MeCam originally started when I was living in NYC and wanted to a way to capture the crazy nights me and my friends were having. With no background in tech or cameras, I just decided to do it. I contacted 100 factories that made cameras and 99% of those turned me down. Nobody wanted to take a chance manufacturing an unproven concept for an unproven entrepreneur.
The 100th factory accepted however and 1.5 yrs later, MeCam is a success.
MeCam makes small, hands-free, wearable video cameras that pin to your shirt or anything you want to capture life from that point of view. Think Go-Pro but smaller and actually wearable.
How did you earn your first sales? Which channels are now generating the most traffic and sales for you?
At first, I concentrated on generating my own press by sending out press releases about MeCam and contacting as many bloggers as possible. Eventually we were able to gain some traction and create a name for ourselves in the market.
Our biggest source of revenue is definitely our organic placement on google. We work hard to blog and back link all of our press so we rank highly on organic searches without having to pay.
Tell us about the back-end of your business. What tools and apps do you use to run your store? How do you handle shipping and fulfillment?
Originally we had a custom CMS backend. Being new to ecommerce, we thought that this was the best route and trusted developers. This mistake cost us a year of wasting time and ultimately sales. You live and you learn. We switched to Shopify in February and to say the difference is night and day would be an understatement.
Our sales and efficiency have soared and we couldn't be happier. We use most the of free Shopify apps offered and are not venturing into the paid apps in an effort to keep increasing sales and customer service.
We use a fulfillment center now which has really taken the stress out of housing our own inventory and packing it up ourselves. This is going to be a huge 2nd year of business for us thanks to Shopify.
What are your top recommendations for new ecommerce entrepreneurs?
Focus on customer service first and foremost. Adhere to the Zappos business model that states, we are first and foremost a customer service company that just happens to sell _________. Keep this at the forefront of your business and you will be successful. Never stop trying to improve your business and never be complacent. Keep growing and getting better everyday!
Really take the time to take advantage of everything Shopify has to offer. At least all of the free tools. They do help a lot.