I think if you were to do this right...
List all the pro`s and cons and the level where you need to be compared to your competitors - and the cost`s that is left unsaid like inventory.
If there is a easy way to remove your inventory without trouble then you are in the green.
I guess you have the point with that and I just want do add that he must study first what are things that his competitors still doesn't have. It is just like getting some advantage from your competitors since you are still going to create a new one. You must have something that is going to attract a lot of potential of customers even you are just newly established.
I like your ideas guy for making an online shop. The competition is really tough if you are going to build a new online shop, because there are big companies already in the market of online shopping. Amazon,alibaba etc and for me you must be unique because each of those popular shops have their own unique concept for their customers.