How do I start an online business selling products Part 1

How to start an online business selling product must be one of the most common and most complicated questions we all ask.

Just breathe and get excited.... Check this out. This is a great Holiday Season to start. Let's say you want to sell on Amazon. Due to the time of the year, it would be best for you to sell using FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon). Selling on Amazon, using FBA means you ship your product directly to them, Amazon takes care of the shipping to your customer and handles any customer service issue and your feedback. 

This is the best way to sell on Amazon now, as this is the only way to be featured in the Seller Box. (Check my next post to explain all this)

For this Example we will use Target Store

Target has a section called $1 Deals at some stores its Clearance. All items are $1.00 and can be some of the hottest toys around, great accessories for gift baskets and seasonal decor. 

*Purchased a Spider Web Bowl apx. 8" and weighs just about 3oz., offered in 3 colors, Orange, Purple and Black. I did purchase 100 of these (but, I have an account with a wholesale company and got them for a fraction of Target price). Target is a good place for you to start. 

This same bowl is found on Amazon, under two ASIN (listings). Check it out.

Example One - Listing offers Purple, Orange of Black for $8.98

Take a look at the breakdown using FBA for this bowl and this listing. You can make a $4.00 profit per bowl. The chart below is using Amazon Revenue Tool

Example Two - Orange or Black Web Bowl  for $10.79

Now take look at the other listing for same bowl with a different picture featured but does indicate it can be Black or Orange.

The breakdown for this listing, same bowl, black one featured, gives you back almost $1.50 more profits. Above listing gives you back $4.00, this listing gives you back $5.50

What you should be looking for to decide what listing to send your items under.

Look for a listing with 15 or less sellers. Ideally with 5 or less shipping to FBA. This would give you more visibility on the Featured Seller Box. That will mean more sales for you. 

Check the ranking of the item. Look carefully at both listings I provided above, I made sure for you to have the ASIN, Ranking information. 

Both ASINs rank well...

First Example ranks #35 with a $4 profit and 

Second Example ranks #12  almost $5.50 profit

Let's say you have $40 to invest plus tax (about $43.90). Split this and send 20 bowls to each ASIN

Ex. 1 - 20 units @ $5.15 = 103.00 less investment -$20, gives you $83

Ex. 2 - 20 units @ $6.50 = 130.00 less investment -$20, gives you $110

In all you make $193.00 for a $40 investment! Remember, putting all your eggs in one place is not best. Both listing have an excellent ranking and are not saturated. You can then turn around if time allows and send 100 bowls. Think about it. 

I highly recommend that you visit your local Target (you can do this with any store). Spend some time taking pictures, familiarize yourself with their bargain section. Better yet, there are apps that can help you identity if the item is already listed, ranking and listed price. 

I will post a break down on each of the steps offered here. You can find success online. Your almost there, you took the time to read this and are doing your research... You will see how some discipline will take your financial goal.

Smile!

Laura ;) 

Robin Roberts to Host First Annual WebMD Health Hero Awards Event - Michael J. Fox to Receive Hall of Fame Award

WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD), the leading source of health information, today announced that Good Morning America co-anchor, Robin Roberts will host the first annual WebMD Health Hero Awards in New York City on November 6, 2014, and that Michael J. Fox will receive WebMD’s first Health Hero Hall of Fame Award.  WebMD’s Health Hero Awards are presented to a group of accomplished and inspiring individuals who have helped change the healthcare landscape by meeting a health challenge and giving back to others.  In addition to honoring Fox, WebMD will also honor Health Hero Award winners in the following categories: Activist, Philanthropist, Prodigy, Scientist, and People’s Choice.

“WebMD is proud to honor Michael J. Fox with our first Hall of Fame award for galvanizing the research community around finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and for his tireless advocacy on behalf of patients everywhere,” said David Schlanger, Chief Executive Officer, WebMD.  “We are also excited that Robin Roberts, a real hero in her own right and a source of inspiration to many, will help us celebrate all six of this year’s Health Heroes during what promises to be a very special evening devoted to those who are improving the health of the nation.”   

In addition to this year’s Hall of Fame Award Winner, WebMD’s editorial team, comprised of board-certified healthcare professionals and award-winning journalists has selected health heroes in the following four categories:

• Activist: Someone who makes a difference in the community, whether that means a city, state, nation, or a group of people who all have the same disease or the same health goal.
• Scientist: A doctor, researcher, or other bright mind that is thinking outside the box to find a wow-factor answer to a complex medical problem.
• Prodigy:  Whether by spreading the word about a worthy issue; helping others boost their wellness; or coming up with a way to improve care, this young person -- under 21 -- is changing the game.
• Philanthropist: Charitable giving at this level is about more than handing out funds. This person, family, or nonprofit takes a leadership role, raises the bar, and draws eyes to a cause on a major scale.

In conjunction with the 10th anniversary of WebMD Magazine, WebMD will also recognize a People’s Choice award winner this year.  WebMD’s editors chose 10 celebrities who had previously appeared on the cover of WebMD Magazine, and invited the public to vote for its choice.  At the time WebMD ran his or her story, each celebrity was passionately involved in an important health cause. Today, each continues to do good work to better the health and wellness of many people.

WebMD’s Health Heroes will each receive a $10,000 donation from WebMD to his or her cause, and be featured in the November/ December issue ofWebMD Magazine.  You can read more about past WebMD Health Heroes and this year’s People’s Choice finalists at: www.webmd.com/healthheroes.  WebMD will announce the names of the remaining 2014 Health Hero Awards winners on October 21. 

Former Millionaire Matchmaker Talent to Bring Pop Up Weddings Into the Mainstream With THE WEDDING BOMB

This should be fun in the least. Check this out former co-stars of Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and celebrity love experts, Destin Pfaff and Rachel Federoff, have partnered with the nation's premiere proposal planning company, The Heart Bandits, Inc., to bring 'pop up' weddings into the mainstream with The Wedding Bomb.

The Wedding Bomb is the quickest, easiest, romantic, and hippest way to say "I Do!"  Why spend a fortune on a single day, when instead you can save your money for a house or honeymoon?! The Wedding Bomb is an affordable solution for couples looking to get married without the hassle and cost of a 'traditional' wedding. We believe the day should be about YOU, not your guests, the cake, or the ridiculously expensive venue. It should be a day that you celebrate YOUR LOVE... not the maxing out of your credit cards.

"A pop up wedding, also known as a wedding bomb, is when one of three things occur: 1.) A couple plans an amazing, low-cost wedding that focuses on them. 2.) One half of a couple plans a proposal that segues directly into a surprise wedding. Or... 3.) An impromptu wedding crashes a location and just... happens!" says Federoff.

Pfaff and Federoff, known globally for their work on Millionaire Matchmaker, are also accomplished filmmakers and writers. They've helped run one of the nation's most famous matchmaking companies and are two of the most sought after experts in love. Moving on from matchmaking to marriage, they have faced this new challenge with success and look at The Wedding Bomb as one of their crowning achievements.

In addition to Pfaff and Federoff, The Wedding Bomb is composed of The Heart Bandits founders Michele and Marvin Velazquez. The Heart Bandits, dubbed the '#1 Proposal Planners in the World,' have changed the way people propose marriage. A full-service Proposal Planning Company known for planning proposals and romantic dates all over the globe, they are the foremost experts in their field.

Ireland Baldwin New of Rampage

Ireland Baldwin, daughter of Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin, models the Rampage Fall 2014 collection in campaign, which was photographed by Nino Munoz in New York City. Ireland is represented by IMG Models.

In a behind-the-scenes video, see here, Ireland says following in the footsteps of Bar Refaeli, Gisele Bunchen and Petra Nemcova is a huge honor. She also says that growing up in the spotlight has made her a strong person. Ireland says, "It's been a great experience and I've met incredible people. I wouldn't have it differently." 



SOURCE: WWD

Introducing Tyra Banks' Debut Cosmetics Experience TYRA beauty And The New Tyra.com

Tyra Banks, makes the biggest announcement of her career: "I'm launching my makeup brand calledTYRA beauty!  It's not just a cosmetics line; it's a COSMETICS EXPERIENCE." For the past four years, Banks has covertly been developing the cosmetics experience and has surprised the world with what she has kept top-secret for all of these years.  After a mysterious blackout of her social media followed by a suspenseful countdown, Banks shook up all social media platforms by announcing the launch of TYRA beauty exclusively through her online megaphone reaching more than 32 million people worldwide.  Banks has radically overhauled the tyra.com website, that now introduces people everywhere to experience TYRA beauty and purchase the one-of-a-kind products.  TYRA beauty is wrapped in what Banks calls 'Beautytainment'—where beauty and entertainment collide.  With Banks' beauty secrets and secret beauty weapons, TYRA beauty is all about Beauty. Business. Badassery.

Highlights from Consumer Reports' November issue

Highlights from Consumer Reports' November issue, the first issue as part of the revamp, will feature: 

COVER STORY: How America Shops Now (pg. 26): After seven years of cutting back, consumers are finally opening their wallets again. But the recession has changed the country's buying habits—big-time. Consumer Reports recently asked shoppers from around the country for insights on how they spend in the new normal. And many of the answers were surprising.

The Debut of Your ADVOCATE (pg. 7): This eight-page section contains new and expanded editorial features, including:

• CEO Q&A: Features the head of a major brand answering readers' questions. This month, General Motors CEO Mary Barra covers topics ranging from the recent GM recalls to the future of the Cadillac.
• Problem Solver: Each month, Consumer Reports solves an individual reader's problem, with a takeaway that all readers can benefit from. The November issue reports on how a recent Verizon service "bargain" really wasn't such a great deal—until Consumer Reports stepped in.
• Reader Roundtable: Consumer Reports experts chat live on Facebook with readers. The best tips appear in the magazine. In the November issue, senior electronics editor Jim Wilcox offers advice on upgrading your TV this holiday season.
• Gripe-O-Meter: Consumer Reports' exclusive polls take America's temperature on everything from travel to TV—and Gripe-O-Meter displays the findings in a compelling, full-page graphic. In November, Gripe-O-Meter tackles the topic of holiday travel, and why it's so awful.
• The Empowered Consumer: Offers insider tips on a specific industry. This month, the report reveals the inside secrets of frequent flyer programs.
• Heroes and Watchdogs: Highlights ordinary people who have done extraordinary acts.
• Get Involved: Provides specific, practical ways that consumers can take action.

The issue also debuts the expanded Road Report, Consumer Reports' auto coverage that now includes monthly articles on how to maintain your car, and improved product reviews which include easier-to-read ratings charts and buying information tailored to different buyers' needs. There's also the useful and fun-to-readBest and Worst of 2014, as well as in-depth look at the outrageous costs of healthcare—and what you can do about it.

"The November issue is the start of a new conversation with our readers. Based on the feedback we get from them, we'll be making more changes in the coming months," said Ms. Kampinsky. But despite how the magazine changes, she says, "we'll remain unbiased and unbought. And we promise never, ever to put the Kardashians on the cover."

SOURCE: Consumer Reports

Las Vegas Summons The Halloween Spirit With Terror-ific Celebrations

Las Vegas is the ultimate destination to celebrate Halloween. Visitors can expect everything from the abnormal to the paranormal this October, culminating with the annual Las Vegas Howl-O-Weekend experience Oct. 29 – Nov. 2. This year's spooktacular Howl-O-Weekend consists of 10 days filled with haunted ghost tours, parades, parties, costume contests, and more. 

CHILLS AND THRILLSTop-ranked haunted attraction, Fright Dome, returns to The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegasbeginning Oct. 3. This year, Fright Dome has teamed up with legendary horror director Tobe Hooper and writerKim Henkel to theme one of its six haunted houses around the grisly story of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Additionally, the 250,000-square-foot theme park will feature five new haunted houses, including a solo haunted house named "Isolation." Fright Dome is open select nights through Nov. 1 from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Haunted Vegas Ghost Hunt is a spirited and spooky adventure that takes visitors through the haunting grounds of "Bugsy" Siegel, Liberace, Red Foxx and Elvis Presley. Renowned paranormal investigator Robert George Allen brings tour attendees to a number of Las Vegas' most haunted locations for an interactive ghost investigation. The investigation is complete with EMF meters, temperature guns and dowsing rods.

Other bone-chilling experiences that will leave visitors sleeping with the lights on include Freakling Bros. Horror Shows, "Trilogy of Terror." Trilogy of Terror features "Gates of Hell," the only R-rated haunted house in the state of Nevada, "Circus of Horrors" and "Castle Vampyre." Freakling Bros. Horror Shows will take place through Oct. 31. Furthermore, "The Asylum" and "Hotel Fear" return to the Meadows Mall parking lot throughNov. 1.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHTFor those not afraid of the dark, check out Las Vegas' unique nightlife parties. Surrender Nightclub at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas transforms into a reimagined zombie apocalypse landscape complete with sexy costume parties and entertainment from DJ Snake, Diplo and Dillon Francis, Oct 29 – Nov.1. Additionally, stop by XS Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 for special performances by world-famous DJs, Zedd and Kaskade.

The fun continues with a superhero-inspired Halloween weekend at Drai's Nightclub inside The Cromwellwith DJ Irie taking the stage on Oct. 30 and Quintino spinning the turntables on Oct. 31. The unforgettable parties provide costume contest participants the chance to walk away with $200,000 in cash and prizes, and a Ducati.

The Halloween spirit will be in full swing at Palms Casino Resort with more than $25,000 in cash and prizes given away at two spectacular costume parties. On Oct. 31, Ghostbar will host a "Night of the Killer Costumes" and "Day of the Killer Costumes" at Ghostbar Dayclub on Nov. 1.

The fun doesn't end there; revelers can get their spook on at Liaison Nightclub at Bally's Las Vegas. The weekend welcomes four thrilling parties, including "Welcome to the Doll House" on Oct. 30, "Gays of the Galaxy" on Oct. 31, "Heaven vs. Hell | Saints vs. Sinners" on Nov. 1, and "Unlocked Sundays Fetish and Fantasies" on Nov. 2.

Next stop is the legendary Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casinoon Oct. 31. Partygoers can also experience the "Rockin' Horror Picture Show" Bash on Oct. 31 at Bourbon Room inside The Venetian Las Vegas; a thrilling costume party on Oct. 31 at Level 107 Lounge inside The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino; and Tacos & Tequila inside Luxor Las Vegas on Nov. 1 for a Dia de los Muertos Party hosted by VH1's "Love & Hip Hop" star Erica Mena.

BIBBITY BOBBITY BOOOpportunity Village will host its second annual HallOVeen at the Magical Forest beginning Oct. 3. Guests can enjoy the Magical Forest decked out in Halloween finery, including ghouls and goblins beckoning to the rides and attractions, nightly parades, crafts, movies, treats and more. Proceeds support Opportunity Village programs and services for more than 3,000 families in the Las Vegas community.

The Fremont Street Experience will transform into a mecca of thrills for its sixth annual OktoberFrightFest,Oct. 5 – Nov. 1. This ghoulish street party will include Viva Vision light and sound shows themed to "Time Warp" and "Monster Mash." Also happening on Fremont Street is the fifth annual Fall Beer Festival at Golden Nugget Las Vegas, Oct. 10 and 11. The two-day event is complete with craft beer vendors, live musical revues and much more.

Flying into The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is Broadway's biggest blockbuster, Wicked. Winner of more than 50 major awards, including a GRAMMY and three Tony Awards, Wicked will grace the Reynolds Hall stage at The Smith Center Oct. 8 – Nov. 9.

The Halloween excitement continues at The LINQ Oct. 24 – 31. The week-long celebration culminates with a thrilling costume party on Oct. 31. Attendees will have a monstrous time grooving to a live DJ at The LINQ Fountain Stage, a $10,000 costume contest and more!

The Fifth Annual Las Vegas Halloween Parade returns to Downtown Las Vegas on Oct. 31. All costumed characters are invited to walk in the parade down historic Fremont Street East. Participants don their finest and spookiest costumes for a chance to win the anticipated costume contest. The parade begins at 7 p.m.

To Plan Your Halloween Adventure, visit www.LasVegas.com.




SOURCE: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority