Sell Handmade

www.sellhandmade.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

My business is a site which allows only Australian residents to list their handmade items. It's up to the individual seller if they want to ship their items internationally or not.

2. When and why did you start your business?

I began thinking about setting up this site a few years ago. I then saw a site that works the same way but it is US based and all fees and prices are in USD. So that made me more determined to set one up for Aussies in AUD and to limit sellers to Australian residents so that eliminates the international competition. There are a lot more of them then there are of us after all!

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

I have personally achieved my goal of setting up this type of business which is rewarding in itself.

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

The biggest challenge is financial. You have to spend money to make money in business.

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

I find direct marketing via email works best. I find other places where crafters get together and try to, limited by forum rules etc., to promote my site. Whenever possible I email those I believe would benefit from my site directly if they make their email address public.

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

Because it is an online business, printed ads are not as successful. Getting people to visit the site as soon as they see an ad for it works best. An ad in a magazine or newspaper gets put aside till later and then he reader likely forgets.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

See people list their items and make sales is my favourite thing. Knowing that others are benefiting from my ideas and work is great.

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

I couldn't name anyone or any business in particular. But hearing about other mums who started off at home really small and stuck to it no matter what anyone said or how much struggle they faced is very inspiring. Anything is possible if you believe it.

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

Short term my plans are to get more sellers onto the site. The more items there are available the better the chances at making sales and repeat sales. Long term I would love to do well enough to need to employ people. I would see that as my contribution to the community.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

My best business tip is to start small and sure, specially if you have limited funds. If you know you're onto something, stick to it even through the days you just feel like throwing in the towels. Wait till you've had a good sleep to make important decisions.

Visit us at: www.sellhandmade.com.au