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aquaflame · 06-06-2012, 18:18

HI all, I am starting up an online store directed to cruisers and accessible worldwide. Question is, what sorts of things are you likely to need from an online store? What are your major issues? What can I do better, or that no-one else is doing? would love some feedback, so that you would love to shop with me.
Terry

islandplanet · 12-06-2012, 09:03

Terry,

The market is pretty well saturated and you'll need something to distinguish yourself. I think it's best to specialize in one area or you will find yourself selling commodity items at low margin. If you are not an experienced web developer, you will spend more than you think on an e-commerce site, SEO, etc. If you haven't run a web based business in the past, you will be surprised how much effort is required. Many people think it's easy but it's actually a lot of work.

I started my business in 2004 and it's grown nicely but all we do is sails and related accessories like running rigging, furlers and socks. We have a very experienced team and we're known for our ability to get sails to cruisers in remote locations. We have a business model that allows us to sell a comparable or superior product for less than our competitors.

aquaflame · 12-06-2012, 14:39

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I have NOT had experience before, and after a week of tweeking and refining, I agree wholeheartedly that it is a LOT of effort. Thankfully, time is one thing I have plenty of. I am focussing on the maintenance side of things, to avoid the "low margin commodity item" scenario., and joining a few select Affiliate programs, so I can bring them together under one banner. SEO is a minefield, but as I say, I've got the time, and very little to lose. Thanks again.
Terry

**Therapy** · 12-06-2012, 15:07

How about some things like a starter for a Westerbeke 30 B three that is equivalent (really equivalent) that is not hundreds of dollars or painted red?

Same with lots of other "marine diesel" parts.

islandplanet · 12-06-2012, 19:44

Aquaflame,

Selling maintenance parts could be good. Just be sure your customers have a clear understanding of your return policy. If you're retailing, you're working with recreational guys that work on boats as a hobby. It's a lot different than working with industry people who are ordering the same sort of things over and over. You don't want to get stuck dealing with returns without a restock fee because the customer ordered the wrong part. If I screw up and order incorrect luff slides, I don't even bother with a return because I know we can use them for something else later. Retail customers won't have a use for that wrong part and you need to have a good process for managing the return and insuring you aren't working an extra hour or two for nothing.

**bstreep** · 12-06-2012, 21:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

How about some things like a starter for a Westerbeke 30 B three that is equivalent (really equivalent) that is not hundreds of dollars or painted red?

Same with lots of other "marine diesel" parts.

Agreed. What the industry needs is an OEM supplier of parts that are perfect replacements, at a significant savings.

aquaflame · 12-06-2012, 21:52

Thanks everyone. As to returns: I am a web based reseller - therefore returns is the responsibility of the primary advertiser, and the people I deal with have policies in that regard.
Starter motors for Westerbeke etc - point taken. Don't we all wish there were generic parts that didn't cost the earth. Its what we try to do - to source stuff to keep our toys going at an affordable rate. I'm going to check that out for you today. Watch this space! By the way - what year is the 30B Three? Serial no?
Terry

islandplanet · 12-06-2012, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by bstreep

Agreed. What the industry needs is an OEM supplier of parts that are perfect replacements, at a significant savings.

I used to buy my diesel parts from a woman named Barbara who ran a company called Golden State Diesel. Sadly she passed away a short time ago. She was a wealth of information. I never even asked how much my parts were before buying and she always treated me right. She explained what parts could be sourced outside marine channels and how she often saved money by going through alternate channels. We miss her.

I am pretty well stocked for spares at the moment, but it would be great to hear recommendations for good suppliers of Yanmar parts.

aquaflame · 13-06-2012, 01:15

You have my sympathies. People like Barbara unfortunately take all their information with them, and are a sad loss to the community of sailors. I seldom buy parts from Marine suppliers because the mark-ups are ridiculous. I get my YANMAR parts from POWER EQUIPMENT direct here in Australia - that doesn't help you though does it? They give me a discount most of the time. As to the WESTERBEKE starter - I can get one, but its $AUD895 and NOT an equivalent. Trouble is, THEY won't advise me of what generics may be available - we have to go find the Barbara's of this world.
Terry

aquaflame · 13-06-2012, 01:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

How about some things like a starter for a Westerbeke 30 B three that is equivalent (really equivalent) that is not hundreds of dollars or painted red?

Same with lots of other "marine diesel" parts.

Just in case the moderator doesnt approve the link I want to post: Check out ebay. There's one there in the USA for $229USD or so. Good Luck

Terry

**Therapy** · 13-06-2012, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by aquaflame

Just in case the moderator doesnt approve the link I want to post: Check out ebay. There's one there in the USA for $229USD or so. Good Luck

Terry

Thanks for that.

My example came off the top of my head from a post in the Gemini owners forum. Someone needed one. Perhaps I can lead them here.

I sold my Gem in March. But I still have the Gheenoe and the Jon boat!