Copyright 2003 Priya ShahI actually have two separate online businesses -
1. Selling wellness products and
2. Selling digital information products (eBooks)
Because I can look at things from both perspectives, I often tend to compare
two businesses from
point of view of
"better" opportunity.
But if I were asked to recommend a single business as
best way to make a living online,
Wellness Business would win hands down.
And no, I didn't choose it because its easy. On
contrary, selling health supplements, vitamins and related products online is NOT easy.
Not only is there tremendous competition, but it simply can't be done by working two hours a day, as is
common perception.
If you sell wellness products, you have to deal with REAL people. People with human needs and problems.
You must be available in person, or by phone, or at least by email, to clarify doubts, answer queries, be prompt and sensitive to your customers' needs and generally make your customer feel good about doing business with you.
You must also provide constant support, training and leadership to a growing organisation of distributors, and help them grow their business.
This can be extremely time-consuming because few of these tasks lend themselves to complete automation.
A seller of digital products has it somewhat easier. (S)He need not even interact with customers, because everything from product delivery to answering customer queries can run on autopilot.
Digital product sellers can (and often are) literally sitting on a beach while their websites churn out profits.
Given these disadvantages, why would anyone still choose
Wellness industry?
The reason I believe is because ANYONE, regardless of their talent or creativity, can actually make a steady LIVING for a lifetime in
Wellness industry.
And of course, there are a few who even go on to become millionaires.
Here are
reasons why I think Health and Wellness should be
#1 Choice for Entrepreneurs online.
1. Health Products Fulfill a Basic Human Need
Health is a #1 concern for many people - often more important than even sex (also a top seller online) or food.
The lack of health can make you feel... well... lousy. And most people will pay their bottom dollar if they can find something that alleviates their pain or discomfort.
To put it more plainly, NOT buying an eBook will not make much difference to your state of mind or body. But not taking your prescription medication can make you feel very bad indeed.
2. Health Products are Consumable
Unlike digital products that can only be sold ONCE to a customer, vitamins, supplements and prescriptions require monthly re-orders or autoships.