Featured Website Of The Month!
Gypsy Rosalie's Trousseau

Welcome to Gypsy Rosalie's Trousseau! Here you will find an assorted catalog of antique and vintage linens with the charm and nostalgia of the past, as well as fine quality workmanship, for both the home decorator and the serious collector.

Tell Us A Little About Your Store And It's Products
Gypsy Rosalie's Trousseau is an online shop stocked with vintage hankies, tablecloths, linens, and textiles. All of the items found on our site are original, and not a modern reproduction or import.

How Did You Get Started Selling Online?
It all happened by accident, really... when I found an old stack of Rolling Stone magazines in my closet, listed them on eBay, and the rest, as they say is history. After cleaning out that closet, I found another one, and another one.

Do You Believe That There Are Buyers Online That Shop On Individual Websites As Their Own Preference? Why?
The buyers on ebay tend to need more hand holding throughout the entire process; and perhaps eBay perpetuates this type of environment. Those who shop through my website are able to make their purchase the same way as if they had walked into a regular brick & mortar store. They look around, find something they like, and pay for it. Many of them even come back again!

What Is Your Worst Mistake You Made For Your Business?
While I don't really mess with the "major" behind the scenes operation, I've tried to install a few modules on my own. Some successful, some not so much. I need to learn more about the technical aspects of running a website. Then I won't have to rely on (and pay) somebody else to do it for me.

Tell Us A Little Bit About Your Customer Service And Policies
Free shipping is offered on all items being shipped to a U.S. address. All items are wrapped neatly, in new packaging. Included with all orders are a business card and a discount coupon encouraging a return visit.
Since our items are vintage and sometimes antique, item descriptions are written to fully disclose any and all issues. Clear photos are essential, as most buyers want to see every little detail. And since they can't hold it in their hand before buying it, good photos can make the sale.

What Is The Most Important Thing You Have Learned About Running Your Business?
Time is money. Whether it means sitting at an auction all day long, or taking a few days to restore an old textile. Your time is not "free". Many people forget that, or just don't think about it. Buyers on eBay want to pay for the item only, and the bare minimum for shipping. They want a "deal" and that's that.

How Did You Decide On What Shopping Cart To Use?
The person who designed my site suggested Zen Cart. However, knowing a little more today than I did back then, I might have done things differently. For now though, it does its' job.

What Would You Suggest To Someone Just Starting Out As The Most Important Decision They Need To Make Before They Start An Online Business Site?
Research all options and know your customer base.

Are You Using Any Social Networking? If so what? Which Do You Find The Most Hits From?
No, none.

How Do You Track Your Monthly Expenses? Hosting And Other Cost Per Month? Spreadsheets, Accounting Software? Etc?
I use the Dome Bookkeeping Ledger which has a place for everything, for every month.

How Do You Track And Measure Traffic On Your Website? How does that help you?
My site uses StatCounter. It reveals alot of information about visitors and where they come from and what they're looking for.

How Much Time A Week Do You Work And Commit To Your Online Business?
My work is never done. This is a labor intensive venture to say the least. Some days are spent at local sales and auctions, some days are spent cleaning, soaking, and ironing linens, some days are spent photographing items, some days are spent listing items, some days are spent researching new ways to do things, and some days are spent recuperating from all of the above.

How do you manage your time and juggle other life events with your online business sites?
As time consuming as things can be, there is still plenty of flexibility and time for real life. I don't answer to anybody but me.

Do you find it helpful to you in any way to network with others running a online business site such as forums like CST?
It is definitely helpful to know others running the same or similar type of business. The shared experiences and camaraderies often remind me that I'm not alone.