So You Want to Start an E-Commerce Brand?

Intro

With all the e-commerce gurus, endless YouTube videos, and overwhelming options, how do you even get started with an e-commerce brand? Should you even start one? What’s the base-level barrier to entry?

I’ll be honest—I don’t have all the answers. When I was starting out, I struggled to find clear advice on these foundational questions. So, in the next few paragraphs, I’ll attempt to succinctly answer these overarching questions based on my own experience.

Getting Started

Let’s cut to the chase: it’s not as easy as they say it is. Sure, you might have a scalable brand that takes off immediately. Maybe you’ve got an unlimited budget to flood the market and make it work.

But for most of us—those with small budgets, often self-funded—getting started requires grit. STRIVARAx was built on this reality.

So, what should you focus on first?

Before jumping into Shopify accounts, LLC filings, designs, and inventory, figure out who you are. What does your brand stand for? Who do you represent? Are you solving a problem, and if so, what is it? Who is your target audience?

These foundational questions are essential before you spend a dime. Your identity will evolve as your business grows, and your brand will adapt to new audiences. At STRIVARAx, we’ve seen this firsthand—our brand reflects our personal growth over time.

Once you’ve nailed down a rudimentary business plan, marketing strategy, and brand identity, you’ll be ready to take the next steps.

Barrier to Entry

E-commerce isn’t cheap. While it can be more affordable than other business models, it still requires significant investment. And it’s a lot of work—especially for apparel and D2C products.

The barrier to entry includes:

• Formalizing your business.

• Funding your business.

• Designing products.

• Building a website.

• Marketing your brand.

Each of these steps comes with subcategories and associated costs. For STRIVARAx, getting started required an initial investment of around $2,000—just to cover formalities like business fees, EINs, bank accounts, and Shopify setup. And that’s before factoring in inventory, product designs, content, and marketing.

Here’s the truth: don’t expect massive sales right away. You’ll spend time testing products, creatives, and your brand’s appeal in a crowded market.

Should You Even Start an E-Commerce Company?

Yes.

If you’re passionate about an idea or product, send it. When I started STRIVARAx, I knew it might not work. But until the day I have to shut it down, I’ll work relentlessly because I believe in the brand wholeheartedly.

It hasn’t been all peaks—STRIVARAx has had plenty of valleys. But whether it works or not, this journey has been an invaluable education you can only get by doing. Every mistake is a lesson, and every lesson will make my next business stronger.

Here’s what makes it worth it: loyal customers who resonate with your purpose. People—complete strangers—believe in what we’re building.

How cool is that?

Starting an e-commerce brand is hard, but if it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it.