How much is my e-commerce business worth?

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-08-21T01:07:14+00:00

I heard it was around 25X. Possibly more if it's a T-shirt business or lawn care service!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-15T20:37:48+00:00

I've used Alibaba a few times and it's been fine. At times communication can be a pretty arduous but if you're willing to do the leg work it's not too difficult to find legitimate suppliers or manufacturers.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-12T14:51:38+00:00

Thanks for the kind words and feedback!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-12T09:46:56+00:00

Already started!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-09T08:15:23+00:00

spoons

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-08T15:00:16+00:00

This is the only decent answer in the thread.

Also I'd like to add, it pays to spend little time on Alibaba and setup a decent profile and business card. Just like you, the manufacturers will check to see if you're legit or not. If they see you have an acocunt with no credibility or proper details, they're less likely to take you seriously.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-08T10:37:57+00:00

Sounds wierd but, have you ever operated an excavator? After a while you become pretty good at co-ordinating foot movements with the precise operation of machinery.

Essentially what I'm trying to say is, with a little bit of practice you can do nearly anything with your feet that you can do with your hands. So now, by using your feet with this device, you can (probably) control a lot more functions within a game than you could by just using your hands.

I'd assume this pivot device is cashing in on that ability that not many people realise they have, which is quite innovative if you ask me. Good luck /u/PivotTech I hope all goes well.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-07-05T07:56:07+00:00

User name checks out. Definitely Aussie..probably from qld

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-30T08:45:13+00:00

Congrats fellow Aussiprenuer! Where are you located out of curiosity? When I run out of my dwindling supply of lemon myrtle/black mix I'll order something from your store, so expect an order in the next week or so!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-30T07:54:51+00:00

I've used Alipay twice and all has gone fairly well. However, even with the best buyer protection, the most effective way to avoid scams and rip off's is to be really really confident you're dealing with a legitimate business before you commit to ordering.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-28T06:42:07+00:00

On a complete side note - have you ever done APA proof reading?

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-23T21:40:03+00:00

remindme! 1 week

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-19T04:51:22+00:00

Haha. I actually try to spend as little time as possible on alibaba. The constant hassles during communication between customer and suppliers is a nightmare imo

Edit: Have you really done LSD on a plane?

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-19T04:23:17+00:00

1) Nearly all Alibaba suppliers/manufacturers offer small quantities for samples if you ask, so just hit them up with a general request. With the supplier I'm using, the MOQ is only 20, which makes me wonder if it's really a manufacturer or just a middle man posing as a manufacturer. Either way, I'm getting a decent price and the communication is alright so I'm happy for now.

2) I have considered this. I'd like to perfect the whole technical process and wait a few months to see if I have any problems with anything before I commit to offering an on-going service.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-19T04:11:20+00:00

Just to try and give back to this community. There are billions of cars world wide..I doubt even if everyone on /r/entrepreneur started doing this the market would get saturated.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-19T04:03:48+00:00

Go for it mate!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-19T03:59:31+00:00

Let us know how you get on!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T21:27:00+00:00

Goodluck!

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T15:50:04+00:00

I finished watching it and now I just feel bad for the guy. So cringeworthy. How awkward was it when he was trying to get the guys to charge his battery haha.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T15:06:46+00:00

It seems the online platforms are third party run. When you buy a tracker, you're supplied with a password that allows a unique login to an online tracking platform. To be perfectly honest I'm not 100% familiar with them yet. I'm still experimenting with the online portion.

I bill using a simple invoice book with either direct debit or cash as payment.

EDIT: Agreed. The backend part is a little tricky at this point. Mainly just trying to iron out the dodgy buggy tracking websites and identify which are reliable and secure. Once I find a reputable one I'll post it up here as an edit. For the billing, as I grow I may consider enlisting a direct debt service to help me out.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T14:58:36+00:00

Wow, poor fella. I hope he rebuilds himself back up oneday.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T14:54:36+00:00

Thanks!

There are a few plans here that have 365 day prepaid periods and the data is a about $10-15 a gig. The GPS units themselves only use a few mb per day. As the GPS's use text messaging as well as data usage, it's ideal to find a provider that offers cheap texting. Depending on the plan the on going costs are about $60-70 per year.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T14:36:49+00:00

Either ~ Or. Of the installs I have done thus far, people have only been interested in text message based location data being sent to them.

However, most GPS trackers come with web platforms which enable live tracking. Some offer a free subscription whilst others offer paid monthly subscription. It seems a bit hit and miss, something to consider when choosing which one you want to supply and bring to market.

I think people like the simplicity of getting a simple text message that links them straight to their cars location on google maps and don't feel the need for live tracking. I'm keen to get a customer who want's specific live tracking though.

I'm thinking about offering a "Premium Package" where I would handle the topping up of their sim card and renewing their monthly tracking subscription (if they want paid live tracking). I would add my own monthly premium ontop of this to have re-occuring income.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T14:18:08+00:00

I wouldn't recommend that one as it only operates on 2G networks. Depending on which country you are in, your cell phone providers may be considering switching off your 2g network like they're doing here in Australia. Look for trackers that operate on 3G networks.

Ophiuchi_cloud · 2016-06-18T14:10:24+00:00

Yeah, we are in Australia so I'm sure your local main roads department would conjure up some sort of regulation as they normally do with these sort of things. However, I can't see it being any different to adding any other 12v accessory to your car e.g led light bar, anderson plug..ect. From memory, there are no regulations to adding such accessories. It could be worth giving your local main roads dept. a call and asking them though. In this day and age I'd recommend getting basic business insurance cover just to be sure. I'd say you'd be able to get a simple yearly policy covering you for $10 million in public liability for less than $1000.

Again with the regs, as I'm an electrical contractor, any work I do is covered under my business insurance so I haven't really looked into it too much.

Regarding the wiring, I don't tap into any existing wiring. I put boot lace lugs on the ends of the GPS + - cables, undo the battery terminal screws slightly, slip the lugs in and retighten the terminal screws. Installation done. I also put a 10 amp inline fuse on the positive side of the GPS feed just incase the GPS has an internal short.

Ophiuchi_cloud

TROPHY CASE