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If one has an idea or product to sell locally, that market can be expanded tremendously by selling that product on the internet.

What can be sold on the internet? The answer to that question is a resounding "everything and anything". One has only to look on Ebay the largest online auction in the world to see this.
What most folks starting out run into is the lack of a product. We are going to address finding suppliers, how to find wholesale sources and drop shippers.

Most of us know a local shop, a small "Ma and Pa shop, they may be know for printing t shirts, or the best "deer or beef jerky in town". Approach them with the idea of promoting their product on the Internet. Propose the idea that they have a good product and you want to market it online. Explain you will do all the "leg work" all the "marketing" and you will be paid only if the product is sold.

If they are sold on the idea, that will be the time to discuss prices, shipping, etc,,. Ask about "drop shipping" (this way you just take the orders they do the shipping, and of course that will be either included in the price, (in the way of markup) or there may ne a FREE shipping for order of a certain amount. Either way YOU are out of it.

Find out about credit terms, they will bill you for each order allowing you to pay the bill later. You may have to pay by credit card at first until they extend terms.

Can your supplier provide you with product data on spreadsheet?

Web-ready product photos? Is there an order commitment? Some suppliers specially larger ones require a high minimum annual commitment in sales. Other issues woudl be small order fees, restriction on sales, product return, error in shipping, guarantees etc.,, Find a reputable compnay for drop shipping one with a good track record, one that has been around a few years and will be there a few more.

This will give the beginner an idea and will no doubt will make anyone see that the sky is the limit.

Good luck in all your ventures.

Jose