Name of your website?Forever And A Day Gift Boutique
Your name?
Laurie
Your Location (city, etc)
Phoenix
Please give us a short summary of your website?
Forever And A Day Gift Boutique is your premier online store committed to meeting your country, southwestern, primitive and rustic home décor, accents and accessories needs. We help you bring what you need to help make your home, office or cabin a warm, cozy atmosphere or provide you with the perfect gift for any occasion.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
I have always loved the primitive country decor and was looking for an chance to be able to once again be a stay at home, work at home mon. I have 5 children, one still at home and wanted him to have the chance to have his mom at home with him like his other brothers/sister did, before I had to go outside the home to work. It's been great!
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
I launched my store in 2006 Oct. I started out as a gift store and ended up a home decor, accents and accessories store. Just went with my heart on what I loved! Decorating!
How did you decide on a name for your website?
My husband and I have this little saying about how long our love for each other will last, Forever And A Day......... I thought it was perfect for the primitive old time country feel of a home decor store also. The kind of decor that families save & share "Forever And A Day".
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
I believe its our customer service. I feel this is #1 in staying above the rest. Also loving what you do and believe in what you sell.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
My goal is to be able to better my company and keep it one step above the rest. My being able to stay home with my children/husband depend on this. Because I love what I do I feel this won't be a problem.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
Right now like other companies, times are tough. After Christmas is hard for families. I am sure it will do just fine. As far as time, I have all day, the desire, and the will for it to strive. As the money end, well like other small companies, we use every penny we have. If you want something bad enough it will come....
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
I would be able to lower prices so that everyone could afford to shop at my store. I would also open more stores. Maybe have someone else make my graphics. I make all my own right now. That's tough. Learn as you go process. But very fun and exciting!
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Oh ya! I am a family owned business, with lots of kids and a great husband to help. They all believe in me and my business, so there support and help would just better it. Not to forget my grandson, 4 yo. He is a great help. He colors pictures for me, wants me to put them in my store for sale, ha ha ha......
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Not many, I knew going in that it would be hard, lots of time, engery and money to get it going and keep it above all else. Thankfully I am a quick learner.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Finding wholesalers/dropshippers who have good prices so that you can keep your cost down to better serve your customers. And finding quality products.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
search engines, directories, and offering excellent customer service.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
None, its just what I thought it would be, I did my homework before I started.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
I have been in business now for 1 1/2 yrs. I plan to always have my store. I will change with the times as far as decor trend, But love the primitive country, rustic decor.....
What do you think is the most important thing about owning a business?
Customer service! Keeping in touch with your customers. When your an online business people tend to be alittle unsure about placing information online, you need to gain their trust and let them know you are there for them all the way through till the end of the process.
What is your website address?
Forever And A Day Gift Boutique
