Comments on: How Much Does It Cost?

By: Ashley

Ashley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:58:24 +0000

You tell em’ Kim!

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:10:00 +0000

^As the customer I have every right to be You, however, do not. That shows a lot about your business skills as well as the fact that you try to promote your business on other peoples blogs.

By: Trina

Trina — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:15:40 +0000

“Thanks for your input, but I don’t really appreciate you challenging what I said about designers being fickle”

Kim,

You sound a little fickle.

By: Kim

Kim — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 22:06:30 +0000

^Hi Rachel, I don’t make my own garments but I do know a bit about it from school. As far as I know you can get into legal trouble if you don’t have care tags, and also if your care tags are incorrect. I would be especially careful if it’s childrens clothing because childrens clothing is required by law to be flame retardant and it needs to say that on the label. If you do a google search for hang tags or garment labels you should be able to find companies who will create these for you. I hope that helps!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:16:00 +0000

Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for your comments. I too am starting an online boutique for mom and baby that I will be opening in Jan 2009. We will be offering our own brand as well. I have been trying to find out about the “care tags” to put in our garments and bags….have you ever done a garment without using these, and just using your brand tag? If you have used them can you give me advice on how I can get them made for the specific fabrics I have? Thank you so much for your site! All your information is really helpful!

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:32:35 +0000

^Hi Dawn, um, all I know about start up costs has been posted in this post. If you’re wondering how much the merchandise will cost, usually retail prices are marked up x 2.2 from wholesale so that gives you a starting point. As far as I know, you would go to the same places to get this merchandise; the showrooms. But I dont know much about fine jewelry.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:33:36 +0000

Hi, I was curious about the cost of starting a new online Fine Jewellery business? I have a friend who will help with the making of the website and she is not going to charge me.Can you explain in detail all the costs and setbacks with starting this business?Where would you go for suppliers in this field?Any kind of help would be very beneficial.Thank you!!

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:18:17 +0000

Thanks for your input, but I don’t really appreciate you challenging what I said about designers being fickle. The key words there are that you “can’t speak for all web designers”. To say the client is fickle is the wrong attitude; the customer really has EVERY right to be so. I know one buyer who is on her third designer/programmer and is just praying that her site will be ready for Spring. I won’t even get started on my experiences; and sometimes being detailed works against you. Being fickle definitely hurts us a lot more than it does you guys!

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:12:53 +0000

Hi Kim,
Interesting article.

I can’t speak for all web designers but I would venture a guess that many would say it is the client who is fickle!

You are absolutely correct in saying that the pricing depends on depends on what you need done (and extras you’d like) and who you’re asking.

As a web designer, my goal is to provide a site that looks great, works as it is supposed too, and is easy to use for both the site owner and the customers. For ecommerce sites, I want to make sure the site has useful features like inventory management, customer management, search, realtime shipping calculators etc., and that it can handle more items and more shoppers as the business grows.

Before looking for a developer, I suggest you check out some online stores that you like and make a note of features that you like. Talk to some other store owners to find out which features their store has that make managing it easier.

Also, you’ll want to be able to give an accurate description of the items you are selling. Do they have a lot of options? (e.g. sm, med, lg). Do you want to sort by manufacturer or brand name as well as by category? Do you want multiple pictures of each item?

That way when you start talking to a developer you’ll be able to tell her what you want your store to do. The more detail you can provide will enable your developer to give you a more accurate estimate of the cost of the site that has the features you want.

I have an article on my site about things to consider when planning a web site. I hope you find it helpful.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:41:53 +0000

Hi Tanya, no problem at all!

Yes, you’ll need a license to run any business and if you’re buying merchandise, it’s good to have a wholesale license. I wrote more about the paperwork needed here: http://oohlaluxe.net/index.php/10/first-things-first-getting-your-paperwork-straight/

As for the amount of merchandise, I’m starting out with four lines, which I think is good; small, but good. And you don’t want your store to look too skimpy. I would say 15-20 items would be a good starting point, but others I’ve spoken with recommend buying about 8 pieces per line per delivery. And if you’re worried about not having enough merchandise you can always try and find a jewelry line or two to have under consignment to flesh things out a bit.

Hope that helps and feel free to ask any other questions! Good luck on your store!