"We need our own online store," we said!
"It's as simple as child's play, just drag and drop" they said!
I think that all children are born with the ability to navigate technology, how many do you see out and about fully immersed in their tablet or mobile phone? It's as if they emerge from the womb with their thumbs twitching ready to send their first text message!
I digress, we certainly haven't found setting up our online shop as simple as drag and drop. Maybe we should have borrowed a child to help us!
Firstly there's the conundrum of which web host to use, so there was a bit of head scratching to be done while we narrowed down our shop provider. It had to be compatible to link to all media channels.
Then there was a theme to be found, a brand to import, customising to be done, products to add, blog posts to write, policies to add as well as all the boring back office stuff to sort out.
We're far from done, I use the royal "we're" as really all the credit has to go to Ritch; he has spent hours figuring out exactly how to do all the stuff above while I stand in the background asking questions that he doesn't know the answers to, yet!
Although we will have our own mini Etsy going on we will still be using Etsy as a sales channel but by having our own store we can bring all of our products under one roof rather link the old fashioned department store.
Is Setting Up an Online Shop Really as Easy as Drag and Drop?
Have you ever heard someone say, "Setting up an online store is as simple as child's play, just drag and drop"? Well, let me tell you, it's not as easy as it sounds. It's more like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded while riding a unicycle!
Children and Technology: A Natural Bond
It's fascinating how children seem to have an innate ability to navigate technology effortlessly. You can spot them anywhere, fully immersed in their tablets or mobile phones, as if they were born with their thumbs ready to send their first text message!
Now, here we are, struggling to set up our own online shop. Maybe we should have borrowed a child to help us out. After all, they seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to technology!
The Reality of Setting Up an Online Shop
Let's face it, creating an online store requires more than just dragging and dropping a few elements. It's like building a sandcastle on a windy day – just when you think you've got it all figured out, a big wave comes crashing in and ruins everything!
First, you need to choose the right platform for your store. There are so many options out there, it's like trying to pick the perfect flavor of ice cream at an ice cream parlor with a hundred different choices. It's overwhelming!
Then comes the design. You want your online store to stand out from the crowd, but finding the perfect theme feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. And don't even get me started on customizing it to fit your brand. It's like trying to sew a button with oven mitts on!
Next, you have to deal with product listings, inventory management, payment gateways, shipping options – the list goes on and on. It's like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope!
But Wait, There's Hope!
Despite the challenges, setting up an online store is not an impossible task. It just requires a bit of patience, perseverance, and maybe a sprinkle of magic.
Fortunately, there are platforms out there that make the process easier, even for those of us who don't have a natural affinity for technology. With user-friendly interfaces and helpful tutorials, they guide you through the maze of online selling like a GPS for lost souls.
So, if you're thinking of starting your own online store, don't be discouraged by the drag and drop myth. Embrace the adventure, learn from the challenges, and remember that even the most tech-savvy kids had to start somewhere!