SmartDesignerShopper | Facebook
This month we spoke to Gabriella, director of SmartDesignerShopper!
Hi Gabriella! Tell us about your business.
I have an eBay store selling brand new authentic designer wear & accessories.
What particular challenges did you have to overcome in setting up your business, and since then?
I never intended to start my own business as I was working full time. I started selling bits & pieces and eventually eBay contacted me to advise I had to become a business seller – and the rest is history!
Unfortunately I was dumb and didn’t really have any idea of how to run a “real” business, although I kept all my receipts and a simple Excel sheet for my sales.
I’m embarrassed to say I did not inform HMRC until a few years later…..BIG MISTAKE THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IMMEDIATELY!!!! I think it was naivety and almost fear of the unknown. I enlisted an accountant who advised I should also be VAT registered.
Long story short it cost me dearly, however I did sell my house and paid off the debt to HMRC very quickly and began what is now a clean business. I still need guidance from accountants but at least I can sleep at night!
What do you have planned for your business in the future?
At a ripe ol’ age of 55 I go with the flow. I do the very best I can, work the longest hours but as I am not savvy with the likes of Instagram I guess I tick along on my current eBay platform. Doesn’t sound very inspiring I guess but I have a good work/life balance. If I knew back in my 30’s what I know now I certainly would have done things differently.
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