It seems like its a good idea to start with setting up manuf. then categories then subcat. then products. Is that the best way to start? I have about 50 products in my inventory and i dont like to jump around or get to a point that I cant get passed because i needed to do something first. am i wasting my time? please advise.

That's the process I use.

You have to have a Manufacturer and a Category before you can create a product. The reason is that you have to assign each product to a MFG and a Category, so they must be created first. Keep in mind that you have to have at least one sub-category for every category, or it won't show up for your products.

This is the best way that I found to do this as well.

I add a new sub-catagory every month because I get new products every month.

Be very organized with the way you input your products it will save you a lot of time. I used spread sheets to keep track of what needed to be done.

CBHALE

Yeah, I would definately recommend sitting down and determining all your primary catagories first. Create them and then add your sub-catagories. You can always add more primary and sub-catagories later, but you want to be organized when you start. It just makes things easier in the long run.