Kimberly Vetrano of FUNtastic Letters & Wraps

Name: Kimberly Vetrano

Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a married mom of two. We live in the suburbs of NYC. My favorite hobbies are photography, writing, jewelry making, soap making and reading.

What is your business name and web address:
FUNtastic Letters & Wraps
http://www.FUNtasticLettersandWraps.com

What inspired you to become a work at home mom:
My family inspired me to start a home business. Living on one income is next to impossible in this day and age.We made the sacrifice of my income in order for me to be a stay at home mom to raise our children. It was the BEST decision we have ever made and I don’t regret it one bit. Being a stay at home mom is the BEST “job” I have ever had. But giving up that second income also meant giving up many of the “little luxuries” in life such as going to the movies, going out to dinner, ordering a pizza and trips to the zoo. To offset that I started a home business. Every penny I make in profit goes to my family so that we can do those little things in life. It’s a wonderful feeling taking your children to the zoo and watching them have a wonderful time knowing that your home business helped to make that happen. It’s all about making memories and giving my family the best that life can offer.

Tell us a little about your business:
My business had gone through a lot of changes over the years. I started my business in May 2003. Initially I sold just personalized candy wrapper and personalized letters to children (such as letters from Santa and the Easter Bunny). But over the years I have added new products and services and did away with products and services. But my niche is really personalized candy wrapping. I totally love what I do and with each order I learn more about my business and myself. I have made some great friends. Some are others who run home businesses. Other friends are actually my customers!
The main focus of my business now is personalized products. Aside from the candy wrappers I also make personalized gift cans, placements, memory/favor books, coloring books and more! Also available are rotating message pens, personalized apparel, gifts and so many other wonderful things. I’m always on the look out for great affordable products and services to offer my customers.

Is there any advice that you would like to share with other women?
Believe in yourself. I know it’s cliche, but it’s so true. I can’t tell you how many times I sit up late at night thinking to myself that I can’t do this, I can’t run a successful home business. I think it’s do more to stress and frustration more then anything else. Most of the times my orders run perfectly. But every now and then there is a “glitch” along the way and I panic and worry that I’m not providing excellent customer service and I’ll lose business. I still feel that way at times but then I stop myself and I make myself realize that I have been in business for two and a half years now, and my customers keep coming back and just re-reading the wonderful comments customers have sent me makes me realize that I CAN DO THIS and I DO A GOOD JOB and I just need to never stop believing in myself and my abilities.

What has been the most effective advertising method for you:
Word of mouth. I get A LOT of business thanks to satisfied customers who recommended me to them. That is why I strive to provide EXCELLENT customer service. When you do your customers will appreciate that and remember you. And that is the best way to get some wonderful word of mouth advertising.

Can you share with us one negative business experience that you learned from:
Trying to please people TOO MUCH. I know we need to provide outstanding customer service, but sometimes that can just blow up in your face. To share an example. I had someone contact me looking for a rush job for some wrappers for a Bat Mitzvah. She needed them ASAP. I don’t work on the weekends unless I have to. My family comes first and foremost, but with this order I missed out on a family party to stay home and work on the order for her, coming up with samples, making a million little changes for her and everything. I finally got it to where she wanted it and I sent her an invoice for payment and even though she KNEW my prices, she sent me back an e-mail saying “Never mind” because she found someone who could sell her wrappers for LESS! And I was NOT charging her a rush fee and I worked all weekend on HER order and then she turns around and tells me to forget about it, that she is going someplace else. I wanted to scream!
As a result I have had to put up information on my site about my order procedures so that the same thing doesn’t happen anymore.
To quote the phrase “You can’t please everyone”. If you lose a customer because you won’t bend over backwards for them just move on. There are plenty of other customers out there just waiting for you to provide the service they are looking for.