which would reduce printing and mailing costs.
7.A website can serve as a market research tool by enabling you to undertake surveys and polls online to measure customers' interest in your products or services.
8.A website can also be used to provide an internal information system for business.This will enhance communication among your staff enabling them to communicate faster and more effectively.This can be achieved by using a password protected part of the website
On the strength of the abovementioned points I believe a website is a very valuable marketing tool that no serious business can afford to ignore.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
Sunday, 22 July 2007
9 points to consider before buying a franchise
In a franchise arrangement the franchisee buys the right to use the franchisor's proven methods,trademark and other charcteristics that has made it a success to make money.The franchisor determines the main details of the business such as prices,quality,products,equipment,mode of operation and how much of the franchisee's income he is entitled to.
Buying a franchise does not guarantee business success.Many franchises have failed due to conflict between franchisees and franchisors.
I cannot overemphasise how important it is to research your franchise thoroughly before signing that agreement.
Here are 9 key points to consider before buying a franchise.
1.
How much would it cost upfront to buy the franchise? Are there any other fees you have to make provision.Do you have to rent premises or lease equipment from the franchisor.
What percentage of your annual sales do you have to pay to the franchisor?
2.
How does the franchise make money? Franchisors may make money by running their own establishments, by providing services to franchisors,or just by collecting initial franchise fees from franchisees..
3.
Do you have restrictions as to which suppliers you use? Do you have to buy certain goods or services from certain specific suppliers or from the franchisor? If certain purchases are required, are they going to cost you more than you would otherwise have to pay if there were no restriction on where you could buy them?
4.
Do you get any form of protected territory,to ensure competitors do not buy franchises in your patch which will make it difficult to meet your sales targets.Do you have any guarantees that this would not happen?How long is such a guarantee effective?
5.
Do you get the opportunity to build a collection of franchises in your area?
6.What percentage of the franchises fail and percentage are successful?Is it possible for the franchisor to put his finger on the main reasons for failure and success.
7.
What percentage of franchisees sell their franchise in a year?This will give you an idea of the turnover rate of franchisees.
8.
Find out how much the franchise re-sells for in relation to how much has been invested in it.This will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide the franchise is not for you.
9.
How to get out of your franchise agreement is another very important question to ask the franchisor.This will help you establish if there are any factors that restrict your exit from the franchise if you no longer enjoy it.You also have to find out if there are any restrictions as to who you can sell your franchise to.
These points will come in handy in assessing the franchise.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
Buying a franchise does not guarantee business success.Many franchises have failed due to conflict between franchisees and franchisors.
I cannot overemphasise how important it is to research your franchise thoroughly before signing that agreement.
Here are 9 key points to consider before buying a franchise.
1.
How much would it cost upfront to buy the franchise? Are there any other fees you have to make provision.Do you have to rent premises or lease equipment from the franchisor.
What percentage of your annual sales do you have to pay to the franchisor?
2.
How does the franchise make money? Franchisors may make money by running their own establishments, by providing services to franchisors,or just by collecting initial franchise fees from franchisees..
3.
Do you have restrictions as to which suppliers you use? Do you have to buy certain goods or services from certain specific suppliers or from the franchisor? If certain purchases are required, are they going to cost you more than you would otherwise have to pay if there were no restriction on where you could buy them?
4.
Do you get any form of protected territory,to ensure competitors do not buy franchises in your patch which will make it difficult to meet your sales targets.Do you have any guarantees that this would not happen?How long is such a guarantee effective?
5.
Do you get the opportunity to build a collection of franchises in your area?
6.What percentage of the franchises fail and percentage are successful?Is it possible for the franchisor to put his finger on the main reasons for failure and success.
7.
What percentage of franchisees sell their franchise in a year?This will give you an idea of the turnover rate of franchisees.
8.
Find out how much the franchise re-sells for in relation to how much has been invested in it.This will give you an idea of what to expect if you decide the franchise is not for you.
9.
How to get out of your franchise agreement is another very important question to ask the franchisor.This will help you establish if there are any factors that restrict your exit from the franchise if you no longer enjoy it.You also have to find out if there are any restrictions as to who you can sell your franchise to.
These points will come in handy in assessing the franchise.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
Saturday, 21 July 2007
7 Tips On How To Avoid Failure in Business.
In order to avoid business failure it is important to ensure that certain key areas of the business are assessed regularly to determine their effectiveness and evaluated regularly.
The main principle for avoiding failure in business is to be thorough and to be prepared for any eventuality.
The key areas of business to pay attention to are:
Thoroughly examine your idea to ensure that there is a market for your product or service.Will it appeal to consumers and will it make a viable business.Many people make the mistake of rushing into business with their idea, believing that it will be a success.A lot of businesses fail as a result of this.
1.It is important to establish if you have the necessary skills and determination to turn your idea into a thriving business?
2.A lack of research of your potential market. Failure to research the market for your product or service means you are not satisfying a need but rather "putting the cart before the horse".
A business startup has to find to out all there is to know about their prospective marketplace, focusing on three the competitors, the size of the market and the demand for the product or service.
3.Lack of focus is another important reason why businesses fail.It is important that you know what you want your business to achieve, where you want it to go and how it is going to get there.Many start-ups fail to do so.
4.Poor planning is one of the key factors that contribute to the failure of businesses.A business plan is important because it outlines how the business goals will be achieved.It also comes in handy when raising funds for the business.
A business plan has to be viable and as detailed as possible, with measurable goals, expectations, financial requirements and forecasts, with provision of a good spread between the best and worst case business scenarios.
5.Legal obstacles can also lead to failure in business.The running of a business involves fulfilling a lot of legal requirements.Making important legal decisions without knowledge of the implications could jeopardise a business' chances of success.This is particularly relevant when looking at the business structure,contracts and employment law.It is important that legal advise is sought for such legal matters.
6.At times the location of a business can determine if it will be a success.The location of a business should take into consideration account costs, competition and access.
7.Poor management of finances - Running out of funds is one of the single most common reason for business failure.This can be prevented by managing is that many businesses simply do not manage their cashflow in a sufficiently active manner.
The management of funds going in and out of the business is a very important for its success.
It is easy to start your own business but clear understanding of how to avoid failure is necessary for success.
Till next time goodby and goodluck with your business.
The main principle for avoiding failure in business is to be thorough and to be prepared for any eventuality.
The key areas of business to pay attention to are:
Thoroughly examine your idea to ensure that there is a market for your product or service.Will it appeal to consumers and will it make a viable business.Many people make the mistake of rushing into business with their idea, believing that it will be a success.A lot of businesses fail as a result of this.
1.It is important to establish if you have the necessary skills and determination to turn your idea into a thriving business?
2.A lack of research of your potential market. Failure to research the market for your product or service means you are not satisfying a need but rather "putting the cart before the horse".
A business startup has to find to out all there is to know about their prospective marketplace, focusing on three the competitors, the size of the market and the demand for the product or service.
3.Lack of focus is another important reason why businesses fail.It is important that you know what you want your business to achieve, where you want it to go and how it is going to get there.Many start-ups fail to do so.
4.Poor planning is one of the key factors that contribute to the failure of businesses.A business plan is important because it outlines how the business goals will be achieved.It also comes in handy when raising funds for the business.
A business plan has to be viable and as detailed as possible, with measurable goals, expectations, financial requirements and forecasts, with provision of a good spread between the best and worst case business scenarios.
5.Legal obstacles can also lead to failure in business.The running of a business involves fulfilling a lot of legal requirements.Making important legal decisions without knowledge of the implications could jeopardise a business' chances of success.This is particularly relevant when looking at the business structure,contracts and employment law.It is important that legal advise is sought for such legal matters.
6.At times the location of a business can determine if it will be a success.The location of a business should take into consideration account costs, competition and access.
7.Poor management of finances - Running out of funds is one of the single most common reason for business failure.This can be prevented by managing is that many businesses simply do not manage their cashflow in a sufficiently active manner.
The management of funds going in and out of the business is a very important for its success.
It is easy to start your own business but clear understanding of how to avoid failure is necessary for success.
Till next time goodby and goodluck with your business.
Friday, 20 July 2007
5 Tips On Starting a Cleaning Business
Many people who have considered starting a cleaning business would have asked themselves some of the following questions.This article finds answers to these questions.
1.How do I start a house cleaning business?
A cleaning business is relatively easy to start up compared to other businesses. You would require a business plan,public liability insurance,cleaning equipment and consumables, and transport.It will be advisable to carve out a niche for your business to give you an edge over competitors.For example the choice of detergents you clean with is it organic,do you specialise in cleaning outdoors or indoors.
Prospective clients will be concerned about having someone they do not know in their homes but references,clean criminal records checks and a current public liability insurance certificate should be enough to reassure them.
2.What does it take to run a cleaning business?
It is important that you ensure that a cleaning business will suit you.
You will have to:
a.Be physically fit as cleaning is hard physical work.
b.Have good interpersonal skills.
c.Have basic word processing and book keeping skills.
It is advisable to keep a full time job while you run the cleaning business part-time.If you intend to go full time then its advisable to have 6months wages to fall on when business does not pick up as fast as you expected it to.
3.How do I find and keep clients?
It is important to make it clear to prospective clients that you are new to the business but have undertaken a thorough research of the service they require as a result you know what you are doing.
One way of getting clients is with the help of references.In order to get references for your business ,you can offer to clean the homes of a few friends at a discounted rate in return for references.
When cleaning these homes it is important that you focus on the quality of your work rather than how quickly you can get it done.Once you impress your first clients you are bound to get repeat work from them as well as referrals from them.
An advert in your local News Paper and also on your Vehicle is also a good way to get clients.Flyers,door hangers and business cards are also a good way to get clients.
A referral program is another way to get customers.A discount for existing clients who refer a friend is bound to be popular and more importantly find you a lot of new clients.
A website is also a great way to find clients.It is basically an advertisement for your business with information that prospective clients would like to know available 24hours a day 365days a year.A website provides a convenient means for prospective clients to find out about your business.Avoid using words like free and cheap to describe your business.It gives the impression you are offering a less than professional service.
4.How do I workout how much to charge?
It is very important that your services are sold on the basis of the quality of your work and not how cheap or quick your service is.
Workout how much you have to make per hour based on how many hours a week you are prepared to work.Use this to determine how much you need to make hourly to cover costs and make a decent profit.
It is important when you start your business that you charge what you would charge if you had employees.If you under charge you will find out as the business grows that you are unable to hire help because you cannot afford it at the rates you are charging.
5.How do I hire and train staff?
As your business grows, you will eventually need to hire people to help with the business.It is advisable to start with one part-time employee whom you train to cover your shift one day a week.You could then increase the number of shifts your employee covers per week with time.
It is paramount that a criminal records check is done on all your employees and they are covered by your public liability insurance.If you have to use sub-contractors then they would require their own insurance.
A cleaning business is a good way to earn a good income and still have control over your life.It will enable you to choose how much you want to work, how much you want to make and how often you want to work.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
1.How do I start a house cleaning business?
A cleaning business is relatively easy to start up compared to other businesses. You would require a business plan,public liability insurance,cleaning equipment and consumables, and transport.It will be advisable to carve out a niche for your business to give you an edge over competitors.For example the choice of detergents you clean with is it organic,do you specialise in cleaning outdoors or indoors.
Prospective clients will be concerned about having someone they do not know in their homes but references,clean criminal records checks and a current public liability insurance certificate should be enough to reassure them.
2.What does it take to run a cleaning business?
It is important that you ensure that a cleaning business will suit you.
You will have to:
a.Be physically fit as cleaning is hard physical work.
b.Have good interpersonal skills.
c.Have basic word processing and book keeping skills.
It is advisable to keep a full time job while you run the cleaning business part-time.If you intend to go full time then its advisable to have 6months wages to fall on when business does not pick up as fast as you expected it to.
3.How do I find and keep clients?
It is important to make it clear to prospective clients that you are new to the business but have undertaken a thorough research of the service they require as a result you know what you are doing.
One way of getting clients is with the help of references.In order to get references for your business ,you can offer to clean the homes of a few friends at a discounted rate in return for references.
When cleaning these homes it is important that you focus on the quality of your work rather than how quickly you can get it done.Once you impress your first clients you are bound to get repeat work from them as well as referrals from them.
An advert in your local News Paper and also on your Vehicle is also a good way to get clients.Flyers,door hangers and business cards are also a good way to get clients.
A referral program is another way to get customers.A discount for existing clients who refer a friend is bound to be popular and more importantly find you a lot of new clients.
A website is also a great way to find clients.It is basically an advertisement for your business with information that prospective clients would like to know available 24hours a day 365days a year.A website provides a convenient means for prospective clients to find out about your business.Avoid using words like free and cheap to describe your business.It gives the impression you are offering a less than professional service.
4.How do I workout how much to charge?
It is very important that your services are sold on the basis of the quality of your work and not how cheap or quick your service is.
Workout how much you have to make per hour based on how many hours a week you are prepared to work.Use this to determine how much you need to make hourly to cover costs and make a decent profit.
It is important when you start your business that you charge what you would charge if you had employees.If you under charge you will find out as the business grows that you are unable to hire help because you cannot afford it at the rates you are charging.
5.How do I hire and train staff?
As your business grows, you will eventually need to hire people to help with the business.It is advisable to start with one part-time employee whom you train to cover your shift one day a week.You could then increase the number of shifts your employee covers per week with time.
It is paramount that a criminal records check is done on all your employees and they are covered by your public liability insurance.If you have to use sub-contractors then they would require their own insurance.
A cleaning business is a good way to earn a good income and still have control over your life.It will enable you to choose how much you want to work, how much you want to make and how often you want to work.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
How to Start A Handicrafts Business
Inspite of the challenges a handicrafts business can be a very lucrative venture.
If you choose to setup a handicraft busines then it will be important to ensure that you pay close attention to the following issues you are likely to encounter.
Here are 5 issues to consider before you start:
1.You are solely responsibility for everything in your business.The buck stops with you in the handicrafts business.You will be the only one to blame for late orders,missed deadlines,lost contracts and any mistakes in your business.Unless you employ someone to start with you will be the cleaner,book keeper,manager and messenger in your handicrafts business.
2.The running of your own handicrafts business comes with a lot of flexibility and freedom as there would be no one looking over your shoulder to ensure you meet targets and deadlines.
The flexibility and freedom would require you to have time management skills to ensure your work is finished on time and you are meeting the business goals. A handicrafts business would demand a lot of time for any significant success.
It is important that you are self motivated to succeed in the handicarft business.
3.Financing a handicrafts business can be less expensive in comparison with other businesses.Inspite of this you will require some money to startup and operate your business.
It is important that you do not underestimate the costs of starting and running a handicrafts business to ensure that your business costs are not a lot higher then your expected costs since this could threaten the success of your business.
If you are starting your craft business on a very tight budget, it will be advisable to undertake a detailed financial analysis of your expected costs to ensure you can make the business work on your available budget.
As you are going to be self employed it is important to take into consideration the fact that you would not have a regular income for a while and make provision for it.This is more so especially where you have anyone financially dependent on you.
If you are giving up a job to start a handicraft business full time, you will have to consider whether you have the finances to make this change and its effect on your personal life.
4.A handicraft business would allow you to make money with art,using your creativity.It also means you will be doing everything yourself and will not have the choice to pick and choose what you do.
You must also be able to predict what supplies you would require and how long it will take you to produce large volumes of product.You must be prepared to do things ranging from making key market decisions to choosing the right merchant accounts for the handicrafts business.
5.Feedback mechanism
As an employee you have your colleagues to give you feedback on your ideas. When you start a handicraft business working on your own you will have to rely on your customers for feedback.
You could also join trade associations for the opportunity to talk to people who have already done hat you want to do and learn from their experiences.
A handicraft business can be a rewarding one inspite of the challenges.Its important that you research it thoroughly to enable you make an informed choice as to whether it will suit you.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
If you choose to setup a handicraft busines then it will be important to ensure that you pay close attention to the following issues you are likely to encounter.
Here are 5 issues to consider before you start:
1.You are solely responsibility for everything in your business.The buck stops with you in the handicrafts business.You will be the only one to blame for late orders,missed deadlines,lost contracts and any mistakes in your business.Unless you employ someone to start with you will be the cleaner,book keeper,manager and messenger in your handicrafts business.
2.The running of your own handicrafts business comes with a lot of flexibility and freedom as there would be no one looking over your shoulder to ensure you meet targets and deadlines.
The flexibility and freedom would require you to have time management skills to ensure your work is finished on time and you are meeting the business goals. A handicrafts business would demand a lot of time for any significant success.
It is important that you are self motivated to succeed in the handicarft business.
3.Financing a handicrafts business can be less expensive in comparison with other businesses.Inspite of this you will require some money to startup and operate your business.
It is important that you do not underestimate the costs of starting and running a handicrafts business to ensure that your business costs are not a lot higher then your expected costs since this could threaten the success of your business.
If you are starting your craft business on a very tight budget, it will be advisable to undertake a detailed financial analysis of your expected costs to ensure you can make the business work on your available budget.
As you are going to be self employed it is important to take into consideration the fact that you would not have a regular income for a while and make provision for it.This is more so especially where you have anyone financially dependent on you.
If you are giving up a job to start a handicraft business full time, you will have to consider whether you have the finances to make this change and its effect on your personal life.
4.A handicraft business would allow you to make money with art,using your creativity.It also means you will be doing everything yourself and will not have the choice to pick and choose what you do.
You must also be able to predict what supplies you would require and how long it will take you to produce large volumes of product.You must be prepared to do things ranging from making key market decisions to choosing the right merchant accounts for the handicrafts business.
5.Feedback mechanism
As an employee you have your colleagues to give you feedback on your ideas. When you start a handicraft business working on your own you will have to rely on your customers for feedback.
You could also join trade associations for the opportunity to talk to people who have already done hat you want to do and learn from their experiences.
A handicraft business can be a rewarding one inspite of the challenges.Its important that you research it thoroughly to enable you make an informed choice as to whether it will suit you.
Till next time goodbye and good luck.
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