E-commerce Internet Business Plan

FireStarters’ will have a two track strategy.

1. FireStarters will advertise in alternative magazines that are targeted at our customers and the ad rate is affordable. (For girls: Bust, Candy, Chick, and Girl magazines. For Boys: Thrashers and TransWorld.)
2. FireStarters will also plan 15 events in select communities to raise its visibility with the target customers. The focus will be initially on the West Coast during the first year of operation. During the second year of operation, FireStarters will plan events in the Midwest and the East Coast. FireStarters will sponsor skateboard competitions and demonstrations. We will assemble groups of boy and girl skateboarders and sponsor them with the FireStarters logo. The groups will be scheduled to tour selected communities. FireStarters will sponsor the events but will also seek local businesses that target the same customer base to share the event’s sponsorship. FireStarters will book local popular alternative bands to play the event. At these events, FireStarters will distribute stickers, caps, t-shirts, and promotional material offering a 20% discount on purchases.

5.1 Competitive Edge

FireStarters’ competitive advantage is offering product lines that make a statement but won’t leave you broke. The major brands are expensive and not distinctive enough to satisfy the changing taste of our target customers. FireStarters offers products that are just ahead of the curve and so affordable that our customers will return to the website often to check out what’s new.

Another competitive factor is that products for this age group are part of a lifestyle statement. FireStarters is focused on serving youth outside the metropolitan areas. We want to represent their style and life choices. We believe that we will create a loyal customer base that will see Firestarters as part of their lives. To facilitate that connection, our website will have a chat section where our customers can share what is happening in their communities as well as comment on our products and what we should add to our product line in the future.

5.2 Sales Strategy

Sales will be flat for the first 45 days of operation. We anticipate that sales will begin at this point and increase as our marketing campaign progresses.  

5.2.1 Sales Forecast

The following is the sales forecast for three years. First year monthly sales forecast is shown in the appendix.