After having worked in the creative fields of public relations, media, marketing, and print production industries, Peachy Consing-Marasigan, owner of online bag and accessories brand Bubblewrap, decided to set up her own business online—and has not looked back since.
“Online shopping is the most convenient way to score your favorite finds these days, especially for moms like me and those with busy schedules,” begins Peachy. “It doesn’t require you to drive through the traffic, or consume energy in window shopping and walking around malls.”
And because she has no physical space to rent or clean up, and no full-time staff to take care of, she’s able to cut costs, thus allowing her to sell her items at more reasonable prices.
“Not only is it convenient for the customers, it’s a practical move for mom-preneurs like me, too,” says Peachy.
From the small shop that sold vintage T-shirts at bazaars, Bubblewrap has expanded and diversified its lineup, now offering accessories, hand-made jewelry, small bag organizers, and the like, supplying even to customers from Singapore, France, Brunei, Spain, Australia, and the US. And as the brand now opens its doors to possible franchisers, Peachy shares her advice to the like-minded moms who are also thinking about taking their businesses online.
“Before anything else, make sure that your product is “easy” to sell online. Items that have to be seen or fitted in person may not be the best idea, although some are able to do it,” says Peachy. “Decide on a product, and then do your research. How is this product usually marketed, sold, and shipped?”
Peachy recommends familiarizing yourself with possible competitors. “An online shop may be quite challenging, because you don’t have the actual product in the hands of the customer to convince them,” she explains. “And with many businesses taking their products online nowadays, ask yourself this question: What will make customers choose it over the other brands?” This is why, she says, it’s important to look into and identify ways to make your offerings stand out from the rest—a part of the creative process that must never be skipped.
Having crafted and sold her own artworks as a kid, and being exposed to the influence of her dad who paints and her architect grandfather, this self-confessed artist-at-heart shares, “Conceptualizing great experiences is always something I look forward to, from coming up with the actual product, its design, and how we’ll be launching it. I believe it’s something each entrepreneur should really think about.”
And then of course, there’s the logistics. “No one will trust a brand that doesn’t deliver,” warns Peachy. “From how customers will view and purchase your products, to how it’ll be packaged and delivered to them, make sure everything runs smoothly before you launch your site. Work out all the technical requirements of your website—a simple error page can be enough to put off a customer and send her off to other brands’ online stores.”
Finally, when you’re all set, Peachy says, it’s time to launch your brand, see what your market thinks of your products, and take it from there. “Sell your items on a small scale first or hold an online contest to see how the market receives your product. Then evaluate the products’ performance and your customers’ feedback, and see how you can keep improving operations and your product offerings from there.”
Peachy concludes, “I had no regrets when I decided to use an online platform for Bubblewrap. But like any other channel, there are pros and there are cons. There is really no surefire way to “prepare” yourself to run an online business; experience is always the best teacher. But it helps to read up on other businesses or online entrepreneurs and see how they found success in this niche so you at least have an idea of what to expect.”
She adds, “The digital and online landscape is constantly changing, always evolving, so you need the creative stamina to ride this particular wave. Trust in your passion and intuition-if it’s something really close to your heart, you will never run out of great ideas.”
Bubblewrap is an online store featuring trendy fashion items for busy women who want easy, effortless style. Visit the shop at www.bubblewrapphilippines.com, like them on Facebook at facebook.com/bubblewrapphilippines and follow on Instagram at @bubblewrapphilippines or on Twitter at @bubblewrapphils.