Tuesday, January 20, 2009

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Merchant Moms

When I decided to open MarieLynn Boutique on the web, I was overwhelmed by the thousands of Web Site Hosting Services that are available. I looked through many of the companies out there, and walked away even more confused and overwhelmed. Where could I find an easy to use, affordable service? All of these companies used techie terms and I found myself googling the meaning to these words way too often.

Then I came across Merchant Moms. Here was a site who used words and terms I actually knew the meaning to! They even had a demo site, so I could try my hand at this whole new world of selling my products online. After making my decision to join Merchant Moms, I chose the Basic Plan, which happens to be Merchant Moms best seller! Why wouldn't it be? It's only $12.99 each month, which if you do the math, is less than $0.50 a day!

So here I was with a great Web Site Host, I registered my domain, and I even had a free e-commerce shopping cart. Now what do I do? I uploaded the pictures to my site, but there is a box here for me to input a Meta Title and Description. What the heck is a Meta Title?!? So I joined the Merchant Moms community, which is also free. I read through the forums and all of the posts from fellow online business owners. That is how I came to know Sherri Owen, who eventually took over Merchant Moms after having worked for the previous owner as a Tech Support.

Sherri is my hero, not only did she give me great advice on what I needed to do to get started, she explained it in a way that even I understood. When I asked Sherri to describe Merchant Moms this is what she said, "Merchant Moms offers a complete package that includes web site hosting, domain registration, and an e-commerce shopping cart site builder designed with the (WAHM) Work At Home Mom (and Dad) on a budget in mind. This whole package allows a person to be able to build their ecommerce website from their internet browser and not have to download a complicated program to their computer. Accounts are set up so fast that people can get started building right away." She also stated that, "Merchant Moms was founded to fill a need - an easy ecommerce system for anyone. We wanted people to feel empowered by their own creations, to have control over their own web site rather than having to pay (often very high fees) for someone to do it for them and wait for it to be done. Is it work? You bet it is, but it is something that anyone who wishes to do, can do. They simply need to use the tools provided, and feel free to ask for help when needed, the help is here."

Sherri would also like for you to know that, "We pride ourselves in having a phenomenal customer support team and a wonderful network of women that are willing to help one another reach their goals to succeed. We invite you to read some of our testimonials that are a testament to this. There is never a charge for support or training. The support desk is available for technical questions, the forum for simpler how-to questions, and I do answer the telephone. It's possible that you may hear background noise when you call -- it may be a daughter who is still learning not to interrupt, or very talkative and funny birds. But, I always take the time to spend with you and address your questions.
I have personally been a work at home mom for seven years or so, and wish it for anyone who also wants it for their families. It takes dedication and patience to work for yourself, but so very worth it all! " Although I've never had to call Sherri, I have found myself posting a question on the forum at 3am on a Saturday night and getting a quick response! Where else can you find friendly, patient, and knowledgeable women at 3am?

I definetly think that choosing Merchant Moms to start MarieLynn Boutique was the best decision that I made. I encourage all men and women who are looking to open an online business to check out Merchant Moms. Try out their demo, ask questions. I guarantee that you won't find anything else that can even compare to the type of professionalism, knowledge, and support that Merchant Moms provides.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I have played with the idea of having my own website instead of using etsy, but I am not sure it is worth the cost right now as I am just starting out. With only 9 web sales under my belt, would having my own site be better for sales? What's your opinion?

Dana
www.colorsofthewoods.etsy.com

Cales said...

I would definetly do it! It is a big step, and the initial fees can be a bit costly. Merchant Moms is so affordable. And I know of a ton of great web designers that are affordably priced.

It does take some time and a lot of hard work to get regular orders, but in the end, you will make your money back and then some!

You also open yourself and your product up to a lot more serious buyers.