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Top Equipment & Resources for a Home-Based Online Store
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items Running a successful home-based online business requires the right tools and technology to streamline your operations and boost sales. This list features the top equipment and essentials for managing, processing orders, creating high-quality product photos, and marketing your brand. From shipping supplies to website platforms and design tools, these recommendations will help you stay organized and efficient while growing y...
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Online and Website Things
Home Office Things
Online and Website Things
Every small business owner needs the right tools to stay organized, market effectively, and streamline operations. Online education resources and networking groups provide valuable insights and support. With the best digital tools at your fingertips,...
Shipping is expensive but I use Pirateship because of the deep discounts I get vs going to the Post Office or UPS Store any paying for shipping there. Plus the whole site is Pirate-themed so why not have some fun while shipping!
PirateShip: Save Money on UPS + USPS shipping
If you have a website now but started on Etsy or other platforms and have great star ratings then I Strongly suggest you get this app to add your rating on your website. There's so many advantages to doing that.
ShareMyStars - Conversion Rate Optimization For Small Businesses
I started on Etsy and starting on a Marketplace is a great way to dip your toe into the ecommerce water. Yes there are fees but Etsy takes care of sales tax and does lots of advertising. Use this referral code to get free listing credits and start to...
Sell on Etsy and Get Free Listing Credits with this Referral Code
Hands down the best online Marketplace because of their charitable mission. If you're a maker or artist and are looking for a new place to sell your wares, become a member of GoImagine ! You can view full plan details and apply on their Membership Pa...
Goimagine - A Marketplace that gives to Charity
Square is probably the oldest and most well known & used for credit card processing at craft fairs so why not also use them for your website and keep everything linked. My website is through Square and they make it easy to maintain my inventory a...
Square Processing Fees, Plans, and Software Pricing
If you are like me and don't want B.S. get rich quick scammy YouTube channels then take a listen to Kara Buntin. Her no-nonsense psycology backed advice is a breath of relief. She's been an ecommerce seller for longer than me so she knows her way around the interwebs.
Kara Buntin's Youtube Not a Guru
A great little podcast about accepting Square for credit cards.
Square for Accepting Credit Cards - Seasons of Bling Podcast
Shopify is one of the most widely known and used website builders. I like all the pretty templates available and from what I hear they have stellar customer service. So if you don't want to use Square then go for Shopify.
Shopify - Setup and Open Your Online Store Today – Free Trial
Many people don't realize that the SBA is generally free and exists to help you out on your business journey.
Free Help from the Small Business Administration
While you can build an eCommerce website on WordPress I use it for my blog and find that it's a great tool to do that. If you are looking for a Blog tool this could be a winner.
Wordpress for Blogs
Blogger is the oldest and probably most well know Blog builder out there. Having a Blog paired with a website is a great idea.
Blogger – create a unique & beautiful blog easily
In order to have a website you need a Domain Name registered - or the URL that people get to type into a browser such as YourBusinessName dot com and mine are registered through Register.com
Domain Name (URL) Registration at Register.com
This is different than Square - but is a great option for those wanting to launch their ecommerce sites.
Squarespace Website Builder
Home Office Things
Running an online business from home means having the right tools to stay organized, efficient, and ready for sales. A reliable printer and shipping scale make order fulfillment seamless, while quality packaging supplies ensure products arrive safely...
The Best part about this Rollo printer is you'll never need ink again. The thermal printer basically burns the label onto the paper so no smudging if it gets wet. Just print, peel and stick on your package. This one is a USB so you'll need to have it...
Rollo Thermal 4x6 Shipping Label Printer USB
I love the ability to move this printer to wherever you box up your items without needing to connect a cable to your printer. I Having a thermal printer also means no more ink because it burn the image into your label. just print, peel and stick it o...
Rollo Wireless Thermal Label Printer
If you get a Rollo printer then you'll need these labels too. I love that they print and I just peel and stick them onto my packages. These are the fan-folding ones that lay flat behind my printer.
Rollo Thermal Shipping Labels - Pack of 500 4x6
If you need labels like I do for my Rollo printer then you can choose between the flat folding OR get these in a roll. It's easy to just print, peel and stick on your packages then out the door you go!
Rollo 4x6 Direct Thermal Shipping Labels - 500
If you want to get the cheapest price for shipping you need to know the weight of your packages. this digital scale is a lifesaver and will work for a lot of package sizes. I don't think I could ship efficiently without it.
Digital Shipping Scale - 440lb Capacity
A picture is worth a thousand words but a good light box gets you pictures that sell your products. My lightbox is an absolute necessity and this is both big and small enough for most items which is why it's on my must-have list.
Photo Studio Light Box for Great Photography
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Here is why this tape is my favorite - it does NOT make that high pitched squeeky sound when you pull it. It's whisper quiet and oh so strong. I buy it in bulk to keep my sanity.
Quiet & Strong Packing Tape
I spent decades in retail and one of these was always in my pocket. Whether you are doing an unboxing video or just need to open up a delivery I think these are the best way to do so without unfolding scissors and trying to get in that way.
Pacific Handy Cutter Inc. Box Cutter
I write thank you notes on my orders and when I do - I use Sharpie fine tip markers because of their vibrant color and I try to match my ink color to the order or holiday.
Sharpie Ultra-Fine Tip Markers - Thank You