'www.shades-etc.com Interview'

Name of your website?

www.shades-etc.com

Your name?

Cindy Robison

Your Location (city, etc)

Lakewood, Ny

Please give us a short summary of your website?

Custom-made lamps with handmade lampshades, other handmade items, exotic wood handmade items, Victorian paper items

What inspired you to launch your own website?

I want to reach the country with my product as it is unique and made in America. I originally launched it as a place for customers or prospective customers that saw my product at craft shows to see the product again.

When did you launch your first website, and what was it?

2006 same one

How did you decide on a name for your website?

GoDaddy's list of available names for my business. I chose Shades ETC as my business name because it means Shades - exquisite things by Cynthia.

What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?

My product is uniquely crafted by me and made in America.

What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)

Keep it for income

How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?

A lot of time and money and minimal success.

If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?

I don't think I'd change anything at this point. I have all I can handle.

If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?

No.

What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?

Advertising is sooo expensive. Gas prices driving to shows is a big factor in developing the website. My costs for being in craft shows have tripled because of it, which means less or no money in my pocket after a show is over...especially if people attending are only looking and not buying.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Getting my product sold.

What method has been most successful for promoting your website?

Google base

How has running your website differed from your expectations?

I didn't have any preconceived expectations. I'm taking it as it comes.

How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?

One year so far and I'll keep it until I see it is not profitable.

What is your website address?

www.shades-etc.com

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