I started my Build a Niche Store review about a month ago, giving myself the month of February to make back my investment. How I did will be revealed in a little bit, as I wanted to offer a little background information about the software first.
About The Software
Build a Niche Store (or BANS as it [...]
I started my Build a Niche Store review about a month ago, giving myself the month of February to make back my investment. How I did will be revealed in a little bit, as I wanted to offer a little background information about the software first.
About The Software
Build a Niche Store (or BANS as it is commonly known as) is web-based software that automatically generates fully-designed and coded stores for you to use. However, these aren’t your typical stores. Build a Niche Store integrates with eBay’s RSS feeds to pull item listings from current auctions on the site. Essentially this means that you will have an entire store populated with items of your choice. You never have to ship a product, pay a listing fee, worry about auctions completing, or any other hassles that goes along with selling items online.
Now, this probably doesn’t make any sense to you. You’re probably wondering how exactly you make any money if you aren’t selling anything. The answer is simple: affiliate commissions. Since you’re referring people to make a purchase on an auction eBay will reward you with a percentage of the listing fees that they charge. You’re also paid for every new member you refer to eBay that registers and makes a purchase. These numbers are performance based as well, meaning the more you refer, the greater the commissions. Take for example the following table that breaks down earning percentages:
Using that table, here is a brief example of potential earnings. Through your niche store(s) if you were to generate 50 new users (ACRUs) and $5,000 of commissions per month your total monthly commission for that month would be $4,400. This number may sound out of reach, but with multiple stores with enough traffic, it actually sounds a little low.
Now, I hate when sites only quote “potential earnings” in order to make sale. So, I took the following quotes from the BANS forum, which requires a BANS purchase in order to join. I’ve left the names out to ensure anonymity, but rest assured, these are actual people reporting their earnings after using the Build a Niche Store software.
“In my excitement that I reached $340.62 since the 26th of Jan with my BANS store, I almost overlooked the fact that I had my 1st $100 day on Feb 4th with $107.28 all in sales, no sign ups that day. During that 11 day period since opening my 1st store I have had 75 sales. “
“After 10 days I am now getting 100 visitors per day and have made $237.00 so far. BANS has been a good investment for me…. thats for sure. Wonder what would happen if I optimized it a bit”
“On target to clear more than $4,300 from BANS over the last 30 days. Have five sites running (sorry, not going to share the niches,
.”
The Simplicity of it All
Build a Niche Store is incredibly easy to use. Initially it sounds quite complicated. The idea of setting up a domain, web hosting, and web-based software will undoubtedly scare some people away. But, here are three reasons why this shouldn’t discourage you. First, the software comes with one of the most thorough guides I’ve ever seen. It goes through the step-by-step process of setting up a store complete with full-detailed instructions and pictures. Second, maybe it’s time you learn something new. Take it from me, setting up a domain is incredibly easy. If you’re capable of typing on a computer, you’re more than capable of owning your own domain. Finally, owning websites is not only fun, but addicting. I started making websites as a hobby until I found out there was a lot of money to be made. A year and a half later, I work from home solely based on the income generated by a few websites. When I say that if I can do it, anyone can do it, I honestly mean it.
The actual process of setting up a store is picking which products and categories you want to promote, filling in appropriate text, and picking and choosing colors and pre-designed templates. An experienced user could have a niche store up and running in no less than ten minutes, but I would say it would take the novice user around two hours to have a fully-operating, working store ready. It really is that easy.
Final Progress Report
I started using the BANS software on February 1st, nearly one month ago. The following progress report is a fully-detailed total of my expenses and earnings while using the software.
Expenses:
$97.00 – Build A Niche Store Software
$14.75 – Blu-ray-auctions.com Domain from www.GoDaddy.com
$18.00 – Purchased three articles
$18.00 – Social Bookmarking Submission Services
$3.50 – Website Directory Submission Services
Traffic and Earnings:
914 Visitors.
72 Clicks.
7 Sales.
$6.49 from sales.
1 Ebay Signup
$25.00 from Signups
2 Affiliate Sales.
$53.00 from affiliate sales.
Total Expenses: $151.25
Total Earnings: $84.49
Total Profit: ($66.76)
When I first started my BANS review, I gave myself a month to make back all of my expenses in order to call this software successful. I’d hate to call this a failure, so I’m going to retract my previous statement and say that Build a Niche Store is highly successful and I offer nothing but complete praise to the software. Sure I fell $66.76 short of my goal, but my store isn’t going anywhere. Considering my traffic has slowly been increasing over the last few days, I’ll more than likely make back my money in March and finally be in profit.
My Future with BANS
I already have two more BANS stores planned out and will hopefully have them online before the end of March. I can’t reveal my ideas as I don’t want them stolen (Yes, they are that good) and have the market saturated. The beauty of BANS is that you can continue to make as many websites as you like with just the one-time purchase. They require little to no maintenance and continue to bring in money long after you’ve stopped working on them. If you’re looking for a new way to make money online, I fully believe that Build a Niche Store will help you achieve this. I whole-heartedly give this software my approval.
It’s amazing.
Click here to learn more about Build a Niche Store.
50 Responses
Hi Steve,
I came upon your website from google, searching for “Build a Niche Store review.” You’re 4th down from the top!
You have a great site here, with lots of interesting info!
I’m a total neophyte when it comes to this affiliate business, (don’t even know what an RSS feed means), but the BANS website made it sound so easy, and your experience confirms that.
Knowing about my ignorance, you’ll understand these questions:
The BANS FAQ says you need: Linux/Unix hosting with MySQL database access.
Is that what you got through GoDaddy.com?
And is the 14.75 for GoDaddy a monthly fee?
I was actually impressed with your earnings, even though you are still in the Red! Do you think you would have done just as well without these three expenditures, or were they necessary for your success?
$18.00 – Purchased three articles
$18.00 – Social Bookmarking Submission Services
$3.50 – Website Directory Submission Services
OK, I’d better stop here. I could keep you on the line for hours.
Thank you very much!!
Hi Merry,
Great questions! I always miss a few details in reviews so it’s good to get comment-loaded questions.
For starters, I host all of my websites through HostGator. I didn’t list that as an expense given that it didn’t cost me any extra to host my store either. I registered the domain through GoDaddy, which was the $14.75 fee. It’s an annual fee, not monthly. Although, typical hosting fees will cost between $5-$10 per month. This does include the Linux/Unix hosting with MySQL database access. It may sound complex, but it’s a very basic feature that comes standard with nearly every host.
The expenses weren’t necessary for my success, but it helped fill my website with content (the $18.00 article fee) and promote it through different websites (the @21.50 in fees) All of which I could have done on my own, just didn’t have the time. It isn’t necessary per say, but it helps speed up the process in which people find your site.
I hope that answered your questions. Let me know if you have any more.
Hi Steve
If it’s not too much to ask, can you refer me to the:
1. Social Bookmarking Submission Services
2. Website Directory Submission Services
you used. Thanks in advance!
Thank you for the quick response, Steve! And for your offer to answer any other questions I may have. OK, since you offered …
Does the BANS info explain in detail various options, in specific detail, about who to choose for hosting and to register my domain name? I’m assuming that those are two separate tasks. The reason is I have no idea which company is a “good” choice, and I’m wondering if I’ll have to do a bunch of research on that.
So if I understand what you said correctly, registering my domain name at GoDaddy is an annual fee of 14.75, and hosting will usually run about $5 – $10 a month.
Thank you again for all of the info, Steve!! I’m looking forward to your advice also to Bob’s question.
Bob:
The exact services I used aren’t available anymore. But I found them through the Digital Point forums at: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/forumdisplay.php?f=60 There are plenty of people offering these services. Just be sure to go with someone who has good feedback.
Merry:
The BANS guide does go into great detail about which host to use, how to order a domain, and how to make sure they’re working properly. It will also show you how to upload the files, install the software, and configure everything, again, in great detail.
And yes, you understood my numbers correctly.
Since my initial investment with Sabrina’s Money Matters, and subsequently MouthyGirl.com (paid for by Sabrina’s Money Matters) I’ve decided that I’d like to use only monies earned online for ventures online. It’s worked out well so far, and this with your endorsement, is my next venture.
Thanks for the heads up.
I’ve read all of your BANS posts and look forward to seeing your continued progress.
Thank you for your help, Steve!! I’ll keep checking back to see your progress in this and/or your other adventures. I’ll come back here if I decide to try the BANS out. Thanks again!
Steve, Now THAT,S what I’m talking about!!!!!! I can’t thank you enough for turning us (your regular readers) onto something so cool!!!! Mick
Hi Steve
Thanks for the reply & the link. I’ll check it out.
bob
Steve, can a BANS store be integrated with a WP blog? Say if I was going to start a blog about reptiles and used Structure. Could one of the tabs lead to a BANS page at the same URL?
Steve you’ve got me really interested. I already have a UK ebay store selling lower priced goods (killer prices)but it can be very time consuming to regulate my listings so that I do make a profit rather than paying too much in ebay fees not to mention paypal fees on top.
Thanks for the info
Trevor
Joe,
As far as I know, there are no Wordpress themes designed to work with BANS. You can easily modify one of the templates to match your blogs theme, but that’s probably about as far as integration goes.
Steve,
Is there a way you can tell me how to build my own website? I also got a blog I got for free and I wonder can I build a website without spending a dime?
Please help me!!!
Lesette
Hi Steve,
I bought a BANS on March 10th, after reading your entries for February. Everything seems cool with it.
I never would have guessed how tough it is to think of a domain name that someone else has not already registered !!!
Just wanted to say thanks
Chris
Chris, let us know how it goes. What’s your shiny new url?
Lesette:
Now that’s a tough one. If you want your own domain name, as in http://www.yourowndomainname.com you’d probably need to spent some $$$. Then, you need to host (house) your website on some computer. The free ones usually have advertisements attached to them, giving it a ‘cheap’ and unprofessional look or they are severely limited on disk space. Also, what do you mean by ‘my own website’? A blog? A shopfront with shopping cart? A forum site? A simple site for textual information? That will also determine how close to ‘free’ you are going to get. It helps to bring whoever is going to help you to someone’s existing website closest to the one you have in mind so they can make recommendations. Hope this gets you started. -bob
Joe, EVERY ONE I’VE THOUGHT OF is already taken thus far.
I’ll letcha know when I finally get an original thought !
thanks for yoru site. i just read your article on niche stores. i tried to click on the icon but nothing happened. (is that for information only?) ellen
Thank you so much for this site. I was in the process of creating my own online store through dropshipping. However, I came across the BANS website and really liked how it sounded. But I was skeptical on exactly how it worked, I’ve been researching reviews and your’s has been the most helpful by far! After reading this I definitely think BANS is for me.
Wow – great article and definitely cool BANS store! Actually, you inspired me to do the same and now I am also a proud owner of a little store (http://www.drums-outlet.com). It would be great if you could give me (us) some additional insights into the following:
1. How did you go about publicizing your store on Social Bookmarking Submission Services?
2. Which Website Directory Submission Services did you use?
Many thanks and again thank you very much!
Great URL, Antonio. I’m amazed it was still available.
Hi! I was reading the comments and wanted to point out that GoDaddy charges too much for domains. I’ve been using DreamHost.com for eight years and have always been nothing less than 100% happy with their performance, up-time, support, etc. They offer domain registrations for $9.95/yr and the ability to register a domain for up to 10 years. While the $5 difference is insignificant if you just need one domain, the $5’s start adding up fas if you want multiple domains.
While I’ve not really researched it, it seems to me that GoDaddy is aimed at picking off first and second timers. I’m sure there are many reliable web-presence providers like DreamHost that offer better services at lower prices.
I was just wondering… once I’ve created my niche store (I have a receivable due next week which will just cover BANS) which site listing services have you found to be most effective. I’ve not listed a site before.
Thank you!
hi please i need some help Im a stay at home mom that has very little money to start up a website with all those fees is there anything out there i can do that doesnt cost much for starters then ill do the bans please help im desperate
Sandy,
I think Steve does a great job on this website by telling us exactly what you can do to make some extra money on the web. Article writing is a safe bet, but so are online surveys (both described in detail here). Alternatively, you could also join some programs that pay you to view ads. I know a few reliable ones, but am not sure whether I can mention them here.
Setemkia,
I have found world-free-ads.com to work well.
As for other websites, it’s quite simple: just do a search on Google entering your niche category followed by “directory” – I’m sure you will find plenty to choose from!
Hey Steve,
It is now May…almost June! How are your BANS doing now? How many do you have?
I won’t lie: not good. The software is still up and making sales, but I never got around to opening any more stores and the traffic on this site is slowly dwindling. I blame myself entirely though. I put BANS aside to work on other projects and haven’t looked back since March. I’ll most likely pick it up again sometime soon, but it’s on the backburner for now.
I still entirely recommend the software. I don’t have exact numbers, but the BANS software has more than paid for itself already. The case study here was a huge success and there are talks behind I’ve Tried That closed doors about featuring another case study, but I can’t say much more than that right now.
Again, the software still works; the Steve does not (at least not on BANS anyway).
Thanks for the info Steve. Looks like I’ll have to try this…with the refund I get from Process at Home!
Antonio C., I noticed that your domain for drumsoutlet.com is for sale…How come?
LeeAnn,
That’s not my domain… mine is drums-outlet.com.
Ahhhh! I see now. Nice site! How is it doing for you, Antonio?
I am really considering doing this, but have been burned too many times, so I am REALLY skeptical. I think I have a great idea for a site, but wan’t as many opinions from people I can get.
Does anyone want to do a guest piece on their BANS status? We’ll be more than happy to feature your blog. Plenty of traffic.
LeeAnn,
My BANS store has been online for exactly one month now and, honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. It is indeed amazing to see how easy it is to set up your store. Like Steve, I had no experience whatsoever in building websites and it only took me a solid 2 hours to get a basic store up and running. Then I spent 3 to 4 hours a day during a week optimizing it (logo, color schemes, product offer, product display, meta tags, etc.). I was surprised that only after 2 weeks my store showed up in 4th place on Google for my main keywords!
So far I have had 218 visits (114 unique visitors). According to eBay Partner Network I have so far received 460 clicks and… no sales. And that’s where the mixed feelings start to surface. It is kind of frustrating not to show one single sale in a month (especially having spent over $100), but I am hopeful that this will change. Many people in the BANS forum report not having any sale for the first couple of months and then, suddenly, taking off.
Admittedly, my niche is not very mainstream-oriented and is the direct result of a passion I always had (being a drums player). So really, instead of first analyzing what sells and what’s hot on eBay, I went the hard way and did something I like, regardless of its market attractiveness. This has the advantage, however, of being able to add content to the store with hardly any research about the niche.
As I have a full-time job and can only spare 2 hours at night to dedicate myself to BANS, I came to realize that it simply takes too much time and dedication to make your store known. I second Steve there.
Time will tell whether this investment was a wise one, but I keep my faith and definitely recommend it. I blame the niche category for my lack of sales and visits so far – Steve chose a more dynamic one and it paid off, so there is the proof that BANS works. I don’t have a blog to write about my BANS experience but will gladly share my experience with anyone interested.
Antonio,
I’m sorry to hear that your niche isn’t paying off for you (yet).
Since I discovered this site, I have done a bit of research and I think it is going to pay off. I have seen a couple of sites that appear to BE BANS and also have items from other sites such as Overstock AND Ebay….
Steve,
How would one do something like that? That seems to be the way to go! What do you think?
Do you have an example site LeeAnn? I can’t think of any software that can do that off the top of my head. Maybe if you show me the site I can tell you how it is done.
You can setup product links with Commission Junction to just about any major retailer. Perhaps that’s what you’re seeing.
Steve,
I can’t give you the exact site without giving out my idea of a GREAT niche (mine would be better than the one that is there now –
). I can tell you that the site mentions their affiliate with both “Red Golashes” and “Ebay”.
Wish I could show you the site.
This is too big of an opportunity. It would be nice to be able to do more than one affiliate on the site, but it might be too involved at this point.
Can you explain more on “commission junctions”? I am a newbee at all this.
Hi Steve,
I am on a way to finding a bussiness, and I found BANS official website. And I am googling for BANS review, and landed here.
Thanks, it’s help me a lot, and I can figure the income by using BANS.
But, on the period 29 Feb until now, did you do search engine or not? I am so surprised if you did not do search engine marketing. Many website tells that I must do search engine marketing if I have website.
Thanks again for your review and article here..
Hi,
After being online for about 5 weeks I have finally made a sale and earned $11. Not spectacular, but at least it keeps my motivation going. It is definitely a good investment if you have the time to dedicate yourself to it. Now I have also discovered the wonderful world of PTC (paid to click) and joined a few of those websites that pay you for clicking on ads (and for the clicks your referrals generate). In about 4 weeks I managed to earn over $100, with an initial investment of $25. Not bad at all, and the forcast for the upcoming months looks even better! You can take a look at the list of my subscribed PTC websites here: http://clicksthatpay.blogspot.com
first off i love your site. Secondly I am totaly new to the idea of Bans and am really intersted in possibly starting one up! I havea great idea for a store and their are not a ton of them already out their!
In your post you said that it was possible to find people to list on your own. How would you go about doing this! And do you often have to pay a site to lsit your site?
thanks
A small update on my BANS store (drums-outlet.com):
My BANS store was launched in the beginning of May. There were no sales in the first month. In June I made about $17. In July (so far) the earnings have totaled $32. Thus, the total balance is $49 or 50% of my initial investment. Not bad, I have to say, given the properties of that particular niche and the good results this month. I’ll keep you posted about further developments.
I do not have a BANS store but have been reading up on it through your website. In my surfing I bumped into a new software that seems to have risen out of the BANS craze. It supposedly helps with filling your site with targeted content. Its called Niche Store Writer and can be seen at nichestorewriter.com. Have any of you used this product, and would you share your thoughts if you have.
[...] Today’s post is by a new I’ve Tried That contributor, MattD. We’re big fans of BANS around here, but we wanted to let you hear from someone with a lot more experience with it than we have. You can ask questions in the comments below; Matt is a generous guy and will help you by answering them. Looking for our previous BANS review? Click here to read it. [...]
Hi Steve,
I was looking into BANS review before I make a final decision and I ended here. It has been very helpul. I would like to know if it’s possible to have my website linked to several affiliate programs (amazon, ebay, etc.) at the same time? Are you aware of any other BANS type of tool for Amazon?
Updates? Let’s hear about it!
Hello,
I just read the article about BANS and am inspired to try it. Can I get some updates from some of you about how things are going with your BANS sites since Antonio’s August post? I’m very interested in signing up, and to hear success stories would be highly encouraging.
Thank you,
dj
Hi guys, I’ve stumbled across a really cheap option for building eBay stores. The membership is only $10. I haven’t got my own store up yet as I have no experience in building sites at all, so I’m working through each step pretty slowly, but I can vouch for the forum support. I’ve seen plenty of other members’ sites, and the end result is pretty good! It is laid out in a very easy to follow way, with great videos that are set up in a flow chart so you know exactly what to do and in what order. You can add other affiliate products to your website as well. There are lots of suggestions for very inexpensive, if not free, tools and resources to improve your site too. Its definitely worth a look if you’re like me and can’t afford the BANS software to get started. The main page is at http://tinyurl.com/ezBayPROstore.
How do you get traffic to your bans websites?
You may be interested in a review I wrote of BANS:
http://hubpages.com/_Marisa/hub/BANS-Build-a-Niche-Store-Review
BTW I’m surprised you don’t have HubPages on your list!