New Tool Webstore

[joepowe8]

Lately, I've been thinking about trying to start a website to sell tools to DIYers. I would also offer tips, tool how to guides, and other info related to wood working and small scale reno's. I've got a few preliminary questions.

1) Where are most of your tool purchases, Online or in store?
2) Do you see any improvements need to any current site?
3) Am I on an uphill battle against other sites, Rockler, Lowes, etc?

Any other tips or advice is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[comedyman809]

id like some info here as well!!!

 

[senor fozz]

I wouldn't focus on tool sales, due to amazon. I don't know if you could generate enough revenue through ad space though.

 

[Zeke]

Lately, I've been thinking about trying to start a website to sell tools to DIYers. I would also offer tips, tool how to guides, and other info related to wood working and small scale reno's. I've got a few preliminary questions.

1) Where are most of your tool purchases, Online or in store?
2) Do you see any improvements need to any current site?
3) Am I on an uphill battle against other sites, Rockler, Lowes, etc?

Any other tips or advice is welcome.

Thanks!

Advice: YES.

 

[noid]

Play into a niche, sell unique brands, offer cheap international shipping, etc and you'll do fine.

 

[btbsandman]

Play into a niche, sell unique brands, offer cheap international shipping, etc and you'll do fine.

This is a great suggestion.

 

[Stokes_]

Lately, I've been thinking about trying to start a website to sell tools to DIYers. I would also offer tips, tool how to guides, and other info related to wood working and small scale reno's. I've got a few preliminary questions.

1) Where are most of your tool purchases, Online or in store?
2) Do you see any improvements need to any current site?
3) Am I on an uphill battle against other sites, Rockler, Lowes, etc?

Any other tips or advice is welcome.

Thanks!

Depends on your prices I suppose.

 

[Aquaticbob]

Good mobile support would be quite nice. Usually when I think of a tool I need I'm mid project and just look up everything on my phone.

Have you run any sort of ecommerce site before?

I'm going to say the most important thing isn't tool price, but how long is it going to take to show up and what's it costing me to get it there ASAP. Price is usually the first thing people think of, however it's almost never the most important.

Good return policy, quick shipping, competitive prices, good tool information, quality tools.

You are up against amazon for a lot of people, but you shouldn't let that stop you (this is just for those who do shop online)

To answer your questions:
1) Where are most of your tool purchases, Online or in store?
When I'm not working on my shop online, when I need a tool for my shop I go to the store
2) Do you see any improvements need to any current site?
Amazon has a solid site, however I think just about every other site can use improvement in my opinion. Mobile support is a MUST
3) Am I on an uphill battle against other sites, Rockler, Lowes, etc?
Yes

 

[SchuLace]

Usually when I am buying a tool I need it now. I am in the middle of a project and realize I don't have what I need so I go pick it up. Also, I like to fiddle with and see my tools before I buy them. I don't like buying tools online.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Lately, I've been thinking about trying to start a website to sell tools to DIYers. I would also offer tips, tool how to guides, and other info related to wood working and small scale reno's. I've got a few preliminary questions.

1) Where are most of your tool purchases, Online or in store?
2) Do you see any improvements need to any current site?
3) Am I on an uphill battle against other sites, Rockler, Lowes, etc?

Any other tips or advice is welcome.

Thanks!

Well...you could at least vet (ensure the quality) the stuff you're selling which is more than a lot of retailers do. Doesn't mean you'll make millions doing it though. Retail has a lot of competition but since you're focusing on those with lower levels of knowledge and tool expertise you could technically "e-tail retail" (use closeouts and liquidations of well made stuff as sources for your inventory).

 

[Danglerb]

DIYer = cheapest most uniformed customer who needs a tool now, and may not even know what tool they need. You will educate them and they will buy at Home Depot.

My idea would be to open up a local used tool store and employ only off duty Hooters girls.

 

[joepowe8]

Thanks for the advice!

This will be my second attempt at an ecommerce website. The first one was on gun accessories. I wasn't very organized, didn't do enough research, and spent way too much money. Ened up with 2 fraudulent charges that I couldn't pay back and got shut down by my cc processor. I'm still not sure why they gave me the money before they verified if it was a valid charge or not...

I hadn't thought about an app or mobile site. Great Idea.

Also, I hadn't thought about DIYer's stealing my knowledge and not spending any money.

Let me keep thinking. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks for the input.

 

[Mike662]

I would consider the supply side of your business. In other words, how are you going to get the tools you intend to be selling? Do you have reliable and cost-efficient sources lined up? Will you keep anything "in stock"? Does that mean you will have to pay in advance, or do you have suppliers willing to give you credit?


Also....

My idea would be to open up a local used tool store and employ only off duty Hooters girls.

Best. Idea. Ever!

 

[joepowe8]

Cant believe I didn't comment on the Hooters Girls. I'll defiantly keep that as an option...the research should be fun if nothing else!

I will be using a drop shipper. Cant afford nor do I have a place to store inventory. I haven't done a ton of research on suppliers yet. I do know that I'm at a disadvantage because I'm new in the game. I'll have to earn a reputation and sales $ to be able to get the best price.

My thought process right now is what can my webstore do that others don't. There is way too much competition to try to survive on price alone. From the few replys above....

1) Fast Free Shipping, like get the item before you order it
2) Mobile app with 1 click purchase

this will be my research for the weekend.

 

[kc-steve]

If you haven't operated an ecommerce website before you are facing a steep learning curve today. I have 13 years professional experience building websites and I'm still learning. About the time you decide on a platform, things have changed. And that doesn't include the search engine optimization.

http://junkyardtools.com/

Steve

 

[Tallted]

The hardest part of that venture would marketing. How are you going to get DIYers to even know you exist? Also how would you build a reputation as a reputable individual? For this market you are competing with the big box stores which have massive supply, easy accessibility and people to (as best as they are able which is sketchy) answer questions. Thats 7 days a week into the night.
Being a part of this market I can say that what I like the most and spend the most time on is researching how tos. There are tons of videos on youtube but quality is variable. If you can establish yourself as someone who produces lots of informative and how to videos with good clear picture and sound, simple concise and scripted instructions, as well as exploring all relevant problems that may arise I could see it being easy for you to find a solid niche targeting DIY guys like me. If you get lots of traffice I believe they pay you. Or you can also sell DVDs on a website.