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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...
Some (not all) links are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
Some (not all) links are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon.
Sections
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Online and Website Things
Shipping 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,...
It's really important to separate personal banking with business banking - and Ally has fantastic interest rates. Their money market account comes with a debit card and checks so you can quickly access your money for business expenses all with much b...
Ally Referral: $100 Welcome Bonus
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
Hands down the best class for people that sell products and want to use Pimnterest to drive traffic to their online platforms. Use thsi affilliate link to sign up and start generating growing longer-term traffic in a non-spamy non-get-rich-quick kind of way!
Pinterest for Product-Based Businesses
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
YouTube channel where Kara posts videos about the (very) basics of running an online business. She focus specifically on Etsy topics, but adds things as questions come up from viewers or from her Facebook community. This is the basics learning channe...
Kara Buntin Tutorials YouTube Channel
A great resource for those selling both online AND in-person at craft fairs.
Craft Fair Insider YouTube Channel
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
Great listening for anyone who uses (or wants to) YouTube to learn a little of the journey.
The Rise of YouTube and How It's Changed Our Lives : The Pulse
Great read to understand the changes to YouTube over time.
Like, Comment, Subscribe: Inside YouTube's Rise
Shipping Things
A reliable printer and shipping scale make order fulfillment seamless, while quality packaging supplies ensure products arrive safely. With the right setup, handling orders, customer service, and marketing becomes a smooth and stress-free process!
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 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 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 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
Custom Printed boxes can be expensive - so I use a self-inking stamp of my logo to put on all my shipping boxes!
Custom Logo Self-inking Stamp
If price per box is important, then the Boxery is a site for you. Wide variety of sizes and shapes to meet your shipping needs.
Boxes + Packaging Supplies | The Boxery
If price per box is important, then Papermart is a site for you. Wide variety of sizes and shapes to meet your shipping needs.
Wholesale Boxes | Paper Mart
If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to plastic poly mailers then go with these eco mailers instead.
Eco-Friendly Mailers | The Boxery
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
Perfect for a little extra protection with bubbles inside. I use these for shipping many of my supplies.
Poly Bubble Mailers | The Boxery
Home Office Things
Running an online business from home means having the right tools to stay organized, efficient, and ready for sales.
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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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 am the kind of person who shoves things in drawers never to be seen again, so I opted for this open desk for my office workstation.
Desk - 55 Inch
If you sell online, then you are most likely jiggling several applications all the time. The right monitor is really important for efficiency and your eyesight!
Best Curved & Ultrawide Monitors | Samsung US
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
Anyone who uses a mouse really needs one of these wrist rest mouse pads.
Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Gel Wrist Rest