Free daily tips, information, advice, ideas for people in small business
from personal experiences starting, operating, growing and writing about businesses.
Anyone can create a limited edition product. Whether or not it will sell is another matter.
If you have an idea to produce something new, then by all means do it. When you are truly a master of your craft, sales will happen. Or they might not.
It's the market that rules. Artists still starve in their studios waiting for the buying public to discover their genius. If you can create something new and better, and it grabs the public's attention, then you're on your way. If they don't show up, you're not.
Example: Tom had a passion for motorcycles and owned a couple. But his business was custom restorations of vintage and antique vehicles. When he had the time and inclination, he built a custom motorcycle for himself. At rallies, it attracted lots of attention. Tom began taking orders for custom bikes and gradually transformed his business entirely. Today, he no longer restores older vehicles. Instead, his shop is devoted to the design and production of custom motorcycles for racing enthusiasts, weekend riders, collectors, and others. Tom matched his talents to a market opening and transformed his business into a new one.
To build your future, be alert to market trends and the interests of customers/clients. If you listen carefully with your ear to the ground, they will alert you to opportunities you might not otherwise see.
Example: Jeanine makes gold and silver jewelry in her small home studio. With lots of experience behind her, she turns out rings, earrings, bracelets and other pieces for discriminating clients. Jeanine met Isabel, a compatible business partner, who hand-paints silks, leathers and other materials as accessories. Together, the two women opened a small working studio open to the public. It attracted immediate attention. Their combined customer base was similar, yet they did not compete with each other. People were drawn to the handmade limited editions offered, and they referred others. The two women maintain separate Facebook pages, and this brought more people to the studio. Recently, they met Ed who produces fine wood turnings that are sculptural displays. Now, three limited edition artists are combining their talents into a single destination for the discriminating buying public.
Two or more limited edition creators can complement other talents and attract more attention than can any one acting alone. Always remember, however, that your talents are vehicles for your creativity, but the vehicles are powered by the buying public.
Many examples are used throughout these write-ups. They are drawn from real businesses. The names of people are always changed, of course. And sometimes I embellish with additional information. But the kernel of a real business is always there.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Backing up
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas and examples
plus personal experience starting, operating, and growing businesses.
Small business cannot afford to go dark. You must be at the shop or in the office--at the convenience of your clients and customers.
Voice mail is a good example of backing up yourself. When you absolutely cannot answer the phone, your voice mail backs you up.
Beyond that, employees call in sick. Equipment breaks down just when you need it most. And suppliers can suddenly stop supplying.
Example: Eric runs a rug and carpet cleaning service. He serves a residential and commercial client base. Jobs are scheduled days in advance, and Eric sends two employees to each job in fully equipped vans. He cross-trains his employees in cleaning techniques and the use of equipment. (For more on cross-training, see yesterday's blog on Emergencies.) Eric juggles his employees according to the requirements of the job and according to availability. Sometimes, employees can have an emergency at home or call in sick. Before the vans head out in the morning, Eric might have to substitute employees. When there is an especially tough job, or when he runs out of substitutions, Eric goes himself to the job.
There is never an excuse good enough that you let the client/customer down. They have a life too, and you must fit into their life. Backing up your employees ultimately falls to you--either make arrangements or do the job yourself.
Example: I have experienced the backing up problem--with both employees and equipment. In the printing business, I was a stickler for back up. My employees were cross-trained to the extent possible on various types of equipment. And the equipment was backed up--multiple presses of the same type and duplicate computers. The whole idea was to be able to handle the jobs one way or another. I took it to the next level as well. I had a standing arrangement with a competitor--in an emergency, his shop would serve as back up for me, and vice versa. Both of us realized that never letting a client down was more important than being competitors.
If your business depends on equipment, you need back up. When equipment breaks down, it can usually be repaired--but this takes time. In the meantime, your back up equipment turns out the jobs and keeps the customer happy. Remember, they don't care about your problems.
Example: Sheena specializes in finishing kitchens and baths with tile, granite, marble, slate and other materials. Most of the work is with ceramic and porcelain tiles imported from all over the world. Sheena must know and stay in contact with many suppliers who can vary widely in products, availability and price. She has made it part of her business model to keep abreast of the market and maintain alternate suppliers. A client-specified porcelain tile might be in inventory at one supplier at a high price, but it can be delivered in two weeks at another supplier at a much lower price. Sheena juggles suppliers against need and schedules.
Backing up your internals can save your business. Employees who can only do one thing can represent a danger in a small business. Depending on one piece of equipment is also dangerous to business health. And a single supplier can go bankrupt tomorrow, leaving you scrambling.
You gotta produce. Repairers repair. Bakers bake. Therapists do all sorts of things. With back up, you've smoothed the road ahead and possibly saved your business from disaster.
plus personal experience starting, operating, and growing businesses.
Small business cannot afford to go dark. You must be at the shop or in the office--at the convenience of your clients and customers.
Voice mail is a good example of backing up yourself. When you absolutely cannot answer the phone, your voice mail backs you up.
Beyond that, employees call in sick. Equipment breaks down just when you need it most. And suppliers can suddenly stop supplying.
Example: Eric runs a rug and carpet cleaning service. He serves a residential and commercial client base. Jobs are scheduled days in advance, and Eric sends two employees to each job in fully equipped vans. He cross-trains his employees in cleaning techniques and the use of equipment. (For more on cross-training, see yesterday's blog on Emergencies.) Eric juggles his employees according to the requirements of the job and according to availability. Sometimes, employees can have an emergency at home or call in sick. Before the vans head out in the morning, Eric might have to substitute employees. When there is an especially tough job, or when he runs out of substitutions, Eric goes himself to the job.
There is never an excuse good enough that you let the client/customer down. They have a life too, and you must fit into their life. Backing up your employees ultimately falls to you--either make arrangements or do the job yourself.
Example: I have experienced the backing up problem--with both employees and equipment. In the printing business, I was a stickler for back up. My employees were cross-trained to the extent possible on various types of equipment. And the equipment was backed up--multiple presses of the same type and duplicate computers. The whole idea was to be able to handle the jobs one way or another. I took it to the next level as well. I had a standing arrangement with a competitor--in an emergency, his shop would serve as back up for me, and vice versa. Both of us realized that never letting a client down was more important than being competitors.
If your business depends on equipment, you need back up. When equipment breaks down, it can usually be repaired--but this takes time. In the meantime, your back up equipment turns out the jobs and keeps the customer happy. Remember, they don't care about your problems.
Example: Sheena specializes in finishing kitchens and baths with tile, granite, marble, slate and other materials. Most of the work is with ceramic and porcelain tiles imported from all over the world. Sheena must know and stay in contact with many suppliers who can vary widely in products, availability and price. She has made it part of her business model to keep abreast of the market and maintain alternate suppliers. A client-specified porcelain tile might be in inventory at one supplier at a high price, but it can be delivered in two weeks at another supplier at a much lower price. Sheena juggles suppliers against need and schedules.
Backing up your internals can save your business. Employees who can only do one thing can represent a danger in a small business. Depending on one piece of equipment is also dangerous to business health. And a single supplier can go bankrupt tomorrow, leaving you scrambling.
You gotta produce. Repairers repair. Bakers bake. Therapists do all sorts of things. With back up, you've smoothed the road ahead and possibly saved your business from disaster.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Emergencies
Free daily tips, info, advice for small business
from personal experiences starting, operating, and growing my own.
Your small business can be struck by a disaster you don't see coming. Fire, flood, wind, blackouts and robbers can shut you down--whether you have a shop or an office or work at home.
Bakeries, gift shops, law offices, landscapers, salons, repair shops, therapists, restaurants, caterers and every other business can suddenly have a disaster on their hands. Every business person deserves to have thought about the possibility ahead of time--and planned for it.
Example: Jill runs a gift shop located on the Main Street in her town. The river is blocks away, but it flooded one night in early November. With little warning, Jill rushed to her shop to get things off the floor as water began seeping in. The next day, she sloshed her way through several inches of muddy water to survey the damage. Everything the water touched was ruined, and it took two weeks to clean up the mess. Customers and townspeople were generous with their time helping Jill get the gift shop back in operation for at least part of the holiday shopping season. Jill had flood insurance which paid for much of the clean-up, ruined stock and fixtures. But she had no loss-of-business insurance, and holiday shoppers had to put up with flooring contractors and sheet rock installers.
Make sure you plan ahead of time for all of the disaster contingencies.
Example: Phil had a different problem. He runs a small auto repair shop, but he had to close operations and lost some repair jobs when the electric went down. There was no power for three days. Phil quickly installed a generator to supply power to part of the shop, and he made arrangements for a bigger, more powerful generator to be on hand in case of future power outages. Some customers were understanding, others not--they moved on.
There's no getting back repair jobs lost when the doors are shut.
Example: Diane runs a small neighborhood convenience store. After she was robbed twice, she decided that she had to defend herself. She bought a handgun, went through proper licensing and training, and now keeps the firearm handy. She hasn't shot anyone yet, but she has sent a knife-wielding robber on his way when she pointed the firearm at him. In the past, Diane was terrified of guns, but today she has the means to defend herself. And she is much more confident when she's in the store alone.
These types of emergencies are not unusual in small business. You don't need a river to produce a flood--a heavy downpour can cause seepage under the doorways and leave you standing in water. There's no forewarning for a power outage--and it can last a few minutes or a few days. And, unfortunately, a robber can show up at any time.
Be prepared. It's the scout's motto, and they got it right.
You need to give some thought to these types of problems. They can, and do, happen. With a little preparation, you and your business can ride out almost anything. (Other examples are scattered throughout these write-ups.)
from personal experiences starting, operating, and growing my own.
Your small business can be struck by a disaster you don't see coming. Fire, flood, wind, blackouts and robbers can shut you down--whether you have a shop or an office or work at home.
Bakeries, gift shops, law offices, landscapers, salons, repair shops, therapists, restaurants, caterers and every other business can suddenly have a disaster on their hands. Every business person deserves to have thought about the possibility ahead of time--and planned for it.
Example: Jill runs a gift shop located on the Main Street in her town. The river is blocks away, but it flooded one night in early November. With little warning, Jill rushed to her shop to get things off the floor as water began seeping in. The next day, she sloshed her way through several inches of muddy water to survey the damage. Everything the water touched was ruined, and it took two weeks to clean up the mess. Customers and townspeople were generous with their time helping Jill get the gift shop back in operation for at least part of the holiday shopping season. Jill had flood insurance which paid for much of the clean-up, ruined stock and fixtures. But she had no loss-of-business insurance, and holiday shoppers had to put up with flooring contractors and sheet rock installers.
Make sure you plan ahead of time for all of the disaster contingencies.
Example: Phil had a different problem. He runs a small auto repair shop, but he had to close operations and lost some repair jobs when the electric went down. There was no power for three days. Phil quickly installed a generator to supply power to part of the shop, and he made arrangements for a bigger, more powerful generator to be on hand in case of future power outages. Some customers were understanding, others not--they moved on.
There's no getting back repair jobs lost when the doors are shut.
Example: Diane runs a small neighborhood convenience store. After she was robbed twice, she decided that she had to defend herself. She bought a handgun, went through proper licensing and training, and now keeps the firearm handy. She hasn't shot anyone yet, but she has sent a knife-wielding robber on his way when she pointed the firearm at him. In the past, Diane was terrified of guns, but today she has the means to defend herself. And she is much more confident when she's in the store alone.
These types of emergencies are not unusual in small business. You don't need a river to produce a flood--a heavy downpour can cause seepage under the doorways and leave you standing in water. There's no forewarning for a power outage--and it can last a few minutes or a few days. And, unfortunately, a robber can show up at any time.
Be prepared. It's the scout's motto, and they got it right.
You need to give some thought to these types of problems. They can, and do, happen. With a little preparation, you and your business can ride out almost anything. (Other examples are scattered throughout these write-ups.)
Friday, September 19, 2014
More referrals
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas and examples from real businesses
and personal experience starting, operating and growing businesses of my own.
Referrals are important to the health of your business. Customers and clients talking about the products/services you provide is better than free advertising.
Increasing the number of referrals should be one of your major concerns. And there are some simple things you can do to get more referrals.
Example: Tom runs a small print shop. The technology of printing continues to advance, and this squeezes Tom's operation. He realized some time ago that he must target certain types of printing jobs--quick turnaround, small and medium color runs. To find new customers, Tom started attending more networking events. In addition, he began aggressive followups with present customers--calling them and asking for referrals. He got some appointments and visited them. Not all resulted in new jobs. Enough turned out well, however, convincing Tom that he was on the right track. Over time, Tom increased his customer base.
Getting more referrals should be part of your selling strategies and promotional initiatives.
Example: Danielle owns a hair salon. To increase referrals she hands out gift certificates to current customers. She writes "From (and the customer's name)" on each gift certificate. It is to be passed on to some friend or acquaintance. For their trouble, she gives the customer a discount on their next appointment. This has had the effect of bringing new customers to Danielle's salon.
Example: Tina runs an upscale gift shop. Almost everything in her shop is handmade by artists and artisans--jewelry, women's accessories, pottery and ceramics, wood, leather and iron ware, etc. Instead of business cards, Tina hands out postcards, including them with every purchase. The post cards have a color picture on one side. The other side shows the shop's address and contact information along with a discount coupon against future purchases. She hands these out freely, frequently giving shoppers and browsers several at once, and asking them to pass out among their friends. The color picture is the key here--people can throw away a business card, but an attractive color picture is kept and passed to others.
These examples are simple and inexpensive ways to get your present customers to refer others to you. Whether you use postcards or Facebook, the end result can increase the chatter about you out there where it counts.
Referrals take place naturally. They are part of human interaction--whether it's over a cup of coffee or on Facebook. But you can do some things to speed up the process.
and personal experience starting, operating and growing businesses of my own.
Referrals are important to the health of your business. Customers and clients talking about the products/services you provide is better than free advertising.
Increasing the number of referrals should be one of your major concerns. And there are some simple things you can do to get more referrals.
Example: Tom runs a small print shop. The technology of printing continues to advance, and this squeezes Tom's operation. He realized some time ago that he must target certain types of printing jobs--quick turnaround, small and medium color runs. To find new customers, Tom started attending more networking events. In addition, he began aggressive followups with present customers--calling them and asking for referrals. He got some appointments and visited them. Not all resulted in new jobs. Enough turned out well, however, convincing Tom that he was on the right track. Over time, Tom increased his customer base.
Getting more referrals should be part of your selling strategies and promotional initiatives.
Example: Danielle owns a hair salon. To increase referrals she hands out gift certificates to current customers. She writes "From (and the customer's name)" on each gift certificate. It is to be passed on to some friend or acquaintance. For their trouble, she gives the customer a discount on their next appointment. This has had the effect of bringing new customers to Danielle's salon.
Example: Tina runs an upscale gift shop. Almost everything in her shop is handmade by artists and artisans--jewelry, women's accessories, pottery and ceramics, wood, leather and iron ware, etc. Instead of business cards, Tina hands out postcards, including them with every purchase. The post cards have a color picture on one side. The other side shows the shop's address and contact information along with a discount coupon against future purchases. She hands these out freely, frequently giving shoppers and browsers several at once, and asking them to pass out among their friends. The color picture is the key here--people can throw away a business card, but an attractive color picture is kept and passed to others.
These examples are simple and inexpensive ways to get your present customers to refer others to you. Whether you use postcards or Facebook, the end result can increase the chatter about you out there where it counts.
Referrals take place naturally. They are part of human interaction--whether it's over a cup of coffee or on Facebook. But you can do some things to speed up the process.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Advice good and bad
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas and examples from businesses
from my lifetime of starting, operating and growing businesses of my own.
Advice is everywhere. It comes from everyone. As a small business person, you are bombarded with advice.
Most advice has little value. It comes from people who have never run a business.
Example: Back in the early 1990s, I joined a local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as a business counselor. At that time, I had experience in starting up and operating three different businesses. I was appalled to learn that most of the business counselors in that state's SBDCs had never run a business. They had experience in education and government, but no background in actually running a business. I could only imagine the advice they struggled to give to the people who came with real problems. Unless you've experienced it, you cannot relate to the acid burn that happens in your stomach when the cash flow stops flowing. Well, I lasted two years at that SBDC, leaving to establish the private Business Owners Institute in New Jersey. My first rule was that every employee must have run a business before being hired.
You deserve the best advice you can get. Frequently the people offering advice do not have the experience that makes it valuable. Would you hire an electrician who had read all the manuals but who had no hands-on experience?
Example: Candy watched as her gift shop went downhill--sales dropped off over a two year period. She sought out an attorney who advised bankruptcy. Her accountant concurred. Then she met a business woman at a networking event who showed Candy how she might turn around her operation. Candy took the advice to heart--she would target well-heeled customers by offering gift items handmade by artists and artisans. She held a big sale to reduce and clear out her old stock. At the same time, she contacted jewelry makers, weavers and fiber artisans, wood turners, glass workers, potters and ceramicists, even furniture makers to make arrangements to display and sell their items. She held a big grand re-opening of her gift shop, promoting the event by partnering with a local winery and a caterer. Today, Candy's gift shop is a very different destination, attracting a new customer base from a wider area than before.
Some of the best advice I ever received came from my father. He ran a large dairy farm, and I grew up milking cows and learning how to do the next thing. He once said to me: "If you don't know how to do something, find someone who does, and learn."
You deserve to seek out the best advice you can find. Maybe it works for you, maybe not. Your job is to sort it out. And never give up.
from my lifetime of starting, operating and growing businesses of my own.
Advice is everywhere. It comes from everyone. As a small business person, you are bombarded with advice.
Most advice has little value. It comes from people who have never run a business.
Example: Back in the early 1990s, I joined a local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as a business counselor. At that time, I had experience in starting up and operating three different businesses. I was appalled to learn that most of the business counselors in that state's SBDCs had never run a business. They had experience in education and government, but no background in actually running a business. I could only imagine the advice they struggled to give to the people who came with real problems. Unless you've experienced it, you cannot relate to the acid burn that happens in your stomach when the cash flow stops flowing. Well, I lasted two years at that SBDC, leaving to establish the private Business Owners Institute in New Jersey. My first rule was that every employee must have run a business before being hired.
You deserve the best advice you can get. Frequently the people offering advice do not have the experience that makes it valuable. Would you hire an electrician who had read all the manuals but who had no hands-on experience?
Example: Candy watched as her gift shop went downhill--sales dropped off over a two year period. She sought out an attorney who advised bankruptcy. Her accountant concurred. Then she met a business woman at a networking event who showed Candy how she might turn around her operation. Candy took the advice to heart--she would target well-heeled customers by offering gift items handmade by artists and artisans. She held a big sale to reduce and clear out her old stock. At the same time, she contacted jewelry makers, weavers and fiber artisans, wood turners, glass workers, potters and ceramicists, even furniture makers to make arrangements to display and sell their items. She held a big grand re-opening of her gift shop, promoting the event by partnering with a local winery and a caterer. Today, Candy's gift shop is a very different destination, attracting a new customer base from a wider area than before.
Some of the best advice I ever received came from my father. He ran a large dairy farm, and I grew up milking cows and learning how to do the next thing. He once said to me: "If you don't know how to do something, find someone who does, and learn."
You deserve to seek out the best advice you can find. Maybe it works for you, maybe not. Your job is to sort it out. And never give up.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Events attract attention
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas with examples from real business
and my lifetime of personal experience starting, operating and growing businesses.
Need more clients/customers? Throw a party.
Parties and events attract attention. Promoting your small business has never been easier. They're fun, and people are attracted to fun happenings.
Parties don't have to be wild events. Parties come in many flavors.
Example: Susan is a nutritionist. She loves to tell people about the benefits of raw veggies, whole foods, the health values of eating right. But how does she attract paying customers to attend her private consultations? Well, she had a plan. She found several local networking groups at MeetUp.com. At these meetings she homed in on other owners who had compatible small businesses--massage therapists, Reiki and yoga practitioners, chiropractors, hypnotists who help people quit smoking and lose weight. Susan convinced several to come together and hold an event designed around healthy living. They put the word out on Facebook and other social media. At the event, each of them talked about what they did, gave short demonstrations, invited and answered every question and passed out literature. They tapped into the public's thirst for knowledge in an informal setting. The events are continuing, and they bring a continuing supply of new clients and referrals.
Partner with other businesses to attract even more attention than you might when you act alone. If getting several businesses to come together seems too much for you, try just one.
Example: Victoria operates a small specialty bakery. She met Susan the nutritionist at one of the MeetUp networking events. Victoria's bakery attracts people with health concerns. In addition to regular bakery items, she offers gluten-free, sugar-free, egg-free, nut-free, lactose-free, etc. Victoria and Susan put together an event at the bakery, where Victoria set out a big table of samples and Susan talked about nutrition. Both answered questions and passed out information. The event attracted new customers/clients for each of them.
Events bring people to you. All have questions, and these attendees bring you referrals.
Example: Jack had a bigger idea. His upscale clothing store attracted regular customers, but like every other store in town, Jack wanted more. He trudged up and down the street, engaging every shop owner, and talking them into holding a town-wide event. Business owners bought into Jack's idea--every store agreed to participate by holding demonstrations, having drawings for products, giving away gift certificates, passing out free samples, providing activities for children, etc. Jack arranged for free musicians to perform, and artists came to work their crafts on the sidewalks. The big day came and the event attracted widespread attention, bringing new people to town where they discovered the shops and stores. The event helped turn the town into a destination, and these days Jack does it twice each year.
Small or big, events bring new people to your operation. The excitement created will pay off long after the actual event takes place.
You can get your business in front of new eyeballs by throwing a party--or an event. And what small business can't use new eyeballs? Do it, promote it, and they will come. And refer others.
and my lifetime of personal experience starting, operating and growing businesses.
Need more clients/customers? Throw a party.
Parties and events attract attention. Promoting your small business has never been easier. They're fun, and people are attracted to fun happenings.
Parties don't have to be wild events. Parties come in many flavors.
Example: Susan is a nutritionist. She loves to tell people about the benefits of raw veggies, whole foods, the health values of eating right. But how does she attract paying customers to attend her private consultations? Well, she had a plan. She found several local networking groups at MeetUp.com. At these meetings she homed in on other owners who had compatible small businesses--massage therapists, Reiki and yoga practitioners, chiropractors, hypnotists who help people quit smoking and lose weight. Susan convinced several to come together and hold an event designed around healthy living. They put the word out on Facebook and other social media. At the event, each of them talked about what they did, gave short demonstrations, invited and answered every question and passed out literature. They tapped into the public's thirst for knowledge in an informal setting. The events are continuing, and they bring a continuing supply of new clients and referrals.
Partner with other businesses to attract even more attention than you might when you act alone. If getting several businesses to come together seems too much for you, try just one.
Example: Victoria operates a small specialty bakery. She met Susan the nutritionist at one of the MeetUp networking events. Victoria's bakery attracts people with health concerns. In addition to regular bakery items, she offers gluten-free, sugar-free, egg-free, nut-free, lactose-free, etc. Victoria and Susan put together an event at the bakery, where Victoria set out a big table of samples and Susan talked about nutrition. Both answered questions and passed out information. The event attracted new customers/clients for each of them.
Events bring people to you. All have questions, and these attendees bring you referrals.
Example: Jack had a bigger idea. His upscale clothing store attracted regular customers, but like every other store in town, Jack wanted more. He trudged up and down the street, engaging every shop owner, and talking them into holding a town-wide event. Business owners bought into Jack's idea--every store agreed to participate by holding demonstrations, having drawings for products, giving away gift certificates, passing out free samples, providing activities for children, etc. Jack arranged for free musicians to perform, and artists came to work their crafts on the sidewalks. The big day came and the event attracted widespread attention, bringing new people to town where they discovered the shops and stores. The event helped turn the town into a destination, and these days Jack does it twice each year.
Small or big, events bring new people to your operation. The excitement created will pay off long after the actual event takes place.
You can get your business in front of new eyeballs by throwing a party--or an event. And what small business can't use new eyeballs? Do it, promote it, and they will come. And refer others.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Selling on eBay
Free daily tips, info, advice, ideas and examples from real businesses
drawing on my lifetime of experience starting, operating and growing operations.
When eBay exploded on the Internet, it revolutionized all sorts of markets. Buyers and sellers suddenly had another place to meet and do business.
On the eBay.com site, you can find thousands of items in many categories--electronics, clothing, collectibles and antiques, home and garden, and much, much more. Just click on your interest and begin.
Example: For many years I collected early American glass made between 1800 and 1900. The day came when it got out of hand--I was running out of room. About the same time, I found eBay. I would take a picture of, say, a Diamond Thumbprint decanter made in the 1850s, post the picture to the eBay site, and watch as people bid on the item--or purchased it outright. I have bought and sold historic American glass pieces on eBay, and the experience has been a good one. The eBay phenomenon greatly expanded the market geographically--far beyond the circles of collectors I had developed over the years. Suddenly, I could reach people all over the country and beyond. I discovered that collectors in different parts of the country had different interests and would pay different prices for historic glass items. Over time, there was an evening out of market interest and prices--the eBay phenomenon was working its magic in the marketplace.
Not everything posted on eBay sells. But, overwhelmingly, the company has been very successful in bringing together buyers and sellers.
Like everything else, you must jump into the water if you want to swim. You might find it will work for you--or it might not. Then, you might find someone to handle all the eBay details for you.
Example: Fran opened a consignment shop and invited others to bring items to her store. She offers the items for sale at the shop, and she places them on eBay as well. Hers is a sort of eBay store, where her customers are primarily sellers, not buyers. She handles putting the items up on the eBay site, relieving her customers of this. Since Fran is very active on eBay as a seller, she has become expert in what will sell and what will not. She is also up-to-date on pricing. In an ever changing marketplace, prices can fluctuate--up or down. An item that was hotly bid up to hundreds of dollars last year might languish on the shelves this year with no interest at all--locally or on eBay. Fran has found the antiques market to be a good example of this. High end and rare antiques usually command high prices, but second tier antiques not so much. A small, hand-carved salon table that sold for $500 some twenty years ago, today struggles to fetch half that amount. Collectibles, on the other hand, might soar in interest and price--an early computer game can draw lots of interest, and bidding can be fierce. Fran offers free appraisals at her bricks-and-mortar operation, and this brings in lots of inventory.
Businesses other than consignment shops can take advantage of the huge market that eBay provides. Artists and artisans can be found on eBay, as can gift shops, furniture designers, clothing and electronics stores, and, of course, antiques and collectibles in addition to others.
You have many opportunities and possibilities in small business. And you never know what works until you try. Find your niche, and never look back.
drawing on my lifetime of experience starting, operating and growing operations.
When eBay exploded on the Internet, it revolutionized all sorts of markets. Buyers and sellers suddenly had another place to meet and do business.
On the eBay.com site, you can find thousands of items in many categories--electronics, clothing, collectibles and antiques, home and garden, and much, much more. Just click on your interest and begin.
Example: For many years I collected early American glass made between 1800 and 1900. The day came when it got out of hand--I was running out of room. About the same time, I found eBay. I would take a picture of, say, a Diamond Thumbprint decanter made in the 1850s, post the picture to the eBay site, and watch as people bid on the item--or purchased it outright. I have bought and sold historic American glass pieces on eBay, and the experience has been a good one. The eBay phenomenon greatly expanded the market geographically--far beyond the circles of collectors I had developed over the years. Suddenly, I could reach people all over the country and beyond. I discovered that collectors in different parts of the country had different interests and would pay different prices for historic glass items. Over time, there was an evening out of market interest and prices--the eBay phenomenon was working its magic in the marketplace.
Not everything posted on eBay sells. But, overwhelmingly, the company has been very successful in bringing together buyers and sellers.
Like everything else, you must jump into the water if you want to swim. You might find it will work for you--or it might not. Then, you might find someone to handle all the eBay details for you.
Example: Fran opened a consignment shop and invited others to bring items to her store. She offers the items for sale at the shop, and she places them on eBay as well. Hers is a sort of eBay store, where her customers are primarily sellers, not buyers. She handles putting the items up on the eBay site, relieving her customers of this. Since Fran is very active on eBay as a seller, she has become expert in what will sell and what will not. She is also up-to-date on pricing. In an ever changing marketplace, prices can fluctuate--up or down. An item that was hotly bid up to hundreds of dollars last year might languish on the shelves this year with no interest at all--locally or on eBay. Fran has found the antiques market to be a good example of this. High end and rare antiques usually command high prices, but second tier antiques not so much. A small, hand-carved salon table that sold for $500 some twenty years ago, today struggles to fetch half that amount. Collectibles, on the other hand, might soar in interest and price--an early computer game can draw lots of interest, and bidding can be fierce. Fran offers free appraisals at her bricks-and-mortar operation, and this brings in lots of inventory.
Businesses other than consignment shops can take advantage of the huge market that eBay provides. Artists and artisans can be found on eBay, as can gift shops, furniture designers, clothing and electronics stores, and, of course, antiques and collectibles in addition to others.
You have many opportunities and possibilities in small business. And you never know what works until you try. Find your niche, and never look back.
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