Starting a small business?

Question

My mom has been trying to start a small business selling custom shadow boxes. She's been going to craft shows for years, has passed out business cards, tried selling on e-bay, gotten a website (framedwithflair.com), got an internet ad with Google, sent out flyers in the mail, and paid for a small ad in a magazine. Yet despite these years of trial, she's only had one customer. Any advice or words of encouragement?

Answer 1

Try make consignment with design or art work stores. Put a big name and lots of your product that would attract customers. You can also rent a small space in a mall and put all your products there and make some beautiful smiles with your customers and potential customers. Flyers alone and e-marketing wouldnt do in such product. Actual selling and displaying i think is much better. :)

Answer 2

Business cards are a very cheap way to tell people about your business. If having your own business was easy, everybody would go do it. Another cheap way to advertise is put your web address in about 2 inch tall letters on the back and side windows of your car with vinyl lettering. Good Luck

Answer 3

Selling snowballs in the north pole doesn't work well either. Some products are failures to begin with but people will still try to sell them, If she's making them she is wasting her time and if she is buying them to resale she's going to lose money. She needs a new product.

Answer 4

Maybe the demand is so small that you can't make any money from it. My first 2 business start-ups were failures. But, I learned and I've had 3 successes in a row.

Answer 5

I think they might be a little expensive....$125.00.
In this economy,people can't afford that kind of luxury.

I make a different type of shadow boxes and sell mine for about half the price and still make money.A soon as i get them made,it don't take long for me to sell them.They are very unique.

If you would to talk more about it im me.

Answer 6

I agree that you should network. You should go outside crafts circles, perhaps get a booth a bridal expo and get in touch with some wedding/party planners.

Answer 7

how often do you see a shadow box now days??
if she's gone to craft fairs and not sold anything,, she should take a walk around and see what else is selling,, it's time to add items to the lineup

Answer 8

keep tring if that is your passion, don't give up.try free internet advertising,talk to your warm market, people that you know.
It might be wise to be doing something else on the side while you pursue your dream.I have a home based travel business
while i work part time.

Answer 9

network network network. advertise advertise advertise. and do not give up. the more you know, and the more people you meet, the more likely something will fall through. good luck...businesses like that aren't easy.

Answer 10

Sorry, but this item is not exactly something someone needs everyday.