titch:bounce_m::bounce_m:

i think its all about market: who you are targeting and what you want to sell

service to your customer base is also very important; nothing loses custom faster than poor dispatch and delivery. Never ever lie to a customer by saying its in the post; you will soon be found out and byebye business.
people always recommend the companies which they have had the best service from even if it was not the cheapest price

to be specialist you need to have amazing stock in your area of choice and there has to be something eyecatching or unique about what you are selling or what services you offer

to be general you need to carry a large amount of stock to fill those orders
checkout htfr for some idea of the stock for a general store;

so first work out who you want to sell to and what…
what will make your shop unique…
work out how much you to invest…
standalone or part of say ebay…
how many hours a day you need to put in…
oh and how you will get by until it starts to make a profit…which can take up to 3 years

sorry to rain on your parade but i have been self employed in a shop type thing before and it can be very tough on a bad day

if you want more advice or whatever just pm me:crazy_fre