Mail Order Business

MAIL ORDER BUSINESS
A mail order business simply means selling goods through the mail via a mail order catalog or online. Either is a great way to increase or supplement your income - which lots of us are looking to do with the economy in such poor shape.

If you are interested in starting your own business but do not have a lot of funds to cover the start-up costs associated with most small businesses, a mail order business may be just the thing for you. Though a mail order business does not require a degree or specialized skills, it DOES require a lot of hard work and dedication before it will begin to produce a meaningful income. To make your business a success, a lot will depend on your attitude.

There a many benefits to running a mail order business.

NO OFFICE NEEDED
We've already mentioned the low start-up costs, but you will also have the ability to save expenses by working from your home office - or even from your kitchen table if you don't have an office yet.

FLEXIBILITY OF WORKING A BACK-UP JOB
Another benefit is that you can grow your business slowly. This allows you to put in part-time hours while sustaining a full-time job that tides you over until your business can support you.

BYE-BYE BOUNCED CHECKS
As a mail order company, you will have the option to ship products AFTER checks or credit cards have cleared. This is a convenience that is not afforded to most retail businesses.

HOW MUCH CAN I EARN RUNNING A MAIL ORDER BUSINESS?
The income produced by a mail order business encompasses a wide range and, as we said earlier, depends mostly on your drive and dedication to growing the business.

John Schulte, President of the National Mail Order Association says annual incomes for the industry range from $40,000 to more than $100,000, depending on how long the business has been in operation and how much has been invested in building the business. By a mail order company’s fourth or fifth birthday, Schulte says, about 60 percent will find themselves in the $0 to $40,000 bracket, about 25 percent will fall into the $40,000 to $100,000 category, and a final 15 percent will land in the $100,000-plus range. The Minneapolis-based direct-mail expert estimates that it takes two to four years to break even with a mail order operation. “Profitability,” he advises, “comes at about the same time, in three to five years. You want to start breaking even right away, but the real profits come when you have a solid customer base that buys from you with some frequency.

It takes a few years to build up this base.” And while success doesn't come overnight to most, it doesn't come at all to some. “Only about 20 percent make it,” cautions Schulte. This isn't a reason to quit before you start, but it’s a darn good reason to get everything you can going for you before you start.

Mail order businesses are very competitive. To stand out from the crowd will require ingenuity and creativity. It is also of highest importance that you present your business in a professional manner and ensure that your transactions are secure. Many customers are still wary about giving their credit card numbers over the phone or internet.

Merchant services offers several solutions for those starting a mail order business. We carry the most current and popular credit card machines, wireless terminals, hand-held credit card machines, and can also help you get your online store up and running with an internet merchant account. With any of our merchant account solutions you will be able to accept credit cards within days.

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TOLL FREE 1-800-896-6501

Mail order links:

National Mail Order Association (NMOA)
State specific start-up guides

Articles:

The Power of Direct Mail