Business Opportunities Weblog

November 5, 2008 by Angela Shupe | 4 Comments

It’s amazing how dramatically websites like eBay have changed the ways we sell online. Years have passed since then, and things are beginning to change. 4Sale 4Now hopes to take that to a whole new level.

Buyers and sellers are now meeting each other in a whole new way. Rather than bidding or paying high ‘buy now’ prices, 4Sale 4Now has created a way for sellers to offer their products with an incentive. As time passes the price will drop, going as far as half off in some cases, but if you wait too long the product will be gone! They offer a fast-selling approach that work to the advantage of those looking to sell a product or service. Using this approach buyers are able to see the deal they are getting as the price continually drops, until it is sold out.

What was the inspiration behind 4Sale 4Now?

Joe Elias, the founder of the company, woke up in the middle of the night about 3 years ago and the idea just popped into his head. He started writing pages of notes about the concept. We still have those notes, and its amazing to look back to them, and then look at the site and the development. Its truly an amazing progression.

Are there any limits on products or services that can be sold on your website? Are there any limits on how much of one item a buyer could purchase?

There are certain things that we prohibit, such as the sale of firearms and illegal material, which is all posted on our site. The quantity the buyer can purchase is completely dependent on how many of the product the seller listed and what is still available at the time of the sale. If the seller posted one hundred thousand iPods, the buyer can certainly purchase the whole lot. It all depends on the quantity listed and available.

How long did it take for the website to go from idea to launch?

Just under 3 years. There was a lot of work put into the site and the idea and making sure we covered all angles. This is not just another start up company, this concept is going to revolutionize the online marketplace.

Were there any problems that you encountered along the way? How did you handle them and what did you learn from those experiences?

There is so much to think about with a company like this. Every time we thought we were just about done someone always said “What about this?”, and then we would add it to the site. I would not call anything a ‘problem’. But we have come to realize that the word done, never means done. There is always room for fresh ideas and adding things the customers want. We have already started a running list of things we would like to incorporate to the next, so called ‘version’ of the site.

Do you have any previous experience that you have been able to bring with you into this startup? How has it helped?

The founder of the company, Joe Elias, is a veteran entrepreneur. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience that’s been worth more than gold to the 4Sale4Now team. He has so much creativity and vision.

Why should buyers and sellers go through you rather than going to an auction website?

There are so many reasons. Auctions are played out. No longer are buyers willing to pay more money for an item. The economy is sluggish and people are not spending money, which is a problem that is plaguing buyers and sellers alike. Buyers will shop around for great deals. With 4Sale4Now, everything is on sale, and there are Better Deals by the Day™! We also incorporate local services to our site. Where else can you buy a television and a gift certificate for a spa service in your neighborhood? It’s one-stop shopping with market driven prices. For sellers, its an outstanding opportunity to drive their sales and improve their bottom line. The great deals will keep buyers coming back, and increase sales for the sellers.

What kind of growth would you like to see happen over the first year as 4Sale 4Now begins to take off?

We haven’t even launched yet and we are experiencing a high number of interested parties. There is a snowball effect that has already sprung into motion, and over the next few months it will be interesting to see how much speed it picks up. Over the next year, you can expect 4Sale4Now to be running in the same caliber as companies like eBay, Amazon and Overstock. It will become a household name.

Do you have any plans to create any other startups or to expand on this one?

I don’t know about any more startups. There will always be new ideas and spin-offs in research and development. We will be constantly working on 4Sale4Now.com. There is definitely some expansion to come!

What advice do you have for someone interested in launching a business of their own?

Be prepared to work harder than you have ever worked in your life!

In Interviews | 4 Comments
Tags: Ecommerce, Internet, Sales