Internet based business

[MaiChai]

Its really easy to setup and establish an Internet based business now. All you need is a good idea, a credit card to get it all setup, and probably a little good credit history in a western country.

I wonder what kinds of business people are running, and more importantly, how well they are doing?

I have the technical skills to do this (setting it all up at the moment), with the view to making a living by helping others setup and develop web ideas (as well as doing my own).

It would also circumvent the need to establish a business in Thailand with all the red tape, costs, etc (business would be based elsewhere).

[singa-traz]

Do a Google Search with the following Keyword:

- DOT

- COM

- GONE

Read a few articles from the search result, and then scratch your head ... for the good idea. You can take a cold beer at the same time.

Looks like IT is looking for another problem to solve ... this is usually not a good start, for a viable business.

Now do a Google Search with the following Keyword:

- Internet

- Business

- Successful

Read a few successfull story, and finish the beer.

Now here is a free idea for an Internet Base Business:

- Translation Services

You just need a Fax, Internet Connection and a Credit Card for your customer to pay ... and you can work from ... Koh Tao ?

And for a small fee (100 US$), I can send you the complete instruction to setup the business and go to make millions faster than you think ...  :cool:

[mrvietnam2001]

With the amount of deception and fraud in the web development business, it's a lot tougher than you think.

Which is ONE reason why the gang in the business are whining in the USA and UK about all the outsourcing going on.

Which is a good thing ( the outsourcing).

Rather than get ripped off by the dirtbags in the US and UK for 50+ bucks and hour, who have no integrity, we now send our dollars to Asia and do NOT get ripped off and get the work done at a fraction of the cost in the big empire and it's little lap dog.

However, once done, I'll agree that yes, it can be done and once consistent, can be done from anywhere in the world. But it's not as easy as claimed.

We own 9 websites and have just gone partners with someone who has over 60 sites online. We have better connections in Vnam and SE Asia while the partner has multiple top 5 and top 10 rankings on every search engine with over 100,000 unique visitors a month. It would have been impossible to compete realistically with that guy on traffic. On the other hand we will crush anyone in Vietnam who tries to hurt our business there. The partner wanted to get "in" on Vietnam. We wanted "in" on the traffic he gets on the engines. It's as perfect a match as we could think of.

So, choose a developer wisely. The majority of them are either incompetant, dishonest, overpriced, or all of the above. MOST people get ripped off.

But if you really think it thru and factor in a serious premium you will pay for research into finding competant, fair people to work with, AND if you have the tenacity to see a good idea thru, you'll eventually do ok and maybe a lot better than ok!

Hope this has been helpful to you.

Regards

Mr Vietnam  

[MaiChai]

I have been in IT for a long time, used to do this kind of stuff for big companies (back in 1995 was the postmaster for a large bank in London). Now I am doing it for myself. I'm not what you might call wet behind the ears, so to speak.

I want to get an idea of what other people are getting up to. Not wanting to steal peoples ideas, just get an idea if anyone is making any money (and there must be).

Lots of people want to get on the web, but don't know anything about it, so thats another opportunity...

[Sunbelt Asia]

Hi, Just responded to you in another thread about this listing...

Established, expatriate run, online export business with 3 websites that dominate the first page of all major search engines.  This business has a proven track record with operating systems in place for easy and efficient management.

Work permit, VAT registration and export license. Legal and accounting services are provided by a Bangkok based law firm. The websites are easy to maintain and run from home, with automated e-mail response to confirm, track and process orders.

All customer orders are paid for in advance by credit card, generating an excellent cash flow. Processed order payments are made weekly by a US based secure online credit card service provider.

Massive potential for expansion within the current market and for add-on products and services. This business can be easily carried out from home in any major city in Thailand.

The websites contain online catalogues of lightweight, low cost, high sale value decorative products created in Thailand with a high export margin, sold principally to established North American and European markets.  

Huge customer database with a significant level of repeat orders and referrals. The business is over 2 years old and is still growing at a more than satisfactory rate, but the owner wants to free-up capital to invest in an unrelated project, and to spend more time in Europe with ageing  relatives.

Rolling 12 month receipts currently stand at $187,000 producing profits of $69,000 which are documented. Although the 3 websites overlap and so compete with each other, the owner has found that this is beneficial to overall sales volumes and helps to capture a larger market share.  The rapid expansion and success of the business can be attributed to a good quality product, good customer service and a high level of customer satisfaction.  

This is an exciting, easy to operate business with proven profitability which can be managed by someone with a little computer experience; the current owners will make themselves available for a suitable hand-over period.

Here’s another one....

This Software Development Company has a huge advantage over their competition as they have a B.O.I. in place. This means they can own land, be 100% foreign owned, obtain unlimited work permits, pay no income tax for six years and pay duty free rates on imports and exports of hardware and software. The owner is looking to sell as he wants to branch out into real estate. After five years of operation, there are five website companies that have been formed, and which bring in revenues of 1,450,000 baht and profits of 800,000 baht; there are also a further five domains reserved. The current sites all register on the front pages of leading Internet search engines, and feature I.T. real estate sites, an auto listing programme and guestbook database driven programme. Two leading worldwide agencies are represented, and they are a registered company with paid up capital of four million baht, with fully documented books. The firm pays a low overhead for a top notch staff of four professionals. The rent is a low 6,000 baht per month, and the opening hours are 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.

and another listing...

This company is one of Thailand’s top web design businesses. Established in 1996, they take on a range of assignments, from simple designs to complex corporate strategies. In the latter category they have managed to secure some of the biggest names in the Kingdom. If we were to divulge the names of the companies you would be highly impressed, but that would unfortunately render the company’s confidentiality clause redundant. Suffice to say that there are large banking companies, supermarket chains, government departments, industrial concerns, educational programmes and the like that are numbered amongst the client list. There is also a very impressive 99% retention rate of the client base, and the company is among the top five in their field within the country. The design team has been together now for a long time, and is highly professional and creative. The best available writers and photographers are recruited on a freelance basis to augment the finished product. The average price per contract is 300,000 baht to 400,000 baht, and e-business solutions, intranet projects and document flow control assignments are all handled with expertise. The company can easily obtain B.O.I. approval as they fit the criteria required, especially if foreign money were to be involved in the purchase. The current partners wish to divest themselves of the company as they have reached an amicable disagreement on the future direction of the business. One wishes to expand, while the other is happy with the current set up. They are more than willing to help in the transition process, for however long it takes, or will act as consultants for a new owner. They will also negotiate with existing clients on the investor’s behalf. Alternatively they are willing to accept a merger, and keep a small stake. Current receipts are 11 million baht per annum, with annual profits of 3.5 million baht.

So here are three top listings with Sunbelt Asia. We have several smaller listings as well with websites.

The key is to use the inexpensive labor and get a fair price for it as a vendor.

[Butterfly]

I have been in IT for a long time, used to do this kind of stuff for big companies (back in 1995 was the postmaster for a large bank in London). Now I am doing it for myself. I'm not what you might call wet behind the ears, so to speak.

I want to get an idea of what other people are getting up to. Not wanting to steal peoples ideas, just get an idea if anyone is making any money (and there must be).

Lots of people want to get on the web, but don't know anything about it, so thats another opportunity...

The only people making money on the web are porn Webmasters with the deceptive use of pop-up ads referral. The rest is just fantasy business

[Butterfly]

This Software Development Company has a huge advantage over their competition as they have a B.O.I. in place. This means they can own land, be 100% foreign owned, obtain unlimited work permits, pay no income tax for six years and pay duty free rates on imports and exports of hardware and software. The owner is looking to sell as he wants to branch out into real estate. After five years of operation, there are five website companies that have been formed, and which bring in revenues of 1,450,000 baht and profits of 800,000 baht; there are also a further five domains reserved. The current sites all register on the front pages of leading Internet search engines, and feature I.T. real estate sites, an auto listing programme and guestbook database driven programme. Two leading worldwide agencies are represented, and they are a registered company with paid up capital of four million baht, with fully documented books. The firm pays a low overhead for a top notch staff of four professionals. The rent is a low 6,000 baht per month, and the opening hours are 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday.

This one might be interesting if not too expensive to buy but I have the following questions:

1. Who is taking care of sales ?

2. what is the Acquisition price of such a company ? 1x Sales, 2x Sales ?

Thanks.

Let me now in PM

[MaiChai]

Lets not be so negative. Shopping carts are very easy to get these days. Sell something, process the order, give the cart co a small %.

Making money through ads is old hat. Making money through porn is also old hat; the Internet is full of free porn not to mention anyone who gives out their email address or credit card details to one of these sites is asking for trouble... So most people would avoid porn sites like the plague. Also, I think they are rather boring.

Appreciate the info Sunbelt. However, I would rather build up my own business, less risk. Plenty of opportunities in Thailand, as long as you are prepared to work at it.

[Sunbelt Asia]

However, I would rather build up my own business, less risk

Sorry to say, starting up a business has much higher risk. Many studies show 80% fail in the first 2 years.

Acquiring a business that has been open 3 years or more, has on average 70% SUCESS rate.

Franchising companies have a high degree of success as well, 70-92% degree of success. Just depends which report you look at over the past 10 years.

Will a start-up have a higher investment or less than acquiring your own business?

Just depends, in some cases, yes much more. Others, no.  The key is finding a system that works and then getting that hands-on training to transfer that knowledge (sourcing the product, distribution, etc.) That’s why you have less risk. More important you have the brand name that people trust on the websites and get the referrals. In all three listings above, they all enjoy an excellent reputation.

[mrvietnam2001]

So succesful, can't you afford to put your own forum online and get traffic to it? What a joke.

http://www.toilette-humor.com/cartoon.html

Mr Vietnam  

[djinn]

lolllll

Thanks mrvietnam2001

[mrvietnam2001]

Your Welcome Mr djinn !

Mr Vietnam  

[Sunbelt Asia]

Lol. To be frank It would be cheaper than the 15,000 Baht per month, we pay as forum sponsor of Thai Visa.  George is a good guy and we wanted to support him. I don't know of one person we've gain as a client from this forum.  However I do enjoy sharing our experience and views. The poster ask is anyone making money in the Internet business? I mention three that say they are and we have others on our books. None of them were in the porn business either. :-)

[mrvietnam2001]

LOL+ I didn't know that Ikonboard was charging a few hundred dollars a month. Last time I set one of these up it was free except I paid my webguy to set up my site templates to match the board and there are some other costs but nowhere near what you just claimed.

It's great that you want to "share your experiences", however when you also see a need to hype your own posts with your "largest business broker in the universe" signatures, I just have to laugh. I'm not even going to comment on the alleged web buiness "offerings".

Mr Vietnam  

[mrvietnam2001]

Franchise opportunity:

http://www.funnyjunk.com/pages/burger.htm

But ya gotta show some real net, plus considerable cash to buy.

Mr Vietnam    

[Sunbelt Asia]

Hey I already eliminated the signature before your post. Guess you didn't notice :-)  Anyway, not hiding behind an internet user name. The fact is most people feel we provide a good service. I 'm indeed very proud were part of the world's largest business brokerage.

On the companies on the books, feel free to stop by our office. Think you would see all three will pass the gold standard with documented audited books. I'm pleased they chose us to represent them. To answer the posters thread... yes, at least three are making money.

[simon43]

Hey just a comment that Sunbelt got one client from this forum - me! And so far I'm very happy with the service they have provided to register etc a Thai ltd company for me.

But back to the original question.  There are millions of websites and enterprises in this world, but I imagine only a small number of them make any decent money. (And some make VERY decent money...)

Running an internet business isn't some quick get-rich venture! The business has to be based on sound business principles, just like any other business.  Unfortunately, some individuals seemed to think that money would just fall into their wallets..(remember boo.com and [almost] lastminute.com etc..)

But there are internet businesses that make money! Yes, porn is one sector that can make very good money, but there is a lot of competition.  Certainly those types of business which sell a service or software product can be very easily managed from Thailand (or anywhere else in the world).  There are no physical goods to ship.  

If you are thinking about running an internet business, remember that just because you live in Thailand, it does not mean your business has to have anything to do with Thailand!

You could (for example), run a business that offered search-engine optimisation to other websites (getting their website listing high in the search engine results).

Or why not run a business that helps companies to locate freely-available grants or business loans? (A general rule - Money can always be made by supplying information that other parties seek, but who do not have the knowledge as to where to locate this information)

The list of possible internet ventures is long. Think carefully and research your market, customers, competition etc before you commit yourself! But good luck!

[Sunbelt Asia]

Simon,

Sorry bout that. Did not know it was Thaivisa.com that did the introduction. Glad you're happy with the service.

Regards,

[exchange1973]

Hi there,

i have a question relating IT-/Mobile-business. I'm interested in your point of view. In Germany there is a boom of SMS-based services. Good old services, like delivery of stockprices but also a huge amount of newer services (e.g. SMS-chat). What do you think? What do you know? How many of this businesses already exist in LOS and what how do you estimate the chance of success?

In Europe the Kids keep this business running and it has a superior growthrate. The costs of equipment and software you need isn't worth a word.

I think in LOS there is also a huge growth of mobile-users. mobile-services...

Any suggestions/opinions....?

In the next two weeks i finish the development of a sms-Server/sms-Gateway. If someone is interested in starting a trial or anyone wants to know about this app, please contact me!

[simon43]

Hi - well my business is the development and operation of nothing but SMS-chat and dating services! Been doing this for about 2 or 3 years...

You are right about Germany. There is a high usage of such chat services, particularly for adult chat.  Of course, the other big use for SMS services is to download ringtones and logos.

If you actually want to operate such end-to-end services yourself, then there is a reasonably high cost for servers, mobile network fees etc.  Most companies in this sector simply 'resell' the services provided by other companies = lower operating and start-up costs.

As for Thailand, well like most other countries they are mobile-crazy.  But you need to do your maths here. In Germany, a ringtone will cost about 2-3 euros and you will receive a good profit on each ringtone.  But in Thailand the same ringtone selss for around 10-15 baht and you will receive around 6 baht from the mobile network for each ringtone.  Your advertising and operational costs are probably not much less than for Germany (I checked advert costs!), so it is harder to make a success of such a business in Thailand.  And don't forget that the ringtone and logo market has been around for years and there are many companies in Thailand already doing these services.

As for SMS-chat, there is the added problem that many new mobile phones now support the sending and receipt of Thai-character messages, so you need to be able to handle this unicode character set!

[exchange1973]

Hi Simon43,

yes, you're right about logos and ringtones in Europe and LOS. But that's not the business i want to run. Unicode, well, that's no problem, the server can handle this. First version is a w2k-version, but in parallel I'm writing a java-version. So you're independent from OS.

The Server implements a TCP/IP-based API with XML. So you can send "SMS-requests" over an IP-based Network.

So there are no costs for the software. Hardware: I think that you needn't high end serverhardware. A PIII - 1 GHz with 512MB and a someGB-HDD should be enough for that that job. Deploying a MySQL-database -> save the money for expensive DB-Software.

What about Services not just for Kiddies or Dater. What about financial informationservices like stockprices & indices, exchangerates in LOS

Got so many ideas? Interested in an email-based idea-exchange?

Greetings from very hot Berlin (37 degree celsius)! ;-)

[exchange1973]

Hi again,

I firgot something relatig hardwarecosts. There is no need for expensive GSM-Modems.

I tested the server using a Nokia 7650 over Bluetooth. It worked fine. But you can use also a datacable!

Ok, world of bits and bytes is waiting!

GTX!

exchange1973

[simon43]

Yes - we should do this over email (send me a PM..)

A comment re using your 7650 for the SMS 'connection'.  Whilst using mobile phones or modems is generally ok for low volumes of messages, they cannot handle anything over about 1 message every 4 seconds.  Also, from my own tests, these modems and phones are not happy running 24/7!  Finally, its difficult to have a revenue model.  How do you earn your money? I suppose in this scenario your customers pay a subscription etc.  But if you send/receive your service text messages via the mobile networks, and have a Premium Charge SMS contract with them, then you can automatically bill every text message to the customer's mobile phone.  In Thailand you can bill up to 15 baht per message and you get about 40% of this.....