Starting out

stephent82

Hello,

I have had the worst ever few months and as such I have decided to start out and create an 'empire'. That may be a few weeks away (OK a few years), but I have made a start.

So far I have...
bought some 'stock' - not much due to finances, but still a start.
I have set up my website (I am selling online, ebay and at fairs etc.).
I have registered as a Sole Trader (or at least the paperwork is away). I will register for VAT when that comes back (as recommended)
I am keeping a detailed balance sheet (all in's and outs)
I have also set up a commission based scheme which I will make 'live' once I am able to extend product ranges.
I have also contacted the local paper for advertising rates.

Can anybody give me any ideas to help increase sales and/or drive business to my website?

I would also be looking for any feedback on my website.

Thanks

Needless to say, I am running at a loss at the moment.

chalkie99

Hi,

First off, I don't believe you are allowed to put your web address in posts but if you remove it you can list it in your profile.

Secondly, you mention VAT. I can see no reason why you would want to register. It looks like your products are aimed at individuals rather than business so avoid VAT until your sales reach the legal limit for registration (currently £73,000 per annum)

Thirdly, I cannot see your contact details on the site. Apart from being a legal requirement the lack of them does not inspire confidence to order.

Also, lose the American map, upload missing images, make clear what your delivery charges are, etc., etc.

I just added a 29p card (:eek:) to the basket and there is no mention of delivery charges at all. Work out how you are going to deal with this and where you are prepared to send to. Delete all other countries fro your admin if you are supplying UK only.

Lots of work to do!

texranger

yes
you need your full cointact details displayed if you are UK based, also i assume you will be storing customers details on your computer or in manual for (stored invoices etc.) if so then you need to register under the Data Protection Act (http://www.ico.gov.uk/) £35 a year.
also it is advisable to get an SSL certificate for your site if your site takes personal details of customers.

stephent82

Thanks.
I am still getting to grips with the back-office of the software. I have deleted the 'Stores' section and as such the maps. This has been confirmed by the software, but keeps appearing. Very frustrating... I have someone looking at that!

Fair point regarding shipping. I was in two minds about doing flat rate or by weight. The flat rate is what won (I asked around).

The back office will be protected by SSL as is the shopping cart - I am waiting on a man fixing that!

I am already covered by the DPA covered from something else.

Contact details - again they were on the back-office, my mistake to migrate them.

Thanks all - keep it coming!

jexygirl

I liked the look of the site, and the idea, particularly the santa reply gift box, and then I went to the "pound shop"...

I think if you are trying to create a quality professional image, that particular page has no relevance to your original concept of the gift boxes. It somewhat cheapens the whole thing, giving the impression that you got some cheap tat cheap, and stuck a page on an existing site to sell it - and its the same cheap tat available in most high street pound shops, not exactly one off quality items that I would google to see where I could get them.

I would build on the gift box part and ditch the cheap tat, or relegate it to another site - only my opinion, no offense taken if you disagree and no offence intended.
Good luck
Jex

texranger

stephent82 wrote: »

I am already covered by the DPA covered from something else.

make sure the sites name /business name is on the DPA registration to make sure it is covered.

stephent82

jexygirl wrote: »

I think if you are trying to create a quality professional image, that particular page has no relevance to your original concept of the gift boxes. It somewhat cheapens the whole thing, giving the impression that you got some cheap tat cheap, and stuck a page on an existing site to sell it - and its the same cheap tat available in most high street pound shops, not exactly one off quality items that I would google to see where I could get them.

I would build on the gift box part and ditch the cheap tat, or relegate it to another site - only my opinion, no offense taken if you disagree and no offence intended.
Good luck
Jex

Hi Jex, thanks for your input. I agree completely, however, these items are there for the short term until I can bring in more products. I don't take any offence, infact I am grateful for your openness.

The contact details have been added, and the map removed. There are several aspects to the software I am using that I will politely call 'frustrating' . I am advised that it is the best though...

stephent82

texranger wrote: »

make sure the sites name /business name is on the DPA registration to make sure it is covered.

I am advised the I am DPA exempt by a DPA solicitor. I will double check on Monday as I don't know how correct that is.

texranger

stephent82 wrote: »

I am advised the I am DPA exempt by a DPA solicitor. I will double check on Monday as I don't know how correct that is.

any busines that stores any personal details ( names/addresses etc.) on either a computer or manual files nust be registered under the Data Protection Act.
use this page to see if you are exempt or not

http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/notification/need_to_notify.aspx

you stated earlier

I am already covered by the DPA covered from something else.

and now you say

I am advised the I am DPA exempt by a DPA solicitor.

the ICO can only say if your are exempt or not by doing the assessment i linked to above.

lincroft1710

"Here at The Postal Gift Company we specialise in creating memorable and exciting gift boxes which are suitable for all occations. Many of our gift boxes come in a size which allows them to be posted through the post box. This means that your gift will truley be a surprise to its recipient.

We provide a 100% satisfaction guarintee. This means that your (and the recipients) happieness is our priority."

All the words in red are either typos or spelling mistakes. I know what your final sentence is trying to say, but for some reason it just doesn't sound right. Also, it may be me but your gift boxes don't strike me as "exciting".

texranger

Sweetie Giftbox containing a Personalised letter from Santa £5

Each box contains:

1 Personalised letter

2 Chomps 2 x 20p = 40p

2 Curlywurly 2 x 33p = 66p

2 Fredo 2 x 20p = 40p

2 Fudge 2 x 20p = 40p

2 Retro Sweets

this is only £1.86

so the Retro sweets must be £1.57 each

(above prices are retail prices)


I would not pay £5 for what is offered.