Maybe you've been thinking about an Internet website (or "homepage") to promote your resale business or even sell inventory online.  Undoubtedly, some questions come to mind.   How much would it cost?  Who should I call? How would it benefit my store?   How can I get my own web address (www.mystore.com)?

We'll start with the assumption that you're not an expert in graphic design or HTML (the language web pages are developed with) and cannot create the site yourself.   Next we'll discuss the steps (design, build, review, host) and related costs to creating a web page that will promote your business to the world.

1.  Write down facts about your business that you want your "customers" to know.  This would include your address, email address, phone number, hours of operation, a description of the types of items you sell, markdown schedule, and reasons why customers should choose your store over a competitor.

2.  Write down facts about your business that you want your "consignors" to know.  You might include things like your consignment terms, policy on acceptable items, and even a sample contract.  Suggest that the person building your site (Step 4) has two sections, one for customers and one for consignors. Include answers to the most commonly asked questions from both consignors and from customers.

3.  Decide on a web address for your homepage.  Visit the Internet site at www.register.com and find an available web address.  Most of the "good" web names are taken (probably even your stores name!) but with a little creativity you should be able to find an available web address that your customers and consignors will remember (ex. www.karenskloset.com).  Once you've found a name that you like that isn't taken, you might want to purchase the name for your exclusive use.  The cost of reserving a web name for two years is $70 (they accept major credit cards).

4.  Building the site.  Now that you've written down all the information you'd like to appear on your homepage and reserved a name you need someone to build your website.  Being the bargain hunter that you are, I would suggest contacting a local community college or university in your area and ask to speak with their career development office.  Tell the person who answers the phone that you have a resale store locally and would like to know if they might have a student interested in part-time work building a simple website - perhaps someone studying computers.   They may have a job-board where they can place a simple ad describing your needs and your willingness to pay based on experience (probably $25 per hour).  If not, try another college or maybe even a local high school (maybe $15 per hour).

5.  Telephone interview prospective students and ask if you can visit any web sites they may have built.  Negotiate an up-front price (fixed or hourly) and ask them to estimate the amount of time it will take to build the site.  Tell them you have a reserved web address that you want to use for the site once it's built.  Also suggest that they include a picture of your store and/or staff on the site using a digital camera - which most web builders own. This cost can vary widely based on experience and bill rates, use $200 - $300 as a guide.

6.  Ask that the builder share the design with you as the site is being built so that you can make suggestions and review progress.  Building may require many iterations of suggestions and changes until you are happy with the design and find the site easy to navigate and well laid-out. Ask for the website (html files) on diskette before you make the final payment.

7.  Once the site is built, the builder will find a location to "host" the site.  This is a hosting company which has computers connected to the Internet where your website files are placed so that the world can view your site.  Hosting companies typically charge a small (one-time) account setup fee (about $35) and a monthly hosting fee (about $10 to $20 / month).  The designer will probably require your credit card number to complete this step.  For more information about web hosting companies, checkout www.tophosts.com

Now that your site is built and online, you can put your web address on business cards, post cards, letterhead, and in local advertising. I well designed and informative website will attract new customers, answers common questions, and hopefully help grow your resale business.