Andrea Zin Huff had a knack for collecting old jewelry and turning it into a new creation for her friends. Then it took off to the point where she would be selling jewelry off her neck. It was then that she realized she had a business based around taking old and making it new again. She opened her business Lulu Red Star in 2003.
All of her work is done on her craft table at home and her product’s uniqueness is what helps set her apart from the competition. Andrea said that being a home-based business is not easy for everyone, but if you are committed there are tools to help make it easier. For example, customers were only allowed to pay by cash and check. That is, until she found a mobile payment solution called GoPayment.
“GoPayment gives me another tool that enables me to be more competitive instead of potentially losing sales,” said Huff. “I call it ‘Having one more weapon in my arsenal,’ and that is big for my tiny business.”
Her jewelry is more than an accessory to wear on the neck or wrist. Some of her jewelry is currently displayed at a local art gallery in town as well as various boutiques. She also attends a monthly antique market show called The Scott Antique Market to help grow her business.
And having GoPayment in her back pocket helps her sell no matter where she is.
“I had a customer who wanted a piece of jewelry and he gave me his American Express card,” said Huff. “Thankfully I didn’t have to deny him and tell him to go the ATM, which has happened in the past. The payment is immediate and when you are at big antique shows there is a lot of competition. Adding credit card sales helps.”
Mobile tools, like GoPayment, are becoming an important tool for small businesses. Customers are looking more legitimate by accepting other methods of payment besides cash or check. And they can reassure their customers a sense of confidence that their information is protected.
“I am essentially a walking store because of its mobility,” said Huff. “There is no contract needed, the support is great and no electricity is needed either. All I need is cell phone service and I can make a sale from anywhere.”
And it doesn’t matter if some businesses are making millions and others are making thousands. GoPayment helps make extra sales that normal businesses might have normally lost out on. That should continue to help passionate business owners pursue their dream of happiness.
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