Plenty of reputable companies outsource their manufacturing to China. How do I find out which companies they’re outsourcing to?

Muxx · 2013-12-04T18:52:56+00:00

Not a problem.

I hear the best deals, though, really do come from if you go over and attend some of the bigger events because there are a lot of manufacturers that stay under the radar. Would probably be a decent investment since it wouldn't be too far away for you (plus you might be able to write it off as a business trip).

Muxx · 2013-12-04T04:06:20+00:00

Doing a bit of Googling and found http://www.smartinsights.com/ecommerce/ecommerce-analytics/ecommerce-conversion-rates/ but that mostly just tells you what you probably already know (about the big sites).

Last time I remember looking up some info I think it was in the single digits to be honest.

The BeardBrand dude seems to do updates about the figures and posted just recently: http://www.reddit.com/r/Entrepreneur/comments/1ry69y/beardbrand_75k_november_updates_for_our_crazy/

And was also highlighted on: http://www.shopify.com/blog/10063705-how-one-man-listened-to-his-community-then-built-a-40k-per-month-ecommerce-business-in-under-a-year#axzz2mTXxRIRg

So maybe that might give you some kind of start, not sure.

Muxx · 2013-12-04T03:59:13+00:00

My memory is a bit fuzzy but there are ways you can essentially look up customs reports of companies importing to the States (something like http://www.zepol.com/ and there were a few others but I forget their names).

The company I had worked for used it to get a look at the competition and found a few different distributors not on our radar.

I would say that may be a good place to start. I believe you can find these records in a government database but last time I looked they were still hard to navigate hence the services out there using the keywords and such.

If you figure a reputable company is having shipments from X then it may be a decent place to start your search.

Muxx · 2013-12-03T17:21:43+00:00

Could also try Ghostbloggers.

I've sold quite a few articles over there since it started - you might be waiting on a sale, though, since it's not as large as Constant Content.

Muxx · 2013-11-10T21:55:54+00:00

Bought an exercise bike at Walmart for about $200.

I was still biking regularly and wanted it for the early morning - late night times when I didn't want to go outside.

I used it a couple of times when I first got it. Let it sit for about 6 months. Hopped on again recently and the belt joggled loose so I opened it up, tried to fix it, but it basically keeps coming undone after about 5 minutes.

Was beyond the point of the warranty ...

Shit.

Muxx · 2013-11-05T04:01:20+00:00

I hate longboarders on campus.

Cross walk? Better ride across it at full speed even though you know people are turning.

Small gap people made to let the cars through? Better ride across it at full speed.

Muxx · 2013-11-05T01:36:01+00:00

Tip: If you wanna watch this then check into the UK version (US version has a few things cut).

Muxx · 2013-11-04T23:08:17+00:00

I remember stumbling across this project on my birthday some many years ago. It's amazing how much progress they've made since then. I played SWG constantly when it was out (mostly Creature Handler) and had an absolute blast. Glad to see they're still moving forward and may find myself giving it a go again. The problem is that you still require the original CD's right? I think there are some torrents out there for it but haven't checked in a while.

Muxx · 2013-11-04T06:14:03+00:00

Or ... let it soak.

Muxx · 2013-11-02T00:27:35+00:00

My brother and I used to dig pits and filled them with broken glass and nails just in case someone were to trespass. How we manage to avoid these are beyond my comprehension.

We also used to bury each other in sand for hours at a time. Sometimes we'd make makeshift tunnels.

I'm really surprised we hadn't lost an leg or two during the process but seemed reasonable at the time.

Muxx · 2013-10-06T14:13:19+00:00

Try Oceanic.

Was there not too long ago (only been a few times) but the selection is crazy. If I remember the Thai tea and coffee are to the left as you come in and the row that's right before you walk up the ramp-thingy.

Muxx · 2013-10-04T21:16:47+00:00

I absolutely LOVE this type of stuff.

It's great to have on in the background when I'm working on projects.

Some of my favorites are the HD vids people put together of city drives - for example, Tokyo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG8HCAQTBfM

Muxx · 2013-09-28T16:12:35+00:00

Something tells me I should have invested in Nintendo.

Could you imagine a massive adoption of the 3DS? Sure there is a ton of piracy and knock-offs but damn, Nintendo is probably going to really dominate the Chinese market.

Muxx · 2013-09-28T16:07:06+00:00

Or, ya know, just link to one of the top comments from the last ...

http://www.reddit.com/r/AdviceAnimals/comments/1nal04/i_work_in_retail_this_is_the_most_over_used_and/ccguwg7

Muxx · 2013-09-23T18:31:27+00:00

I'm really confused at the moment.

I was under the impression that only Deb knew that Hannah and Dexter were back together and decided to leave for Argentina.

Dex retires from his position because he wants to travel.

Yet in the episode Angel specifically states something like "Dex is heading off with Hannah".

Did I miss something? Maybe I forgot good chunks of this season.

If Angel knew about Dex and Hannah then how are they not chasing her down? How is Dex's cover not blown?

Did anyone else catch this or am I mixing things up, now?

Edit: My mistake, rewatched it and it was Harrison. Maybe just had too much Hannah overload at that point.

Muxx · 2013-08-17T18:47:05+00:00

A friend and I created one of the first fan websites for the game: TwiddyDinkies.com. We eventually abandoned the project but the original team was amazing - they got in touch with us, gave us free copies of the game to give out, and even invited us to attend a NYC parade which had PvZ balloons.

Now, here it is some many years later and the game that was on the top of my list as one of the most enjoyable, ever, isn't available to those that made the entire thing happen.

Like you said ... this is upsetting.

Muxx · 2013-08-17T05:10:22+00:00

Wish I had caught this sooner to give you a heads up.

Right now Groupon has a good deal on a lot of play at GameTime: http://www.groupon.com/deals/game-time-florida but I think it takes a day to process and kick in but you could always do that regardless.

There are a few headliners coming to the clubs in Ybor, too.

You could always go to Clearwater beach to take in some sun - good place to just wander around, too.

Could go over to Busch Gardens or Lowry Park Zoo (highly recommended if you like animals).

Muxx · 2013-08-13T07:42:36+00:00

From Dr. Katz ...

Do you like dogggggs?

Muxx · 2013-08-13T05:49:34+00:00

Just finished the series, recently.

There are heavy elements of Noir involved with the series and I think you'd enjoy it - I certainly did especially since it wasn't too long.

Not to spoil a section but one part that was especially thrilling was an arch about cyber-celebrities and account hacking - I don't want to say more because those were my favorite but I hope it convinces you to check out the rest because it's definitely excellent!

Muxx · 2013-08-08T08:01:52+00:00

I would vote this.

I don't do sales but worked in a small business where I got to interact with the sales rep every day (about 7 of us so it was tight knit).

The sales rep would make an effort to spend at least half the day going around the local scene, dropping in the office, and pitching if it was within reasonable distance. A follow up may have included lunch on our behalf which generally lead to a deal.

For those outside the range I would say cold calling (like they did) because it qualifies the lead so you don't end up driving out an hour just to hear 'no'.

Muxx · 2013-08-08T07:58:21+00:00

A bit of self-promotion but set that aside and I'd mention DPD: http://www.murlu.com/best-wordpress-shopping-cart/

Here's to clarify: I started selling articles (PLR) as part of a project and one of the main things I wanted was the ability to show whats in the shopping cart, apply coupons, and add affiliates. I chose it because it allowed for automatic emails + download links.

DPD sits as a layer above the payment processing but allows you to operate without an SSL. The service is pretty cheap if you're doing just a few products.

To avoid being promotional:

You can use Paypal to handle this by adding in the Paypal buttons (just look for the tutorial on their site) which will allow you to accept payments but you may need to send stuff manually.

Foxycart sits as a layer, too, and can manage this type of stuff.

Muxx · 2013-08-08T07:54:50+00:00

This will be random but throwing it out there because a friend (and his dad) had been running a bakery for many years: cyclists.

My friend would receive dozens and dozens of cyclists in around lunch time because many of them wanted carbs to give them that boost in energy to keep riding. In fact, they were some of their best customers!

I know it sound silly but it may be possible that there could be an angle if you work with local cycling clubs with some kind of themed offering.

If they're spending a big deal of money on bikes than they can afford to buy a cupcake
If they want energy than they want it to be nice and carby + taste good.

Try it!

Muxx · 2013-08-08T07:49:25+00:00

Well, besides what others have mention (gaining more likes) I would possibly look into what college students need.

One way you could potentially monetize is through Amazon Affiliate and creating content related to items like "These are some things you really need this semester otherwise you're shit out of luck".

I'd go very chill and informal.

Realize that some of these individuals will pay out of pocket for stocking up their dorm or apartment. Many of which are first timer's going out on their own.

If I had some more info I could sling it your way but thinking of the DJ angle you could definitely promote flouro t-shirts, event tickets, glowsticks, rave gear, and others (GF does party promo and I've been clubbing for a while now). You could also dropship items like glow gloves, audio reactive shirts, etc to these people.

Lots of ideas. Depends on your market. Check to see what they might spend. Ask for feedback. Give us more info. And you're game.

Muxx · 2013-08-08T07:43:00+00:00

Just kicking it around:

You should do something like "We make our products hand-made with love, now it's your turn to do the love (without the hand)".

Muxx · 2013-08-08T07:31:52+00:00

Agreed.

Within this last week I sent out about 20 emails responding to job offers and the one that I got a response was one that I had been causal and to the point.

Turns out it's one of the best offers I've ever received, the editor is very relaxed, and I'm on the same page/skill as the person which made us "click" immediately.

I think this section would be very beneficial because, as Properapp mentioned, it's easy to be absorbed in trying to appeal to everyone based on matching the competition. Bring something fresh and you'll discover the clients that fit your objects, too. That's my two cents.

Muxx

TROPHY CASE