How growing a successful ecommerce business gave these sisters more freedom
They also needed something that would provide a reliable income.
Selling products online was a foreign concept for Carolyn and Bootsie.
How to start selling on eBay
They started in 2007 selling Gorham plates, silverware and china that can fetch good money on eBay.
“Of course, we were very exited when all the plates sold, and then other things we bought or found.”
They called the business, Bootsie’s Boutique, and started listing items on eBay more regularly.
In the early days, Carolyn and Bootsie were only making a few hundred dollars a month from eBay.
Choosing a wholesale supplier directory service
“It was like being a kid in a candy store,” she says. “No one else compared.”
Finding a niche
“Plus size ladies love to look great and sexy, too,” Carolyn says.
Carolyn says SaleHoo helped to connect them with great suppliers for each new niche they picked up.
SaleHoo also provided data and information on potential new niche markets, she says.
Buying in bulk versus dropshipping
Carolyn says drop shipping can be a good way to get started selling online.
Generating a steady income
“It has grown significantly larger than we had ever imagined,” she says.
“Connecting with SaleHoo was definitely a turning point.”
She puts the success down to “the quality goods from dependable vendors” found on SaleHoo.
More flexibility and family time
Carolyn says it’s easy to put the business “on vacation” and take care of more pressing things.
But the greatest benefit of selling online is “that family can be first at any time”.
Top tips for ecommerce success
“List often, so there is life going through your site.
“We took advantage of so much that SaleHoo offered and benefitted exponentially.”
And posting on social media regularly also helps generate brand awareness and sales, Carolyn says.
“Set up automatic tweets to post any new items you list or that get re-listed,” Carolyn says.
At the core of the business was treating their customers and vendors well and enjoying the ride.
“Thank each customer and vendor,” Carolyn says. “Build your business one sale at a time. Have fun.”
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