Yellowfrog Children's Boutique

www.yellowfrog.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

Online children's boutique stocking quality clothing and accessories. We have been in business since February 2009. Yellowfrog want to put the "fun" back into shopping offering exceptional products and customer service.

2. When and why did you start your business?

I am a married stay at home mum to 3 wonderful children. I previously had worked in retail with a large company for 19yrs after having my 3rd child decided I should try something "new". I love dressing my children in quality clothing and accessories and from this passion looked into purchasing an online boutique. After nearly 16mths in business I am still learning alot from customers and suppliers - I hope that the Yellowfrog customers feel as excited opening their order from us as we are sending it to them.

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

I have met some wonderful people through online communities filled with people doing exactly the same as myself. The business is slowing gaining a presence both online and word of mouth, which is great! We have gone from a business stocking 4 companies to now over 18 companies. Stocking products from well known companies and up and coming Australian WAHMs.

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

Having a limited budget for advertising and purchasing of stock. To start with I bought alot of stock that I liked and now I'm finding that I need to purchase for ALL tastes. I find it best to advertise on as many websites that offer FREE advertising or advertising designed for small businesses.

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

I have only been involved in 2 markets but I feel they are one of the best ways to introduce your brands to the public. It lets them see and feel the stock, which is impossible to do while sitting in front of your computer. Hand out as many business cards as you can, even when on holiday I leave my business card on the fridge or information booklet in the room. Pamphlets are great as well that way customers can go back and look at the website in their own time.

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

Yellowpages, for me it was very costly and in that time only gained one customer from the whole 6mths Yellowfrog was online with Yellowpages. Choosing advertising options that "suit" the stock we sell is the key to getting the attention of potential customers.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

The accessories for girls and I am just getting stock of aroma therapy products for newborns to new mums and a great range of aromaplay clay for toddlers.

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

I have had alot of help from other WAHMs (work at home mum) It's nice to know that if I have any queries they are only a click of the mouse away! Businesses like Little Moo's, Little Lottie Lou Lou, Milly Molly Moo + heaps more.....

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

I would love for Yellowfrog to be known around Australia and beyond as a company that still has that "old fashioned" service, offering well priced items posted directly to the customer quickly - just like shopping in a bricks and mortar store. Online shopping is a great way for busy mum's, dad's, grandparents, aunties and uncles an opportunity to shop when the time suits them - where else can you do that in your PJ's? We have just started the option for a Yellowfrog Consultant, where the consultant can show the wonderful products to family and friends and have a share of the profit.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Always return emails to any query that you receive. Customers are the most important backbone of your business if it were not for them the business would not survive. Comments made by customers whether good or bad can help you improve the shopping experience for future purchases, don't take comments to heart, make it a positive experience!

Visit us at: www.yellowfrog.com.au