My dream for a long time has been to work for myself in a business that expressed my passion for body, mind, spirit, culture, and the earth. I envisioned a book and gift store that would also be an informative community center, filled with positive activism, spiritual studies, and good times with the local community. I did follow this dream and I opened my first brick and mortar store over two years ago.
As the economy changed I noticed that more and more people were buying on-line. They would come in and talk to me and even tell me what they bought and that was nice but at the same time the business that started was piling up in bills. It finally all came to closing down after two years and all I saw was defeat, not seeing that there was a door to open on-line selling.
When the doors closed I felt that I had failed. I felt drained, even got sick, and was ready to just hibernate for awhile. In hibernation and rest I began to sell on eBay for extra money needed in helping with our debt situation. To my surprise I sold approx. 90% of my “stuff” from home that I placed on-line. A light bulb emerged over my head.
I kept my business license and switched it to working from home and began to list more and more things, buying eBay bible and book selling books, listening to eBay radio (which I highly recommend to any new eBay seller), learned of rummaging and thrift stores, and began getting product and selling more on-line. I realized the better I can take care of my foundation, home, family, self, the more I can grow to help others. So I continued the journey of making some income and building my eBay business.
The number one positive aspect of letting go of the brick and mortar business is overhead. Rent costs over $1,600 a month plus added employees and product was overwhelming. Now rent for storage units is $270 a month. A BIG DIFFERENCE. Another plus for me is I am a stay at home mom so working from home helps me create my own schedule and spend more time with family or do things I like. I get to wake up and sip coffee and not rush and use gas mileage to get to my store, worrying I will be late due to kid or other things going on. The stress is a 100% less.
Another big plus is my discovery of making a difference in an on-line community. I can give back and donate money through my sales on eBay, I can blog and get involved with helping others with articles and chat boards, I can have the freedom now to implement local programs if I want because of my low overhead and no stress life. I discovered that the possibilities are endless in the on-line work community.
If you are going through any transition, whether it be a struggling store to just needing extra cash, on-line selling is easy to start small on the side and enjoy. I do want to stress that it takes time, it isn’t a get rich quick scheme and you do work it like you would work a store, but the rewards out way anything I have experienced so far. Whether it be via eBay or another means, I highly encourage you to stay strong, see the light at the end of the tunnel, and open your mind to the great opportunity of the worldwide web. I feel it is the future of shopping and much more.
In this hard economy and high gas prices I believe there is hope if you can open up your mind and see the possibilities. I never knew I would be an eBay seller and never knew the rewards of this job were beyond my imagination. I truly love what I do and feel I am gaining the power to implement more into my business, life, and community.
Some of my own advice to leave you with is:
- Stay positive
- One door closes, many will open with on-line selling
- Study, Research, use the sources that are available, they are fantastic
- Take a chance and things can happen with little steps.
- Breathe
Debra Welch is the owner of The Knowledge Tree Store, Books and Gifts. You can write to her anytime at knowledgetree4u@yahoo.com or visit her at www.knowledgetreestore.com, ktbookstore.com
Nice writing style. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Chris Moran