On The Subject of New Business Ventures…

Hey Girlies!

Whew, what a summer it has been…. I have been long absent this summer trying to get my youngest ready for college and to nurture my small business into new ventures.

New Venture #1 – Taking in goods from talented crafters – I should soon receive my first shipment of quality hand crafted goods from the very talented Krystine Vermeer at The Purse-Onality Shoppe. Krystine hand crafts one-of-a-kind, unique handbags perfect for any occasion. Although I have never met Krystine personally, we have built quite a nice friendship through our online businesses.  My order from her should arrive sometime this week, and it will feel a bit like Christmas! Up to now I have only been able to drool over her lovely creations in her online store. Krystine’s goods were at the top of the list of “have to have” items for my other new venture…a brick and mortar store.

New Venture #2 – A brick and mortar store – Okay, now, don’t get all excited. I don’t have my OWN store, just a small space in a local store…but a new venture nonetheless. 

Along with items from The Purse-Onality Shoppe,I will have hand crafted hair bows, woven headbands, character clippies and more from a small group have very talented ladies I also have a nice online friendship with. Once their items arrive, I will post more about who they are, and what they make.

This store will in no way replace my online boutique, in fact, I am dedicating some serious time to improving my picture taking skills and getting those pictures on both the website and Etsy site.  I have a few brand new items listed on the site, and even more that are ready to be listed, but still need pictures taken!  Whew, I need a secretary!

New Venture #3 – Presenting the opportunity to purchase raw monogrammed pieces for crafters who do not have an embroidery machine –  Covered buttons are all the rage right now, and gals love them monogrammed! I have yards and yards of fabric to choose from, and for the teeny tiny buttons, I use ribbon as well. My monogrammed fabric circles will be in multiple sizes and will be lined.

As you can see, I have lots to do…but rest assured…I LOVE it!

Later Gals,

CindyB

Consignments & Online Boutique’s

I am trying to step up to the next level in providing goods for my online boutique and to put in local boutiques in my area. There are a number of items I would like to produce, but, alas, my crafty desires exceed my current income. Items that I most likely will either never attempt, or never get around to include the hair clippies, hair bows,flip flops, bloomers, tutus, and most likely the market totes after I embroider the 10 that I purchased.

So…I come to you with curiosity. I value your thoughts and opinions.

1. How do you feel about online consignment?
2. How do you feel about “drop shipping” where you receive the order through another’s shop and ship your finished product directly to the customer?
3. How does one guarantee the quality when using a drop shipper?
4. And any other thoughts you may have concerning online consignment.

*Note* – This is not a conversation about purchasing finished items wholesale, this is about consignment…working together to get our finished products out there for others to see, oh, and purchase, of course!!

With the economy on the downward spiral and gas prices so high, our items are really a luxury. If we can provide these goods to our customers with very little effort on their part (online shopping equals no gas!) than they will be eager to purchase more, or more often.