Import Service/Shop

[Legosa]

Hi All

Currently running a small side line business in direct sales with representatives, handbags for ladies, http://michebag.co.za and have been thinking I need to branch out into other avenues.

As we are already importing on a regular basis and have the required channels and experience in this was pondering the idea of setting up a service for importing relatively large goods, in a certain sector, lets call it "appliances" for now, that are not available in South Africa.

Customers would approach me for a certain item, that I would procure and then ship to South Africa, lead time anywhere between 3 to 4 months as it would come via sea. So it is for the patient customer, not the impulsive buy.

Do you think there would be interest in this. I do not seem to find anything online providing a similar service. It would need to be relatively expensive items and have a great website where people searching for "appliances" see that they can get things they dreamed of but cannot source locally?

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Brian

 

[LottaFun]

Most people can't wait that long for the product that they order. They will rather pay a bit more and get it sooner and then there is the issue of after sales service and repairs. Sorry to bust your bubble, but keep on thinking. The answer is out there.

 

[konfab]

People want three things in products and services: high quality, low price and short time. Realistically you can only ever deliver on two them.
Since you have specified that you will be taking time to deliver the product, you will really have to deliver a quality service at a really good price, low enough so people won't mind waiting.

You need to sit down and figure out exactly how much time people are willing to trade for the price.

 

[Legosa]

Thanks for the comments LottaFun and konfab.

Agree, would ideally provide a good price on good products with great service, but very slow delivery. Can't quite think of good examples, but looking at wantitall, and you want a particular fridge in mind, silly example, but you really hung up about getting this fridge. It costs $300 on Amazon, but R28k on wantitall. This is due to shipping air charges. It weights 80kg in volumetric terms so you going to pay huge for delivery. If I could get it to your door at R10k or even less and take a small cut that is what I was thinking.

Will continue to mull over the idea in my head. I think there is a market, but will be difficult to get off the ground.