I think it's a great idea, but I'd like the store to simply open first!

If Denny could arrange for one store to handle downloads and drop shipping of physical product, then I'd be all for it.

Yes, I've thought about this too.

1) WorldWorks storefront could simply sell the products of one or more wholesalers, and the wholesaler could shipship the products for him. Probably the easiest and most preferable solution, since WorldWorks doesn't have to keep any product in inventory, or handle the shipping of the product.

2) WorldWorks could hire a fullfillment company. There are plenty out there. Basically, a fullfillment company would warehouse the product that's for sale, and package and ship it. WorldWorks would not have to see or handle the product themselves at all. Usually, a fulfillment company charges a monthly storage fee based on the amount of warehouse space taken up (very minimal in the case of worldworks), and a shipping and handling fee. That's where a lot of the "+ 5.95 shipping & handling" comes from. This solution is nice because you don't have to be tied to the products carried by a specific wholesaler that is shipping for you.

3) WorldWorks could get some space to store product. They would keep inventory and ship it themselves. This is the most work, but worldworks has the most control in this scenario.

4) WorldWorks could employ a combination of the above methods. For instance, items shipped regularly could be stocked at a fulfillment house. Infrequently sold items, like printers for instance, could be sold through a wholesaler that would ship direct.

5) WorldWorks could stick to the models market, and keep focused on creating quality product.


There are arguments for all the above items.

In my opinion, I think that first off, WorldWorks should get their store up for selling just their product. Then, maybe introduce two or three 'starter kits' selling the items you see in the beginners guide (glue, Snap-blade, Craft Knife, Cutting Matte, CardStock, "edging" markers, metal straight edge, etc). There could be maybe 3 different versions of the kit. A Basic, Deluxe, and Professional version. This would mean warehousing very few items. Buying a case of each item to get a quantity discount. This product would take up little space, and all that would be needed for shipping is a UPS account. Initial outlay would be inexpensive, and if sales weren't great, most of the product would be useful anyway

If the initial foray into supplies is successful, I'd think the next step would be to provide individual items from the kit for sale, too, as well as expanding available products.

The next step might be selling other peripheral items, like miniatures. WorldWorks could strike up a deal with a couple of minis companies, and maybe the could push WorldWorks products on their sites too.

More expensive products might then be on the horizon, like recommending printers and selling them through the vendor of the printers, but worldworks making a comission on sales. That way the printer is supported by the vendor, but WorldWorks sees something on the back end.

Additional revenue from selling other products, products that can't be pirated, would be good for WorldWorks. And wiith the creation of a storefront immenent, it wouldn't take much extra work!

damn, I've almost sold myself on starting it!

If Denny could offer the supplies this way, he could probably get by ordering them on an as-needed basis from somplace like Quill office supplies, or Staples - somplace that does free shipping with overnight delivery for most things. Just keep a small stock of card and glue, and order the rest as it gets ordered.