Online Shop Online

So I finally took the plunge and opened an online store.  The concept here is a nice simple interface, with a few quality products that I believe in and use on a daily basis.

718 Cyclery Online Shop

Everyone has grand ideas of setting up one of these shops, going out into the backyard in a lawn chain, and watching the money roll in.

As a matter of fact, as I have learned over these last 2 years, these things take attention, time and caring. I am planning that this will be a natural extension of who we are and what we do, and not some disjointed site with lots and lots of crap listed. However, as always, my plans are flexible.  The original concept for 718 Cyclery is certainly not what it has turned into. 

I used to stress that I didn't have a business plan...after reading Rework, I am so glad I never wasted my time with one.  Business plans are guesses, and they set you up for disappointment if things don't go "according to plan".  I much rather let my passions and interests lead me than a spreadsheet and sales forecasts.

So, as I write this, and my shop is less than 1 day old...I am a little nervous of what will happen when that forst order comes in.  Will I be able to treat customers they way I like to be treated?  Will it be an extension of the craft and quality that my bike shop embodies?