Friday, 27 June 2025

Get Your Business Ready for Prime Day

Prime Day is one of the biggest retail events of the year, and it’s not just for Amazon itself. 

It's an absolutely golden opportunity for online sellers to boost sales, gain new customers, and increase visibility. 

Whether you're selling on Amazon, Etsy, Shopify, or through your own platform, getting your online shop Prime Day-ready is essential.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your online retail presence and maximise your results.

1. Optimise Your Listings

Make sure all your product listings are in top form:

Use high-quality images (with lifestyle photos where appropriate).

Refine your product titles and descriptions using relevant keywords.

Add detailed specifications and clear pricing.

Make sure listings are accurate and free from errors.

Include positive reviews and ensure any customer questions have been answered.

Tip for Amazon Sellers: Update your backend keywords to target Prime Day-related search terms.

2. Create Irresistible Prime Day Deals

Prepare limited-time offers, bundle deals, or flash sales to attract bargain hunters.

Amazon: Submit your Lightning Deals or coupons well in advance.

Shopify & Etsy: Use app plugins or your admin dashboard to schedule discounts and banner announcements.

Consider site-wide discounts for independent retailers.

Bonus tip: Offer free shipping or express shipping options if possible.

3. Prepare Your Inventory

You don’t want to run out of stock mid-sale.

Review your sales history and forecast demand for popular products.

Ensure your suppliers and logistics are ready for a surge in orders.

For Amazon FBA sellers, send inventory to fulfilment centres early.

If you're selling on Etsy or via your own site, double-check your postage materials and dispatch times.

4. Enhance Your Storefront

Treat Prime Day as a mini relaunch for your brand:

Update your branding and visuals to reflect the promotional spirit.

Add a countdown timer, special banners, or “Prime Day Picks” section.

Create dedicated landing pages for special offers or bestsellers.

This is especially useful on Shopify or custom sites to guide traffic and conversions.

5. Run Targeted Marketing Campaigns

Don’t rely solely on marketplace traffic.

Promote your deals via email newsletters, social media, and PPC ads.

Use phrases like “Limited-Time Prime Day Offers” or “Exclusive Prime Day Savings”.

Partner with influencers or bloggers for wider reach.

For Amazon sellers, Amazon Sponsored Products or Display Ads can give your listings a significant push.

6. Streamline Customer Experience

Make buying easy and enjoyable:

Test your checkout process and mobile responsiveness.

Respond quickly to questions and messages.

Display trust signals like reviews, shipping info, and refund policies clearly.

Consider using chatbots or live chat on your Shopify or custom store.

7. Analyse and Follow Up

After Prime Day ends:

Review your sales data, traffic sources, and ad performance.

Retarget visitors who browsed but didn’t buy.

Send thank you emails and offer follow-up deals to new customers.

Use the data to refine your strategy for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season.

Last points to ponder

Prime Day isn’t just about competing on price. It’s your chance to attract long-term customers, showcase your brand, and make your mark in a crowded marketplace. With careful planning and smart execution, your online retail presence can flourish well beyond the 48-hour sales window.

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Using Social Media to Grow Your Customer Base

A strong social media presence can transform your online shop from a side hustle into a thriving business. But it’s not just about followers: It’s about connection.

Choose the Right Platforms

Instagram: Great for product photos, Reels, and Stories.

Pinterest: Ideal for evergreen traffic to your shop or blog.

TikTok: Brilliant for viral content, behind-the-scenes, and trends.

Facebook: Still useful for community groups and targeted ads.

YouTube: Able to show long videos plus shorts, able to run livestreams

X: Good for reaching a big audience

What to Post

Product Shots: Showcase your items in use.

Behind-the-Scenes: People love to see how things are made.

Tips & Tutorials: Offer value beyond the sale.

Customer Testimonials: Social proof builds credibility.

Be Consistent, Not Constant

Aim to post regularly—but don’t burn out. Tools like Buffer or Later help you schedule posts in advance.

Engage With Your Audience

Reply to comments, answer DMs, and show personality in your captions. Algorithms reward interaction.

Bonus Tip: Use Hashtags and Geo-tags

Make it easier for new customers to discover you by tagging relevant keywords and locations.

UK Tax Tips for Sole Traders Running an Online Shop

Selling online as a sole trader? Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of HMRC: And keep more of what you earn.

Registering as a Sole Trader

You must register with HMRC if you earn more than £1,000 in a tax year.

Register via the HMRC website and you’ll be given a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).

Keep Accurate Records

Track all sales, expenses, receipts and mileage.

Use software like QuickBooks, Xero or FreeAgent to stay organised.

Know Your Allowable Expenses

You can deduct:

Platform fees (Etsy/Amazon fees)

Postage and packaging

Marketing costs

Office supplies

A portion of home office costs (electricity, broadband, etc.)

Be Aware of VAT Thresholds

If your turnover exceeds £90,000 (as of 2025), you must register for VAT.

Submit Your Self Assessment

Deadline: 31 January for the previous tax year (paper deadline is earlier).

Penalties apply for late filing or payment.

Branding Your Online Shop: A Beginner’s Guide

In a crowded digital marketplace, branding is what sets your shop apart. 

It’s not just about a logo: It’s about the feeling your store gives customers the moment they land on your page. 

Whether you’re on Etsy, Shopify or Amazon, consistent and compelling branding can turn browsers into loyal buyers.

Why Branding Matters

Builds Trust: A cohesive look and feel makes your store appear professional.

Creates Recognition: People remember brands with distinct personalities.

Drives Loyalty: Branding is how you turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.

Key Elements to Focus On

Name: Choose something memorable and easy to spell.

Logo: Invest in a clean, simple design—tools like Canva can help you get started.

Colour Scheme & Fonts: Stick to 2–3 core colours and 1–2 typefaces.

Tone of Voice: Is your shop playful, premium, eco-conscious? Let it show in your copy.

Brand Consistency Is Key

Use your chosen visual and verbal identity across:

Product photos and packaging

Social media

Email newsletters

Customer service replies

How to Set Up and Operate Your Own Online Retail Establishment Using Etsy, Shopify, Amazon or Similar Tools

In today’s digital-first economy, setting up an online retail business is not just potentially viable, it’s often preferable. 

Whether you’re looking to turn your hobby into a side hustle or launch a full-time eCommerce enterprise, platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon make it easier than ever to get started.

 But while the tools may be powerful, success still depends on careful planning and consistent effort.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to launching your own online retail establishment using some of the most popular platforms available.

1. Choose the Right Platform for Your Product

Each eCommerce platform comes with its own strengths:

Etsy is ideal for handmade, vintage or craft supply items. It caters to buyers looking for unique and creative goods.

Shopify offers a fully customisable eCommerce storefront. Best for those wanting full brand control and scalability.

Amazon gives you access to a massive customer base but comes with high competition and strict seller guidelines.

Tip: Many sellers start on Etsy or Amazon to test the market, then expand to Shopify as their brand grows.

2. Research and Define Your Niche

Even the most user-friendly platform won’t help if you don’t know who you're selling to. Ask yourself:

What problems does your product solve?

Who is your ideal customer?

What are your competitors doing—and how can you do it better?

Use tools like Google Trends, Answer the Public, and each platform’s own search bar to find out what people are searching for.

3. Set Up Your Store

Here's what you need, regardless of platform:

Business Name: Choose something memorable, relevant, and available as a domain.

Logo & Branding: Consistent visuals help build trust.

Product Listings: Use clear photos, compelling descriptions, and relevant keywords.

Pricing Strategy: Consider your costs, competitors, and value proposition.

Platform-Specific Tips:

Etsy: Use all 13 tags and make use of Etsy SEO best practices.

Shopify: Invest in a clean theme and consider useful apps for shipping, upselling, etc.

Amazon: Understand FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) vs FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant).

4. Sort Out the Logistics

Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal, or built-in options depending on your platform.

Shipping & Fulfilment: Will you ship yourself or use a fulfilment service?

Taxes & Legalities: Register as a sole trader or limited company and understand your VAT obligations.

In the UK, you’ll need to register with HMRC. Depending on your turnover, you may need to charge VAT. Keep accurate records from day one.

5. Drive Traffic to Your Store

No matter how good your product is, people need to know about it. Here are a few ways to build traffic:

Social Media: Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok are especially good for product-based businesses.

Email Marketing: Build a mailing list and reward sign-ups with discounts.

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO): Optimise product titles and pages with keywords.

Ads: Consider paid advertising on Google, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), or within the platform (Etsy Ads, Amazon Sponsored Products).

6. Provide Stellar Customer Service

Good reviews lead to more sales. Offer excellent customer service, respond to messages promptly, and go the extra mile with packaging and personalisation.

7. Analyse and Improve

Use analytics tools (Google Analytics, Shopify Reports, Amazon Seller Central) to monitor:

Best-selling products

Customer demographics

Conversion rates

Use this data to adjust your pricing, marketing strategy and product offerings.

Points to ponder

Starting an online retail business is a journey that blends creativity, strategy and perseverance. With the right platform and mindset, anyone can tap into the global marketplace and build a successful eCommerce brand. Whether you choose Etsy for its artistic flair, Shopify for its flexibility, or Amazon for its scale, the key is to stay consistent, learn as you go, and always keep your customer at the heart of your business.

Want to Learn More?

Check out our guides on branding your online shop, UK tax tips for sole traders, and using social media to grow your customer base—all right here on That’s Business.

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Thursday, 19 June 2025

Why UK-Based Businesses Should Prioritise Sourcing Goods from the UK Over China

In recent years, global events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of long, complex supply chains. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, the Suez Canal blockage, Brexit, and rising geopolitical tensions have all demonstrated how dependent many UK-based businesses are on international suppliers — particularly from China. 

While Chinese manufacturing has long been seen as cost-effective, many businesses are now reconsidering their sourcing strategies.

Here’s why UK-based businesses should increasingly strive to source goods from within the UK rather than relying on imports from China.

1. Supply Chain Security and Reliability

Sourcing goods from overseas — especially from countries as distant as China — increases exposure to disruption. Delays at ports, shipping bottlenecks, and customs issues can leave businesses without the stock they need. By sourcing from within the UK, businesses benefit from:

Faster delivery times

Greater control over logistics

Fewer customs complications

A lower carbon footprint due to reduced transport

2. Support for the British Economy

Keeping procurement local directly supports UK manufacturers, farmers, and artisans. This helps:

Preserve jobs and create new ones

Encourage innovation and skills development

Keep money circulating within local economies

A strong manufacturing base at home also helps reduce dependency on foreign powers and bolsters national economic resilience.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Goods imported from China typically travel thousands of miles, generating significant carbon emissions in transit. By comparison, UK-sourced products dramatically reduce the environmental cost of logistics. Many British suppliers also follow stricter environmental regulations and are more transparent about their sustainability efforts.

For businesses with ESG goals or green credentials, local sourcing is a step toward authenticity and responsibility.

4. Higher Quality and Ethical Standards

While some Chinese suppliers offer good quality goods, there are widespread concerns over variable quality control and ethical issues, such as:

Poor labour conditions

Lack of transparency

Intellectual property risks

Poor quality. For example, a UK-based foundry closed their furnaces, made workers redundant and had their castings made in China. 

Previously they had 2.5% scrap returns on castings which they merely put into the furnaces to be remade. The Chinese foundry's scrap levels were between 15 to 20% and the faulty castings had to be returned to China. 

Eventually the UK-based company needed, at great expense, new furnaces built and new workers trained. 

UK suppliers are subject to more rigorous regulations on quality, employment standards, and business ethics. Customers are increasingly mindful of where and how products are made — and local sourcing helps meet these expectations.

5. Enhanced Brand Reputation

Consumers are more inclined to support businesses that champion local producers and demonstrate ethical sourcing. By using "Made in Britain" branding, businesses can:

Attract patriotic shoppers

Command premium pricing

Build a trustworthy, values-driven image

Local sourcing is a powerful marketing tool — especially when transparency and provenance matter to customers.

6. Agility and Customisation

Working with UK suppliers can give businesses greater flexibility in:

Product design adjustments

Smaller order quantities

Faster turnaround times

This level of responsiveness is difficult to achieve with overseas manufacturers, who may have high minimum order quantities and longer lead times.

7. Resilience to Geopolitical Risk

China’s growing involvement in global political tensions — from Taiwan to trade disputes — creates a climate of uncertainty. UK businesses relying on Chinese imports could be exposed to:

Sudden export restrictions

Tariff hikes

Political pressure and reputational risk

By sourcing domestically, businesses reduce their exposure to these risks and build a more stable operational model.

Final Thoughts

While sourcing from China may seem financially advantageous in the short term, the long-term benefits of sourcing within the UK — from environmental and ethical gains to logistical simplicity and customer appeal — often outweigh the initial savings.

UK-based businesses should view local sourcing not only as a practical decision, but as a strategic move toward sustainability, resilience, and long-term success. Supporting British producers strengthens our economy, safeguards our environment, and builds trust with consumers.

It’s time to think local, act local, and source local.

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Monday, 9 June 2025

Harlette is the Sexist in Space

Harlette DeFalaise
(Harlette Capital Ltd ), a global leader in the luxury category, with a patent for diamond suspenders, is announcing the NDA agreement the pre launch partner Southern Launch Australia for Harlette lunar space telecommunications solutions currently in research and development stage.

Harlette began the search for a launch partner in 2020 and reached the agreement for a polar lunar insertion April 2025 with Southern Launch Australia. 

Harlette Space was launched in 2018 when Harlette entered the Sub orbital programme with NASA to test a sub orbital telecommunications product. 

Harlette Space worked with Virgin Galactic as the sub orbital flight provider option for testing for the sub orbital telecommunications product and is yet to test it as Harlette are raising capital.

 Harlette Space signed an NDA with Virgin Orbital before they ceased their services.  Harlette explored options with Blue Origin.  Harlette explored options World View, NSC Near Space Corporation for a balloon flight for the sub orbital flight programme with NASA.

Harlette have trademarks in space class 39 in the United Kingdom and telecommunications class 38.

Harlette presented Global Spaceport telecommunications solutions in Boulder Suborbital Aeronautical conference in 2020 with patents still pending in the United Kingdom and Australia that commenced in 2016 at Pitch at the Palace, and Defence Centre Enterprises 2016.

Harlette is adopting a polar insertion for Lunar from Australia and is a first of its kind for Harlette Space.

Harlette is raising capital for the patents, Rockets and Lunar Telecommunications solutions. Harlette acquired Rainbow Centres that was a subsidy company in Australia and United Kingdom to conduct research into the market and the sweat based and human performance research is being integrated in Harlette space solutions. 

This research is registered with NATO  Science and Technology access issued through Porton Down Ministry of Defence, UK. 

Harlette have patents pending for connected bra since 2016 in Australia and United Kingdom and have registered with UN, UNIDIR, UNOOSA accreditation sustainable lunar activities as UN Expert. Harlette have attended ITU 5b 7b 1b as Suborbital Expert and Lunar Expert.

Harlette DeFalaise is also the Author and creator of Galvanize the book what Business & Government can learn from Space with a podcast.

SocialBox.Biz Calls on IT Managers for Spring and Summer Tech Donations

SocialBox.Biz, a leading Community Interest Company dedicated to sustainable tech reuse, launched its “Spring Clean Your IT” campaign for Earth Day 2025 this April, urging corporate IT managers and CIOs to contact SocialBox.Biz about the old but functional tech before scrapping. 

“We just ask IT Managers to call us first before calling the scrap companies so we can check what can still be re-used,” says the team at SocialBox.Biz, boosting social impact for participating companies.

SocialBox.Biz will collect laptops, MacBooks and other corporate computer hardware and tech across the UK, wiping data securely, upgrading with open-source software, providing tech labs, training opportunities, and distributing some of the suitable items to vulnerable groups via charity partners. Case studies donations have:

Helped an Age UK Islington job seeker secure employment read more.

Enabled Passage’s Lily to shape homeless services read more.

Reconnected an Age UK London senior digitally read more.

Reusing tech cuts Scope 3 emissions and transforms lives,” Peter Paduh, Founder of SocialBox.Biz, told That's Business.

Companies like New Look, donating since 2021, exemplify impact. Join them by contacting info ( at ) socialbox.biz or visiting www.socialbox.biz to schedule collections. Follow @SocialBoxBiz on X to share your contribution.

Sunday, 8 June 2025

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