Hammocks Australia

www.hammocksaustralia.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

Hammocks Australia is an online store that believes in quality and comfort. We import only the best quality hammocks from Mexico, that are all uniquely hand-woven the traditional Mayan way. We aim to both provide quality affordable products through our online web store to Australia consumers while also helping to support and provide sustainable employment for local Mayan communities in Mexico.

2. When and why did you start your business?

Hammocks Australia was started after originally being operated successfully in New Zealand for a year previously. The success of this store lead to expansion and a new stand alone business in Australia. This was started in early 2009, and is run by two friends, with stock based in Sydney.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

Just a whole new knowledge base. I never had really had any idea about websites, online stores, just a very basic and limited understanding of how that all worked. Through time and learning (mostly thanks to a 'Google' education) I have just learnt a huge amount on all things to do with operating an online business. I also feel very fortunate to have seen the direct benefit of our growing business of improved living standards and employment standards in Mexico, where this is often a challenge.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

As an online store exposure to customers is always a big factor. Learning and understanding how search engines work, and the major impact they have on your business. I guess I was pretty naive initially and just thought having a website was all you needed. That is just the start, definitely a challenge to not only get customers to your site, but then converting those customers into sales.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

We have focused a lot of time on making ourselves more prominent on the internet just so people can find us. Things such as Facebook pages, writing articles, joining online communities and keeping in touch with our customers have proved successful. Providing a consistent level of quality products and service. Word of mouth also has helped us we receive a lot of genuine positive comments, and recommendations to friends and family.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Seeing a return from paid advertising and marketing have often proved less successful than we would have liked. Finding a medium that provides a good ROI can be difficult and it can sometimes feels like a bit of a gamble initial investing money in marketing activities when you have no certain outcome.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

The products! I love the products I sell which is what got me into the business to start with. I'm in my hammock every day over summer, and always have a couple of Mexican blankets brightening up the home year round.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

I have none in particular, but always like to see new businesses and ideas grow and develop. I am big on a balanced life though, so I like to see this show through in businesses. It can't be all work!

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

Just continually growth in the Australian market, while also expanding our product range. We have also setup online stores recently in South Africa and the United States, so we would like to develop those further in the coming year.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Education. Whatever you are doing educate yourself on it. Especially if it is something new to you. Broaden your knowledge base whenever you can and you won't be so reliant on other people. The internet is the best for this, there is pretty much nothing now days you can't find on it.

Visit us at: www.hammocksaustralia.com.au