Listening to Pete

He makes excellent advice and makes points that should be applied to any business that you should decide to persue.

Great Post, Pete.
Jim

> I have been selling SMC products for 3 or 4 years. I sell both online and
> in the major shopping mall in a community of about 300,000. You will hear
> much about peopel 'can't give it away", but I sell it every day at
> leat for their suggested retail, often a dollar or two higher.

> I also sell online virtually every day. I've sold online to the
> Smithsonian Institution, to many civic organizations, to many military
> organiztions for awards, etc.

> They sell inexpensive, no brand name products. But they are a good value
> for the money. There are a number of very negative posts about them, all
> over the net. These are from people who spend $ 25 and expect the bucks to
> come in the front door. Doesn't happen. Not with SMC or any other company.
> You have to work at it.

> Many of the complaints with SMC have to do with their e-commerce sites.
> Frankly, they are over-priced and I do feel like SMC preys on folks who
> think they can get rich with one of those sites. In fact, that is about
> the only negative thing I can say about them. Do not get one of their
> sites.

> Other than that, they have a nearly 99% order-fill rate, they get orders
> out the door within 48 hours and they do stand behind anything damaged in
> shipment, or defective upon arrival.

> They have received nearly $ 100,000 from me over the years. I would not
> continue to deal with them if I had any problems.

> BUT - the dollars will not flow into your mailbox. You will need to have a
> good website, that you manage on your own, get out and establish some
> whoelsale customers, hold home parties, work flea markets, get a kiosk in
> a mall, etc. You can't just sit home in your dressing gown and make any
> money.

> If you would like to start out small, without a major commitment, I can
> set you up as what they call a sub-wholesaler through me. You will not
> make as much, but you will not obligate yourself for a couple of hundred
> dollars, either.

> I have a flat $ 25 fee for a startup kit consisting of all fo the
> catalogs, a how to brochure, order forms, etc. I'll even refund the $ 25
> if you look it over and dont like it and you return it within 30 days.

> You'll lose about 10$ in profit with me, but if you find you can sell the
> items, you are free to sign up with them at any time. It is not
> multi-level marketing, You will not "be under" me, you will be
> on your own with them.

> I've made this offer on this board before, I've had people take me up on
> it, I've sent them the starter package and never heard from them again.
> Sending followup emails does no good, never get a reply. They simply
> donate $ 25. Well, I really don't make anything, considering the time,
> materials and postage required. I'd much rather get orders.

> And don't plan on selling on ebay. It is saturated with SMC products.