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The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I forked out £136 trying the lost luggage trend – I doubled my money but my most exciting find turned was a BA freebie
WE'VE all heard of return pallets, but have you seen the lost luggage trend that's taken social media by storm? Recently, influencers have been going wild for Advertisement 7 With everyone going wild for the lost luggage trend, I ordered myself an unclaimed suitcase to see what I could find Credit: Abigail Wilson 7 Personal details are removed from cases, but 'apart from that, everything is left as is' Credit: Undelivrd 7 Not only did I spot dirty boxers and worn socks, but the smell left me close to gagging Credit: Abigail Wilson 7 There was a football scarf and a toiletry bag from The White Company Credit: Abigail Wilson But would you risk spending over £100 on someone's After seeing many TikTokers and YouTubers open lost luggage and finding all things from a Kindle, a huge selection of clothes and even hair straighteners, to a Last year alone, Google Trends saw a 100 per cent spike in searches for 'lost luggage' - abandoned suitcases usually full to the brim with clothes, souvenirs and random items. The 'lost and unclaimed' luggage comes from 'the world's busiest airports' and while some may find designer buys, quirky gifts or sometimes even gadgets, the possibilities are as varied as the travellers who once packed them. Advertisement Read more Fabulous stories But there are a number of major drawbacks when buying lost luggage…the size and brand of the suitcase you receive will be totally random. Not only this, but if a person loses their luggage on the way back from a holiday, there's likely to be worn clothing inside - yes, you heard that correctly. After hearing countless content creators order theirs from According to those at Undelivrd, selling the lost luggage is a 'sustainable and economical way of dealing' with it. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Rather than piles of suitcases heading straight to the dump, airports are auctioning them off to give the Of course, personal details are removed, but those at Undelivrd claimed that 'apart from that, everything is left as is.' Unveiling the Shocking Reality of Lost Luggage Purchases So I ordered myself a suitcase, which was listed online for £129.99. It ended up costing me £136.98 once the postage fees were piled on top, so not cheap. Advertisement But would I find some steals? Or just a bunch of tatt and some dirty knickers? Much to my surprise, the suitcase only took a week to arrive. No box in sight, the case was wrapped in a black bin bag and was far from luxe. Not knowing the contents made it very exciting, but unsure on the condition of what I would find, I nervously got my Marigold Gloves at the ready. Advertisement The sweaty, stale smell that was equivalent to the stench of a teenage boy's bedroom was horrendous Abby Wilson In the hope of stumbling upon some unexpected treasurers, I eagerly ripped off the bin bag, to find a black After a quick Google search, I spotted that such suitcases are available to buy online for £129 - so technically you've made the money back on the case itself, even though it had clearly been used on numerous occasions and was visibly quite battered. But I didn't even have to unzip the case for the grim, musty smell to invade my nostrils. Think of a room full of years of Advertisement The sweaty, stale smell that was equivalent to the stench of a teenage boy's bedroom was horrendous and is still, days later, giving me flashbacks and lingering in my nose. 7 The American Tourister case was pretty battered Credit: Abigail Wilson 7 These Asda shoes were practically new Credit: Abigail Wilson 7 My haul proves that ordering lost luggage is definitely a gamble Credit: Abigail Wilson Advertisement While I was hoping to get my hands on a woman's suitcase, in the hope of topping up my wardrobe with some new clothes or maybe even some jewellery, I was disappointed to see that I had been sent a man's case. And I was even more gutted when I noticed that it was full of clothes that had clearly been worn. If you thought smelly socks were bad, I was on the verge of gagging when I spotted three pairs of worn pants. It appears that the man this case belonged to had potentially been on holiday to Portugal, as I immediately spotted two Algarve Jazz Festival grey t-shirts. Advertisement Alongside this, there was an empty toiletry bag and an unbranded navy hoodie, which wasn't short of stains. How to buy lost luggage THE famous US store which sells off unclaimed baggage has launched an online shop - so you can buy more travellers' lost items. The Unclaimed Baggage Center, located in Alabama, has long been a destination for treasure hunters wanting to find a bargain from the abandoned suitcases. Located in the tiny town of Scottsboro, which has a population of 14,000, it is an unlikely tourist hotspot. Inside is a megastore of misplaced possessions taken from tens of thousands of suitcases, rucksacks and duffel bags, all lost on commercial flights across the US. Now, you don't have to travel to the US and can do your shopping online with their new online store. The centre has launched the online shopping experience as part of their 50th anniversary, having opened in 1970. Everything from clothing to electronics are found on the website - current items for sale include high-street dresses from $8 up to They also have a weird and wonderful section which ranges from gold necklaces and diving equipment to designer gowns and signed memorabilia. Legally, airlines have a duty to reunite luggage with their owners within 90 days, but if that fails, bags end up at the centre. So frequent are these deliveries that the Unclaimed Baggage Center has around one million items on sale at any time, with 7,000 new items added to the shop floor every day. Not everything that is found is sold - a third is binned, including all underwear, while another third of it is donated to charity. Brenda Cantrell, the store's brand ambassador, says: 'Less than half a per cent of all lost luggage fails to make it back to its owners, but that's still thousands of bags every year. 'And the vast majority of those make their way here. We have exclusive contracts with all the major US carriers, making us the only store of this kind anywhere in the country.' According to journalist Jonathon Thompson Customers have also found bargains while shopping there - one person bought a £65 vase, only to find out later it was worth £15,000, while one piece of art valued at £45 was actually worth £20,000. The guy this suitcase belonged to was clearly a football fan, as I also stumbled across a As well as this, there was also a Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2023/24 home jersey, which are being flogged online for just under £70. Next, I spotted a H&M black hoodie, which is currently on the website for £27.99, as well as a pair of blue Adidas shorts, which if you buy them new, are £35. Advertisement Much to my dismay, I was only halfway through and incredibly disappointed. Having said that, things appeared to look up when I saw a small Yes, you get them free when you fly with British Airways, but it was the most exciting thing I'd seen so far, without a doubt. The beauty bags, which contain an eye mask, ear plugs and a mini toothbrush, are being flogged for £7 on eBay and are perfect for travelling. Advertisement While many may think that selling-on lost luggage contents could be a good earner, my haul proves that it is definitely a gamble Abby Wilson It was un-unused, unlike a lot of the other stuff in this case. Following this, I found a pair of barely worn, brown leather shoes from Asda, which are still available to order from the site for £25. And that's not all, as I also (unfortunately) found three pairs of Jack & Jones boxers, which when bought new, are £45 a pack. In total, the contents of my lost luggage - bought new - came to £223.98, not as high as I had hoped. Advertisement If you add on the cost of the actual suitcase, it totals just over £350. What was in the box and what's it worth? Bayer 04 Leverkusen football scarf - £14 Bayer 04 Leverkusen jersey - £69.99 H&M hoodie - £27.99 Adidas shorts - £35 The White Company toiletry bag - £7 on eBay Three pairs of Jack & Jones boxers - £45 Asda leather shoes - £25 While many may think that selling-on lost luggage contents could be a good earner, my haul proves that it is definitely a gamble. The smell of the case is still haunting me, so the thought of going through it all again and posting it on Vinted in the hope of earning a quick buck is not something I'm up for. Despite the battered hoodies and worn socks, everything was in reasonably decent condition, so I guess you could say it wasn't a total waste of time. Advertisement But if you're hoping to find a new iPad or a posh designer bag, you should be aware that you'll have to take a chance when searching through lost luggage. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
India Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Forget drugs, IPL betting is young India's new deadly addiction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a money-making spectacle for many. But the desire to cash in on this gold rush is pushing a growing number of young Indians into addiction. Data and mental health experts suggest that betting on the IPL is emerging as a serious addiction among the Indian search trends indicate a sharp spike in interest for terms like 'IPL addiction' and 'online betting' during every IPL season. Broader searches such as 'gambling addiction' have been steadily rising since 2015, mirroring the rise of sports-based online betting queries such as 'causes of gambling addiction,' 'how to quit gambling addiction,' 'is gambling an addiction,' 'online gambling addiction,' and 'gambling addiction therapy' have also surged, according to Google Trends data. Terms like 'treatment for gambling addiction,' 'how to get rid of gambling addiction,' and 'rehab for gambling addiction' have similarly seen sharp concern There remains widespread ambiguity about the legality of sports-based fantasy apps. Critics argue that such platforms promote gambling addiction, especially among the hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Supreme Court recently expressed concern over rampant betting during IPL matches. 'In the name of IPL, a lot of people are betting and indulging in gambling. This is a serious issue,' the bench remarked last laws in India vary from state to state, and there is no central legislation that clearly governs online betting. The legal status of these platforms often hinges on whether the game is considered one of skill or the past, the Supreme Court ruled that games like rummy and fantasy sports are games of skill and hence do not fall under traditional gambling of online bettingThe impact of online betting is significant – and growing. News reports frequently detail stories of teenagers and young adults suffering heavy financial losses due to compulsive one incident from March this year, a tech professional in Bengaluru lost around Rs 1.5 crore to betting. His wife later died by suicide after lenders he had borrowed from to place bets began harassing the a result, more individuals are seeking help from psychiatrists and counsellors. Delhi-based mental health therapist Arouba Kabir says she sees three to five patients every month addicted to IPL or other sports betting, especially during cricket seasons and major tournaments.'This number often spikes during the IPL season, because of easy access to apps and peer pressure,' she tells India Today.'It (sports-based addiction) gives an illusion of control and easy money, but psychologically, it operates much like substance addiction—it hijacks the brain's reward system. The cycle of anticipation, reward, and crash makes it very hard to quit without professional help,' adds Kabir, founder of Enso there is no publicly available data on the prevalence of online gambling in India, the American Psychiatric Association estimates that between 0.4 and 4 per cent of adults in the United States develop a gambling disorder in their common signs of sports betting addiction include obsessive score-checking, impaired concentration, declining work performance, financial distress (loans, asset sales, hidden debts, even theft), and secrecy or dishonesty with family Watch IN THIS STORY#IPL 2025
Geek Vibes Nation
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
America's Favorite On-Screen Moms: A State-by-State Look
Fictional mothers from TV shows and movies have long captured our hearts, from nurturing matriarchs to fierce dragon queens. These iconic characters shape how we view family and leave a lasting mark on pop culture. But which on-screen moms are Americans searching for most? A recent study dives into Google Trends data to reveal the most-searched fictional mothers in every U.S. state, uncovering some unexpected favorites. Using search patterns from the past year, Privacy Journal mapped out the fictional moms who dominate online interest across the country. Keep reading to discover which TV and movie moms resonate most in each state. Top Fictional Moms Ranked The study ranks the most-searched fictional mothers based on Google Trends data. Here's how they stack up: Fictional Mom Number of States Morticia Addams 12 Daenerys Targaryen 12 Lorelai Gilmore 10 Marge Simpson 6 Elastigirl 4 Aunt May 2 Queen Elinor 1 Sarah Connor 1 Sophia Petrillo 1 Renee Perry 1 Lois Griffin 1 State-by-State Breakdown The study reveals fascinating regional preferences for fictional moms. Below is a detailed look at the most-searched mother in each state, along with the show or movie they're from: State Fictional Mom Show/Movie Alabama Morticia Addams The Addams Family Alaska Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Arizona Elastigirl The Incredibles Arkansas Elastigirl The Incredibles California Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Colorado Elastigirl The Incredibles Connecticut Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Delaware Queen Elinor Brave Florida Sarah Connor Terminator Georgia Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Hawaii Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Idaho Morticia Addams The Addams Family Illinois Marge Simpson The Simpsons Indiana Morticia Addams The Addams Family Iowa Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Kansas Morticia Addams The Addams Family Kentucky Morticia Addams The Addams Family Louisiana Morticia Addams The Addams Family Maine Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Maryland Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Massachusetts Marge Simpson The Simpsons Michigan Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Minnesota Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Mississippi Morticia Addams The Addams Family Missouri Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Montana Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Nebraska Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Nevada Morticia Addams The Addams Family New Hampshire Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones New Jersey Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls New Mexico Morticia Addams The Addams Family New York Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls North Carolina Marge Simpson The Simpsons North Dakota Sophia Petrillo Golden Girls Ohio Marge Simpson The Simpsons Oklahoma Morticia Addams The Addams Family Oregon Morticia Addams The Addams Family Pennsylvania Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Rhode Island Aunt May Spider-Man South Carolina Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones South Dakota Renee Perry Desperate Housewives Tennessee Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Texas Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Utah Daenerys Targaryen Game of Thrones Vermont Elastigirl The Incredibles Virginia Lorelai Gilmore Gilmore Girls Washington Marge Simpson The Simpsons West Virginia Morticia Addams The Addams Family Wisconsin Marge Simpson The Simpsons Wyoming Lois Griffin Family Guy District of Columbia Aunt May Spider-Man Morticia Addams: America's Gothic Mom Icon Tied for first place, Morticia Addams from The Addams Family reigns supreme in 12 states, including Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and West Virginia. Known for her eerie elegance, Morticia blends devotion to her quirky family with a timeless gothic charm. Her popularity shines in Southern and Western states, where her unique blend of warmth and boundary-setting resonates. From Carolyn Jones' 1960s TV portrayal to Anjelica Huston's film role and Catherine Zeta-Jones' recent Wednesday performance, Morticia's allure endures, celebrating individuality and family pride. Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon Queen of Search Tied for second with 12 states, Game of Thrones ' Daenerys Targaryen dominates searches in Alaska, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah. Played by Emilia Clarke, Daenerys embodies fierce maternal instincts as the 'Mother of Dragons,' protecting her 'children' with unwavering resolve. Her appeal spans from New England to the Pacific, reflecting a universal admiration for her blend of nurturing and discipline. Daenerys' complex journey makes her a powerful symbol of motherhood that transcends borders. Lorelai Gilmore: The Witty Mom Next Door In third place, Gilmore Girls ' Lorelai Gilmore captures 10 states: California, Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Portrayed by Lauren Graham, Lorelai's fast-talking, pop culture-savvy parenting style sparks a redefinition of TV motherhood. Popular in urban and college-heavy states, Lorelai's close yet authoritative bond with daughter Rory appeals to a wide audience. Her modern, friendship-based approach, paired with protective instincts, makes her a beloved character. Marge Simpson: The Heart of Springfield Marge Simpson from The Simpsons tops searches in six states: Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin. Voiced by Julie Kavner since 1989, Marge's patient, kind-hearted mothering—paired with occasional bursts of rebellion—has cemented her as a cultural icon. Her dominance in states with strong family values and industrial roots highlights her relatable, grounded approach to managing chaos while staying fiercely protective. Elastigirl: The Superhero Mom Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl from The Incredibles , stretches into the top five with four states: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, and Vermont. Voiced by Holly Hunter, Elastigirl balances superhero feats with everyday parenting, embodying the ultimate multitasker. Her caring yet authoritative style, paired with her refusal to lose her identity, offers an empowering vision of motherhood that resonates widely. Other Notable Moms While the top five dominate, some states have unique favorites: Aunt May ( Spider-Man ) wins in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia, loved for her enduring role as Peter Parker's guardian. ( ) wins in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia, loved for her enduring role as Peter Parker's guardian. Queen Elinor ( Brave ) takes Delaware, reflecting her regal yet relatable parenting. ( ) takes Delaware, reflecting her regal yet relatable parenting. Sarah Connor ( Terminator ) rules Florida, showcasing her action-hero mom status. ( ) rules Florida, showcasing her action-hero mom status. Sophia Petrillo ( Golden Girls ) charms North Dakota with her witty wisdom. ( ) charms North Dakota with her witty wisdom. Renee Perry ( Desperate Housewives ) takes South Dakota, and Lois Griffin ( Family Guy ) wins Wyoming. How the Study Was Conducted Privacy Journal analyzed Google Trends data over the past 12 months, focusing on iconic fictional mothers from TV shows and films. Search volumes were examined state-by-state, using character names alongside terms like 'mom,' 'mom,' or 'mother-right,' or their show/movie titles to ensure accuracy. CEO's Commentary 'Americans seem drawn to strong, independent moms,' says Mauricio Preuss, president of Privacy Journal. 'High search volume doesn't always indicate popularity—people might be curious about a character due to recent releases or simply want to learn more about them.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) Price Target Trimmed by Raymond James Amid Tariff Concerns
Raymond James analyst Rick Patel updated his price target for Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) from $110 to $90 on May 27 while maintaining an Outperform rating on the company's shares. Given the noted flaws in the A&F brand and the expected effects of tariffs, the change represents a cautious approach. Patel's investigation encompassed several variables, including weekly online advertising, Google Trends, and data from mobile apps. According to the results, the A&F brand saw a decrease in most checks quarter-over-quarter, although promotions rose in Q1. On the other hand, Abercrombie & Fitch's Hollister brand performed better in the majority of tests. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) is expected to encounter substantial tariff headwinds, estimated at about 200 basis points annually, the analyst said. Patel expressed little confidence in ANF's ability to raise prices successfully due to its younger customer base, despite the company's expected use of mitigation strategies similar to those employed by other Softlines companies. With that said, the analyst concluded that the stock price already appears to reflect a significant portion of the unfavorable news. Long-term growth and margin expansion levers are still available, Patel said. While we acknowledge the potential of ANF to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than ANF and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. Read More: and . Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
How to start an online business in 8 steps
How to start an online business in 8 steps In many ways, the internet has leveled the playing field for small business owners everywhere. Online businesses are relatively easy to start, without the kind of up-front costs a brick-and-mortar business demands. However, this relative ease doesn't mean that you can simply jump in and hang out your shingle. LegalZoom offers eight steps for those interested in starting an online business. As with any business, you need to establish a strong footing for your online business. While the steps outlined below don't necessarily have to be completed in order, their objective is to provide you with a foundation that's solid enough to bear the weight of your future business growth and success. 1. Assess the viability of your new business idea Just because it's easier to start an online business doesn't mean no costs are involved. As with a physically based business, the first step to take with your online business is to assess your idea's feasibility. The most brilliant online business ideas can be unsuccessful if your product or service has no market. Even if you've hit on the solution to a problem that plagues many people, you're just throwing money away if the problem turns out to be one that most people don't care enough about to spend time or money solving. With this in mind, you need to evaluate your online business idea. The following are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself: Does your product or service solve a problem that enough potential customers have?Does your product or service provide a cost-effective solution to that problem?Are people willing to spend money to solve the problem?How costly will it be to reach the people in need of the solution your product or service offers? How to perform market research In order to evaluate your online business idea and answer these questions, you'll first want to conduct market research. From a broad perspective, you want to identify your target audience, understand the problem they have, and determine whether or not your business can be the solution. Here are several research methods to try: Keyword research. Start with basic Google searches related to your business idea, including similar products, services, and key phrases. Pay attention to the search suggestions and related queries, as these often reveal customer concerns and what they prefer to engage with. For a deeper dive, you can also use tools like Google Trends to track interest in your niche over analysis. Study successful online businesses in your target market, including their product offerings, pricing strategies, and marketing tactics. Look for gaps in their services that your business could potentially fill, and consider whether competing with them is social media. Nowadays, it's crucial for businesses to track trends and conversations across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other popular platforms. Pay attention to frequently asked questions, pain points, and the general sentiment toward existing solutions and and interviews. With some planning, you can create short, focused surveys using free tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms. Ideally, you can share them in relevant online communities (such as a Facebook group) or with your network. Likewise, you should also conduct informal interviews with potential customers to better understand their needs and preferences. Ultimately, you want to confirm your business idea addresses a genuine market need and has the potential to stand out among the competition. 2. Develop a business plan Once you know your idea is feasible, it's time to put together a comprehensive business plan. Even if you don't plan on obtaining funding for your business, at least not initially, having a business plan is valuable because it lets you spot any potential bumps down the road and plan for future growth and profitability. The work you did in step one gives you a good base from which to develop your own business plan, and multiple resources are available online to help you put together the core elements of a solid plan, including the following: The vision. Your business' purpose and long-term goals (usually known as an executive summary).Market insights. Your target audience, competition, and industry strategy. Your approach to marketing, sales, and customer roadmap. Your projected revenue, expenses, and potential funding needs. An effective plan will help you to identify your market further, clarify your objectives, provide a marketing roadmap, and assist you in making the kinds of decisions that may mean the difference between success and failure. 3. Choose a business name Choosing your business' name is an important step in the startup process. Because your business will primarily function online, your chosen name must be available for registration as a business name in your state and within the digital space. This means you will need to check whether the name you want is available as a: Business name in your stateDomain nameUsername on each of the social media platforms you plan to use If your chosen name isn't available as a domain name or social media username, consider different permutations of the name, and remember that many domain name extensions beyond the original ".com" are available. Additionally, it's important to check that your name and domain name aren't impinging on any registered trademarks. 4. Decide on your business structure The business type you choose will dictate the legal and tax requirements you need to meet. Most small business owners choose from the following structures: Sole proprietorship. This is the simplest form of business structure, but its lack of limited liability offsets its While this form of business structure might appeal to you if you are embarking on your venture with a partner, your liability is unlimited, like a sole liability company. An LLC offers limited liability without the additional complexity of incorporation, making it one of the most popular small business Like an LLC, a corporation provides limited liability, and while it's more complicated to set up and maintain, it may be a good choice depending on your circumstances. It's always a good idea to consult an attorney to determine the appropriate business type for your new business. Because each structure has different tax requirements, you may also want to consult a tax professional. 5. Take care of all the legal tasks Like a brick-and-mortar business, you will need to file all the appropriate business-formation documents and other paperwork to ensure your new business has a solid legal foundation. This includes: Registering your business with the appropriate government all the required permits and all federal and state tax requirements, such as applying for state and federal tax ID numbers. Since these requirements vary on a state-by-state basis and the nature of your business, it's important to do your research so you meet any applicable requirements. Again, it's often helpful to consult with an attorney with experience in business startups in your particular industry to make certain you're on the right track. 6. Build your website and choose your sourcing and fulfillment methods An online business's website is as important as the physical location of a brick-and-mortar company, and you should put as much care into this part of the startup process as you would if you were location and lease shopping. Here's how. Decide how to build your website You have several options to create your website, including the following: Website builders. Platforms like Shopify, Wix, and Squarespace offer user-friendly interfaces and templates to build a website and set up management. CMS platforms like WordPress offer more flexibility and plugin options to customize your own website, though they're not quite as sites. For many online businesses, hiring a website developer to help build your site makes sound business sense, as they can build it exactly to your preferences and give your brand a premium look. When looking at how you will build your website, consider available payment processors (such as through Square, Apple Pay, or PayPal), their fees, and whether they meet your customers' preferences. Choose your domain name and hosting platform Next, you can register your domain name with the website builder you use or another service like GoDaddy or Google Domains. The web host you choose is an important consideration as well, provided you build a custom site. You can have a top-notch website, but it will do you no good if your host has too much downtime or if the speed of browsing your site is too slow. In addition to checking out reviews online, consider asking your personal and business network contacts. Other online business owners, in particular, can provide invaluable information about a web host's reliability. Plan your sourcing and fulfillment strategy Depending on the products or services you'll be offering, you will also need to evaluate and choose your sources of supply and inventory, as well as how you will deliver your product or service to your customer. Again, a number of options are available. Given the importance of having inventory on hand-or a good on-demand provider-and a reliable method of fulfillment, spending adequate research time on this aspect can mean the difference between success and failure. 7. Develop and implement your prelaunch marketing strategies It's important to market your online business while you're working on each of the previous steps. Your business plan will provide you with the information you need to develop effective marketing strategies for your potential market. Then, you'll need to choose the right channels to reach your customers, such as: Content marketing. Create and share relevant content on your website to attract and engage your target audience, whether through blog posts, videos, or media marketing. Build brand awareness on social media platforms to drive traffic to your website. Be sure to tailor your content to each platform's unique audience, features, and marketing. Use personalized and targeted email campaigns to keep your audience informed about your launch, promotions, and new offerings when they come advertising. Invest in targeted ads on platforms like Google Ads or social media to reach a wider audience quickly. No matter what strategies you go with, it's important not to skimp on implementation. By building up your target market's anticipation of your launch through social media and various advertising methods, you will be paving the way for a successful launch. 8. Test and launch your new business Before launching, you should test every element and feature of your online business to confirm the customer experience is where you want it to be. Start by testing your website on various devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile) and browsers to verify compatibility. You should also confirm everything functions, including the navigation and menu items, product pages, payment processor, and other relevant features. Once you're confident everything works as intended, you're ready to launch. While you won't actually be "cutting the ribbon" the way you might with a physical business, you'll be doing so metaphorically when you make your website live and announce to the world that you're open for business. This announcement can be made in a variety of ways, including: Social media accountsYour email listOnline adsTraditional ads During the launch phase, you will reap the benefits of the work you did during your prelaunch marketing. Of course, your work will have only just begun, but by going through these eight steps, you will have built a solid foundation for your online business. Laying the groundwork in this manner means you can devote your time to running and marketing your new business rather than dealing with the various fires that might arise if you've neglected any of these important steps along the way. Why start an online business? There's arguably never been a better time to start an online business. E-commerce sales are projected to account for over 20% of all retail sales in the U.S. by 2027, compared to less than 15% in 2022. Besides the expected growth, starting an online business comes with numerous benefits, including the following: Flexibility Unlike traditional businesses with fixed hours and locations, an online business allows you to set your own schedule and work anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. This flexibility also extends to your work environment-you can operate from a home office, a coffee shop, or even while traveling. Low startup costs Starting an online business is usually less expensive than opening a physical location, as you don't necessarily need to pay for rent, renovations, or repairs. With lower overhead costs, you also have more flexibility to allocate resources where they're needed most, whether that's building your business website, purchasing software, or padding savings in your business bank account. Global reach With an online presence, you're not restricted to local customers or traditional business hours. Your website is "open" 24/7, allowing customers from different time zones to visit at their convenience. This also means you can tap into niche markets that you otherwise couldn't reach locally and expand your customer base. Scalability As your business grows, it's generally easier to accommodate the increased demand without proportional increases in physical infrastructure or staff. Likewise, if you need to downscale during seasonal fluctuations, you won't have as many associated expenses or long-term assets to maintain. Automation and tools You can find numerous tools and programs that can handle everyday tasks associated with running your online business, including inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer service, among others. As you become more familiar with the operations and implement these tools, you can improve efficiency while freeing your time for more important matters. Useful tools for starting an online business Depending on your business model and needs, you might consider using some of these tools to help start your online business: All-in-one e-commerce platforms. Platforms like Shopify or Squarespace allow you to build a website, launch an online store, and set up various features all in the same tools. It's helpful to set up accounts with tools like Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or Mailchimp to track analytics and manage marketing management tools. The early stages of launching a business can feel overwhelming, so you might use productivity software like Asana or ClickUp to keep your projects on schedule. FAQs How do I build an effective website for my online business? To build an effective website, focus on user-friendly design, clear navigation, and mobile responsiveness. You can either use a website builder or hire a professional developer for more complex designs. It's also a good idea to reference successful online business websites you'd like to model after. Can you start an online business with no money? Yes, it's possible to start an online business with no money, including graphic design, writing, and other freelance services. You can usually find free or low-cost online courses to build your skills in these areas. However, expect to invest time and effort to grow your business. Can you sell online without a business? You may be able to sell online without a formal business through marketplaces like Amazon. However, most online businesses must have licenses to operate, so you should check with your county, state, or the Small Business Administration to confirm what you'll need. What challenges of starting an online business should I prepare for? You should prepare for challenges related to earning customer trust and establishing a name for your business. You may also face technical issues or struggle with scaling operations as you grow. Still, the exact challenges ultimately depend on your business type, strengths, and weaknesses. Belle Wong, J.D., contributed to this article. This story was produced by LegalZoom and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. © Stacker Media, LLC.
