Mom of the Month
August 2009
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Meet Shannon at QT Sunglasses
What do you sell?
I sell designer inspired sunglasses. The reason why I choose
sunglasses is because I was always loosing mine, my girls would
play with them and break them. The sunglasses I was buying were
expensive in price but were cheap in quality.
How long have you been doing it?
I started selling back in 2002 by selling inspired sunglasses on
eBay. Then I opened QT Sunglasses online store in 2006.
How long did it take you to make your first sale? It took
me about a month to get my first sale. Since then I get daily
sales and and many are return customers.
Do you consider yourself a successful entrepreneur?
I do consider myself a successful entrepreneur, since I have
been able to help to provide for my family. Also help remove the
stress from my husband.
Why did you decide to start a home business?
I started my home business with my husband because we needed a
little bit more income and I thought why not sunglasses. He
thought I was crazy but got behind me and is my support system
in this adventure.
Has
the economy affected your business? If so, how?
This economy did not hurt my business but actually made it
thrive. Since the economy took a turn for the worse more people
are not able to afford the designer name products. So they have
turned to designer inspired products and they are saving money.
Do you use social network (facebook, twitter, myspace) and
how do they help?
I promote my business is through networking sites, forums and
word of mouth. I do use social networking sites, because this
helps me get my store out there and the best part its free. Once
I opened a MySpace my traffic grew and sales started coming
through. Then I opened a Fan Page and a Profile page on
Facebook. I write a post about every day with updates and this
brings in a lot of traffic as well.
Can you share your tips for survival and success?
I would have to say, always have good customer service. If a
customer is not happy with a product, always refund. Add in new
inventory as often as you can. This keeps your customers coming
back for more.
What is the best advice you could offer to someone just
getting started?
Never listen to what other have done, because their situation is
different. Always remember that it takes time, and money, to get
a business off the ground.
What inspires you?
My family. I look at my girls and know that I do not have to
work outside the home, and I can stay home with them. Another
person who inspires me is my husband. They all still get excited
when I make a sale.
Do you have a MENTOR? A support system?
I have a AWESOME support system, my husband. He is always
looking for some where else to post our site. The girls I work
with are always telling me how cool it is for me to have a
online store.
