Still in the Planning Stages

Update:

Yesterday, I began working on my business plan. It is not nearly finished; just an outline at the moment.  But, creating the outline forced me to think about which direction I am going with my business.

There is still a lot to do to get the business up and running.  I wish I could say this happens quickly, but it doesn't.  That doesn't mean that I am not posting items to sell already because I am.  My Etsy store is open and ready.  

This morning, I up-dated the "about" page and created store "Sections" to make it easier to find items in my store.  

A little research yesterday revealed what is selling on Etsy and accessories for the discerning young woman seems to be the current hot items.  Also, the most successful Etsy sellers have hundreds of items for sale.  These shops weren't created in a day, so I am now learning the art of patience.  I will continually add and update my shop.

Yesterday, I created a business card, using VistaPrint.  I wanted to upload a picture that I took myself of the Chesapeake Bay, so I had to purchase premium business cards, but they are still well worth the price.

$$$ Tip:  Make sure to track EVERY penny you spend on everything.--craft supplies, business cards, a car door decal, website expenses, tissue paper for wrapping the items for shipping.  You'll thank yourself at tax time. 

An easy way to keep track of expenditures relating to your business is to create a spreadsheet on the internet at a site such as Google. All of my files are on Google Drive so I can access them from my PC, my phone or my work computer during my lunch break.  I don't have to worry about sending a file to myself and wondering if the version I am looking at is the current version.

Write down expenditures as they happen.  Don't put it off or you may forget something.  I keep notes on my phone.  Carry a notebook with you if you don't have a Smart Phone.   The most important thing is to not delay.

$$$ Tip.  Get into the habit of keeping all your receipts, even if it is not related to your business

By keeping every receipt, you can double-check to make certain you have recorded every business expense.

Organization

Keeping your online craft store organized is very important.  A craft store can get disorganized very quickly if forethought and planning does not come into play.

The easiest method for organizing your store is to decide what you are planning to sell and then organize those items into categories.  No special equipment is required--just a piece of paper or an Excel Spreadsheet.

My store will include:

• Face scrubbies
• Bath puff
• Wash Clothes
• Ruffled Scarves
• Crocheted Scarves
• Doll clothes
• Burgundy purse (already made)
• Turquoise purse (already made)
• Blue purse with vintage handles (already made)
• Variegated Pink/Brow/White purse (already made)
• Vintage Potholder--appliqued (already made)
• Vintage Potholder--blue flower (already made)
• Victorian Potholder
• Victorian dish clothes

The categories for these items will be:

Spa Collection to include:
     Face Scrubbie
     Wash cloth
     Bath puff
Wearable Art
    Ruffled Scarf
    Crochet Scarf
Barbie Clothes
    1880s Ball Gown
Handbags and totes
     Purses
Kitchen Collection
     Pot holders
     Dish cloths

While it is not possible to organize by groups or categories on eBay, Etsy does allow for this feature.  If  using eBay, each item can be listed under one of eBay's categories at the time the item is posted and each item can be posted in a different category.  If the item is listed in more than one category, there is an extra charge.  The idea is to keep the overhead costs as low as possible.  Spending extra money to list the item in multiple categories or to "bold" the listing is normally not necessary. 

Etsy allows items to be listed under different shop sections, which makes it easier for people to search the items listed.  There is a charge each month:: $0.20 for a basic listing.  

$$$ Tip:  Make certain to keep track of all charges and fees.  These fees are tax deductible. 

By categorizing each item, this enables customers to find what they are looking for more quickly.  If someone is looking for potholders, they don't want to sift through picture after picture of purses.