How to Start a Home-Based Online Retail Business

A found this to be a general overview and "get your feet wet" book on opening your online retail store. I thought there was a little too much storyline and not enough in-depth information. For example, when filing for a Trademark/Servicemark (so nobody can use your name or symbol) the author only touched on this subject. It really didn't go into the online process of applying for a Trademark/Servicemark, which is very in-depth and very important information. Chapter 7- "What you Need to Know about Creating Your Website" definitely needs to be expanded and the author needs to elaborate. I think he should've used more examples on SEO (search engine optimization) a critical area in the survival of your website. More specific tips for increasing traffic to your site is definitely needed. The author did a pretty good job on explaining shipping methods and establishing merchant accounts (visa/mc) and what to expect with fees. Chapter 9- "Getting Paid" was helpful. Lastly, less fuzz on creating balance in your life, creating personal time, making time for family and friends. I think I needed more meat and potatoes with this book, less cranberry sauce. It's worth picking up the book, because it's practically the only book available of its kind, but keep in mind this book will mainly serve as an outline for starting your business, the rest is up to you.

How to Start a Home-Based Online Retail Business is the perfect book to help you do just that. The book is well-written, easy to read, and provides you with the essential information to begin to do business online. Jeremy Shepherd got started early in the online world. In 1996 he opened PearlParadise.com, and has become the leading online pearl wholesaler and retailer. His business, which started with the purchase of one pearl necklace during a trip to Beijing, has grown to be a multi-million dollar enterprise. Shepherd's book details how to save money while starting your online business, how to design and create your website, how to market your business, and how to use a merchant account to allow customers to pay you by credit card. He doesn't even forget to give tips on shipping, which is oh so important to an online purchase, or to tips on avoiding fraud, which is oh so important to you and your business. How to Start a Home-Based Online Retail Business gets right to the point, doesn't talk down to you, doesn't require a degree in Computer Science to understand, and covers all the necessary details of becoming an online entrepreneur. I love this book. -- Cat Cromar www.astartuplife.com/category/book-reviews

I purchased this book on a recommendation from a friend of mine. She had not read it but had heard of the author and his business. I have had the idea of starting an import company to sell online for a few years so I thought this may be a good book to invest in. What I liked most about this book was the way he so clearly told his story from the position of someone who has been there, in every step of the way. There was not a lot of technical information on how to build a Website, but he explained how he started without the technical know-how either, and how he got around it. Also in the book there are these sections that are sort of "advice from the trenches" sections. They talk about common mistakes that the author made and the consequences and how to avoid them. Very forthcoming of him to be so honest. If you are considering starting a home based business on the Internet with a Website, and especially if you are still uncertain of which direction to proceed, I would really recommend reading this book.

Jeremy Shepherd has written a very helpful guide for those who want to get started with an internet business. It is comprehensive without being redundant, It lays a foundation of all the major requirements to be successful in your venture. This includes much more than designing a web page and sticking a shopping cart on it. This is not a "home business for fools" book; it always assumes you are serious and willing to work harder than you may think, but it is very well written and easily understood. Starting with a good strong self assessment of your skills and strengths, he then guides you through the essentials of good business practices, including the special needs of going online. The book contains many useful sidebars and examples of his major points. He has made a point of sharing many of the tricks of the trade, so you can not only avoid the pitfalls of each aspect of your business, but get a leg up, much like having a real teacher who shares his personal experience generously. If you want a real business behind your website, you need this book as your basic text.

From the voice of experience the author gives tips on how to succeed in an on-line venture. A few oversights or wrong decisions can wipe out the cash of a new business. I learned how to avoid the pitfalls, that could destroy my life long dreams of owning my own business. I would recommend this book as a must have for any new entrepreneur and I will keep it handy as a desk-side tool for reference.