I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business. I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now, so as I said - venting
more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business. I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
As you suspected it is a very slow time of the year, sales pickup during winter
and die down in the summer (which we are in the middle of) but they will pick
up later, however that said if your looking for constant sales, relatively speaking
your store is currently a “very small” store so you will at most get a couple
inconsistent sales, for consistent sales you need 10,000+ lots and hundreds of
thousands of parts. Like you suspected it’s a long term game but it might have
been more long term then you had thought. If you want to turn this into a full
time job you’ll need to spend tens of thousands (bare minimum) on inventory every
year (more reasonably would be $100,000+) and many years and years building up
inventory. But if you can keep it up then sales will come in more and more as
you grow. Best of luck!
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now, so as I said - venting
more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
No worries starting a business is fun but can be stressful!
As you suspected it is a very slow time of the year, sales pickup during winter
and die down in the summer (which we are in the middle of) but they will pick
up later, however that said if your looking for constant sales, relatively speaking
your store is currently a “very small” store so you will at most get a couple
inconsistent sales, for consistent sales you need 10,000+ lots and hundreds of
thousands of parts. Like you suspected it’s a long term game but it might have
been more long term then you had thought. If you want to turn this into a full
time job you’ll need to spend tens of thousands (bare minimum) on inventory every
year (more reasonably would be $100,000+) and many years and years building up
inventory. But if you can keep it up then sales will come in more and more as
you grow. Best of luck!
Oh yeah, I knew it wasn't enormous. Honestly, I am not sure where I am going
to start putting things when I get bigger - problem for another day.
I actually don't plan to make this a full time job! I have a pretty decent
one, but it is one that frequently requires me to just be present, and not actively
do much unless I am needed. I spent all day parting out three sets yesterday,
for example. It's a fortunate situation that I thought I could take advantage
of for this.
Thanks for the perspective! I am definitely going to have to grow my inventory.
I guess I need to accept that it isn't going to happen all at once.
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business. I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now, so as I said - venting
more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
Let me tell ya, this is a very slow time, like almost no orders slow.
And personally from my ordering habits, I like to sit on my orders for a week
or so before placing them so you may already have customers shopping, but they
may still be filling their carts
Let me tell ya, this is a very slow time, like almost no orders slow.
And personally from my ordering habits, I like to sit on my orders for a week
or so before placing them so you may already have customers shopping, but they
may still be filling their carts
Funny enough, I got my first sale of the week right after I posted. A single
minifig !
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business. I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
A very smart move, when I started out I had $50 worth of stock and as it sold
I reinvested now I’m at ~$2,500 worth of stock. I started at the end of 2023
for reference
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now, so as I said - venting
more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
A very smart move, when I started out I had $50 worth of stock and as it sold
I reinvested now I’m at ~$2,500 worth of stock. I started at the end of 2023
for reference
That was what I was hoping to see ... hopefully I can see similar growth!
I’ve 100,000 parts and getting 0-2 orders a day at the moment, I consider that
busy during the summer.
In Selling, ATravelingMan writes:
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business. I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now, so as I said - venting
more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business. I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now, so as I said - venting
more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
I can certainly sympathize with your current situation. I've been a full-time
reseller for a few years now selling on eBay, Mercari, etc. (I've been selling
online in general for 20+ years) I decided after finding tons of Legos at garage
sales that I would make "another income stream" by opening up a Bricklink
store. I was certainly not prepared for the overwhelming amount of time, money,
and effort getting the infrastructure ready. I knew from the get go that this
would NOT be a get rich quick scheme and that with consistent effort things would
get moving slowly. My store is miniscule compared to most, but I'm adding
new pieces nearly every day. I have a ton of inventory to get through so growth
for now will always be positive. I've yet to get any sales from this platform,
but realize that I need to just keep my head down and add as much inventory as
possible. Just know that there are others in your same situation and draw strength
from the fact that we're all trying to do the same thing and that the biggest
and best stores out there once began where we are too.
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A solid preface. Which shows you've got the mindset. Which could be argued
is foremost in doing what we do here.
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business.
A common pathway for many into this thing we do.
I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
Again, the correct mindset on display
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
Understandable. Yes, if you're feeling that way, you'll have to make
that decision. But in my opinion, any monies you invest in inventory (if done
wisely) will yield returns. Either sooner for smaller profit margins or later
with larger profit margins. Iow, your money is coming back with friends. In this
game, the longer it stays away, the more friends it picks up to bring home
In my experience...
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
Again, understandable. Stay resolute
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now
There you go
so as I said - venting more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
Didn't hear any whining. Just someone in need of a pep talk, as we all do
from time-to-time. Feel free to reach out via pm anytime.
I should probably preface this by saying that I understand things are going to
take some time, and that this is mostly just a vent. But if you have some experience
to share, I'd love to hear it!
A solid preface. Which shows you've got the mindset. Which could be argued
is foremost in doing what we do here.
A little over a month ago, I decided to not change my store from "selling
stuff I didn't want anymore" to an actual business.
A common pathway for many into this thing we do.
I knew I was going
to have to spend some time working and spend a fair amount of money to get things
going, but I was ready for that. Man, has it been a busy several weeks. Thousands
spent getting storage containers and inventory. Hours upon hours of sorting,
research, and trial and error. More hours figuring out accounting and pricing
good practices, learning about the tools that are out there. It was everything
I expected. Well, until about now.
Again, the correct mindset on display
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
Understandable. Yes, if you're feeling that way, you'll have to make
that decision. But in my opinion, any monies you invest in inventory (if done
wisely) will yield returns. Either sooner for smaller profit margins or later
with larger profit margins. Iow, your money is coming back with friends. In this
game, the longer it stays away, the more friends it picks up to bring home
In my experience...
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
Again, understandable. Stay resolute
It isn't like I don't have a ton I can still do now
There you go
so as I said - venting more than anything. But thanks for listening to me whine
Didn't hear any whining. Just someone in need of a pep talk, as we all do
from time-to-time. Feel free to reach out via pm anytime.
I had thought I was going to get to a point where a few things would start to
sell, and I'd be able to start using THAT income towards more stock. Not
that I was expecting things to sell out, mind you, but I did think that I'd
sell more than a few minifigs.
I know I need even more diversity in my available parts, but I'm reaching
the point where I have to decide if I am going to put more money into it, or
just sit tight and take things slower. The former option might be the best, but
the uncertainty of investing makes that always a stressful decision.
It's a numbers thing, and it's frustrating when you have less than 50,000
parts. The only things people generally buy one or two of is minifigs, vehicle
bases, motors, and other specialty parts. So you want to grow your lot totals
and your part totals, or as I call it "quantity of quantities". The
more you have and the more each item you have the more large orders you'll
see. The best way to do that is to part out ~10x each of small to medium sets
and 5-10x of the larger sets. I see some Friends minifigures... Personally
I steer away from those sets or anything weird like the Trolls world tour sets
I picked up in '22. I can't give that stuff away.
When I hit 50-100-200,000 parts I saw some increase in total orders, but I saw
a huge jump in parts per order, which translates to greater profitability.
I had seen that this is the "slow" time, but since I have no experience
in this area, I don't know how slow "slow" is, or how busy "busy"
really is. Definitely adds a fair bit to the uncertainty.
It's hard to know for sure but general consensus is that people are just
more active and out of the house from mid-spring to mid-fall. I don't think
bricklink releases sales data but you can extrapolate some insights by using
what data we do have. By calculating the delta between the OrderIDs from orders
at the begining and end of the month you can approximate the site-wide statistics.
The line graph below is 2023 (blue) through July 2024 (orange) and you can see
the summer dip, but you also notice that 2024 so far has more orders per month
on average. (247,000 order per month Jan-Jul 2023, 269,000 orders per month Jan-Jul
2024.) So that's good for us as sellers when you see so many reddit posts
slamming the site and how they don't shop here anymore; the data suggests
that's not the prevailing opinion.
Second graph shows my orders per month from Jan '23 through Jul '24.
The only reason mine have shot up so much this year because I crossed over 100,000
parts in December '23 and 275,000 in March.
My until I got to around 100,000 parts I was hovering around 10 orders a month.
USA, California
Canada, Ontario
so you may already have customers shopping, but they
!
United Kingdom, England
)
)