Why do I no longer list a phone number on my website?
Because I don't use it. I don't ever answer it - my voice recording warned people of this - I rarely check it and this being an online internet business, I really prefer that people contact me via e-mail. I had a phone number because that's what you're supposed to have if you're a business. People want to know that they can call somebody.
Mostly that's because it's quicker. If you don't want to go through the annoyance of typing in an order, searching the website, it's easier to call someone. And when you're mad because you can't figure out something about placing the order, or because the order you placed Saturday morning to be shipped First Class didn't arrive this Monday morning, typing just doesn't do it. That indignant frustration gets out quicker if you can yell in person at someone.
So, no more phone number because I'm just leading you on to think I'd answer it or call you back. I won't and I don't.
Everything else can be done via e-mail, you know. You can place orders via e-mail though you have to type stuff out. You can type in caps and so yell at people, but sometimes it so much more satisfying to yell at a human being. I will answer questions and accusations, comments and all of that, via e-mail. I'm as real in e-mail as I am on the phone. Maybe realer. Using e-mail, you just have to be patient - the replies will not be instant. I'm not talking text messaging.
WHAT KIND OF A BUSINESS DOES THIS?
Oh my. Well, let me start by saying, despite the fears that some people have, it is not a business designed to rip off people of their hard earned $12.00 to $20.00 (average sized orders).
It is also not a business where a bunch of people sit by a phone all day, taking orders or making phone calls. It's just me.
I've been advised to hire people to do that - answer the phone. That's how my business will grow.
Yeah, no.
I'm a small time part time business now. Got the bookplates, need to do something with the inventory. And the money helps. But - this is not set up to be a business that will grow every year, bigger and bigger. At least not under my watch. I'm not a capitalist, I'm a Quaker. A rude Quaker.
This is a tiny little on-line business that was designed to supplement my retirement income some 10 years ago, grown out of a need to be busy and a love of bookplates.
Still not fully retired, but the internet and I have both changed. When I started, there was only one other site that sold bookplates on-line. They took big orders, I did small ones. Now there are a whole lot of bookplate businesses, plus a lot of places where the resourceful and/or creative can make their own.
Also, I'm around less, I'm doing other things because I'm realizing how short life is, and how much I'd rather be living my life. I long for the day when I can sell this little bookplate business and move on. Or just toss out the inventory I have and shut down the bookplate section and move on. That day is coming soon.
And then I will spend my time with grandkids, travel, friends and making stuff without having to do customer service, shipping, picking and packing and unnecessary complaints.
