Hi all, I am looking to start a clothing website. I just want to know what are the first few basic steps to get this project running. I have a PayPal account set up, so I can buy anything I need to online. I want my website to be able to hold lots of photos and have many sub-pages (if thats what you called it). By this I mean that the viewer clicks on shoes, which then opens all the BRANDS of shoes, and then they can select to view the photos. I also want to have a PayPal button so that customers can pay from there. Anyways, if someone can guide me through the main steps I should take, it is very much appreciated! Regards Ben
Do you have all the products? You will basically need an online store. PM me if you need the website made. I can give you an affordable quote.
A client of mine has 5 yahoo stores, all profitable. I wasn't that big of yahoo stores previously but I have to tell you it rocks. You might need some help with the design of it but it's all there. It's about $30 a month with the hosting and you can put everything in an excel spreadsheet and upload it. They also have an affiliate program and the stores index VERY well. note: I've used cubecart, squirrelcart, zencart and oscommerce.
webgal: a friend of mine is starting an online clothing store, I would've thought that yahoo stores were saturated (no profit to be made), thanks for your insight, maybe ill pass the word...
Alright everyone, here's an update. I have decided I am going to get hosting from http://www.hostgator.com/shared.shtml. I am going to start with the "Hatchling" package. Although, before I buy this, I wanted to see if there are any other hidden costs (aside from the 6.95$ a year, and the 15$ a year for the domain)? Also, like I mentioned, I want my site to basically have a few pages which include, "About Us", "Prices", "Contact Us", etc... I also want to have a PayPal button on the site, which I believe can be done through my PayPal account (correct me if I'm wrong). Lastly, is it quite easy to upload a lot of photos? Like I said, I want to have different sections (Shoes: - Nike - Adidas - Puma I want to have the photos very organized, and I believe HostGator has a "site maker". Does anybody know if this site maker will be able to help me with these photos, and if not, what can? If you have any other additional information that you think I would find useful, feel free to let me know. Ben
If you are interested, I am a clothing wholesaler. I can provide you with quality service and clothing, for wholesale prices. I can also do drop-shipping for you for big orders.
Yeah I would agree with oscommerce, and then all you have to do is source a supplier and/or dropshipper. There are millions of sites out there, and just act as a middle man - easy! Market and promote your site and start getting some customers!
I'm not a professional in shopping online, to say more I never use it, but I strongly feel that clothing site is bound to failure thing. Just think it over. Who would buy a dress without trying it. Actually every corner of the world is fiiled with stuff...clothes, shoes. Perhaps it's not a good idea...
Well, there are a lot of markets in which it works... such as ties, watches, scarfs etc.. of course big ticket items like suits and dresses won't work. T-shirts could, just provide a sizing guide.
Thanks for all the help everyone. There is just one concern I have. My supplier is overseas, so for all I know, this items are not Original products. For example, they are not actually Nike Shoes, they are replicas. What are the laws on this in North America (Canada to be specific)?
I'm trying to get a Yahoo store made. I have 5,000 to spend on web design. If anyone knows a good place I can get the site made, Please PM me. Quality ONLY please. This is a serious project. I also recommend thread starter go with Yahoo stores.
i recommend using volusion.com for hosting. I have used Yahoo store, Zen Cart, or 2Checkout and they cant even compare to volusion in terms of ease of use and features.
It's not easy, I've just launched my apparel website, powered by Zen Cart but it's taking me awhile to source products. As everyone has said, research is needed before you jump into it.
She's doing quite well. HOWEVER, she did her research. If your plan is to open yet another generic shoe store, think again. What, pray tell, would inspire anyone to order from anywhere other than Zappos? So, you need to specialize. This client of mine has a specific niche of hard-to-find items in a line of popular items. She also has a children's clothing store that she started many years ago before any one else was on the web. So that store does very well. Do note that clothing and shoes have a high rate of return. Something like team t-shirts less so. So do your homework first. You can start with the FREE pdf for defining your target market on my blog or website. At the very least it will give you an idea of how you need to think in terms of a target market. I also have a lot of examples of target market definitions and niche marketing on my blog. http://webpreppro.com/freestuff.shtml I would also emphasize doing your homework. Of course, most ignore that advice, dive in and a year later they decide the homework thing was good advice after all. Tossing it up and seeing if it sticks simply doesn't work any more in a competitive market.
if you want to buy a domain for your site, dont buy at hostgator. You can get cheaper domain at namecheap.com. Search for discount coupons here at digitalpoint. But hostgator hosting is good. I use it myself.
I like to buy as a package. With a store there are benefits to having the host have access to the dns and having them on one bill. It's worth it to me to have the primary domain with the host package. If you buy up other names, go with the cheap company for the others.