AboutMichael Michelini Expertise selling on ebay, selling on your own website via ecommerce, listing on google adwords, landing pages,
Experience Since 2003 I have been doing marketing and sales for technology companies. In 2004 I started my own online ebay and ecommerce shop. I have fun and good (and bad!) experiences with ebay, amazon, google adwords.
In late 2007 I opened a company in China, where I source products for ecommerce as well as build and promote my US and China online shops.
Organizations Google Adwords Certification
Shadstone Associates, Inc
Parallel Phenomena, Inc - New York Bar Store
Education/Credentials Google adwords certified professional, masters in Tech management, bachelors in engineering management
Question Dear Michael,
I am a fellow expert in the plumbing category [trying to retire]. I've designed two parrot play-gyms that can be disassembled into a compact duffel bag for travel. A parrot store owner has encouraged me to go for it. I have a stockpile of parts, a business account, tax ID and a friend designing my website.
I am undecided about what outfit to link up with for my order form and payment processing. This will remain a small business, my perches are hand-crafted in my home shop with hardwoods and stainless steel hardware. I had almost decided on Paypal, but I tried to pay a man yesterday for a custom-made branding iron through his Paypal invoice and I was totally shut down in the middle after I added my different shipping address. To me this was a sign to go elsewhere. Any suggestions? Thanks!! Sharon
Answer Hi Sharon,
Good to hear you are making the jump into internet and e-commerce! that is great!
As far as your payment processing, I would say you should stick with paypal. Yes, they can be a bit difficult with address verification, but they are the main player in the US market.
Also, they do not require monthly fees to accept payments, only the commission when you invoice. As you grow, you can apply for a merchant account with them, and then your customers can pay by credit card without even knowing its paypal in the background.
So I would study it more, will be worth it in the long run
