Idea for a blogshop

[TWHH]

Hi Huahin-ish,

I wish to get some idea about start up a blogshop. Since me and my fiancé are travelling forth and back from Hong Kong to Hua Hin. I am thinking if there is possibility to start a blogshop to serve the expat community. I wish to carry some product which is unique, special and hard to find in Thailand/Hua Hin. It can be anything, clothes, health food, hobby related, beauty and cosmetic, lifestyle product..etc. I would like get some direct feedback in the expat community here. Would be appreciate if you can share with me your insight!

Thanks!

[splitlid]

Sure. That's a great idea.
But first you have to explain what the f*@# a blog shop is

[TWHH]

Opps, a blogshop is a consumer based retail business using blogging platforms such as Blogger, Wordpress..etc. Like any other online shop BUT with more personal touch involve.

[J.J.B.]

It may be me but it's still not clear what a 'blogshop' is. Presumably all retail businesses are consumer-based - so I think I get the 'shop' part but where do blogging platforms come into this? Are you selling blogging services or somehow using blogs to promote your goods for sale? When you say it's like other retail shops you mean like Amazon or online versions of bricks and mortar shops? And what can be more personal than actually walking into a shop?!

I will, of course, google this because you have intrigued me and it appears I've learnt something new. As to whether Hua Hin needs one or not...I have no clue.

[J.J.B.]

Well that was enlightening. Ish. The only comprehensible result I found on the first page of google results was from good old Wikipedia. The entry for 'blogshop' was short (four brief sections) but did contain a word-for-word definition of what has been posted above, which was interesting.

The third section, entitled 'Scams' read as follows:

Controversies around blogshops involve non-delivery of goods. In 2010, a number of blogshop owners in Singapore were allegedly cheated by their landlord.

Now, I am beginning to feel a bit like a billy-goat gruff here...

[Pleng]

I'm guessing it's basically a blog which is full of entries like "I found this today...", goes on to describe it, then gives a way for the readers to purchase said items.

Like blogs themselves (a *terrible* platform for anything but a genuine personal diary) the information would be listed by date posted and rely on the authors appropriate use of tags to be even remotely searchable, as opposed to a traditional online store which has a nice hierarchical category based system with a proper search facility which makes it easy to browse and find what you're looking for.

[J.J.B.]

It sounds awful, like some kind of virtual Tupperware party. I think I'll be giving it a miss.

[caller]

It sounds awful, like some kind of virtual Tupperware party.

Brilliant!

[Bristolian]

I will attempt to answer the OP but it is difficult without laughing too much so please excuse any typo caused by my eyes watering.

You clearly have not given any thought to this concept except perhaps, the fact that the set up costs are zero (unless you count your time).

Blog shops may be able to thrive in Singapore or any other country where customer protection is taken seriously, and where there is sufficient enforcement of the law, business regulation and customer protection to make this viable for your target customers. (A group of cynical expats). If you are seriously thinking the same concept will work in Thailand with this target group, Think again!!!

Whatever the products, with this concept the customer must pay up front with no guarantee of supply or recourse, if something goes wrong. We all know that even in a highly over controlled and over legislative county state such as Singapore, this sales medium has caused a few issues. (Understatement)

Now let's consider your proposition: selling via this means in Thailand to a bunch of street savvy ex pats who know the protection that they will receive under the current laws and enforcement is less than perfect . Mmmm...Good luck!!!

Try putting your money up front, providing a secure shopping experience, even with a conventional on-line-shop, else try a different target group, or the same group......in 20 years time!!

[Pleng]

I don't think security should be an issue, unless the blogshop would be only accepting bank transfer as opposed to paypal as a payment method?

I guess the owner would need to start off with relatively small/cheap items (low risk for the consumer) so he could gain a decent reputation first.

Still think the concept blows, though!