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Technology Stocks : Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Glenn D. Rudolph who wrote (46265)	3/18/1999 10:49:00 AM
From: Rob S.	Respond to of 164684

That depends on what business you are talking about. I started out planning on selling primarily computer stuff (commodity goods) but decided to stick with technical and specialty products. There are many different types of business on the Internet and not all of them are as prone to price competition. A few days ago I saw a news item about a guy who sold books on the Internet who was making money. His site was targeted toward club members who had a common interest. Even though he sold the books at a 5%-10% discount to the prices for the same items at Amazon.com, he was able to make a nice profit and is working his site full time. The reason he can make money is because his overhead is so low. Because his family needs to have a home anyway, his basement operation doesn't add much to his expenses. He gets the books from distributors, probably paying not much more than Amazon. And his wife and kids are the secretary and shipping department. He knows his product well and markets it to people who identify with what he likes. The point is that while his business will never make it as an IPO, he makes a comfortable living and is able to live the lifestyle he chooses. That doesn't mean much to investors but means a lot if you are starting an Internet business - keep your eye on the prise (profit) and things can work out.