Name of your website?Robin's Dockside Shop
Your name?
Robin
Your Location (city, etc)
Baltimore
Why Robins Dockside Shop
We enjoy boating and sailing and enjoy a nautical flair in our homes and on our boat as many people do all over the world. Our line of fine nautical items make great gifts to fellow sailors and those who enjoy a coatal lifestyle. Most of our nautical items are hand machined in India of teh finast copper and brass. In recent months we have been able to add more decor items like our fine hand made nautical quilts and shadow boxes with boat knots and ship items.~
What inspired you to launch your own website?
We were searching for a specific ship lantern and found a wholesale place that specializes in brass and copper lamps. he then talked us into becoming a retailer for his line of items.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
Late 2001
How did you decide on a name for your website?
We decided to name it after Robin as she is an avid boater sailor and has a family history attached to the sea.
What makes it different from other, similar offerings?
Our prices are much lower than many of our competitors. Our line of items is hand picked for their quality and value. we specialize in personal service to every customer. we treat everyone like they were our own family.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
Our main goal is to sell our items to everyone who likes the sea and to educate others of the history that accompanies most nautical things.
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
It has been a learning and growing experience at best.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
We would open a store in the baltimore maryland inner harbor area and continue growing from there.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Yes, we could hire able and interested help and just keep growing and learning.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Shipping and packaging has been an elightening experience.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Getting items to customers quickly at times and finding new suppliers of speciality items.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Newspaper and mailing advertisements
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
No
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
The site has been up for five years and we intend to keep it up and going for as long as we are alive and healthy enough to handle the work.
What is your website address?
Robin's Dockside Shop
