Here's something that should be food for thought--especially if you are trying to compete on the uneven field that is the Internet with your brick-and-mortar:
http://capmag.com/article.asp?ID=4390
Feydakin
09-08-2005, 09:57 AM
I'm not convinced that the playing field is all that uneven.. No more so than any competitive market.. There are pros and cons to both business models and I think that there is enough of each to balance the equation.. We could go into a point by point dscussion, but I doubt it would be useful..
This particular article, however, isn't saying anything new that hasn't been said by those of us in the business of the internet since the mid 90s have been saying all along.. The internet allows for a very low threshold of entry to any new business.. Little overhead, flexible hours, and the opportunity to boot strap your way up into a real business model..
Many 'suppliers' have embraced this model fully.. Look at the gift basket market.. Most of the sites are run by stay at home moms working with several drop shippers.. I work with a group that specializes in helping these women get online and become profitable.. And, like any business, they have various levels of success..
All said, the B&M has a huge advantage over the internet only businesses.. Any B&M can develop a web presence.. Very very few Internet companies will ever be able to develop a B&M business..