Starting a online shop

[Guest]

Can`t really add to what the other guys have already said , but I would be more than happy to purchase from you John , if prices were much the same to any other online shops I would opt for scalemodels 1st as would all of your members I would think.

maybe you could set up a poll to see what members want/like ie- paint , tools , after market stuff - PE & decals , armour , figures , aircraft , ships , resin , dio stuff , cars , bikes etc etc I could go on all night but you get the idea , if we had the option to pick as many of the things listed that we like or would buy you would get an idea what would be popular and what would not ,

Richy

[stona]

I know I have probably said this before but If you want paint that is accurate and with the correct finnish there is only one real palyer in the game. White Ensign Colourcoats. The paint is matched where possible to original paint chips from the original manufactures. Ian M

Couldn't agree more. I used them until I switched to acrylic paints. I've still got a good stash of them which I occasionally brush. I love their "tyre black" which is of course grey. The best acrylic matches IMO are Xtracrylix,though they can be a bit tricky. Many people enjoy and are happy to mix their own.

Steve

[Guest]

Don't forget to work out how long it will take to post each item. Unless you're super-efficient it can take a very long time just to pack one item - you need time to find the thing, then find something to put it in, guess the postage, stick the stamps on, write the invoice, mess about with a credit card machine (have you got one?). Franking machines cost money (lots). What insurance will you need? Banks charge for business accounts, and so it goes on. Do you plan to queue in PO or have special collections (which cost money)?

Items you can't get .. do you phone, post a note, ignore, panic?

Been there, I advise proceeding with extreme caution.

[John]

I plan on starting small, so paypal would replace the credit card machine, don't need a franking machine you can print out postage on-line, packing not a problem I can get loads of it from work, don't need insurance, don't need a business account, they are a rip off, no purchase orders of special collections, I don't think modellers would use such stuff

[Guest]

Hi John,

I gave up mail order about ten years ago .. it seems technology has moved on since then .. good luck!

[Guest]

While serving in the forces, I was stationed for part in Tidworth, and I used a model shop in Salisbury.

When talking to the owner one day, about liking the idea of a model shop, he advised me, as a modeller not to do it, because as a modeller, he reckons you would be drawn by your own likes, and not what the buyer needs.

I think your idea of polling items, is a very good one, and hopefully would stop your heart ruling your stock.

If you do go with the idea, I for one wish you all the very best.

Mickky

[John]

I can understand that, I've been looking at stock lists today, and it was a case of I like that, and that, want one of them, oh that too etc

[Guest]

Good luck john. Sounds like a good plan

start small, and try and get stock of the hard to find stuff. Sounds daft, but how much klear can you lay your hands on? Stuff like that can be tricky to find and any modeller who's been near the Internet wants it! What about a klear kit? Could come with a couple of tubes of cheap oil paint needed for pin washes and rain marks. Make a database of buyers to print addresses and Market to in future.

Tony b

[Guest]

I also like the idea and would like to see a range of 1/35 and 1/72 as if i keep building the 1/35 then i will have no space left. My choice of paints at the moment is Tamiya or any other good acrylic paint. Yes i would buy from you so as to help support the site.

Like others before me have said try out small first and it was also put forward that a poll be taken which i think is a good idea.

I wish you all the best with this idea and leave you with this thought,

Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible.

[Guest]

Yes mate... i would buy from you.. kits.. glues paints..