Do I Need Web Hosting for My Jewelry Website?

by Kim Cannan
(Conroe, Texas)

I hope this doesn't sound stupid, but I'm apparently more web illiterate than I thought! do I have to use a host to have a jewelry website or can I just make my own?

I'm trying to start a jewelry business but every time I turn around there's money that needs to be shelled out.

Web hosting charges, insurance (I was advised to get this before I sold anything in case someone chokes on a bead!).

I feel like I'm in a vicious circle where you can't make money until you spend some money.

Well I'm unemployed and running out of money! I need to sell something!

The advice that I see here is always so helpful and I'm just stumped.

Thanks in advance!

Kim Cannan

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Do I Need Web Hosting for My Jewelry Website?

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You have choices
by: Millie.GotRocks

Kim there are no stupid question, ever. You have some choices. If you want your own web site you need a minimum of 3 things. A domain name, a web site, a hosting service.

Your own site to set up shop will also require a way to collect money safely. For me PayPal has been really easy.

There are great inexpensive places to get a domain name but do choose a reputable one. Hosting is only about 60.00 per year or less and PayPal is free to set up and you would be charged about 3% when you sell something.

Or, you can set up shop at Etsy, or Artfire etc.

Millie
gotrocks4sale.com

Web support
by: Cindi

I choose to use Go Daddy and was able to get my domain name, website, hosting and a shopping cart with them. I liked using only one company for all these things and they have incredible customer/tech service that I have used on many occasions.
They offer a service called website tonight that gives you tons of pre-made website templates for you to work with and customize if you like. The web store also is able to match the site look for a seamless feel.
I use paypal on my webstore but am also set up with a payment gateway (Authorize.net) to take credit cards. For added security you can set up an SSL with your store front.
Don't be daunted by all the things you need, just take it one step at a time.
Cindi Bernloehr
WoodStone Jewelry
www.woodstonejewelry.com

Free website and web design program
by: Joan

We purchased a new computer several months ago. It's an HP Pavillion equipped with Windows 7 Home Premium. It comes with a free website along with a free web design program, all through Microsoft Office Live.

There is a learning curve, but with continued practice I was able to get a website up and running for my customers to peruse when they want to see what I have in my inventory. As of right now, my customers are unable to buy directly from the site, but I am investigating PayPal and other businesses of that type to see which one I want to go with for direct-site purchasing.

If you need a new computer, it might be worth it to you to upgrade to one with a Windows 7 operating system.

Joan
www.razzledazzleny.com

free website hosting onlinw
by: Ann Nolen

Hi all,
A jewelry website is almost essential these days, I think. I sell at shows, but customers are always asking me if I sell online, and are pleased when I answer yes. I haven't sold a lot yet, but I have been fortunate to sell from my home in California to Colorado, Canada, Texas, Dubai, England, Tennesee, etc. None of these sales would have ever happened without a website. I call it magic!
I use Weebly.com to host my website. The hosting and the built in software to build your site is FREE. The site name is free if you don't care if "weebly" is at the end of it, for example mine started out as www.animalcoin.weebly.com. Later I signed up for a domain name of my own thru them and it was only $40 per year. That made it cleaner with a site name of www.animalcoin.com. I think it is the best deal around, and the site is really easy to use and set up.
They also have "revenue" items to drag and drop if you want to set up a store there. It is also free, and you can sign up for Paypal there and it links it all up for you. I decided to use Etsy, however, since I thought the nicer look and exposure was better. I can use the Mini-Etsy feature to have my Etsy store show like a store right on my website. Super easy and looks great. I another Etsy feature so my Etsy store is a tab on my Facebook profile page.
I like tech stuff, but I think if you go slow and try things out a little at a time, anyone can build their own website using these free tools.
If you see something on my website, and wonder how I did it, please feel free to contact me. I am glad to share.

Ann@AnimalCoin.com

Yes
by: Susan

Several of my friends just sell through Etsy, but if you really want to build a serious and reputable business and think about long term, I suggest getting your own web site. That way you will have your own domain, look more professional, and be able to create your own look/feel, etc. As another person mentioned above, you will need to register a domain, sign up for web hosting, and create a web site. PayPal works great for accepting credit cards. I suggest looking into www.fatchickenhosting.com. They have really great prices (some better than GoDaddy), 24 hour support, and they're reliable. I've used them for years and never had a problem. Good luck!

If you are just
by: Debbie

starting out I would suggest going through Etsy.com or Artfire.com. Etsy charges 20 cents for each item you list and it stays listed until you sell it or for 4 months. With Artfire, you can list for free as a basic member. If you want more bells and whistles you can upgrade to premium for about $15 a month. With the upgrade you will get to choose your store colors, be able to use "coupons", be listed on facebook, etc. As for your own website.. you can try a free one as listed above, or Yola.com is free. When you are financially able to have your own website I would suggest Pappashop.com. They pretty much set it up for you - all you have to do is choose your template and add your products and photos, etc. They give you a shopping cart and you get paid through Paypal. Pappashop is so easy to use....they have a lot of tutorials and if you are still stuck they have a fast turn around time on your questions.
Good luck!

Try Wix
by: Anonymous

One word for you here: Wix.com. I LOVE Wix. I do have my domain name paid for through Yahoo, but the website is designed with Wix. The webpage editor is easy to use, you have a LOT of options on page design. And the best part....it is less than $5/month.

JodyM

www.stonescapesjewelry.com