Curious about how we initiated an online store in Europe with just 280 EUR and eventually generated 80,000 EUR in revenue? Let us take you through our journey.

To provide some context, we are proud owners of several online stores, each catering to specific markets and niches:

1. www.hiska24.si – An online store serving Slovenia, specializing in home decoration products, Montessori toys, and various furniture items.

2. www.decoadria.eu – An English, Hungarian, and Croatian online store also focusing on home decor and children's products.

3. www.decorello.it – An Italian online store offering a range of home and furniture products.

Additionally, we manage www.callwaiterbuttons.com, a European online store for call waiter buttons and restaurant accessories, as well as www.grabnisega.eu, an online store for home accessories in Bulgaria.

Now, the burning question: how did we start, and how did a modest investment of 280 EUR turn into 80,000 EUR in revenue?

Our journey began with www.grabnisega.eu in late 2019, an online store offering affordable Chinese products within the EU, eliminating the need for customs clearance. Primarily driven by Facebook Ads, this venture kickstarted our foray into the world of e-commerce.

But what about the 280 EUR investment?

Let's be transparent; the 280 EUR wasn't solely for starting the business. This amount covered our initial purchase – a batch of teddy bears made from roses, sourced from Aliexpress. While Aliexpress may not be ideal for a serious business, it served its purpose for our startup phase.

The rest of our investment was in knowledge gained from years of experience, particularly as a web developer building online stores for others. Recognizing common mistakes, such as designing based solely on personal preferences, was crucial.

On choosing a product niche, we didn't initially have a specific plan. As the Bulgarian saying goes, "The craft is stealing, not learning." We observed competitors, gathered ideas, and refined our approach over the first few months.

Simplifying the checkout page was a key strategy. Instead of imposing our preferences, we allowed visitors to guide us. We integrated with our courier, but realizing the complexities for buyers, we opted for clear text fields and introduced a "Fast Order" option, significantly boosting sales.

And now, the 80,000 EUR question – how did we achieve it?

Firstly, let's clarify: it's not a direct conversion from 280 EUR to 80,000 EUR. From the initial investment, we earned 50 EUR. Here's a breakdown:

1. Product cost: 280 EUR

2. Sales revenue: 500 EUR

3. VAT (20%): 100 EUR

4. Advertising costs: 70 EUR

After deducting these expenses, we were left with 330 EUR, not the full 500 EUR.

Achieving 80,000 EUR was a process, not an instant result. It demanded time, hard work, and continuous learning across various aspects of e-commerce.

In conclusion, consider two important takeaways:

1. Incremental growth: By following our approach, you can turn 280 EUR into 330 EUR, a step closer to success.

2. Experience matters: Beyond the monetary gains, every sale contributes to your knowledge and expertise. Your initial customers are invaluable in identifying areas for improvement in your online store.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or seek further insights into our journey.