Hi Folks,
So I am getting ready to start moving the needle toward setting up an eCommerce business. I put some thought into it and I am leaning toward skipping Amazon (perhaps use it later on). The reason for this is control. But, there are some pros and cons to both using Amazon as a platform versus my own website. I will list them below and why I am leaning toward skipping Amazon.
2. Saving Money - I do not have to pay Amazon to store and ship my inventory.
3. Marketing - I have a little more freedom to market my product(s) on various channels, thus building traffic and a customer base.
2. Traffic - I would not have the traffic Amazon has and would have to build it up myself. Which could take months to a year for something decent.
3. Trust - I think since Amazon is a very recognizeable brand people have more trust in buying something off their platform as opposed to some guy with a website and some social media accounts. But I could earn trust over time.
The other thing I have been pondering is instead of importing from China or another foreign country, I am thinking about sourcing and having my product(s) made in the USA. The reason for this is it can be a selling point for some people. Additionally, less wait times, higher quality product, and less risk of getting burned. Plus less shipping cost (maybe). Of course it will probably cost more but without having to pay monthly fees like I would on Amazon, I think it would all even out.
My plan would be to sell products off my own website and build up traffic. As I add more products I may decide to list some here and there on Amazon as a supplement to my business as opposed to building my entire business on Amazon. I don't mind doing all the shipping myself initially but would probably find a fulfillment company to do it later on.
I've noticed a few people here and elsewhere that have not depended on Amazon and have done quite well using their own website and marketing themselves rather than just building an Amazon business. This is what got me to rethink things.
Feedback/comments/suggestions/questions welcomed.
~ Dylan
So I am getting ready to start moving the needle toward setting up an eCommerce business. I put some thought into it and I am leaning toward skipping Amazon (perhaps use it later on). The reason for this is control. But, there are some pros and cons to both using Amazon as a platform versus my own website. I will list them below and why I am leaning toward skipping Amazon.
Pros
1. Control - I am not vulnerable to Amazon's TOS and changes in their search algorithm.
2. Saving Money - I do not have to pay Amazon to store and ship my inventory.
3. Marketing - I have a little more freedom to market my product(s) on various channels, thus building traffic and a customer base.
Cons
1. Shipping - I would have to store and ship my own product(s). Which means, more work and involvement.
2. Traffic - I would not have the traffic Amazon has and would have to build it up myself. Which could take months to a year for something decent.
3. Trust - I think since Amazon is a very recognizeable brand people have more trust in buying something off their platform as opposed to some guy with a website and some social media accounts. But I could earn trust over time.
The other thing I have been pondering is instead of importing from China or another foreign country, I am thinking about sourcing and having my product(s) made in the USA. The reason for this is it can be a selling point for some people. Additionally, less wait times, higher quality product, and less risk of getting burned. Plus less shipping cost (maybe). Of course it will probably cost more but without having to pay monthly fees like I would on Amazon, I think it would all even out.
My plan would be to sell products off my own website and build up traffic. As I add more products I may decide to list some here and there on Amazon as a supplement to my business as opposed to building my entire business on Amazon. I don't mind doing all the shipping myself initially but would probably find a fulfillment company to do it later on.
I've noticed a few people here and elsewhere that have not depended on Amazon and have done quite well using their own website and marketing themselves rather than just building an Amazon business. This is what got me to rethink things.
Feedback/comments/suggestions/questions welcomed.
~ Dylan
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today