We didn't always plan to close Freddie and Co. at the end of the year, but we knew that the time would come eventually. The purpose of this project was to put ourselves in our customers' shoes as best we could, learn as much as possible about running an e-commerce store, and share what we discovered. And, of course, to promote our customers and make some money to give away to charities we love. I think we've done that.
We created a storefront, ordered inventory, set up sales, managed ad campaigns and email campaigns (duh), interacted with customers, and much more. At every turn, I was sending emails, letting everyone in on my day-to-day, including all my mistakes. And in the back of my mind, I constantly wondered what was next. | | (My manager is really supportive.)
He had a point, though. | | | While Freddie and Co. the store has fulfilled its purpose, What's in Store the newsletter will live on! Instead of me talking about my experiences with my store, I'll be interviewing other MailChimp customers who sell things online and telling their stories. | | | In the meantime, here's a look back at Freddie and Co. in numbers. | | | *These products sold out! The unsold socks represent ones we used in photo shoots and gave away as gifts. We gave out items from the BAGGU and Poketo collection as holiday gifts to our partners, which explains the difference there. | | Clearly, we ordered too much product. In my defense, we wanted to partner with well-known brands and support our users, and custom-made products from established brands are more expensive and require higher MOQs (minimum order quantities). BAM! E-comm lingo on deck!
During a team meeting, our CMO, Tom, asked me what I'd learned through this whole experience. On the spot, the first thing that came to mind was: | | I've been overwhelmed by the unforeseen details that pop up weekly, the volume of emails I have to reply to, and the level of responsibility that comes with taking other people's money and then making sure they get everything you've promised them. And it's not even a *real* store (as Ben, our CEO, likes to remind me even though I have the business license to prove it, but whatever).
It takes way more perseverance and creative problem-solving than I ever imagined. I think, in order to make it work, you have to be either very passionate about your product or drawn to entrepreneurship in general.
That's why I'm excited to interview business owners and learn how they find the fuel to stay motivated. I can't wait to hear about the mistakes they've made along the way and the tricks they've learned to stay afloat.
And then, of course, I can't wait to share all of it with you! | | | | |
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