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We used to do a mail order store, in
the Bulk Foods, or Food Storage market. We also
handled custom orders for computer parts and
laptops. The same process we used works for many
different types of product lines. This can be done
in several different ways, which include thefollowing options:
1. Carry an inventory of a few select items, which are the only things you sell.Purchase ahead and sell quickly on demand.
2. Drop Shipping. Find a supplier who will drop ship items
for you. List their product lines as your own, and
then all you do is process orders. You do nothandle any product, or need any inventory space.
3. Custom Order. Your customer pays you, then you
purchase the item (or make it), it comes in to you
where you verify quality or performance, then you
ship it back out. Requires two shipping costs,
testing or short term storage space, an efficient
tracking system, and shipping supplies. Works for
hard to locate items, used item marketing, hand
made craft items, and a few other specialty
products. Requires a high level of trust between
merchant and customer.
Mail order is dependent on
one thing: Finding a reliable product you can move.
Once you find it, you apply basic business
principles to make it work. How you decide to
market the product determines the amount of
investment, space, and resources the business will
require.
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