Question

Topic: Strategy

How Can A Little E-store Stand Out With Big Retail

Posted by Anonymous on 6/26/2009 at 12:38 AM ET 125 Points
I am starting a boutique e-store to sell ladies clothing and other stuff. I have a desired niche. I have no brick and mortar store to boost sales. Once the website is up and the stock is input, what would are the best ways to get and keep customers? What makes a little e-boutique stand out amongst name brand e-stores?

I would also like to maximize sales by listing on ebay, etsy or other auction/sale sites. Which websites would you suggest or not recommend? Should I be put much energy into this aspect? I would like the business to be profitable over time and not a causal endeavor, leading to a brick and mortar store at a later date.

I am new to this and trying to figure out e-business strategy. Would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks.
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by CarolBlaha on 6/26/2009 at 2:10 PM Accepted
    There is a good book I recommend called Marketing Online Gold with an Offline Shovel. Besides SEO, etc, market your store as if it were bricks and mortar. I was in the grocery store and a woman walked up to me and handed me her card-- she is a jewelry designer and she asked me to check out her website. Get in a marketing frame of mind and don't miss an opportunity.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 6/27/2009 at 8:52 AM Accepted
    Don't initially worry about which sites to advertise on. Instead, focus your attention on an under served demographic for your clothing. There are a wealth of generic e-boutiques - you'd be competing not only with big companies but the myriad of small businesses like yours. For a niche, consider: women over size 14, women with mastectomies, senior citizens, women applying for their first job, etc.
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