The COVID-19 lockdowns meant many businesses had to close their doors to customers. For some businesses, who already had an online presence, selling online became a vital lifeline and source of income. Others, who did not have an online presence, were faced with having no way to reach customers. The need for all small businesses to have an online presence became crystal clear almost overnight
Luckily, Yasmine Hunter of Grasmere Gingerbread and her family had ventured into the world of ecommerce back in 2006. Yasmine tells us why the family business first made the decision to start selling online. She also shares their first-hand tips and advice and explains the importance of back-end systems and in-house resources that will enable a small business to fulfil online orders.
Show notes
Find links to content related to the topics covered in this episode below.
Selling online
Branding
- Series one podcast episode: How to create a winning brand and business name
- Four ways to improve your brand equity
- Developing your USP: a step-by-step guide
Working with freelancers
- Finding and managing freelancers (free online guide)
- Work with a web designer or agency
Online payments
About Yasmine Hunter
Yasmine Hunter, marketing, sales and events executive, helps run Grasmere Gingerbread with her parents, third-generation owners Joanne and Andrew Hunter. As a member of the family business, Yasmine says she has been working in the business ‘forever’.
The business can trace its origins back to 1854, when Victorian cook Sarah Nelson invented Grasmere Gingerbread and started selling it. As well as gingerbread – which is said to be the world’s best – Grasmere Gingerbread sells award-winning rum butter, toffee, fudges, chocolates, conserves, ginger beer and other mouthwatering delights.
In 2006, Grasmere Gingerbread started to sell online, a business decision that has proven to be a very wise one.
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