1. AUCTIONS, ONLINE BROKER
 Many people or business owners have collectibles, used items or leftovers they wish to get rid of but do not have the time or know-how to sell these objects online. If you have been successful at selling items on eBay or on other online auction sites, you may want to consider starting an online consignment venture. 

 Success Tips: Successful online sellers (consignees) are experienced, reputable, and earn commissions from selling others’ items. Use consignment software (see resources) to keep track of the volume of your auction listings, your database of consignors’ information, and your accounts and payments. Most consignment sellers specialize in the items they sell.

Resources: How to Start and Run an eBay Consignment Business by Skip McGrath. Selling Beyond Ebay: Foolproof Ways to Reach More Customers and Make Big Money on Rival Online Marketplaces by Greg Holden. www.auctionbytes.com — online-auction industry news; technology reviews.

2. CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY SITES
Teachers, parents, and grandparents search for quality, children’s educational and entertainment toys and products; plus interactive web sites** with ideas for activities they can do with children. People with educational, scientific, and child psychology backgrounds can use their knowledge to launch child-related sites.

**All child-interactive sites, must follow The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule as far as gathering personal information. (SEE the FTC.gov for more information).

 Success Tips: Research what is presently available for children in the areas that interest you to find a distinctive niche. Make your site easy for parents or children to navigate and offer information and fun things to do, or products they can buy. Market it with ads in parent, grandparent or educational online or print publications.

Resources: Building Web Sites All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies by Doug Sahlin, Claudia Snell. Family Fun Magazine (http://familyfun.go.com) — sample of children’s fun activities.

3. DROP-SHIPPING ONLINE
Many entrepreneurs who do not have the money to invest in or the space to store a large inventory of products, have opted to make money through drop-shipping. They set up accounts with distributors who ship manufacturers’ products to the buyers these drop-shippers attract through web sites or online auctions.

Success Tips: Analyze the products you are selling to ensure their quality and profit potential. Research your suppliers and manufacturers to guarantee they are dependable and not swindlers. Follow up sales to ensure your customers have received their products and are satisfied.

Resources: Article: “Drop-Ship Your Way to Success” – www.Entrepreneur.com. The eBay Entrepreneur: The Definitive Guide for Starting Your Own eBay Trading Assistant Business by Christopher Matthew Spencer.

4. FOOD, HOMEMADE SPECIALTIES
Due to the popularity of cable television cooking shows, the influx of new foods from other cultures, and a growing concern for healthier eating, many people are buying specialty foods online. If you are considering making and selling a family recipe; growing a new type of produce; or creating a new food product, first research all that is involved: licensing, labeling, cooking, distribution, and marketing.

Success Tips: Learn regulations concerning commercial cooking and transport of produce. Attend food trade shows to talk with other food entrepreneurs for tips. Make sure your product has profit potential. Offer free samples at markets and fairs; hold cooking demonstrations; or sponsor recipe contests.

Resources: National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT) (www.specialtyfood.com/do/Home) — food shows; educational programs; competitions. From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Gourmet Food Specialty, 3rd ed. by Stephen F. Hall. http://foodsafety.psu.edu/processor/resources.htm — food entrepreneur resources.

5. ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS: EZINES, EBOOKS & BLOGS
Many people wish to publish their knowledge and experiences within their industry or hobby groups but find it difficult to find a major publisher because their potential readership is too narrow. With affordable technology and print-on-demand companies, these same experts are profiting by selling their know-how directly to interested readers with e-zine subscriptions or e-books that can be downloaded from their web sites. Others have found profits with blogging pursuits by selling advertising space or setting up affiliate programs.

Success Tips: As with any product, conduct market research before writing your e-publication: Who will want to read it and why? What are potential readers willing to pay for it? Market your electronic publications with how-to articles in print and online publications.

Resources: BookLocker.com – e-book publisher. The Easy Way to Write and Sell E-Books by Kristina Seleshanko. From Entrepreneur to Infopreneur: Make Money with Books, E-books, and Information Products by Stephanie Chandler.

6. FITNESS & HEALTH: SENIORS, CHILDREN
With 10,000 baby boomers turning 59 every day and the increase of child and teen obesity, our seniors and children need specialized assistance and products to maintain their fitness while staying active and healthy. Your web site could sell exercise equipment, toys or health care products; or offer activities, information, or a combination of these offerings to improve these populations’ health.

Success Tips: You will have more success if you have a background in fitness and health and some experience with children or older adults. Market your web site with articles in related publications and by demonstrating products or activities at health-related trade or medical shows.

Resources: American Council on Exercise (www.acefitness.org) — trainer certification; workshops; publications like, Exercise for Older Adults, 2nd ed., Youth Fitness, and Fit Food. National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (www.ncppa.org/physactfactsheets.asp) — online fact sheets and resources.