Re: successful business plan

"Kohan Ikin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
> In article <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] says...
> > I would imagine that software companies would support you in giving you
free> > access or low cost access to their new software lines and upgrades
for sales> > purposes. I'm sure they could do that for demonstration / sales
purposes, but I > don't think they could give large discounts on retail
boxed software - > the problem is that downloads are *so* much cheaper to
distribute than > boxed product, and that's a main reason that software
companies focus on > offering downloads.> Another thing to consider is the
cost of training your staff to use all
> the different programs on the computer very well - depending how you set >
up the business, you could have hundreds or thousands of programs running >
on the one computer.  That might also introduce configuration issues that >
require troubleshooting.
> Offering classes would be a good idea, since the teachers would have to >
be trained in the programs they teach anyway, and you can offer classes > to
people who have already purchased the products (so you can widen your >
customer base beyond those buying software from you).> The key will be your
market research though - how many people would be > prepared to go to a
retail location to have software demonstrated to > them?  I think for many
people downloading is more convenient, and it > means they can try the
software on their own documents / images before > purchasing.   > Just my
thoughts anyway, it's an interesting idea.   > - Kohan
----------------------------------------------
In response to your response of my response:
Well, I am certainly not an IT person, more like a concept person and
designer.  All businesses have kinks to get out, wouldn't you agree?
You would not believe the uphill climb I went through with my little gift
biz.  It's really small but oh my god, just getting a brochure out is such a
project.  Anyway, I think you are planning to the nth degree on this biz
idea.  Configuration of software can be worked on.  As far as getting big
discounts etc. on boxed items, how does any software retailer make money on
off the rack software sales?  Also, there are software version demos of all
programs where you just sit and watch arrows move around the screen which I
am sure the manufacturer would be willing to front.  Basically you make the
business of software purchases a bit more customer friendly, giving the
customer alternatives, pushing in the right direction.  Maybe there is a
catalog or something on paper that they can look through. Maybe set up the
shop like a software library, locating the right information for the
customer faster.  I always feel so lost when looking at software.  Right now
and for the most part I use software that came with the printer and greatly
discounted programs that I stumble upon from time to time.  I found a
graphics program for $10 that's pretty good and I work with it and around
it.  I am not willing to invest in $600 graphics software bec I feel like
I'm going to get home and it's not going to do what I want or will be like
pulling teeth to get anything out of it.  The bottom line of any business is
to make a profit enough to make it worth your time.  Hopefully a lot of
profit or a hope that business will grow without limits.  Once you have the
customer you also balance out the software support with high demand
products.
Best wishes,
Harriet Cohen / Paper & Images
http://paperandimages.home.att.net