d’clutter sales

July 2006 began my 6th year on eBay and in January of 2006, I created d’clutter sales with overall commitment of ¾ - fulltime hours. d’clutter sales sells mainly consigned goods that range from collectibles to more current just-can’t-use-anymore items, etc. I enjoy having my own business and being able to work on my time schedule but I also really enjoy the process of helping others to d’clutter, thus reducing excess and stress in their lives. So, my newest additional idea is ‘to assist in the d’cluttering process’ – fee $50/hour - a friend has commmited to work with me when I have more appts than I can handle and she will work as an independent contractor. (My dream is that there will be several women who would be able to work with me in this – it would fill their need of flexible hours & fit into their lifestyle).

My strengths: I am organized & as is my business. I can set realistic boundaries and not feel that I need to do it all. My business has been self-sustaining financially.
My challenges: I am slow to learn new technology & how it applies to my business, ie: I have not used programs that would automate my business because it takes me so long to research it and decide if it is worth the money and time. 

Goals:

• Take home consistently $1000/month by Jan 1, 2007 up to $2000 by July 2007

• Overall sales of $5000 by Jan 2007(currently selling just under $3000/month) 

• Increase repeat customer sales

• Increase sales of non-consigned goods (80% of sales are consigned items) to 50%

• Attract customers that want d’clutter sales d’cluttering service

• Find niche items that fit with d’clutter sales scope to sell as my staple (my challenge to overcome has been that many items are inexpensive or large to ship & too readily available) 

What I have done since Jan 2006:

• Joined WIN & PS groups to learn more, which I have!! 

• Opened eBay store & created an ‘about me’ page

• Established website dcluttersales.com

• Developed some marketing materials – brochure, postcard, bus cards – need to divide time between sales & client devlopment

• Created newsletter last month & have emailed subscribers twice

Plan to do: d’clutter sales blog & continue to work on website

Questions for the group:

• Suggestions or comments about the d’cluttering process
       o $50/hour to d’clutter? 25% to sell items on eBay – they pay fees? 
       o How & where to attract customers?

• Suggestions about products that are something that you would purchase online related to dcluttering, organization – I really get stuck here!

• What am I missing that I need to consider?

• Please go to dcluttersales.com and critique what is easy about the site or unclear

• Please email me your comments so I don’t have to wait a month

• Source for good packing tape at best cost?

• How to run a sale in your store?

Thank you so much for looking at my business and helping me out!! Diann