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Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

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Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#401

Post by drewlarsen »

I built and run SugarWOD (https://www.sugarwod.com). SugarWOD is a workout solution for CrossFit gyms including apps (iOS/Android), website, plug-ins, and TV support. Was a solo, free service for the first 3 years. Converted to a paid model 1.5 yrs ago, and as of a few months ago have part-time contractors helping with tech/ops, mktg, and support.

I agree with novaleaf that a very broad skill set is needed, though I'd add that it might be enough to at least be interested in all the areas mentioned. You can learn a lot along the way, which is a big part of the fun. If you're focussed on making a great Product (capitalized product = the entire customer experience including everything from web copy, onboarding, support, performance, features, etc.) all of it is important.

As an aside, I think it is this breadth that allows someone to be a "10x problem solver", which to me is 10x more interesting than being a "10x developer". Code is a means to an end.

"Success" is a malleable and personal term, but by typical SaaS metrics SugarWOD is a success. Millions of workouts logged, paying customers, profitable, growing quickly.

More importantly, I get huge satisfaction working on something I feel passionate about, and I really love running the entire business from a laptop anywhere in the world (though I'm usually not far from Colorado :)

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#402

Post by disordinary »

Dragonai wrote: post #115
chrishacken wrote: post #109

I'm not sure if this qualifies as an "online business", but I started an ISP in November '15. It's also not entirely "one-person". I am the sole founder, but I do hire part-time help on occasion if I'm swamped. It started off as a WISP and has finally grown to the point where we are beginning to deploy fiber. The site is https://nepafiber.com I still work full-time as a systems engineer, but the business started brin…

I never would've imagined an ISP being run almost entirely by one person. This is super dope - best of luck in the continual expansion of your business! :)

It depends on your country I guess, it's very common here where most ISPs by capacity on other networks. But also in the rural / wireless broadband space where you actually have to manage infrastructure there are a few examples.

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#403

Post by dgrigg »

I have been running https://pageproofer.com for 3 years. It allows web designers and developers to easily leave feedback and track issues directly on websites (like digital sticky notes). It has been profitable from year 1 and continues to grow month over month.

The growth is slow and steady but not at a point where I'm doing it full time. I don't think 'successful' needs to be determined as 'majority of owners income'. For me it's a lucrative side project that requires little attention day to day. It doesn't need to provide the majority of my income since it doesn't take the majority of my time.

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#404

Post by gthtjtkt »

wastedhours wrote: post #395
gthtjtkt wrote: post #367

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Wow, I made it up to the payment portion of your checkout process. Not a single mention of the shipping time. The button says "Complete Order" so I assume this is the last chance to notify people before they pay. That's shady as hell, dude. > You just need to clearly state all over the site that your delivery times are 3-4 weeks. You definitely don't do this... at all. It's clear that you've intentionally buried that…

Assuming a specific shipping time would be ultra-weird to me - why is 5-10 days "standard". There's no default shipping time anywhere, unless you count the specific next day ones. Certainly wouldn't claim it as "shady as hell".

"Standard" shipping in the U.S. is considered 5-7 days, especially for small items. 10 days is generous.

20 days is certainly pushing the limits of what customers will tolerate without advanced notice. Many people would probably be calling for refunds after 2 weeks if they weren't told "This will take 2-4 weeks to ship" (which his site does NOT do).

30 days would be absolutely unacceptable to most people.

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#405

Post by shefaliprateek »

tylerhall wrote: post #206

I started selling macOS (and now iOS) software on my own website back in 2007. https://clickontyler.com My original goal was to earn enough money to refinish the hardwood floors in my house. Since then, however, it's taken on a life of its own and become a suite of three main products. It enables me to live comfortably in the Nashville suburbs. All that said, I've been doing this for ten years now and am burnt out. I…

I'd recommend, you consider FEInternational to help you broker a buyout.

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#407

Post by dingdongding »

adpoe wrote: post #127

I run an ecommerce store from Shopify which fulfills the orders by drop-shipping through AliExpress. This is definitely doable for one person, and it isn't technically challenging for a software developer--but the hardest part (at least for me) is marketing, creating content, advertising, and so on. Actually running a Shopify store and fulfilling by drop-shipping is simple. I would definitely recommend that as a good…

Whats your store link?

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#408

Post by Foxhuls »

chrishacken wrote: post #109

I'm not sure if this qualifies as an "online business", but I started an ISP in November '15. It's also not entirely "one-person". I am the sole founder, but I do hire part-time help on occasion if I'm swamped. It started off as a WISP and has finally grown to the point where we are beginning to deploy fiber. The site is https://nepafiber.com I still work full-time as a systems engineer, but the business started brin…

Do you think starting an ISP is still a possible venture? I've been looking into it for the last few months but everyone around me tells me it isn't possible/worth while. How much capital did you have up front?

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#409

Post by wastedhours »

gthtjtkt wrote: post #404
wastedhours wrote: post #395

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Assuming a specific shipping time would be ultra-weird to me - why is 5-10 days "standard". There's no default shipping time anywhere, unless you count the specific next day ones. Certainly wouldn't claim it as "shady as hell".

"Standard" shipping in the U.S. is considered 5-7 days, especially for small items. 10 days is generous. 20 days is certainly pushing the limits of what customers will tolerate without advanced notice. Many people would probably be calling for refunds after 2 weeks if they weren't told "This will take 2-4 weeks to ship" (which his site does NOT do). 30 days would be absolutely unacceptable to most people.

But unless there's some kind of information to mislead you into thinking that it should be 5-7 days, it's not the fault of (or even a dark pattern) by the company. I could understand calling it out if it were a bait and switch, but think it's an entitlement issue to assume any kind of shipping time.

Re: Ask HN: Successful one-person online businesses?

#410

Post by martin_a »

mihohl wrote: post #21

https://parkplatzsuche.at/ Local small advert pages for parking spots and garages in the cities of Austria. More or less a online portal for parking, similar to traditional online rental websites.

Good to see something from the D/A/CH region. Motivates me to keep going. Best wishes from Augsburg!
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