A Corporate Escape Story: How eCommerce Changed My Life

A Corporate Escape Story: How eCommerce Changed My Life

It was 5:00 on a Sunday, and I still had hours of work to do at the office. My girlfriend – who lived nine hours away and was in town for a rare visit – was sitting alone in my apartment, anxiously waiting for me to finish (and likely reconsidering the wisdom of her choice to date me).

How did I end up in this position? I never really intended to go into investment banking, a field notorious for long hours and insane work schedules. But it was an enticing job right out of college, offering solid job experience and the chance to really see how large businesses worked.

Our schedule wasn’t nearly as strenuous as many of the bigger investment banks, where 100-hour work weeks are the norm. Still, the 60- to 80-hour weeks, unpredictable schedule and inability to commit to people and/or plans quickly grew draining, especially for work that I didn’t love.

I made the decision to quit and started to save as much money as possible. I kept my beater college car longer than necessary in order to save more money – a car so hideous I had to hide park it blocks from the office. I banked 100% of the bonuses I received and earned a reputation around the office as a bit of a miser. In the small amount of spare time I did have, I read Tim Ferriss’ “The Four-Hour Work Week”and started dreaming about my future plans. I was laying the foundation for my escape.

In November of 2007, I quit. It’s both an exhilarating and slightly terrifying feeling to leave a good job to start your own business. After a solo cross-county road trip, I settled down to start building my future. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I did, however, know the required characteristics I wanted my new venture to have. It needed to:

  • Offer a low risk-to-reward ratio
  • Require little capital
  • Be scalable
  • Be location-independent

It’s amazing how a total lack of income motivates you to action. After exploring a number of potential ideas, I quickly settled on e-commerce as a business model that fit all my criteria. I opened up a bank account with $1,500, created an LLC and picked a niche: CB radios.

It’s about this time I think my mother lost total faith in me. Already somewhat distraught that I’d quit my job, she now had to let friends and family know her son had left the finance world to hawk CB radios via the internet! To be honest, I had a few doubts myself, but because my research methodology (outlined in my eBook) indicated CB radios might be a viable niche, I took a leap of faith and started Right Channel Radios.

Within a month I had my website online and live. Bootstrapped and designed by myself, it wasn’t going to win any awards, but it was a working prototype that could take orders and test my idea’s viability. Shortly after launch, I received my first order. As any business owner will tell you, few things compare to the thrill of your first sale, and it provided an incredible motivational boost.

Over the following months, I threw myself entirely into growing and improving my business. I hungrily learned as much as I could about online marketing, SEO (search engine optimization), my customers and my new market. Sales began to grow, albeit sporadically. My girlfriend (now wife) Annie could tell from my mood each evening how orders had been that day. I continued to bootstrap the business, reinvesting the earnings and my own sweat, but never adding any additional equity apart from my original $1,500 deposit.

Slowly but surely everything began to pay off. Within a year, I was making enough to support myself and Annie. I hired a part-time virtual assistant (VA) to help manage business operations. Within two years, I launched a second e-commerce site, TrollingMotors.net, and shortly thereafter hired my first full-time local employee.

With a great team in place to run most of the daily operations, I decided to take a break from growing the business to pursue a goal of mine: long-term international travel. So in February of 2011, Annie and I departed for a seven-month working vacation that took us to more than 20 countries. The trip was financed largely by over 2 million frequent flier miles I had generated by paying to fulfill business orders.

 

Teaching in India

Hiking in Patagonia

Sailing in Greece

 

After an incredible trip, we returned home in November. Despite being gone seven out of 12 months, it was a record year for revenues with my businesses collectively generating $1 million in sales and setting the stage for well above that in 2012. It was my best year ever in terms of income, and I earned significantly more than I ever did investment banking.

Four years and numerous businesses later, I’ve decided to start sharing my knowledge on this blog. My hope in writing is to help others who, like me in my banking days, want to build a better life for themselves through entrepreneurship. While my path has been unorthodox, it’s one that can be re-created by anyone with the determination to make it happen. This isn’t to say that building your own e-commerce business is easy – far from it. I think with entrepreneurial “success” stories, it’s tempting to indulge the good and downplay the bad. I want to intentionally avoid that.

Building a cash cushion so I could afford to quit my job required frequently saying “no” to myself and delaying my gratification. Starting my first site was hard, really hard. It required a lot of work, much of it tedious, with little visible success for the first few months. Staying motivated with little to show for your efforts is extremely challenging in the early days of a venture.

Business success of any kind, e-commerce included, requires significant sacrifice and work, but I’m here to tell you that the investment is absolutely worth it. I believe there has never been a better time in history for individuals to start their own businesses. For online ventures, the risks are small and the rewards significant. If you decide to head down the same path I have, I hope the information I share here will help you along the way.

Thinking about starting your own business?  You’ll definitely want to download my free eBook, a detailed guide to starting a profitable online store. It’s based on my experience and full of information I wish I knew when starting my first site.

Looking for Your Dream Job?  Hiring?  Check out the eCommerceFuel Job Boards which lists curated opportunities to learn in roles with interesting, leading eCommerce businesses.   If you’re looking to escape the corporate world and jump into eCommerce – but don’t have much relevant experience – our curated internships and entry level jobs may be perfect.

Run an Established eCommerce Business?  You may be interested in the eCommerceFuel Private Forum. It’s a vetted community of 1,000+ high six, seven and eight figure store owners.  You can learn more about it here.  

Andrew Youderian
Post by Andrew Youderian
Andrew is the founder of eCommerceFuel and has been building eCommerce businesses ever since gleefully leaving the corporate world in 2008.  Join him and 1,000+ vetted 7- and 8-figure store owners inside the eCommerceFuel Community.

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211 Comments

JohanyJanuary 20, 2013

thank you so much im a single mommy im really young i will try to do my best to do an online store for women appeal

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Erin KrollJanuary 21, 2013

Hi Andew! I love your blog. I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer located in Portland, Maine. I was wondering if you have any thoughts on service vs product nitche. Can photographers and services providers experience the same success online if they offer services?

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Andrew YouderianJanuary 21, 2013

Glad you’re enjoying it Erin!

I think it’s definitely possible to do well with service, it’s just a different model. The advantages are that it’s probably easier to generate cashflow early on, but it’s more difficult to scale. With eCommerce, once I have traffic coming in and a solid website, it’s fairly easy to hire a team to manage the business for me. With service businesses like photography, it’s still possible to do but harder to outsource as much of your offering is wrapped up in your talent – which is required for each shoot! So you can definitely do well, it’s just a different model.

Hope this helps!

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NassibJanuary 22, 2013

Hi Andrew,

Great read! Thanks for the inspiration. I would like to get in touch with you personally for some consultation. Can you please contact me on my email? Thank you.

Nassib

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Adam HunterFebruary 12, 2013

Hi Andrew,

I read your ebook and found it very helpful and filled with practical advice that I can actually use. Congratulations on all of your success.

For 10 years I ran a small advertising agency with 4 employees. Although I struggled for years, I was unable to grow the business. My business wasn’t losing money. It paid for my house and a modest lifestyle. But it didn’t seem like the amount of stress was worth the reward and my business model felt flawed. I finally decided to pull the plug on this business and try something different. This was quite a shock to the system because I had identified myself with my business for so long. Not knowing what to do, I took a job with a software company were I made good money, but I eventually decided it wasn’t working out and quit. After letting all of what had happened to me digest and sink in, I decided I want to open ecommerce stores and eventually live my dream of extended travel and scuba diving all over the world. Currently, I am working as a freelance consultant with some of my clients from my past business while I plan my first ecommerce store. I came across your book and was really impressed by it. I feel it gave me exactly the advice that I need right now. Thank you for providing this excellent information. I really appreciate it.

Kind Regards,

Adam

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 14, 2013

Thanks for sharing, Adam! Sounds like you’ve been through a pretty challenging road. Best of luck with your new eCommerce store and I hope the blog and eBook are helpful!

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CharlesApril 10, 2013

Be very careful before you launch into a new ecommerce venture. The market has changed over the past 12-18 months.

First, it is significantly harder to gain a presence via PPC and/or organic SEO. Second, it is essential to have either unique product or curated product where your curation adds value. If you do not, you will lose to Amazon. Amazon offers cheaper product and faster delivery than you can. Period.

Third, if your product is sourced from Asia, be aware that Alibaba, the Chinese marketplace is now launching worldwide. As a result, you can increasingly buy direct from China ta fraction of the price. In addition, Alibaba shipping costs via Fedex are a fraction of what you can negotiate due to their massive volumes. Again, you lose without unique or curated product. While few people will buy direct from China today….in 12-18 months it is entirely possible that they will do.

Fourth, make sure you are able to manage all the social media assets such as Facebook, Blogs, Pinterest, Twitter etc since customer acquisition is increasingly moving on to social media and away from basic online search. This means hiring someone or more likely, some people to manage such disparate social media assets not to mention the basics such as SEO and PPC.

Fifth, putting Amazon aside, make sure you can ship same day which means having large inventory or miraculous relationships with all your suppliers.

Pu the above together and you should understand that launching an internet venture with any degree of success beyond the Mom & Pop stage requires significantly more capital , both financial and human, than was required just a couple of years ago. You have been warned!

In other words,

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Andrew YouderianApril 12, 2013

Charles – Quite the sunny outlook on the eCommerce market! 🙂

But in seriousness, I agree with you on many of your points. Paid traffic is much more expensive then it use to be, and I think it’s crucial to add value somewhere along the line (through a unique product or best-in-class training). However, I disagree regarding needing to manage a plethora of social media sites. I’ve managed to build a number of businesses without heavily relying on social media, and while they’re a great tool for interacting with existing customers I don’t think they’re 100% required to build a business. They can be a great channel, to be sure, but are not mandatory. I also think focusing on the one network that best fits your customer demographic (Facebook, Pinterest, etc) is a much better strategy than doing a mediocre job on half a dozen networks.

But ultimately I think with a unique product/value-add, a lot of marketing and great customer service it’s still possible for individuals to launch profitable eCommerce businesses. Thanks for making the well thought-out points, and congratulations on (what I’m assuming is your) microscope business. Looks like a great site in a solid niche!

Best of luck!

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AliFebruary 18, 2013

Hi Andrew,

I came a cross your blog and LOVED IT!!! I’m RN and have no clue about e-commerce business, but I want to start my own business and be free from my 9-5 job. I have 4 kids that I want to spend more time with. Thank you for your e-book, I can’t stop reading it. I know, I want an internet business special e-commerce and I’m working on my niche. It’s hard to find an honest person willing to share ideas, so thank you for the e-book.

What would you suggest as far researching products to sell? Can you be contacted via Email?

Thanks in advance!!

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 20, 2013

Glad you’re enjoying the blog! I’d recommend my eBook as a great starting point for research products to sell online – but you’ve obviously started reading it. 🙂 I can be contacted for email – see the ‘Contact’ page here on the blog.

Best of luck!

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Emma WatkinsFebruary 18, 2013

Hi Andrew,
I can’t tell you how much I got out of your story. I’ve spent the last 5 years advising entrepreneurs on setting up an e-commerce business (I work for a cart software provider in the UK) I’ve wanted to start my own business for sometime and start putting into action some of the advice I give out!

I’ve been teetering on the edge trying to decide where to go for it. I’ve got myself in a good position and am just looking for suppliers. But I’ve read so many stories of failure that I was having serious doubts. Your story has shown me that I’m not wrong it is a good idea worth investing in. My specialty is e-commerce SEO so if anyone can make it work surely I can!!

Thanks again, Emma

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 20, 2013

Nice to meet you, and thanks for sharing your experience in the industry! You’re right – if anyone can make this happen, you should be able to with your experience in SEO and eCommerce. Sounds like you’ve got a stellar foundation to start from. Best of luck with your future plans and thanks for reading!

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Kira SueFebruary 19, 2013

Great, inspiring post! And hee hee on the picture. I think this calls for a tangential, but still relevant post on ways to cut costs while saving for launch. I think every independent has a story like keeping the college car, selling their fancy mountain bike, switching from expensive meat to rice and beans…little stuff adds up.

By the way…good looking blog.

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 20, 2013

Thanks Kira! The little stuff does add up. Working hard + not spending tons = money in the bank. Glad you’re enjoying the blog!

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Courtney McCroryFebruary 22, 2013

Andrew you are my hero. I am in the research/learning and niche searching stage of the game, and gleaned so much stealth, sound advice from you so far. You are a true humanitarian for sharing your personal story and offering such valuable wisdom. I am keepin’ the old Kia and building a start up fund! What is your affiliation with Shopify, if I may be so bold to ask? I picked them for my store, and I think they are great so far. My friend recommended it and its making his life much easier and profitable. Anyway thanks for all you do! Your wife is a very lucky lady, I might add.

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 28, 2013

Keeping the old Kia – I love it! My affiliation with Shopify? I write for them on a semi-regular basis on their blog (as well as help with occasional projects here and there), but I haven’t yet had the chance to use their platform to launch a store. Hope to do that in the near future.

Best of luck building your start-up fund, and with your new store.

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EmmanuelFebruary 24, 2013

Thanks Andrew,

Your story has inspired me to take positive action. I have very viable ideas (some of which I’ve seen others implement before my very eyes) but keeping myself motivated has been the issue.

I know that’s all changing…

Thanks

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 28, 2013

Thanks for sharing, Emmanuel! Great to hear and best of luck with your future ventures…

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ReginaFebruary 26, 2013

Hi Andrew,
Thank you for sharing your story which is inspirational and motivating. Seven months ago, I was terminated because of a reduction in force; I was notified 5pm on Monday, July 30, 2012 that my last day would be Tuesday, July 31, 2012. You had an option to leave, but the decision was made for me. Since that time I have been trying to find wholesalers and drop shippers that specialize in large size women shoes. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for the eBook.
Regina

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Andrew YouderianFebruary 28, 2013

Sorry to hear about the layoff – I’m sure that is / was difficult. In terms of finding wholesale suppliers, I’d recommend seeing the section on finding suppliers in the eBook, as well as the video I did previously on the blog titled ‘Finding Wholesale Suppliers’.

Best of luck!

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Matt StaffordMarch 7, 2013

Hello there.
Your blog and eCommerce book is amazing. It is informative and practical and addresses the issues that I have found hard to get answers for from other sources.
Could you answer this question please. ….I have found that a lot of manufacturers not only make their own products but sell them via their own eCommerce site and high street store. They are happy for you to start your own site and sell their products but I can’t help thinking that there may be a conflict in interests down the line. They could stop supplying you for example if they felt that they wanted to be the sole supplier of a particular product or they may be able to make more profit selling direct.
I wondered what your thoughts were on this and if your suppliers sell through their own site. Maybe i am focusing too much on this at the moment . It would be great to hear from you.

Thanks again
Matthew

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Andrew YouderianMarch 8, 2013

Thanks Matt!

Great question, and I think it really depends on how dependent you are on that one manufacturer. If they supply the majority of your products – or ALL of your products – I’d be very leery of getting into that niche as you’re in a very risk position. But if you have a number of other products you’re selling alongside them from other manufacturers then I think it’s less of a deal breaker.

Hope this helps!

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Andrew ClaremontMarch 12, 2013

I share your name and also your views, and now I’m looking up to you as my inspiration. I’m on the road to starting my own ecommerce apparel store and your advice is of great help.

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Andrew YouderianMarch 13, 2013

Thanks Andrew, and best of luck as you’re working toward your own store launch!

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Ryan CruzMarch 13, 2013

What a very inspiring story Andrew. I’ve downloaded your ebook and would definitely start reading it. Thanks for sharing your story here.

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Andrew YouderianMarch 16, 2013

Thanks Ryan! Hope you get some useful information out of the eBook…

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SvenMarch 18, 2013

Hi Andrew,

just downloaded your ebook. Thanks for sharing! Awesome that you share one of your shops in a FREE blogpost too. Highly appreciate it. Bought a bunch of info-products related to dropshipping and they won’t disclose one of their projects for sure… So chances are that I stay on your list and visit your blog from time to time, haha.

Have more then 10 years IM experience under my belly and will start out my own dropshipping business soon. Doing freelance sucks. I need something new!

Best and thanks
Sven

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Andrew YouderianMarch 23, 2013

You’re welcome, Sven! I think it’s important to share so you know I actually am not just full of hot air. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the note.

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LeticiaMarch 18, 2013

Hi Andrew
I just came across to your ecommercefuel site at 3:35a.m. (this is how despert I am in my research) and it has been very enlightening. Fist of all, your story is very inspiring for someone like me that did also quit her job 8 month ago. I was belittle, scream at, humiliated several times and in top of that, after working for long enough in that company, the position I have been waiting for was given to a friend of the new boss. It was the worse company I have ever work for in my life. I think with God’s help there are and will be better things for me and my family in the future.
I have always wanted to sell woman clothings, shoes, acesories etc. But I have never been able to have enough money to open a store. Well, three weeks ago, I was sitting in my couch thinking we will need have enough money to pay some late bills soon, our son is going to college in two years, my daughter in four, my husband had worked soooo hard for soooo many years it will be nice for him to take a break and be able to travel, plus he is dievetic and needs to get in a better health situation. So I though, I could go and get a job, or start a business on the internet but what? how? when? Then a lighting ball came up, what if I sell stuff from wholesaler for little money and start a business on the Internet, so I started looking for wholesalers, but the word dropshipers came across. So after talking with my husband about it he agreed and gave me some ideas about a website. My husband happens, to have lots experience in lounching website for big retailers like Macy’s, JCpenny and others so he is making me a one. I will really apretiate any ideas. About the niche, I feel that women clothing, accessories are cover every where and I’m concern that I won’t see to much business coming in. I thought like you about another website idea but again not sure. Do you recommend something that isn’t that common or fashion will do fine? So far I have one wholeseller but still I want a diversify website.

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Andrew YouderianMarch 23, 2013

Glad you’re enjoying the content, Leticia!

In terms of a niche, I unfortunately can’t tell you definitively if a fashion site will work well, or not – there’s just too many variables including how well you market and execute it. But I wish you the best of luck as you’re picking and launching your new venture! Please let me know when you do get your new business off the ground…

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AshMarch 18, 2013

Hi Andrew,

I think your one of the very few people online who are genuine. Most people just want your money, whereas you help people and dedicate your own time for free. Im really happy for your success and I plan on following your route to success and I would be grateful if you could help me along the way. Im currently out of job and desperate to make some money ad improve and make a success of myself. I have tried a few things online and it turned out that they were a scam. I have done some research on drop shipping and it interest me greatly. I have already ordered your free book and hope to get some help of you in this e-commerce business!

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Andrew YouderianMarch 23, 2013

Thanks Ash, and best of luck as you’re getting ready to start your own venture!

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LeticiaMarch 19, 2013

What a great book. I couldn’t put it down. I just finish it. It was a big help for someone like me that is starting very soon a business over the internet. I definitely need it.

Thank You Andrew!!

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Andrew YouderianMarch 23, 2013

You’re welcome, Leticia! Glad you enjoyed it.

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Tim FranklinMarch 26, 2013

Right off the bat, I hate my job. I googled drop shipping and your name was right at the top, so you must be doing something right. If drop shipping can get me freedom and even a modest income, I’d be eternally grateful. I know it’s hard work, I expect that. But just looking for a plan I can a foundation to a better life. I hope to look back at this post a year from now and feel a great change has been made.

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Andrew YouderianApril 1, 2013

I hope so too, Tim! If you haven’t already, I’d download my free eBook which has a lot of information about how to get started with eCommerce.

https://www.ecommercefuel.com/profitable-ecommerce-ebook/

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SashMarch 26, 2013

Hello Andrew,

Your story’s first half is my story till your mother lost all hope. Well, I pulled myself and now after quieting my corporate 100 hours/week low wage job. I am not in export-import international business with the help of my 2 eCommerce website (General & Health).

I thank you for posting real life experience, which makes individuals motivates to be successful and profitable. Yes, start-ups requires to be focused in their goals.

I would ask you add, “Trust” in your ebook. Diversify your objectives to reduce risks and trust. If you will not trust yourself, no one else will be.

I remember Arnold Schwarzenegger, told in his speech, too his mother did not had trust on him, ever. When he took her to his room to show images of bodybuilders and wrestler.

Well, I am in SEO targeting phase and shall be in order, this month.

Best Wishes to you and your family.

-Sash

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Andrew YouderianApril 1, 2013

Thanks Sash. And good luck to you, as well!

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KrisMarch 28, 2013

Hi Andrew,

So much of what you’ve written here speaks to me. I completely agree with all the other posts above, you are truly an inspiration and obviously a very humble person to be sharing such important information. I am in the research stage of my business. I stumbled upon your site as I was trying to figure out how businesses handle dropshipping from multiple suppliers. It seemed to baffle me. I can hardly wait to read your e-book.

In any regards, the kicker came to me a few days ago when my hubby said “You’re the one with the business degree and are scared to start a business. People have no background in business and can be very successful”. Fear is truly my enemy, but knowledge will guide me through the rough waters….Thank you, Andrew!

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Andrew YouderianApril 1, 2013

You’re welcome, Kris. Best of luck with your future business and thanks for reading!

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AndrewApril 7, 2013

Hi Andrew,

I found out about your ebook from The Fastlane Forum. What a fantastic read!

I’m still going through it (up to SEOmoz bit) and I have gotten heaps out of it so far. The information you have included would usually be part of a paid ebook.

I’m also listening to your interview on the Build My Online Store podcast which has great content. Your voice and they way you speak really reminds me of Jay from Internet Business Mastery.

Just wanted to say thanks for the great info. And keep up the great work!

Another Andrew

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Andrew YouderianApril 8, 2013

Thanks, Andrew! Glad you’re getting some value out of the book, and I appreciate your comment. I’ll take the Jay comparison as a compliment, too. 🙂

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KimApril 10, 2013

Hi Andrew,

Just found your site today! I look forward to reading your eBook and I’ve also followed you on FB and Twitter 🙂

I am currently researching opportunities to start my own eCommerce site. Man, trying to decide on a niche is tough! Rather than building an eCommerce site though I was considering selling only on Amazon through their FBA program. Do you have any thoughts on that? Have you sold your items on Amazon? If not, why?

Thanks for sharing your story! Blogs like these are the best kind.

Kim

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Andrew YouderianApril 12, 2013

Thanks for the follows, Kim!

I’ve personally never sold on Amazon, and have a few hesitations about it. But I do think it can be a viable channel for selling products from an existing, independent store. I’d be pretty wary of relying solely on Amazon as your method of sales. Anytime you build a business solely around someone else’s platform and (more importantly) traffic, it’s risky.

But combined with an independent store that you’re marketing and building a brand around, I think it could be a solid component of your strategy.

Best of luck!

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Charles CrookendenApril 13, 2013

Notice the tense you used! Past tense about building successful businesses. Twelve months ago Facebook was irrelevant to ecommerce sales. Now look at Country Outfitters, for example with 5.3mm Likes and most sales derived from social media.

The point is that you must be ready to compete in all channels whatever they are ‘tomorrow’. It is grossly over simplistic to advise focusing on one alone and a disservice to potential new entrepreneurs. It is no longer as easy as it used to be.

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Andrew YouderianApril 27, 2013

I disagree. Trying to compete in all channels for any type of business is a sure way to fail. I think depending solely on one channel is very risk and foolish, but trying to be all things to all people is impossible. It’s important to focus on the top 2-3 most effective ways your business can reach an audience and really excel at those. If you try to have an amazing presence on every social network, incredible SEO, top-notch PPC, a stunning media/branding campaign and more you’re going to be spread too thinly.

I’ve built numerous businesses focusing on a handful of very successfully tactics, ensuring they were done well, and ignoring strategies that didn’t tie into my business plan. Again, I don’t advocate putting all your eggs in one basket – that’s too risky. But the only thing worse is trying to juggle 20 baskets at once.

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Barb TrainerApril 15, 2013

Hi Andrew .

I downloaded your ebook, a couple of weeks ago. I have read it and refer back to it often. I have also followed many paths from your book, but I seem to be missing some thing.

This is probably the wrong place to ask questions. I need to know how I set up this e commerce store. In the retail I have been in, three different towns and, you go find a vacant location, chase down the owner make the deal. Set up displays bring in your stock. And open for business . There is a little more to it than that. My point is I can’t seem to come up with how to do this on line.

I know you are very busy so if you could just recommend a web site, or book to send me in the right direction. That would be great. P.S. where does one ask questions? Facebook , twitter, Blogs ???

Thanks for your ebook, I am sure I will continue to go back to it often . Barb

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Andrew YouderianApril 27, 2013

Barb,

A website for the entire process? While no single resource will have 100% of what you need, you can check out my Startup Play (for a high level approach) or the more comprehensive training I’ll be releasing next month. A few more great sites / resources include:

http://www.mywifequitherjob.com
http://www.foreverjobless.com
http://www.shopify.com/blog

Best of luck!

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StevenApril 22, 2013

Hi Andrew. I have just read your story and it is amazing. I am currently a teenager, and hope to be as successful as you one day. The one obstacle that I have trouble with is coding/programming. I can successfully program/code, however I do not currently have the recourses to create a large scale ecommerce website. So my question is, how did you setup your first ecommerce website. Thank you so much.

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Andrew YouderianApril 27, 2013

Thanks Steven!

In today’s environment, getting a store online is the easy part. The hard part is marketing it and building a brand around your store. Sites like Shopify and BigCommerce make it very easy to get your store launched, but when I started I used ZenCart – an open source cart that’s still available.

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Josh PyoApril 22, 2013

Dear Andrew,

This is amazing. I just want to applaud to your courage and generosity to share how you became successful in e-commerce field with e-buddies on the internet. I will look forward to learning more about this from your e-book and future relationship with you.

Thank you!

Josh

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Andrew YouderianApril 27, 2013

Thanks Josh!

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Ronnie DeaverApril 24, 2013

Is it worth it to have a company design, host, brand, logo, and market your idea for you? Is it worth the capital and less maintence to get better SEO as well as customer satisfaction? Thanks!

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Andrew YouderianApril 27, 2013

Starting out? I don’t think so. I’d recommend going with a basic theme and logo, and use a site like BigCommerce or Shopify to get your store online quickly. The biggest challenge isn’t the site or graphical side of things – it’s connecting with customers, marketing and offering something of value. THAT’s where you need to spend your time early-on.

Best of luck!

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AnthonyApril 25, 2013

Wow. Your story hits especially close to home with me.

I did the accounting thing in school, even took the CPA exam. So I pretty much expected to be working insane hours for the rest of my life, and the crazy part is, I never even thought twice about it!

That kinda changed after my first job and never getting enough sleep. For some reason, when you’re in school it just doesn’t register that getting up super early and working late every day will supremely suck! There just had to be some other way.

So about 3 months ago, I too read the 4 hour work week on a whim. That was quite possible the most eye opening book I’ve ever read. Since then I’ve been researching online business like a maniac and reading everything related I can get my hands on. I also thought it was hilarious that at about the time I was finishing up Tim Ferriss’ book an investment bank contacted me about coming to interview with them. No way!

Right now I’m working a part time job and I’ve got a bit of a cash cushion which for me is the ideal while I research and prepare to launch my ecommerce venture. Some of my family and friends think I’m crazy but I know this is something I have to do.

I’ve been reading through your ebook and I can’t believe you’re just giving it away, there is so much valuable stuff in there. Anyway, just wanted to say thanks and best of luck to you!

Anthony

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Andrew YouderianApril 27, 2013

Awesome story, Anthony! And nice work on turning down the banking offer – that can be difficult to do. I know from personal experience. 🙂

Glad you’re getting some quality information from the eBook and I’m excited to see where your research and journey takes you. Please let me know when you finally do get your site live as I’d love to see it!

Best of luck!

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Ronnie DeaverApril 27, 2013

Oh! Also, awesome blog! Definitely followed you on Facebook! Real quick question on your response though, what if the value I provide stems from something that must b designed into the site? Something that can’t be done in a template and actually defines what makes my site different. How do I go about that? Thanks for your blog and responses!

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Andrew YouderianApril 30, 2013

In that case, you’d need to create a custom template. But you’ll need to weigh the premium you’ll be able to charge with the added expense of the custom development – it may or may not be worth it.

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AzharMay 8, 2013

Hi Andrew currently reading your ebook… a lot of juice inside thanks for sharing – really appreciate it

Anyway for someone like myself in southeast asia where internet and e-commerce (most sell on facebook and blogshops with no dedicated shopping cart) is still at it’s infancy I would say,due to the limitation and awareness of drop shipping what would you advice should I start to buy wholesale?

I’m selling an evergreen item.

thanks for the time – sorry for my not-perfect english

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Andrew YouderianMay 10, 2013

Glad you found it useful, Azhar!

I’m sorry, but your question is a bit too broad. If you can get a bit more specific, I’ll do my best to answer it.

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