Art2Arts founder Michelle Gibbs tells eSellerMedia.com how she created her business single-handed, why her biggest mistake was being ‘implosive’ and why being vocal is a good thing.
When and why did you first decide to set the business up?
I have always wanted to own my own business as far back as I can remember, I use to make Christmas stockings and hair scrunchies and take them to school to sell.
I started painting whilst an university, selling mainly to friends and family, then I started creating parties, realising it wouldnt last this way forever I set up and eBay account selling my work, I then moved on to creating a website. I never thought it would take off like this.
When did the business become a reality?
It became a reality when I left my job to do it full time. Starting to build up artists on the site and range of work offered meant there was more to offer customers and in turn the customer base grew. Its all been very exciting.
What help did you have in setting up your business?
None! Whilst at university my dad leant me a couple of hundred to buy some art materials for my painting, but other then that its all built up slowly just re-investing the money the business make.
How difficult was it to start as an ecommerce business?
Its not difficult creating the site as such but there are alot of sharks out there that promise you the world, you pay alot of money for their service and get no return on investment. I am always very wary of people as a result. I think your more venerable being online.
Were there any hurdles that you had to overcome, and if so, how was it done?
There have been lots of little hurdles along the way, I think the most important thing is to ‘have a voice’ if you’re not happy with the performance of a company you have taken on you have to speak you mind otherwise you get pushed to the back and nothing gets done. I am very vocal if I am not happy with the way something is going, you have to be in order to survive I think.
When did you really start to feel like you were taking off as a business?
I think the past 2 years really. The business as grow as a really great rate given the difficult financial times we are currently in. Also I think when you start to get repeat business and recommendations not only for customers but artists recommending their other art friends to the site, thats a really great feeling.
Any advice you would give to people wanting to set up their own ecommerce business?
Be very wary of people offering their services, I never accept any over the phone! do your research and always offer excellent customer service, there really isn’t enough of it these days and it really goes a long way.
What software did you use when setting up the business?
I just use excel for my spreadsheets, and have recently brought a Mac which I just love!
What plans do you have to grow the business?
I have recently applied for the art councils ‘own art’ scheme which if we get accepted means we can offer interest free credit to customers want to buy artwork.
I am always looking for new opportunities and avenues to promote the website. We are also in the process of setting up a second ‘crafts’ website, so watch this space……
If you could have done anything differently, what would it be?
Sometimes I get carried away and am quite implosive and jump into things without always stepping and back and giving proper thought as to the time and cost involved and as a result have probably wasted money on the way, but on the other hand we all make mistakes and you don’t always learn until you do.
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