Mistakes and Secrets

Mistakes and Secrets Part 1 

I've made a lot of mistakes throughout my business journey but I believe the following points would've changed the trajectory of ByAthena from the beginning.   

1. Soft Launch > Hard Launch

Nobody knew about my project then it was just out in the open I 1000% would try and give it more anonymity people are intrigued and have a launch event!!

2. Price margins 

I wasn't making money on anything I sold for months because I didn't fully understand the hidden costs  for example 

• Top - £10 at wholesale 
• 20% VAT charged at checkout £2
• The cost of shipping per item is £2.50 - (on average £15 minimum purchase - 6 items)

In short, I was charging £15 for the £10 top but in reality, the £10 top was actually costing me £14.50 before I considered the following costs (Not including monthly outgoings e.g electric)

• Website Card Fee (2%)
• Paypal (2%)  
• Customer VAT 
• Packaging 

3. Wasting Money 

I've tried promoting paid ads, but they don't work for me! Organic UGC is the only way I drive traffic to my website. 

4. Wholesale Research 

I WOULD BOOK A TRIP 

I played  a game of trial and error with manufacturers in the beginning as a result I have thousands worth of stock which is unreturnable and unsellable in my opinion because of the small print in the manufacturer's return policies 

I would book a trip and visit all manufacturers and assess the sizing of their products not necessarily the quality but I have so many problems with SIZING!!!

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything.

John Wooden

Please remember mistakes are meant to be!

Lots of love,
Athena x ✨