Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting an eCommerce store requires knowledge across inventory management, customer service, marketing, and business operations. The right books will help you avoid costly mistakes and accelerate your learning curve. Here are the essential reads for new eCommerce entrepreneurs.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
This book teaches you how to build and test your business idea quickly without burning through your entire budget. For eCommerce stores, this means validating your niche and product selection before committing to large inventory purchases. Ries’s validated learning approach helps you make data-driven decisions about what actually sells.
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The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
This practical guide focuses on starting a business with minimal capital and resources. Guillebeau covers everything from finding your first customers to scaling operations, with real examples from entrepreneurs who did it on tight budgets. It’s especially useful for understanding how to test your eCommerce concept before investing heavily.
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Traction by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
This book breaks down 19 different traction channels you can use to get your first customers and grow your sales. For eCommerce stores, understanding where your customers come from (social media, SEO, paid ads, email) is critical. The book helps you choose which channels to focus on based on your product and budget.
The Fulfillment by Amazon Handbook by Daniel Stauss
If you’re planning to use Amazon FBA, this guide walks through the entire process of sending inventory to Amazon warehouses and letting them handle shipping. Understanding FBA logistics, fees, and best practices can save you significant time and money on fulfillment. This book is especially valuable if you want to avoid the complexity of managing your own warehouse.
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Equipment You Need
An eCommerce store requires far less physical equipment than most businesses. Your primary investment is in technology and logistics infrastructure rather than machinery or tools. Here’s what you actually need to get started.
Computer Equipment
- Laptop or desktop computer: You need a reliable machine for order management, inventory tracking, and customer communication. A mid-range laptop ($600–$1,200) is sufficient for most eCommerce operations.
- Second monitor: Increases productivity when managing multiple tabs, dashboards, and email simultaneously. A 24–27 inch monitor helps you track inventory and orders more efficiently.
- Backup external hard drive: Stores critical business data, customer information, and product photos. Losing this data can shut down your business temporarily.
Photography and Product Imaging
- Camera or smartphone with high-quality camera: Product photos directly impact conversion rates. Modern smartphones (iPhone 12 or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+) take professional-quality photos. A dedicated camera ($300–$800) gives more control if you want studio-level shots.
- Lighting kit: Proper lighting is essential for clear, attractive product photos. A basic ring light or softbox kit ($50–$150) prevents shadows and shows product details accurately.
- Photo editing software: Tools like Adobe Lightroom or Canva let you adjust brightness, crop images, and maintain brand consistency. Many offer free or low-cost plans.
- Product photography backdrop: A simple white or neutral-colored backdrop ($20–$50) creates professional-looking photos without distracting backgrounds.
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Shipping and Fulfillment Supplies
- Shipping scale: Accurate weight measurement is critical for calculating shipping costs and billing customers correctly. A digital postal scale ($25–$50) handles packages up to 75 pounds.
- Packing supplies: Boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and tissue paper protect products during shipping. Initial supplies cost $100–$300; you’ll reorder regularly as you ship orders.
- Printer (thermal or inkjet): You’ll print shipping labels and packing slips daily. A thermal label printer ($150–$400) is faster and cheaper than inkjet for high-volume shipping.
- Shelving or storage units: Organize inventory in a dedicated space. Simple metal shelving ($100–$300 for a basic unit) keeps products accessible and inventory counts accurate.
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Office Essentials
- Desk and comfortable chair: You’ll spend hours at your desk managing the business. Invest in ergonomic furniture ($200–$500 combined) to avoid back and neck pain over time.
- Phone or headset: For customer service calls and video meetings with suppliers. A quality USB headset ($30–$80) improves call clarity.
- Filing system or document storage: Keep invoices, receipts, and customer records organized for tax purposes and dispute resolution.
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What to Buy First vs Later
Your initial purchases should focus on what you need to launch and test your business. Avoid spending heavily on equipment before you validate that customers will actually buy from you.
- First (launch phase): Reliable laptop, eCommerce platform subscription, domain name and hosting, basic camera or smartphone, simple lighting setup, shipping scale, and initial packing supplies. Total: $500–$1,500.
- After first sales (growth phase): Second monitor, thermal label printer, dedicated photography equipment, ergonomic furniture, and shelving units for inventory. Total: $1,000–$2,500.
- Later (scaling phase): Advanced inventory management software, higher-end camera equipment, dedicated storage space, packaging that reflects your brand, and potentially fulfillment center contracts. Total: variable based on order volume.
New vs Used Equipment
Your strategy should differ depending on the equipment type. Technology depreciates quickly, but some items benefit from used purchases if you’re careful.
Buy new: Computers and electronics (laptop, hard drive, printer). These have warranties, are critical to daily operations, and used versions may have hidden damage or short remaining lifespan. A failed laptop during peak holiday season costs far more than the discount on a used machine.
Consider used: Office furniture, shelving, and storage units. A used desk or filing cabinet works just as well as new. You can find quality items at IKEA’s as-is section, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local office furniture stores at 30–50% discounts.
Buy new or certified refurbished: Cameras and photography equipment. Used lenses and sensors may have internal damage affecting image quality. Certified refurbished items from the manufacturer come with warranties and perform like new.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fastest shipping, wide selection, easy returns. Best for electronics, office supplies, and shipping materials.
- B&H Photo Video: Specialized in cameras and photography equipment with expert reviews and detailed specs.
- Best Buy: Good for computers and electronics with in-store support and return flexibility.
- Staples or Office Depot: Office furniture, printing supplies, and shipping materials often cheaper in bulk.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Used office furniture and shelving at significant discounts. Inspect items in person before buying.
- IKEA: Affordable new furniture and shelving. Check the as-is section for open-box discounts.
- Local shipping supply stores: Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap often cheaper than online when buying bulk for regular orders.
- Manufacturer direct sites: Dell, Lenovo, and Canon often have direct sales with education or small business discounts.