Trying To Solve Internet Business Problem

[asphaltgambler]

Ok I know this is REALLY. oversimplified but I'm looking to solve the missing piece of the online sales / business puzzle. For me it's the "how to obtain cheap goods to re-sell ?
I mean look at Walmart. Sam started with Chinese made stuff, under cut everyone else on price and was still maintaining very good gross margins way back when. How did he get his connections?

How does one become (on a limited budget) the next Sam; but online ? I don't want to do /sell porn, counterfeit drugs or the like. Anyone here with just such an experience?

I'm looking for both direction, as in whats in demand now through the next 5 yrs and how to go directly to the manufacturer or 1st level distributor.

Thanks

[the]

This is already being done by the millions - on eBay, Amazon, etc.

At least half of what is on eBay is doing what you are talking about. Getting cheap stuff in bulk from China and selling it one by one.

If you were to start up such a business, you'd have some tough competition from those established venues.

[the]

One way to distinguish yourself from those venues, however, would be to deal in the items that are unavailable through them, like porn or counterfeit drugs.

[asphaltgambler]

I aggree that tons of stuff on Ebay from different sellers but are same items. But really at least a % of those are making sales. Somebody is clearly making some profit or they wouldn't continue to sell / list items. I've seen Ebay Powersellers where there have been hundreds and hundreds of sales

So how to find the right (in demand) product ? Porn is everywhere and a lot is free. I see that industry as having a decling market share these days