Starting an Online Store

[frj1001]

Hi guys

I am considering to start an online computer store but dont know where to start from. Any suggestions on this one as to from where i can start and is it possible to do so here in Pakistan.

 

[Innceptionist]

Yes. Everything is possible. But let me be very honest and realistic with you, starting an online store isn't an easy job. You cannot handle it all alone. First of all, you've to decide your audience/market, whether the store is exclusively for Pakistan or for international market. And then you've to decide what you're going to sell - you can choose to sell all computer hardware or few reserved components like GPUs, CPUs and MOBOs.

You then need a functional e-commerce site (like www.Czone.com.pk) where you can display your products, rates and users can navigate/order directly from the store. You have to purchase a DOMAIN NAME like www.Example.com and you need a good web hosting service. I personally recommend www.HosterPK.com as they're reliable and affordable.

If you're not a technical person then you can hire someone who can take care of your website. And it's not easy to get visitors on your site. Either you need a marketing strategy and advertising fund or you gotta hire an SEO so that your store appears in Google. I'm pretty sure you'll be discouraged/disappointed by reading my reply but this message isn't intended for such purposes, just giving you a realistic outlook.

I can go much deep explaining everything from customer support to payment processing but the things which you will figure out yourself from your experience will be the best. Good luck, brother!

 

[frj1001]

Yes. Everything is possible. But let me be very honest and realistic with you, starting an online store isn't an easy job. You cannot handle it all alone. First of all, you've to decide your audience/market, whether the store is exclusively for Pakistan or for international market. And then you've to decide what you're going to sell - you can choose to sell all computer hardware or few reserved components like GPUs, CPUs and MOBOs.

You then need a functional e-commerce site (like www.Czone.com.pk) where you can display your products, rates and users can navigate/order directly from the store. You have to purchase a DOMAIN NAME like www.Example.com and you need a good web hosting service. I personally recommend www.HosterPK.com as they're reliable and affordable.

If you're not a technical person then you can hire someone who can take care of your website. And it's not easy to get visitors on your site. Either you need a marketing strategy and advertising fund or you gotta hire an SEO so that your store appears in Google. I'm pretty sure you'll be discouraged/disappointed by reading my reply but this message isn't intended for such purposes, just giving you a realistic outlook.

I can go much deep explaining everything from customer support to payment processing but the things which you will figure out yourself from your experience will be the best. Good luck, brother!

Thanks brother for your input. You really gave an honest view on things and i appreciate it rather than hearing some optimistic lie. One thing i would like to ask though is where do i keep the stock, will i have to setup a physical store too or it can be setup anywhere.

 

[Innceptionist]

Thanks brother for your input. You really gave an honest view on things and i appreciate it rather than hearing some optimistic lie. One thing i would like to ask though is where do i keep the stock, will i have to setup a physical store too or it can be setup anywhere.

It's really up to you. Initially, I don't recommend to stock the goods in some physical warehouse or somewhere else because if nobody orders something then you're at loss. Stocking the components or whatever you're selling is recommended when you've a very high demand.

What you can do is to display the products on your website (e.g. a Processor) and when someone places order for 1 piece or more, then you can buy the Processor for your customer at a certain amount and then send it.

This process is indeed slow because you have to first buy the ordered item and then ship it but this is the best at initial stage because it's not risky.

If you are very sure that you'll get regular buyers then you can stock the highly demanded components somewhere feasible.

 

[xtremegamer132]

@Innceptionist
great brother (Y)

 

[ahmed anas]

[MENTION=124882]Innceptionist[/MENTION]
Nice post!

On a side note, I personally think the hardest thing will be to find suppliers who will be willing to sell you good equipment and reasonable prices. You can pretty much google and find info on everything from making your website, to payment method to methods of attracting clients. But where to get your merchandise from locally you probably won't be able to find so easily.