Not Yet Ready to Sell Online

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- Rena Klingenberg

Not Yet Ready to Sell Online

by Lorna
(Yokosuka Japan)

Hi, my name is Lorna Olaes. I am a newbie in jewelry making and I haven't sold any of my jewelry online because I'm worry about taxes, permit, etc.

I live here in Japan at a military installation and I have a permit to sell my craft only on base. I could probably sell off base, but I have to deal with the Japanese govt. about their permit, taxes, etc.

I have recently retired from the Civil Service and I would like to make jewelry making and marketing my new full-time job, but I thought I need to learn more about marketing online. I have been selling my jewelry thru friends, fundraising for the military events, and bazaars, in fact tomorrow I will be at the fundraising for the Navy Ball.

I have my website but it's not ready to take orders, just for my family and friends to browse my jewelry. Also, I'm not really sure if my craft is good enough to sell online. I guess I still have insecurities as far worldwide marketing/online. We have 2 more years contract here in Japan and we will be back stateside/California in 2013. I'm thinking that I'll do my online business then.

I hope you can give me some ideas and advise about online business, and please visit my website and give me your input about my jewelry. By the way, I learned to do these in May this year when we were in San Diego for my husband's surgery and we were there for 2 months. Everything else that I need to know, I learned them from books and videos.

Thank you for your newsletter and guidance.

Lorna Olaes
Earthy Stone

Comments for
Not Yet Ready to Sell Online

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pretty
by: Debi Woods

Hello,
I went to your site and your jewelry is ready to sell. It is beautiful, and you have great prices.
You should not have any problems selling any of it.
I wish you all the luck in starting your new business.
Have a grand day
Debi

You have a perfect eye for color!
by: Anonymous

I love the way you use color and different combinations of bits and pieces in your jewelry. You should be proud of your work and don't hesitate to branch out, whether to internet sales, consignment, or other. Keep up the good work!
Barbara
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/barbarajacquin

beautiful
by: paula

your jewelry is absolutely gorgeous!! i love the items that you posted and i think that they would do well as they reflect the current trends. have you ever thought of starting an etsy shop? they help you get it set up and you can ship to anywhere in the world. i wish you much success!

paula
www.simplybeadiful.weebly.com

Beautiful
by: LHansen

You have some beautiful pieces. For someone who just learned this craft, you seem to have done very well. I think your pricing is a bit low, but if you're being fair and brutually honest with yourself, that's great. Check out Rena's article on starting a jewelry business for information on pricing your pieces and other wonderful and business savvy info. Good Luck!

You are ready!
by: carole

Your items look beautiful!
I too held back from selling online...I wish now I had started years ago.
Jump in and get started,,that is the only way to learn.

zorroplateado.etsy.com

Prices are too low
by: Anonymous

Hi, I checked out your site. Love it but the prices are waaaay to low. I would bump everything up at least $5.00 if not more. Remember....It is perceived value. If something is priced too low I will not buy it for fear that it is cheap and shoddy craftsmanshp.

Go For It!!
by: Janine g.

I am pretty sure you don't need a permit to sell online- but do a quick google search. I use paypal for payments.
Don't expect your site to get crazy with sales right away (although I wish it would happen for you)!
It takes time and a carefully chosen niche market to be promoted properly for this to take effect.
My cousin is on base in Okinawa, she and her family are excited to be moving to arizona- haven't seen her in a long time!!

Agree; Prices too low
by: Anonymous

Your work is very nice; And I agree you should bump up your prices.

Right there with you Sweetie
by: Kristin

I am right there with you sweetie. I am unsure of starting an online business as well. I am unsure of starting a jewelry business period. I just started making jewelry this year and I really enjoy it. I hope the best for you and your business and pray for you to have the courage needed to follow your dreams. BTW your work is BEAUTIFUL!!!

Selling overseas
by: Valerie

I doubt that it will be a problem with the Japanese government, but where I see a glitch is using an APO/FPO address for a business. In Iceland, I could use it to purchase materials for a homebase business. However I think you may have problems if you use to "export" items from a business. You need to check that out first. You REALLY don't want to be on the bad list on your base.

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