ForumsInternet/eCommerce

Hi Max,
Thanks for the detailed informations.I would love to have an idea of how much it would cost me to have and e-commerce website with merchant services aswell as the youtube like website that needs a cms.I need the two for different reasons.The e-commerce is for selling of goods.Why the youtube like is for discoveries and other things.I do not have a graphic artist.I would highly appreciate it if you could help me with one.Let me just describe my situation to you in plain english.Am a person that has ideas to sell to the world through the worldwide web.But am looking for ways to put it on the web without the ideas being stolen.So,I would appreciate if anybody can work with me in realising this dream.

I would appreciate any help from all and sundry.

rgds,

Samson.

Hi Max,
Thanks a million here is my e-mail address mailto:sammyaliworld@yahoo.com.Pls,e-mail me and i will furnish you with my plans.Also concerning a webdesigner.Am of the believe that it will be better if you could help me find one and we can all work together in achieving such.

I can't wait to get this started.

rgds,

Samson.

It might be because it is a holiday.
I would give him until Monday to respond.

Awesome!!! I will definitely check it out.

Thanks

I have heard of the "infamous" Dragon. Great exciting road for motorcycle enthusiasts. Although I have never "tamed" The Dragon myself, many of my friends and colleagues have and your idea of placing a shop there sounds like a shoe-in for a biker. As I am sure you know, the Dragon is one of the most popular (if not the MOST popular) road on the east coast (look out for the up-and-coming Snake 421 along the TN-NC border). That being said, I suggest taking a look at, not only what the local competition is up to, but also what your counterparts on the west coast have done.

Comparably highly transited biker roads on the west coast include such routes as US Route 101 and the area around Alice's Restaurant in Monterrey, CA near the Mazda International Raceway Laguna Seca. As you might know, that was the only MotoGP racetrack in the US for about 20 years until the Indianapolis MotorSpeedway gets finished late 2008 and just happens to be in great motorcycle country so I'm sure the shops in the area know a thing or two about motorcyclists. Specifically the "4 Corners" area around Alice's.

I know it will be a bit of a stretch in regards to putting together the disposable income together for a flight to the west (maybe a ride is in order) when you're already committed to opening in March but I hope you get a chance to see what the guy's that have had some longevity in the business have been doing. Maybe your next vacation idea???

What you're doing sounds fantastic and, as a biker, I look forward to learning of your success in years to come!

All the best-

George F. Mattocks T.
------Opium------

This is a great adventure. As a past biker mama (Harley), there is no other way to see the world than on the back of a bike! I am hearing lots of big words from really smart people giving you great advice. Going from an IT background to owning/managing your dream motorcycle store, is the difference between night and day. I don't have to tell you that. I am going to put this in words that we only know from hearing them on TV or radio. Write a story to yourself = where do you see yourself in a year, five years, ten years. Are you still standing in the same place, will you want to purchase your building someday, will you add services as well as goods? You and I both know how much fun it is to take one of those frequent breaks along a beautiful highway, even a not so beautiful highway. It sounds to me, that you have found a diamond in the rough. I believe one of the greatest secrets to your success will be in your "name" - your "logo". Your biggest investment, due to the high volume of motorcycle traffic, will need to be in your signage to catch the attention. Bikers love a good store to wander through. Bikers are also people who carry that credit card with them. From the trips I have taken, and all of the stores I have been in, I would suggest that you include some parts - simple service parts that motorcycles sometimes need. Your husband will know which ones to include in your inventory. Most riders that venture onto the highway, have a pretty good knowledge of how to repair simple problems. You will need oil, sunglasses, plain glasses, bandanas (bugs!), gloves, rain gear, and definitely saddle bags, and other "bags" to carry things that are inevitably bought along the road. Don't be afraid to carry large items. They can be shipped back to their home addresses. You must have an attorney on retainer - he will come in handy for many reasons that I won't go into here. What is very important is that you and your husband realize your talents and your weaknesses. Don't be afraid to hire a bookkeeper or a CPA. Will you be having employees? If not more than a couple or so, than a good and trustworthy book-keeper will take care of your AR/AP (accounts receivable - money paid to you - and accounts payable - money you must pay out!). You must also prepare payroll, if applicable, and of course, you must pay taxes - on time - quarterly. If the pair of you see the same outcome in the year, five years, and the future, enjoy. Build a business with joy not burden. Bikers expect the best, so go to Sturgis (sp?) and go through every store in the area. Carry your notepad, write down all of the things you know are cool. Order five of everything you like. This part is gambling - but then, that is what creating your dream is all about. Trust your taste; it sounds like you would be fun to travel with!! That means you need to have your large logo sign high in the air, put it on your cards, keep it big, keep it simple. Business people ride bikes for a reason = they don't want to think too hard. They can carry your card in a wallet, a brochure might get pitched during the trip, by mistake, or by the need of that last bit of room to store something in! If you can farm out all of the jobs that you or your husband do not want to do, or might not be good at accomplishing, it will allow you to be smiling and chatting with your customers - the best advertising is word of mouth. I like a friendly store owner/worker when I am riding plus you get a chance to chat without spitting. The idea of trading tit for tat with the restaurant is a great idea for all of you. Good luck, and just do it. Enjoy your great dream.