I get asked more and more regularly by people who live close to my locale whether I have a storefront. I don’t. While I know there are potential customers who would only consider buying from me if I had a physical storefront, I am placing my faith in the increasingly Internet-savvy group of customers who are already accustomed to the risks of buying bath and body products online.
Most of the reasons for this are expense related: I started this business in 2006 on $200 and a pile of essential oils I still had from a previous business attempt. I have not and do not plan to take out business loans.
And perfume making is not the only thing I want to do with my life.
This is the world of multiple revenue streams: read “To get by, you need to do more than one thing for a living.” For some unfortunate underpaids in corporate life, that means two jobs are necessary. In my household, both my boyfriend and I work in multiple fields in order to pay rent, keep food on the table, and pay off student loans. A personal illness has complicated this matter, and it means that I in particular must find more creative ways to contribute to the household.
I know it would be easier on curious parties if I did have a store to just wallk in - but it would take away a lot more from me than I’m willing to give up, and in the long run wouldn’t make financial sense. I would have to set aside writing and writing time to keep regular business hours. I would need to raise my prices to meet overhead. Signage, maintenance, permits, insurance… all these things are things I would need to deal with. All these things would take me away from what I love.
So sorry, no storefront. But you’re welcome to explore our samplers listing.
- photo taken by magickalrealism on flickr [↩]
One Response to “Brick and Mortar from Internet Rubble”
I never want to take out business loans either. Loans make me feel like I’m selling my soul. Haha.
Yup, lots of business expenses of owning a store. Looks like you’re doing great online.