So now you know my big secret. I have been planning this store for a couple months now, and the one thing I have learned is that it is a LOT of work opening a store! I thought it would be, just buy some stuff, throw it online, call it a store …. but there is so much more to it. I was thinking it might be kind of fun to share with you bits and pieces of my process for opening the store. I love reading when bloggers share a “behind” the scenes, so maybe you will too.
The first hard decision I had to make was what to name the store. Did I want to go with the obvious and put the word quilter or quilt in the title? This has its benefits as people would be able to know what kind of stuff I sell straight from the get go. But it also has its own set of limitations as what if I want to sell embroidery stuff? Yes I could do it, but people might not think a store called Quilter’s Playhouse (or whatever) would sell anything except stuff for quilters. This is a constant naming battle, should your product name describe what it is? I have found that more often than not, a store or product name does not describe itself. Yes you have the Taco Bells of the world, but you also have names like Sears, Wal-Mart, Victoria’s Secret. We know what these stores sell because we have been there. But if you had never ever heard of Sears before, you may not know if it was a restaurant, a clothing store, a stationary store, or even a gun store! But once you go there and the name becomes popular, you know what they sell so it doesn’t matter what the name of the store is.
Because of this reasoning, I knew from the get go that I wanted my name to be free of the word quilt or quilter. I know of a lot of stores that use these words, and I love going to them, but for me I didn’t want to limit myself that way. So I had to meander along and find a a name that I liked. My first choice was obvious. The domain that this blog is on is mine. I bought Scrapendipity Designs some time ago and haven’t always used it, but I have been using it as a quilting blog for a while now and there are a good number of people that visit my blog and know the name. I could easily add a store right here and call it a day. However, as much as I like this name, I also had another domain under my belt that had never seen the light of day.
I bought the domain for Dewberry Lane about 2 years ago when I was more into digital scrapbooking. A friend and I were going to start a scrapbooking business, and I came up with the name Dewberry Lane and since the domain wasn’t taken yet, and I didn’t want to lose it, I went ahead and bought it. Well the business fizzled out after only a month or two of planning, but I was able to keep the name and the domain since it was my idea. I held on to the domain, renewing it every year, even though I wasn’t using it, because I thought the name was really catchy.
So when it came time to name my new business, I really felt that Dewberry Lane was the right name for my store. The name evokes thoughts of a peaceful, back country road for me. A tree lined street where you could take a walk in the afternoon and say hello to all your neighbors. Where houses have front porches with rocking chairs on them, ready for two people to sit, sip lemonade, and chat the day away.
Something like that. This was too beautiful an idea for me to just give up on, so I finally made the decision and named my store Dewberry Lane. While it has basically no name recognition like my blog already has, it is a catchy name that I thought people would easily remember. The best part was, I didn’t have to worry about anyone already owning the domain for it, as it was already mine! So I dusted off the old domain and started the process of figuring out how to turn it into a store.
After settling on my name, it was time to focus on building a site, creating a logo, and deciding what product I wanted to sell. These three items alone were the most nerve wracking of the whole process. There were many times while I was working on these three things, that I told my husband that it couldn’t be done and I wasn’t going to do it. Luckily he kindly reminded me that these things really weren’t that hard and I shouldn’t let them defeat me. So with his encouragement, I plugged along.
I don’t want to make this post too long, so I will share how I muddled through those steps in other posts. If you actually made it to the end of this post though, then I think you deserve a giveaway! One of the items I will have in my store is a good number of Schnibbles patterns and I would like to give one away today.
This pattern is called X-rated. It finishes at 31″ x 31″ and you could easily make it with 2 charm square packs and a yard of background fabric.
So how do you enter my mini giveaway? Well all you have to do is leave me a comment. I would love to hear what you like in an online store, but you can also just say hello. If you are a follower (either through the widget over to the right or through any blog reader like Google or even if you have my site saved in your favorites and you check back often for new posts), leave me a second comment with how you are a follower and you can have a second entry. Be sure to give me a valid email address so I can contact you if you win!
The winner will be announced on Saturday, January 22, 2011.
I do plan on having more (and bigger) giveaways as I get closer to opening, so be sure to check back often!
Happy Quilting!
Rachel
I like a variety of items and prices in an online store…and I really like sales! =) Thank you for a lovely giveaway!
I also follow your blog…though I’m not sure how…I joined through google, I think. =)
Good Luck on your new adventure.
One of the things that really impresses me with an online store is when the person packing my order or the owner writes a personal note on my packing slip. I’ve had this happen three times and it always gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. “Good luck with your projects.” “Enjoy your new fabric” – along those lines.
I agree. With my first order from an online store I received a pin cushion it was just to cute. The same place also ties the fabric with ribbon that has the stores name printed on it. It made me feel special & I still buy from them. If I could i would buy another pin cushion.
Love the name. It fits with quilting. I like an online store to be as reasonable as possible concerning shipping. Also a site that is easy to navigate. I found you through the quilting board. Best of wishes for a succesful endeavor!
good luck in your new venture. I see you on the quilting board. I would like to see some lower priced pattern for quilts, Some hand made items ex pin cushions, scrap catchers, book marks at reasonable prices. and giveaways once in a while..
Of course I love sales! My big pull is the shipping, understand when it is weight based, not price based. Also am following through Google.
Congrats on getting as far as you have. It will all come together in the end, just remember to sit back and breathe every once in awhile.
Good luck with the new store…can’t wait for it!
I’ve been a follower for awhile now, love your blog and I’m sure I’ll love your store just as much!
Congrats and your new blog and store! Looks great!
I love the name you have picked for your store. Best of luck on your new adventure.
Hi Rachael,
I love the name!! I just found your blog….. through here so I will have to keep an eye on it!
I am sure you will do great with your store. Just keep the personal touch in it!!!!
Good Luck!!!!
I think Dewberry Lane is a cool name. Makes me think of a cottage type home and very comfortable and pleasant. Good Luck with your store!!!
This one is easy. I like free shipping and the email ads should include pictures of the item on sale.
I’m a follower
Congratualations on this new and exciting journey for you! I will be back often! I am all about the notions and patterns!!
Thanks and good luck.
Jen F.
Very new Blog follower to your site……….only about 3rd visit. LOVE it tho…..and wish you years of Blessings with your new store! Absolutely LOVE the name too!!! AWESOME!
Customer Service is the MOST important thing for ANY business……..can create a loyal customer – or one that never comes back. I don’t have a blog, but I do follow several….and I buy online from several sites. I know your site will do great!
Thanks for chance to win!
Hugs!
Lori 🙂
Forgot to tell you that you ARE saved in my Favorites…. (have no Blog) and as I’d said….only my third visit tonight….but I WILL be a regular at checking in to see the wonderful things you’re up too!
Thanks again
Hugs!
Lori 🙂
I hope all goes well with your new adventure. I’m sure it is exciting and scary at the same time. Best of luck. Chris
Good luck with your new store. Price is the biggest thing I look for.
Julie
jaaverill@aol.com
I have you in my favorites.
Julie
Good luck with the store. I’ll be checking back often for updates on how its going
I am a follower on google
Over here from quiltedparadise blog, I like to see frequent shopper discounts and also love to see a personal note, even it it says “Thx, Rachel” Online email subscriptions are a must with a possible online only sale. Also some personal info is always nice, kids, animals, etc. Makes people feel more like yor family.
Loved reading about the name & the thought that went into it. I do believe I will be visting often. Good luck to you.
I love the name you picked. It just makes you think all good thoughts.
Congradulations on your store. Love the name.
Congradulations!! Site look very nice and professional. The name is great, sounds like a cozy retereat.
Best Wishes
I love the name you chose, and one of the pictures it evoked in my head was like the one you posted. One of the things I like to see in an online store is unusual and unique items not available in the mass markets. Good Luck!
I am a follower now also.
Congratulations! Wishes for success!
It will be fun!
Hi
I just found a link to your site in another site that I am a member of. Congratulations on the opening of your new store and I wish you the best in your new endeavour. I am a fairly new quilter, only for about 2 years but I definetly love it. I live in a very small rural community and as such do a lot of my fabric shopping online so I am always on the lookout for a good deal. I do hope you will be shipping to Canada at a reasonable shipping cost? Again, congratulations and good luck on your new adventure!
Gail
Loved your intro story and this is an exciting time for you. First visit, but plan to be back (bookmarked) Thanks for sharing your story and the name seems appropriate for the message you want to send.
Congratulations on your new venture!!! It is a beautiful name for your company.
We look forward to shopping with you in the future!
Love looking at others work, any type of craft work. It inspires me to make more stuff.
Love the name Sounds so inviting to come and see what is inside.
JeanneZ
What great quilt for kids or even me too. Looks like super fun to did in the stash for a veriety of colors.
Love the picture of Dewberry Lane. If I happened upon it, I would definitely wander down it enjoying all the beauty. Good luck with your journey down Dewberry Lane. I look forward to what is to come.
Love the name. Good luck with all you need to do. As for online shopping, I love the option of getting patterns…quilts as well as smaller gift items. I worry about ordering fabric because I’m not sure the colors are actually what shows up on the computer vs. real life.
Best wishes on your endeavor. I love how you came up with your store name, Dewberry Lane. From the picture you posted it looks so peaceful. I love getting free patterns and tutorials.
Love the name! I like downloadable patterns and options of buying fabric kits for the patterns. Good luck to you!
The thing I need the most in an online store is simple concise navigation. In a previous life (before kids), I was in online marketing and so I go nuts when stores are difficult to navigate and end up losing my sales because of it. la_rubicita at yahoo dot com
Now I am jealous…What a great name for your store. I too am concerned about postage and I like to participate in Pay it Forwards!
I follow your blog via the quilting board.
I think the name of your site is very unique. Helpful hints for “newbie” quilters, patterns and great fabric prices are things I look for in a quilting site. Free patterns, and great tutorials are a BIG PLUS!!
Best of luck to you on this adventure. What fun it would be for me to win the quilt, as Jan 22 is my birthday!!
Found you on the forum Love the name and picture of Dewberry Lane . I love tutorials!
Congrats on your new store and thank you for the mini giveaway. Best wishes on your new venture!
Great name, good luck with your new ventrure!
i realy like you online good luck on your store
Congrats on your new adventure. Sounds like a dream come true for you.
I was wondering how you came up with the name. Yes it does sound peaceful and a place that you want to come. May 2011 be the start of something good,
I think Dewberry Lane sounds like a place I could spend at least a week at a quilting retreat. Or at least a few hours browsing around. I want to wish you the best of luck with your new venture, so be sure to let us know as soon as you are up and running. I promise to try to help keep you going by doing my part of the shopping.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW VENTURE. I WISH I WERE AS BRAVE AS YOU. I HOPE YOUR SITE WILL HAVE MATERIALS, PATTERNS, KITS, AND PROBABLY SOME TUTORIALS. YOU ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT YOU SEE BETTER THAN IF YOU JUST SOMETHING. (MY 8TH GRADE TEACHER TOLD ME THAT ONE TIME). i WISH YOU MUCH SUCCESS. GOD BLESS….GERALDINE
Best of luck with your new online store.
Good luck on your new on-line store. I will be checking it out. I use on-line
stores frequently.
Congratulations on your new adventure and my wishes for great success.
Wahoo! Congratulations on Dewberry Lane! it sounds like a delightful place to go and I can’t wait to see what you have to offer. Love the quilt pattern!
Best wishes on starting your new venture! What a great project! I look forward to checking back often.
you must be so excited. wish i had the nerve to do something like this. good luck, and blessing to you and your adventure
Congrats. I found this place from your post on the Quilting Board.
Best of luck to you in your new venture! Dewberry Lane sounds like it’s going to be a great place to visit! I’m sure we will be checking on you often.
Marcia
Love it all.Congrats on your new enterprise.
i really like Dewberry Lane…sounds like a nice peaceful place. was thinking you might add to your on line shop 1) hints on quilting. 2) information on different threads. 3) patterns for redwork 4) talk a little about where the shop is and soundings..give us a idea of your everyday life…sence we can’t meet you in person. 5) pictures, pictures and more pictures…
look forward to seeing more about you online store..
cindy
Congrats and much success on your new venture. Wishing you all the best for your new store for many many years. Plan to check back in the future. Like your name.Gerbie
What a perfect name! A place to dream, create and meet new friends. Congratulations and best wishes for your new journey!
Leslie
Aren’t you glad you purchased the name as it does conjure up peace and calm. Wishing you well in your new venture.
Congratulations and best of luck with Dewberry Lane.
I love your name!
I like precuts and sales in an online store! And Dewberry Lane sounds lovely.
And I have joined you as a follower! Will check back often.
Dewberry Lane could not evoke a more peaceful and pleasant place to take a nice walk down, even if it is in my mind’s eye that I am seeing it now. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful family there with you as you go out on this exciting new journey. I wish you all the best and am looking forward to watching as you blossom, bloom and grow!
Best wishes, Charlotte
I too would love to meander down Dewberry Lane, sit on someones porch, sip a little lemonade and chat the afternoon away. Lovely name for your store!!
Lots of pictures, Also with fabric a picture of what is ordered on check out page. Good Luck
Exciting! You will do well… Blessings, GrandPa
Good luck and best wishes with your new adventure!! Your store name is a very good one.
I have only made 3 quilts, so I am pretty new to all of this. I search alot but never have ordered online
I wasn’t sure how the colors came out by not seeing the items. I love your store name and wish you much
success! I got your web from the quilting board which I love to read. I will be checking this site often also,
and marking this in my ‘favorites’ Again, good luck and have fun!
Enjoyed this site. Good Luck!
I love the name you chose it sounds right at home so inviting.wish you the best of luck.
Good for you! I was drawn in by the name, and I’ll stick around to follow your adventures 🙂 Good luck in every step of the way!!
I am new to quilting and this looks like an easy pattern to start with. Good luck with your store opening!
How exciting to have a dream come true. Don’t allow anything to defeat you in your endeavors, say I can do this. Some days you may be rocking in your boots, other days you may feel angel wings have sprouted. No matter what… take your baby steps, one at a time, don’t look at the big picture, just what your facing today. I’m very excited for you and will be checking your site. most of all make it fun for you and your family, your joy will rub off to us. 🙂 Blessings always. Cheryl
Love the name. Hope you carry Moda fabrics.
I love shopping online. Everyone complains about shipping…. well try driving around forever with gas 3.19 a gal. lol
I just love getting stuff in the mail. Guess I’m going into my second childhood …
May the Lord shower you with success.
have you bookmarked so i can follow along with your new adventure. and i love the name you choose for you shop.
What a great name for your store. It has such a calming ring to it. Best luck in your venture!
Congratulations on your new store and blog! I wish you all the best, this looks like a very good place to come and “sit for a spell”.
Rachel, I just put this site in my Favorite links so it’ll appear right on top of my screen. I’ll be checking in often. Again, good luck and thanks for sponsoring a give-away.
Congrats on your new store. Fairly new to quilting and enjoying it quite a bit. Looking forward to meandering down Dewberry Lane.
I am excited to be able to have yet another website to look in on ! Good Luck with your venture too.
I can’t wait to see your completed store. Looks like it is going to be great. Love your announcer.
Good luck with your new venture! I have a store that sells scrub hats to people that work in operating rooms, but it really is a way to support my quilting which is my first love!
Congratulations! I love pictures, patterns, tutorials…
Dewberry Lane is a fitting name for a quilting site, as it looks very peaceful and calm like the feeling that quilting brings to one’s soul. Lots of luck with this adventure.
Love the name – makes me think of the dirt road in northern NH where I grew up! Best wishes for your new adventure.
My husband and i were sent here because this particular blog page was tweeted by a woman I had been following and I feel pleased I made it here.
Congratulations! I particularly like your Dewberry Lane web site, and I don’t think it will take time for the name recognition to begin. It’s catchy, yet invokes a country feel that brings quilts to mind. Best wishes for a successful venture!