My business partner and I are in the process of setting up an online business selling food and non-food upmarket products. We have a USP which we feel will work - as we will be selling a particular type of product which people buy already in volumes but in a new way. However because of this very USP, it is difficult to gauge how well it will sell, and therefore to do a sales forecast for the business plan. There are companies doing what we will be doing but they are traditional in their products whereas we have this new idea. Some of these are doing very well (those who have been around many years) whilst others are so small they do not even have to declare full accounts. Yes we do not want to remain small for long, our goals are big! The question (yes, the million dollar one!) is: how can you tell if a new idea will work? We have done a lot of research (Keynote / Mintel reports, competitors, industry info, etc) and things look positive. What we have yet to do however is speak to would-be customers. We are creating a whole new brand and image for this company, with a well-designed website and stationery. Everything you would expect from a good service thesedays. I guess what I'm really asking is: As long as the price and quality are right, can ANYTHING sell, as long as you get the marketing right or keep on marketing it? Look forward to comments. RRR