This is now a real option, the internet has made it possible to generate regular sales to the public.

Ebay has managed to generate huge sales on fashion items and have now opened a new site specifically for businesses selling personal consumer items at fixed prices, it’s called Ebay Express.

No start up costs as such, you will obviously need stock and a digital camera.  No marketing and promotional activity required as the sites profile attracts huge numbers of buyers looking for something special.  The better your photo, the more customers you will attract.

You could pay to go on someone else’s selling site but you must establish how busy the site really is and is it worth the money you will be spending.

You could set up your own website and sell to the public from that.  I still don’t see retailers buying from websites, although, in a recent survey some independent retailers did say they would consider it in the future.  More about your own website later.

You could supply the public through direct selling events, more available in the Spring/Summer seasons.  Summer Fayres, music festivals, local festivals, ethnic gatherings and religious festivals, equestrian shows, car boot sales, party plan, market stalls and charity fund raising events all good sales opportunities for a small cost for your space.

Religious organizations hold lots of sales for their communities.  If you are connected to any clubs or are a member of another niche, these are the places to target your promotional activity.

If you have the capability to do made to measure/bespoke, you can achieve very good sales figures.

Remember: When you supply the public, you can earn the full price from the sale rather than losing two thirds of the price to the retailer.

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