Busy work

There's a lot of busyness in starting a business.  Finding your inventory amongst the thousands of choices, and then taking the plunge and buying it.  It's hard to plunk down the cold cash, knowing *some* of the lovely things you buy just won't sell.  And knowing there's alway nicer stuff, somewhere...that you won't be able to buy when you find it, because the money is gone.  Such is the nature of the beast.

Then, the bookkeeping....Everyone's favorite chore. Not! Finding an accounting program you think you can live with, then cursing it's limitations and trying to live with it's quirks...it's like an arranged marriage where you just don't have much to say and are only allowed to talk about approved subjects, in a tone of voice not your own.

But...there's the upsides.  There's opening the boxes and finding beautiful things!  Although, I admit, this comes with a bit of a downer when it sinks in that you cannot keep these beauties...they are destined for someone else's home, and someone else's clothing.  But that's only a momentary letdown and it's usually followed by a daydream of all you will do (and buy) when the whole venture becomes profitable.

Lastly, deciding how and where you will sell these devine creations.  I've chosen Etsy because:

I like the community better than eBay. Not that the eBay folks aren't friendly or anything, but Etsy is still much smaller so the whole group is more closely-knit.

I wanted to keep costs lower and setting up a domain and a website and secured shopping cart represented more investment.  If the whole thing fails I don't want to be in debt.

And finally, because I think the people there would appreciate what I have to offer.  While I plan to carry all kinds of buttons, I want to focus my efforts on gorgeous one of a kind and vintage pieces, so wanted a venue where that is understood and peopled by those who feel the same way.

Now I've done those things, and feel it's official.  My buttons are here, they are lined up for photographing and biographing, and ready to jump into little packages on the way to you, my customers. :)