Starting an online business...

[joseph_675]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could offer guidance as to the best way to start a business that offers customized giftware & promotional items, framed artwork, and business products.

How do you find companies or manufacturers to make the customized gifts/products that you have designed?

Can you recommend any books or place on getting started in the giftware and promotional products industry?

[aarcmedia]

Re: Starting an online business...

Try this tool for getting ideas. The site Business.com is an online directory, but it also offers tips and tools that will help you get your business started.

http://www.work.com/resources-for-starting-a-business-817/

[Red Flare]

Re: Starting an online business...

http://score.org/ - Service Corps of Retired Executives offer free courses and sessions on all aspects of business life, from starting to going out of business. I took several sessions with them and got a lot of really good real life experiences and advice out of it.

Also see

http://www.sba.gov/ Be careful with loans, you need to pay them back!

http://www.thomasnet.com/ Not a terribly user friendly directory of many manufacturers and suppliers. But useful nevertheless

[ginger21]

Re: Starting an online business...

if you're just starting your business and you don't have the funds to finance it, you might want to get a loan. there are lots of lenders out there who'd love to do business with you!:D

[Mike2212]

Re: Starting an online business...

You can also get free help to start your business from the Small Business Development Centers. Locate the closest one at www.asbdc-us.org.

www.startingaonlinebusiness.com

www.campus-business.com

[spadespin]

Re: Starting an online business...

Wonderful thread guys, thanks a tonne for sharing your wonderful information and tips...

[jen.bas]

Re: Starting an online business...

Hi,

You could also try joining fair trade, its principles are really good and I think you would want to include your business in the growing fair trade communities..