Starting a business buying from Alibaba

[afc wimbledon]

Unless this something that you are really into as an interest it seems like a lot of work and risk for very little money, I have turned my enjoyment of older hifi into an occasional earner, picking stuff up on Craigslist and reselling it, never made much money but that wasnt really the point, I liked the gear.

I'm not sure this makes sense if it requires it to turn a profit in order to be worthwhile

[Poster]

Originally Posted by fleury

Thanks for the advice. When some were pointing out shipments I was assuming shipping delays. I didn't realize shipping itself is more expensive right now, so probably right in holding off for the time being unless I can get it to come in a month from now or something for a cheap shipping cost.

As someone in the Global Logistics business, there is no such thing as “cheap shipping”, especially if you are not a big box retailer.

If a swing in shipping costs will make or break your business, I suggest you are not going to make it.

Don’t count on cheap shipping, it doesn’t exist.

[#-3]

Originally Posted by Poster

As someone in the Global Logistics business, there is no such thing as “cheap shipping”, especially if you are not a big box retailer.

If a swing in shipping costs will make or break your business, I suggest you are not going to make it.

Don’t count on cheap shipping, it doesn’t exist.

I'd say this is mostly true, but with volume, knowledge and flexibility you can find some arrangements the carriers really like and twist the knife deep into them. But that ain't happening from a home packaging business, and even then it can wear on you constantly twisting the knife on your carrier.

[Strange Brew]

Seems like a low initial capital investment. Why not give it a try for a while and see how you like it, how much time it takes and how successful it is. You will no doubt learn how to improve your operation as you go along. Or you can decide to bail on it.

And I agree, I wouldn't be giving out your idea on an internet message board. Not only is that a horrible business practice, it may not really be the kind of feedback you want.

[Poster]

Originally Posted by #-3

I'd say this is mostly true, but with volume, knowledge and flexibility you can find some arrangements the carriers really like and twist the knife deep into them. But that ain't happening from a home packaging business, and even then it can wear on you constantly twisting the knife on your carrier.

A container from China to Montreal used to cost $4,000 USd give or take. Just today my client agreed to pay $18,000 for that same lane.

I’m telling you, there is no cheap shipping.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Poster

A container from China to Montreal used to cost $4,000 USd give or take. Just today my client agreed to pay $18,000 for that same lane.

I’m telling you, there is no cheap shipping.

Yep, that's all gone.