Belated Happy New Year

A huge belated Happy New Year from me, Charlotte, at Teal Fox Designs.

Apologies for the quietness recently it all went a little hectic over the Christmas period but life is finally settling down and I’m climbing back on top of things. If you’re checking up on my website regularly you might spot the odd changes as I’m trying to log in most days to do something. Sometimes that’s behind the scenes though so you might not spot the change.

Products and Ordering

This week I’ve been creating listings on the website for anybody who has requested an order. I’d usually just pop them a Paypal invoice but I’m trying to get my head around the listing process on the website so the more I do, the easier it becomes. Thank you to those of you that have been happy for me to create a listing for you and then send over the link. The shop isn’t officially set up so on the website itself you can’t see a bunch of products to order just yet. The only downside at the moment to purchases via the website is that I have to wait a week for payments to be made into my bank account. So on small orders this isn’t an issue as I can still place supplier orders and then re-coup the money when it’s back in the bank..but bulk orders could see it as a bit of a downfall as being January I just don’t have funds in my bank at the moment to be placing huge orders. (I’m sure I’m not the only skint person in January).

Because of payment processing times to me (and the fees I’m charged too) I am looking at various payment gateways to find the best one that suits my needs. I could offer Paypal payments on the website and have the money immediately, but the charges on Paypal are one of the highest. If I can reduce any fees I have to pay then I’ll be able to hopefully reduce item costs too! Win win really. I have a meeting booked next week for one Payment Gateway provider which looking at the basic costs will be cheaper than I’m currently paying! Watch this space!

Order Processing Times

For those of you that have followed me since before even TFD was launched you’ll know that processing times have always been quite high, usually around 2-4 weeks. Since the beginning of this year I have successfully been able to drop my processing time down to 7-10 working days. Most orders have been complete quicker than 7 working days too…so I’m really getting myself into better routines to be able to offer the best for you as my customesr.

Just so you know working days does not include weekends or bank holidays. Yes, I might work on these days but I’m allowing for the time off I do take (or even try and take) each week away from working. I still have a day job, although it is part time and mostly worked from home. It has really enabled me to start to get a handle on all things TFD. For anybody not sure, processing time is the time it takes from point of order to your order being complete before posting. Delivery usually then takes 2-3 working days after it has been posted. As standard all items are sent 2nd class signed for so 2-3 working days is a guide only. 

New Products

I have lots of exciting ideas up my sleeve for 2019. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled. So far in 2019 something new that I didn’t offer in 2018 is Mini Keyring Lanyards… and that is just the beginning of awesome things to come. If you haven’t already spotted I have officially re-launched supplying vinyl graphics. Something I used to do a lot of when I was “Handmade by Harrison” a couple of years ago. When I changed focus to my sewing I stopped supplying vinyl graphics but it is something I still made for myself and my partner. Now I’m back on the design side of things the vinyl graphics fit really well with the design and printing of clothing. At the end of 2018 I supplied and fitted some vehicle graphics for a friend who was starting up his own business so I’m happy to do anthing from small glass/coaster graphics up to vehicle sized graphics. For anybody who is a coffee lover and localish to Newton Abbot then you really HAVE to check out Custom Caffeine – this is my friends business! He’s awesome!! 

If you have ideas for new products or have something you think I should do/sell then don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always up for working with others to create perfect products. Check out my next blog post where I’ll share some of the work I’ve been doing with a fellow small business owner. You can contact me via here, email tealfoxdesigns@outlook.com or message me over on my facebook page Teal Fox Designs

I think I’ll leave it there for now. I’ve got so many exciting things to share I am going to schedule in some blog post writing time so that I’m on it more regularly. I only popped on here today to test a couple of things and feel as though I’ve written an essay! Oooops! 

Thank you as always for all your continued support. 
Loadsa love and squishy hugs, Charlotte xxx