Tell us what your business does?

www.equipatrip.com is an e- commerce web store stocking the best quality outdoor and travel accessories. It provides customers with all they need for where ever they are going and how they are going to get there. We aim to provide people with all they need for their journey, whether it is driving essentials, flight comfort items or gear to make roughing it in the wilderness a little less “rough”.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

I took inspiration from other retail sites and have noticed that more and more people are going online to buy items rather the going to your regular ‘bricks and mortar shop” down the town. It gives people a different option, sometimes handier because of peoples fast lifestyles and the ease of ordering whatever you want at a click of a button. This inspiration coupled with a passion for traveling and everything outdoor adventure was where the idea for my business came from.

Have you always wanted to run your own business?

Yes, absolutely. It has always appealed to me to run my own business and to have my name on something, something I could call my own. I have always wanted the freedom of being self- employed and with that comes the extra drive and enthusiasm I have for my job, so when the opportunity arose I knew it was either now or never.

What planning did you do before you started up?

Before we started up, I took a close look at competition, asked myself how I could improve on their service ,price , product, customer service and delivery times. I also did alot of research about different products and what ones are best suited to online sales. I set a business plan, which helped me to work out goals and targets.

Which entrepreneurs do you admire?

I like people who bring their personalities. Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Paula Deen to name a few.

What challenges have you faced & how have you overcome them?

For me funding was a challenge, but my local credit union was more than happy to help me out. I find the best way to deal with problems is to face them head on and to deal with them promptly.

How have you promoted your business?

I have promoted the business by developing the brand image & logo. I have a small budget for pay per click and keyword advertising campaigns with Google and Yahoo and have also promoted through social media via our Facebook , Twitter , Linked in , Instagram , Googleplus , Pinterest and youtube accounts. Local shops and businesses are always very happy for me to put up posters or leave a few business cards on their counters. I offer freebie’s and run regular competitions on the facebook & twitter pages to get our name out there and to get people talking about us. We focus on great customer service; because at the end of the day customers are people, not numbers and happy customers will promote and recommend to their family and friends.

Are you optimistic about 2014?

Very optimistic.It’s very exciting at the moment, I’m really looking forward to to 2014 to see what the future holds for equipatrip.com.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Be honest. If you have an idea go for it and don’t look back. Believe in yourself.