Name of your website?Wear It Again, Sam
Your name?
Mary Rosselle
Your Location (city, etc)
Fort Collins, Colorado
Please give us a short summary of your website?
We offer the finest quality men and woman's authentic vintage clothing. We have everything from hats and accessories to ballgowns and tuxedos. Our clothing is always in near mint condition and absolutely unique and one of a kind.
What inspired you to launch your own website?
We wanted a wider audience for our fantastic items. We are now available to anyone in the world. We also wanted the opportunity to expose people to the history and beauty of vintage clothing.
When did you launch your first website, and what was it?
We have a website devoted to our rental costumes, www.oldtowncostumes.com This website was launched 6 years ago. Out newest site, www.vintagewearitagainsam.com was launched January of this year, 2009.
How did you decide on a name for your website?
It is the same name as our brick and mortar shop in downtown Fort Collins, Colorado. We have been located at this same spot for 16 years, dedicating ourselves to lavish costume rentals and selling fine vintage clothing.
What makes your website different from other, similar offerings?
We have established an outstanding reputation for pristine, authenic vintage clothing and accessories. One of our specialties is our hats. We have some amazing vintage hats for sale.
What is your eventual goal? (To sell it, keep it for income, secure a book or other mainstream media deal?)
To be the finest retailer of vintage clothing possible!
How does your investment of time and money balance against your success?
It hasn't yet! We are working very hard to establish ourselves on the web.
If you had an unlimited development budget for development, how would you change your site?
We would certainly use a lot of the budget on advertising. We want to get out there and show the world the amazing items we have to offer.
If your site got really big, really quickly, would you be able to keep up with the demand?
Of course! That is our goal and we are preparing for it. We would love to share our excitement with others who collect and admire vintage clothing.
What unexpected costs and headaches have you had to deal with?
Now that we are "out there" on the web, we have received many many calls from advertising firms trying to "help" us with our advertising, which simply means more money! Also, a lot of the technical details have been quite challenging. We have composed this site ourselves and it certainly has been a learning process.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Building links and getting the word out there. Tedious, but absolutely crucial.
What method has been most successful for promoting your website?
Link building and word of mouth thus far. Having the shop makes it easier to spread the word to actual customers who stop on it.
How has running your website differed from your expectations?
Much more work than we once believed. Lots of extra hours spent getting the site ready to be live. All worth it however. We are very proud of the progress thus far.
How long have you run the site already, and how long will you continue to keep it up if you don't enjoy big gains in traffic, income or popularity?
It has been live on the web since January 2009. Not having big gains in traffic, income or popularity is not an option! We will work hard to be the finest vintage clothing outlet possible.
Is it realistic to expect a world wide clientele for such a niche market?
We are striving for this. Our hard work and determination should make this a reality.
What is your website address?
Wear It Again, Sam
