I started my first internet venture with my friends in 2008 called USLS Store.

USLS is a clothing company that sells bootleg music and movie merch on the internet.

So many valuable lessons apply to my recent venture, but here are the top five.

1/ Make something you want to use.

Business problems happen every day. It needs a motivated problem solver to manage on day to day basis.

To keep motivated, make something you want to use.

USLS is a solution to me on affordable bootleg music merch so I wear the tee every day.

2/ Iteration.

Every time we launch an article, we keep iterate with the fabric, cutting, and graphic to meet customers needs.

We change our vendor frequently. Always on trial and error mode.

The advantages of being a small company: sidetracked is easy, fast and necessary.

3/ Build audiences, not customers.

Customers bring money but the audience brings loyalty.

We try to build a relationship with our customers by reach and meet them personally.

4/ Start with a niche.

Passion: indie electronic music & movie.
Skill: graphic design with photoshop.
Opportunity: local clothing industry is growing.

Combine these 3, a niche idea was generated and USLS was born.

This idea resonates with some people and loyalty is built.

5/ Ride the wave.

The indie music scene was growing, international artists have their live show, local promoters are enthusiastic, and USLS manage to ride the wave by creating bootleg merch for the live show.

We got the exposure and expand our network that open to opportunity.

In 2015 we decided to shut down USLS for good because of personal matters but even though it never been a sold-out business, it was 7 years of fun journey and learning.

Hope you find this thread useful.

To visit USLS graveyard, check this FB page: https://www.facebook.com/USLS.Online.Store