Your Questions About Internet Business For Sale

Jere answers:

You can go the eBay route, but bear in mind that a lot of people are looking for cheap bargains on there, so if you are producing fine art works that you expect a lot for, it might not be your best option. Plus, the listing fees are very costly, so if you don’t them, you may find that by the time you have, you have lost the bulk of your profit to eBay fees.

Ideally, get a web designer and set up your own website linked to Paypal or some kind of online payment system.

You’ll then need to market the website, otherwise it will effectively ‘not exist’. Ideally, join as many art forums as you can and post photos of your work for critique or as a banner in your signature. This was you’ll get yourself known in the community. In a related field, DIY clothing making, people have gone from making their own things and posting them to developing a business of full-time comissions. Networking really is key.

Good luck with this, I am hoping to do the same once I get my portfolio completed.

Jere answers:

You do need the internet for that purpose. Before my contacts had the internet on their cell, I would send them a text and tell them I sent them a email. You could maybe set it up that way. Give them your cell number and ask them to text you.

Jere answers:

Some resources:

SBA.gov (small business administration)
score.org (business counseling from retired executives)
entrepreneur.com

Most state government website allow you to e-file all necessary documents online – which is normally cheaper and faster than doing it through the mail. I’m sure you’ve researched it, but I would recommend filing as an LLC rather than a partnership for liability reasons. A DBA is generally only required if you’re doing business under a business name other than that which you registered. You are likely going to have to acquire a state sales tax license so you can collect and remit tax to your tax board. Depending on where you live, you may need to acquire a local permit. Even if you do business out of your house, you should secure a mail box – not a post office box, but rather a mail box from pak mail, mail boxes etc, whatever. This is because you will need to receive all of your official correspondence from state, local and federal agencies (this is assuming that you are serving as your own registered agent). The government agencies do not allow you to use a PO box, but do allow PMB boxes. The mail box will protect you so that no dissatisfied customers come to your home for revenge, etc. You will need to go to IRS.gov to acquire your EIN number – this is a social security number for your business. It’s free and quick. You will need a bank account for your business – look for a free business checking account to start out. Will you accept credit cards or paypal? If so, you may need a merchant account and/or paypal account. You may also want to consider general business liability insurance. You should expect to pay $400-$500 per year depending on the coverage.

There are probably a thousand other things, but that should get you started.

Jere answers:

There are. But to be really helpful it would be better to know something of your interests. If its something that anyone can “start up and make money” then thre are probably already too many people trying to do it.

The best thing is to find a subject that you would enjoy putting time into even if it didnt make money. It can be an item, hobby, games, craft, sport, pet, country, sexual preference, any subject at all. 🙂

I can usually build off of that. Just one example…
The person had a love of hummingbirds. They decided to start a blog about it which had become popular. I helped her expand it to a web page. I connected them to sites that allowed commission sales on the hummingbird drawing equipment that she kept talking about. I hooked her up with a CafePress shop which let her create shirts, mugs, bumperstickers, posters, gift boxes, ornaments, greeting cards and sell them. Some were cute sayings, some were pictures she took. Eventually it grew into a full domain.

Thats just one example. It always depends on the subject, and the persons skills (graphic art, or good sales person, writing, music, design, good shopper, or maybe just highly motivated). Or other peoples skills (one person did all the above but based on her kids crayon art)

Its all small fish big pond or big fish small pond thinking. Dont look for a moneymaker then try to find one thats interesting. Look for an interest, then look for the moneymaker. Oh yeah, and all of those suggestions were free to start with options to expand into a pay-for version with more goodies if you prove to yourself that you can do something with it.

Jere answers:

I think you’re probably on to something. There are plenty of conventions here in any number of venues, a lot of Fortune 500 companies, many corporate transfers …. I say go for it. With the current market, you’ll be able to find great office space and housing for yourself, at rockbottom prices.

I don’t see any “cons” per se …. Other than the fact that you’re taking a chance. (But that would be so anywhere.) Not to sound trite, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.