Start a 'cottage industry'... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

Karmacat

Ooh, what is it that sells for a fortune Rosa? I'm betting its complicated stitchery?

Dinah93

What do you sell on etsy Rosa, your shop isn't showing me anything for sale.

chillipuss

Hi
I find this thread really inspiring. So many people wanting to branch out. I really want to start teaching "people of a certain age" how to do ebay and also how to do the basics of digital photography. I have been told many times that I can de-mistify technical jargon to English. Now all I need to do is put those plans into action.

Regards Chilli

charliedavis

Hiya

I have popped over from the 4k challenge at SophiesMum recommendation. I'm an experienced web marketer, plus a qualified teacher/trainer and wanted to offer advice to anyone thinking of trying to set up an online business. I have several successful ones and also multiple clients I work with on their businesses.

So to start with - step 1 - let's deal with domain registration and web hosting. If you want to register a new domain name, I suggest Fast Hosting Direct, where I buy 2 years domain name registration, unlimited email addresses (for example [EMAIL="my.name@mydomain.co.uk"]my.name@mydomain.co.uk[/EMAIL]) PLUS unlimited web hosting space for just £29.59. There are lots of companies that try to charge you this amount per month. YOU DON'T NEED to pay that much.

You will then be emailed details by Fast Hosting Direct who have a web builder as part of their free tools to get you started. However I use Microsoft FrontPage or Dreamweaver which are both packages for creating better looking websites. My main expertise is NOT creating them, but in making sure they work so people buy from them.

My next post will be let you know how to set up your new email addresses.

I hope that helps!

C x

Karmacat

Thanks, Charlie - I have one domain name sitting by, but not for a cottage industry thing like this. I'll be thinking hard about it. Looking forward to your posts!

beaujolais-nouveau

charliedavis wrote: »

So to start with - step 1 - let's deal with domain registration and web hosting. If you want to register a new domain name, I suggest Fast Hosting Direct, ...

But read the Terms and Conditions, first. The "guaranteed 99% uptime" is contradicted by the last bit of the T&Cs. Also read the bit about indemnity. Also ask if there is a release fee if/when you want to move your domain name/web site to another ISP - if they say there is no release fee, get it in writing. Technical support by e-mail 24/7 is meaningless.

Running an ISP is very expensive, and the price on this package is - in my view - unfeasibly low. If the cost appears to be too good to be true, it probably is.

There is a steep learning curve for both FrontPage and Dreamweaver.

If charliedavis is a FastHosts reseller, you should disclose this.

beaujolais-nouveau

chillipuss wrote: »

I really want to start teaching "people of a certain age" how to do ebay

Or ebid or notonthehighstreet.com

soapsudsandsalts

i sell in a indoor market though the rent is though the roof (£144) a week but i handmake beauty products alot like l*** but loads cheaper i find craft fairs are no good for me. i do pamper evenings and i have heard of people doing card partys worth a look at
Racheal

MediSin

JimmyTheWig wrote: »

If you can design websites then you can fill in a tax return.

If only! My OH does web design, video editing, loads of complicated stuff that is way over my head, and yet I still end up having to do the tax return for him every year. Grr.

The amount of extra work and general poncing around you have to when you earn over £15k almost makes me glad he's currently earning very little. Keep receipts for everything, put all your info into a spreadsheet regularly (don't leave it all til the end of the year, it's a massive pain), and if you start earning over £15k, get an accountant!

emma23

I am always looking for new outlets where I can sell my handmade jewellery. I have recently come across a new website called https://www.ShopsInMalls.co.uk where you can set up your own online shop for just £55 per year and start to advertise items for sale. There are no commission charges like Ebay and I would recommend it to any other crafters if they are interested in selling their craft items online.:A