My 2nd Ecommerce site
December 7th, 2007 by Kenric
Ok, I’m in the beginning stages of starting another site. My product is going to be Protein Skimmers. WTF are Protein Skimmers? Well they are an essential part of the filtration system for saltwater reef tanks. People who have large reeftanks spend alot of money for these things. This little baby to the right retails for $680.
This is a very small niche market with minimal competition from targeted stores. Many large online aquarium suppliers sell protein skimmers. As far as I know, there isn’t a site that is devoted to only protein skimmers. I did a few tests on keywords and feel confident that this can work.
I choose this niche for the same reasons as I mentioned in my posts about choosing an ecommerce product. The cheapest protein skimmer on my site will most likely be $300. The most expensive could be $4,000. I don’t know if I’m going to even list the super high priced ones. Again, I’m going to be dropshipping most of the product.
Which such high priced products, I expect to sell maybe about 3-5 a month. At least that’s what my goal would be. I do have experience in reefkeeping and I know alot about protein skimmers. I started my first reef tank over 10 years ago. I believe I paid $435 for my ETSS protein skimmer back then. 10 years later that model is being made and it’s for sale for $599! Damn, who knew it would appreciate! LOL. I think I sold it on Ebay for $250 8 years ago. There have been a few innovations in the past 10 years, but the basic concept and functionality of the skimmers are the same.
Right now I’m in the process of getting my business license, setting up a new LLC and contacting the manufacturers. I already have my domain registered. We’ll see how this one goes in January!
Posted in Ebiz2 | 
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Would you mind posting a link to your e commerce sight? I find that very interesting…
By Jared on Dec 7, 2007
Sorry Jared, I am not posting my site URL for my current ebiz. I may post the 2nd one once its up and running.
By Kenric on Dec 7, 2007
This is very interesting Ken. I look forward to your next post. I am interested with these protein skimmers. There are not much of these in our country.
By BloomFields on Dec 8, 2007
good luck with your venture. will you be designing a new model or distributing a current line?
By eric on Dec 8, 2007
Nice site Eric! I’m going to be distributing current lines.
By Kenric on Dec 8, 2007
thanks. let me know how your progress goes. do you know what lines you’ll be carrying? again best of luck!
By eric on Dec 8, 2007
AETech, AquaC, Precision Marine so far. Euro-reef said no. Still waiting on responses from others. Not sure if I’m going to be carrying the smaller HOT skimmers.
I was thinking of doing lighting also, but I haven’t been keeping up with the newer technology.
By Kenric on Dec 8, 2007
Cant go wrong with ETSS and PM. If you get into lighting i’d suggest carrying T5 retros, ATI T5 bulbs, and then the usual MH fixtures and bulbs (XM, AB, Reeflux, etc.)
I would stay away from LED for now, too expensive even at wholesale and not as efficient as MH or T5.
By eric on Dec 8, 2007