“We sell chemical analysis instrumentation, and components to make same. Those are about as “durable” as it gets. Prices of items can vary from $2 to $20,000. Admittedly, none of the items is quite as heavy as 650 pounds, but they certainly are “durable”. We do about $1MM/year sales”
But ITAR registration and export permits are no issue, or do you simply ignore that Gov. mandated inconvenience?
You demanded examples, I supplied them.
You lightly dismiss Gov. regulations, I don’t.
Lucky you that the ‘net works so well for you, and all the dealers in trivia such as jewelry.
It works for me too, but only to a limited extent.
I would prefer the pre-internet.
Business was much better and far more profitable before EVERYONE knew the wholesale price of goods via the web.
They now demand they be able to buy at that price, not to allow even shipping expense to be added for retail.
Somehow several companies are able to “Thrive” in this situation, I really don’t know how, unless they are dealing in stolen, defective, or knock-off products.
I’ve gone to the trouble of asking some of my suppliers how “XYZ Corp.” is able to RETAIL items on-line for below my distributors cost, far below my wholesale, the reply was that they do not know!
The internet has been a boon to criminal enterprise, legitimate manufacturing companies that stand behind their products, not so much.
You are free to sing the praises of the ‘net and the “savings” and “selection” some derive from it.
I will get what little benefit I can from it, while working to overcome the damage it does me as well.
It will all become moot once the remaining legitimate small business are driven under, then watch the “savings” disappear as only the international conglomerates remain.
Sheesh. Of course we follow all the necessary laws and regulations. Sometimes it's a bit of a pain, but it certainly doesn't prevent us doing business and making a nice profit.
"You demanded examples, I supplied them."
Your few and weak examples were laughable.
"You lightly dismiss Gov. regulations, I don’t."
See statement #1 from me above.
"Lucky you that the ‘net works so well for you, and all the dealers in trivia such as jewelry."
Ye Gods. There are examples of successful businesses selling virtually anything and everything online. Your idea of what is out there is so antiquated as to be ludicrous
"It works for me too, but only to a limited extent."
Perhaps you should try figuring out how to make it work better for you instead of pissing and moaning on FR about it.
"I would prefer the pre-internet."
Which is, I think, the biggest part of the problem. You haven't realized that the horse and buggy has been replaced by the automobile.
"It will all become moot once the remaining legitimate small business are driven under, then watch the “savings” disappear as only the international conglomerates remain.
LOL. As hundreds and thousands of new small business are being started and suceeding online in hundreds and thousands of niches that are TOO SMALL for the big companies to mess with, but which, given the global reach available from the internet, allow sufficient volume for a small business to thrive.
But you stick to your antiquated ideas. We'll see which of us succeeds, long-term.
Here's a clue....."downtown retail" is dead. "Global retail" is just getting started.