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"Would like some input."
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I live in a rural town in northern MI and see that making money in any industry is difficult. There are many people that have hobbies making varrious types of items from jewlry to birdhouses and everything in between. I have been thinking of starting an online store to showcase and sell these items. I am ignorant of all business laws and don't know about sales tax on the internet, shipping policies, pricing policies and commission rates. I think that if this works then it might take off on a national level. I am also hoping that it will get citizens thinking about what products they might be able to offer. If you have any input I would really like to hear it.
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#1. "RE: Would like some input."
In response to Reply # 0
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Hi.
I would contact your closest small business association chapter.
They can help you online if it's too far to visit. It's a great resource. They have lawyers, accountants, and any other professionals you would need help from all for free!
What you are wanting to do sounds a lot like the Esty.com website.
Maybe you can google them and check out their site for ideas.
Perhaps you could sell your friends stuff for them on esty for a consignment fee? Just to see if your idea is profitable before you invest on your own site.
Best of luck! www.11fathomsmarketing.com
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#2. "RE: Would like some input."
In response to Reply # 1
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The previous poster had some good advice.
I would simply add that you will need to put together a business plan. In doing so, you will discover everything you need to know about your potential business in order to make it a success.
The website the other poster mentioned is actually Etsy.com
Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods
http://www.peppermaster.com
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#3. "RE: Would like some input."
In response to Reply # 0
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Hi!
There are a lot of places for crafters to advertise online such as craftersbuzz.com, etsy.com, and eBay.com. How will you differentiate yourself? Don't get too concerned about this because I think you will figure it out (e.g., only selling goods from northern Michigan).
In terms of getting started - here are some articles that I think will help you:
http://pagebuzz.com/startonlinestore.html
http://pagebuzz.com/businessregistration.html
Regarding taxes, you will need to charge taxes for people who buy from Michigan. You'll want to visit the Michigan Department of Treasury - http://www.michigan.gov/treasury.
Regarding pricing policies and commission rates - those may just depend on your arrangement with the vendor. You can buy the items outright or you can sell based on consignment. That's something for you to really think about.
Best of luck! 
~~~~~~~ http://pagebuzz.com - Small Business Website Hosting. $19.99 per month, no up sells, no contracts, no surprises. Shopping cart, photo galleries, drag and drop editors, graphics, specialized programming for car dealers, real estate agents, and others.
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#4. "RE: Would like some input."
In response to Reply # 3
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Don't forget Etsy. There are lots of crafters making money there as well. You must be healthy to be successful.
Learn how essential oils can make you healthy.
http://healthandwealthwithoils.com
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#6. "RE: Would like some input."
In response to Reply # 0
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hello,
the advice given is highly productive. also, consider licensing your
biz...that is extremely important. i mean you can go sole- proprietor, yet, if it fails, so will your creditability. i would suggest LLC b/c it seems to be enough for and online biz.
if you need assistance with website content, business plan, etc..feel free to contact me, hurtnpoet@yahoo.com
aleasia hurt, CEO
HURTNPOET, LLC
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