Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Shop Diagnostics: C and J Jewelry

Shop Diagnostics is a series where we share tips coming from creative entrepreneurs who can run shops in light of adjustments brought on by military life YET APPLICABLE to all those interested in improving their shop's presence online and worldwide.


This article is written by

Christina Lengele

shop owner of C and J Jewelry
 Your Etsy shop and an overseas PCS
Here are some things I have learned to keep in mind during my recent move overseas.  I hope these are helpful for you and a starting point for preparing to do business in another country.

Etsy Shop:  Include your Etsy shop in your PCS timeline.  Before the packers come think about what craft items you want to hand carry, and what items you want packed.   Post a notice in your shop letting people know what your plans are for temporary closing your shop.

Tools:  Power differences in foreign countries (Electricity Voltage varies).  Find online suppliers for tools and extra parts BEFORE you leave the U.S
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 Supplies:  Supplies may not be locally available.  Be flexible about supplies you use, or find online suppliers.  

Shipping:  Don’t forget that shipping out isn’t the only shipping you will be doing.  You will also be ordering your supplies. Recalculate your prices to reflect your additional shipping cost for supplies.  Revaluate your shipping fees, and change your shipping announcement to allow for additional time.  Each country has different laws about what can be shipped in and out of the country.   You will also need to become familiar with customs forms.
Overseas posts will have policies on “home businesses”, so get educated on those policies.  Don’t be afraid to go to Homefront team members who have firsthand experience PCSing to the country you’re about to go to. 


Thank you Christina for sharing these helpful tips with us.  If you have some information to share, please contact us via the Contact tab at the top of the blog.

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