Starting an online business...

[joseph_675]

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could offer guidance as to the best way to start a business that offers customized giftware & promotional items, framed artwork, and business products.

How do you find companies or manufacturers to make the customized gifts/products that you have designed?

Can you recommend any books or place on getting started in the giftware and promotional products industry?

[aarcmedia]

Try this tool for getting ideas. The site Business.com is an online directory, but it also offers tips and tools that will help you get your business started.

http://www.work.com/resources-for-starting-a-business-817/

[Red Flare]

http://score.org/ - Service Corps of Retired Executives offer free courses and sessions on all aspects of business life, from starting to going out of business. I took several sessions with them and got a lot of really good real life experiences and advice out of it.

Also see

http://www.sba.gov/ Be careful with loans, you need to pay them back!

http://www.thomasnet.com/ Not a terribly user friendly directory of many manufacturers and suppliers. But useful nevertheless

[ginger21]

if you're just starting your business and you don't have the funds to finance it, you might want to get a loan. there are lots of lenders out there who'd love to do business with you!:D

[Mike2212]

You can also get free help to start your business from the Small Business Development Centers. Locate the closest one at www.asbdc-us.org (http://www.asbdc-us.org).

www.startingaonlinebusiness.com (http://www.startingaonlinebusiness.com)

www.campus-business.com (http://www.campus-business.com)

[spadespin]

Wonderful thread guys, thanks a tonne for sharing your wonderful information and tips...