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Company: firststarmobile.co.uk
Project: firststarmobile.co.uk

http://www.firststarmobile.co.uk

Dates: Mar 2007 to Jul 2007

Attachments:

How did the project start?

After working in the mobile phone industry for around 9 years, and having been made redundant, we decided to put our experience to good use.

Although we started by using Ebay, we quickly realised that this was quite restrictive, and so then made enquiries about what help was available, to start our own site.

What options did you consider?

E-bay was an initial route to market, but this does present some problems, the main one being that fees are charged for everything you do not sell.

The website however allows us to display as many products as we like, against easier to calculate yearly costs.

Although we would like a retail outlet, the high overheads were a downside.

What help and expertise did you receive?

We received business start up advice from Inbiz in Stockton.

JLWeb have been fantastic from day one, and have advised us on the technical issues as they built the site.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

Most of our challenges were small one due to the excellent help and skills at JLWeb, our site designers.

As for lessons learnt, it was probably that you should spend as little as possible, until you make a steady profit.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

We have been able to add a facility for customers to order a new contract phone from their PC, by clicking the green tab on our home page.

They will then be presented with our top 12 deals, but can choose from a range of networks, tariffs and phones.

We have also developed a thriving offline side to the business, which has started to build some good relationships in the business sector.

The website has not only given us a route to market, but helped back up our off line sales.

We also supply USB modems for laptops, car kits, and sim free equipment.

We have tried to add value to the customer experience, by offering a wide range of products, and present it in an attractive format.

A recent customer email quote:

"I am impressed with the approach the business took in relation to my subscription renewal - the business' personal touch is significantly lacking in many other mobile phone stores"

What are your plans for the future?

We plan to increase our profile in the business community, promote our online contract phone ordering package, and begin a trade sales promotion.

One day we would like a retail store, but this will depend on the right support package, investor opportunities, and obviously location.