Running a Small business can be fun?

First let me introduce myself to those that do not read this blog.  My name is Jill and I have been running my own small business in the very competitive area of Cosmetics and the internet.  My web site www.makeupnet.com.au has been running now since 2006 and in that 4 years I have learned a lot about the internet and the cosmetics business.

I think that like a lot of people the internet seemed to be an easy low risk method of opening a business, yeah right!  Nothing easy here I can assure you. Maybe low risk , but I think the risks are not monetary risks, but copyright and misrepresentation risks for the novice web developer.

First you need a web package and you need to learn how to use that, you also need to find some great products from a supplier who is willing to sell to you in small lots ( many will not!)  You need a business name that will attract attention, a plan for the business ( many are not so hot at this aspect).  You need to learn about the laws that surround and support the type of business your in and then you need to work out how to get this new business some notice!  Oh and I forgot you need a domain name and it needs to be registered and try matching that to the registered business name..that was very tricky.


Anyway, here we are some 4 years later, 3 business names and 3 domain names later and a with a total new focus on the direction for the business.

I would love to hear from others that are running a small business on the web and sharing some of the pitfalls of this process and the learning's so that others may not make the same mistakes?  I will share some of my success and mistakes in the coming weeks.  I love my business and the lines that I sell and will continue to stay focused as it grows.  I believe that small business is very important in Australia and I support other small business owners when ever I get the opportunity.

Elly B Organic Skincare is another Australia owned small business and the products are second to none in my view.  Check them out, they are well priced and work well ( I know as I use this brand)

Free Post across Australia

Many online stores sell products that look like they are priced reasonably? Right? But then you get slugged a postage charge. Add that to the price of the one item you want and it is not so reasonably priced any more? Or you feel you need to buy some more stuff so you dont feel the slug of the postage charges!

Look for sites that dont charge any postage and the prices are resonable like www.discountskincare.com au. Prices are way below what you would pay instore for any kind of Mineral makeup - they have large pots and they post free.

Web based businesses should be passing on the savings they make by not having to pay for bricks and mortar to sell their goods. So shop with stores that offer free post and have good prices also! Lets all give the bigger stores a run for their money and support small business across Australia that are tyring to offer good quality products and really great, fair prices!!

What do you think about that? Tell me your view! and share site details with others, so they can save as well.

Other etailers who offer free postage are welcome to add their details to the blog.

cheers

jill