Teen Girl Opens Knife Store?!?!?!!

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Well that is certainly an impressive looking web site you've got there.

So, tell us how does a15 year old girl find the resources and knowledge to start such an obviously well developed business?

How did you get into knives? My wife and daughter want nothing to do with anything unless it pertains to fashion, make-up, jewelery, that sort of thing. . .
 
If you are a minor I'm surprised you were able to get set up for credit card transactions. Do you have someone who is able to help you with filling out state and federal tax forms?
 
Artfully Martial said:
Looks legit. Nice website.

I'm sort of curious about your calling hours though, which are listed from 8 am to 8 pm. Wouldn't you be in class for the majority of that?

Also, what's up with the weird font under the news about TDS guns?
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Ughhh! The weird font thing has happened before. Ill fix it soon, but if you refresh the page it may go away.

And the hours work fine for me. I switched to home schooling this year so I would have the time flexibility to manage The Ultimate Knife Store.
 
Before the skepticism train flies off the tracks here, I want to indicate that there is some moderately compelling evidence of legitimacy.

Most notably, the inventory is pretty small. It's not like she's got 10 sebenzas in stock, some William Henrys, 5 ritter grips, a janich song and so on. It seems like a pretty realistic inventory for someone getting started up.

That doesn't mean it's on the level, but something to consider.
 
Artfully Martial said:
Well, assuming all this is true, you must be a fairly intriguing character. Are you emancipated or what?
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I'm honestly really not trying to be offensive or hurt anyones feelings, but this girl kindof creeps me out. Really, what 15 year old girl leaves public school to start up a knife store... She may be completely normal for all I know, but it sure is weird...
 
Lets see.....

--Money to stock- I originally borrowed money from relatives and paid them back when items began moving. I'm independent financially now though.

--Research and knowledge question- I just did research and tried to learn as much as i could about them. I learn new things each day and always try to stay up to date with whats new.

--How'd I get started?- I began selling on ebay, decided to open using my own domain, and the rest is history! ;) Im into the whole fashion & makeup thing too, but Knives are my hobby interest of choice as well!

--Im set up for credit cards thru PayPal merchant services, and my Dad helps me with the tax forms.

Thanks for all the questions and feedback!
 
00ChevyScott said:
I'm honestly really not trying to be offensive or hurt anyones feelings, but this girl kindof creeps me out. Really, what 15 year old girl leaves public school to start up a knife store... She may be completely normal for all I know, but it sure is weird...
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A legitimate concern.

At any rate, I'll offer some constructive criticism since that's what this thread is really about.

I think you're not stocking enough of the really, really common knives. As far as I can tell, you only have 1 Delica, and it's priced quite high, and no minigrips, grips, enduras, blurs, leeks, militaries and so on. Those are the ones people are buying constantly.
 
00ChevyScott said:
I'm honestly really not trying to be offensive or hurt anyones feelings, but this girl kindof creeps me out. Really, what 15 year old girl leaves public school to start up a knife store... She may be completely normal for all I know, but it sure is weird...
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Hmm.... Last time I checked, I was relatively normal. But everyone is open to their own opinions I guess.
 
chandlerm said:
Hmm.... Last time I checked, I was relatively normal. But everyone is open to their own opinions I guess.
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Well, from the very limited facts we have, you would be paradigmatically abnormal, at least in this culture.

That's not necessarily a bad thing.

But a young girl, who has the power or influence to choose where she is educated, develop a line of credit within her family, purchase an inventory, liquidate it, repay her creditors and operate out of her pocket is pretty unusual.

And, for that matter, a teenage girl that is this into knives is unusual.

Again, not bad things, but I think it's reasonable that people have some inquiries on who the mystery girl is.
 
Well, good to see a new knife site. Always good to expand our community. How about telling a little about yourself. What got you into knives? What is your favorite brand? Your EDC? etc... It's always nice to know our prospective dealers/hobbyists (especially an intriguing 15 year old who seems to be infatuated with knives).

Nevertheless, your site looks good. Slowly build up your inventory as you gain more customers. It might take awhile, but keep it up. Spread the word via knife forums such as these (just make sure you get clearance).

Like Artfully mentioned, you might want to start adding the benchmark knives such as Leeks, Mini Griptilians, 710s, 940s, Militarys, Sages, etc. You have all the starter knives, but beginner collectors will appreciate more Spydercos, Benchmades, etc.
 
Artfully Martial said:
A legitimate concern.

At any rate, I'll offer some constructive criticism since that's what this thread is really about.

I think you're not stocking enough of the really, really common knives. As far as I can tell, you only have 1 Delica, and it's priced quite high, and no minigrips, grips, enduras, blurs, leeks, militaries and so on. Those are the ones people are buying constantly.
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Hey thanks for sticking up for me! And no I'm not emancipated, however that might make things easier at times! LOL

I really appreciate the advice! I will review my prices again and adjust them as necessary. Also, I do have leeks and blurs. (The Kershaw Blur is my all time favorite knife!)

Thanks again!
 
charlOOsi said:
Well, good to see a new knife site. Always good to expand our community. How about telling a little about yourself. What got you into knives? What is your favorite brand? Your EDC? etc... It's always nice to know our prospective dealers/hobbyists (especially an intriguing 15 year old who seems to be infatuated with knives).

Nevertheless, your site looks good. Slowly build up your inventory as you gain more customers. It might take awhile, but keep it up. Spread the word via knife forums such as these (just make sure you get clearance).

Like Artfully mentioned, you might want to start adding the benchmark knives such as Leeks, Mini Griptilians, 710s, 940s, Militarys, Sages, etc. You have all the starter knives, but beginner collectors will appreciate more Spydercos, Benchmades, etc.
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My family has always had interest in guns, but It was all greek to me. I got into knives when my neighbor asked me to sell his collection on eBay. I was pretty involved with ebay beforehand. They sold well, and I enjoyed what I was doing, I found it interesting and slightly more understandable. So I stuck with it.

I have several favorites....I love TOPS and Kershaw the best however. I love the ruggedness, quality and badass-ness of TOPS, and I love all of Kershaws designs. My favorite knife to carry with me on a daily basis is the Kershaw blur, hands down!

Also thank you for the suggestions! I'll be sure to look into that!
 
which blur are you using? It is a very cool knife. The first KO I ever held I think. Or maybe the leek...I don't remember which came out first.

If you like the blur, wait until you try a ZT0400. It's the super-blur.
 
I admire your entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age:thumbup:
The site looks good
Do you do the HTML yourself too??

You should add "country of origin" to your specs
It is important to some knife consumers

Also, I like seeing the shippings costs UP FRONT
Something like this:
UPS Ground Service for the 48 contiguous US States:
Click here to see a map of the UPS Ground service transit times.
$6.95 for the first lb. (up to 3 small knives),
$8.90 for a 2 lb. package
$1.00 per lb. thereafter
High value packages must be charged for signature requirement and insurance

UPS Expedited Shipping:
Third day, second day and overnight shipping is available via UPS for an extra charge.
One pound ($6.95 ground charge) packages can be shipped as follows:
$12.95 for 3rd day
$14.95 for 2nd day - These are especially good values for those ordering from areas west of the great plains states
$30.00 minimum for Overnight
Heavier parcels are charged more.
Overnight packages shipped Fridays will be delivered on Monday
Overnight Saturday Delivery (shipped Friday) costs at least $45
6% sales tax for Maryland purchases only.

Priority Mail for All States plus APOs and Territories:
$7.50 for the first lb. (up to 3 small knives)
Price increases with weight and distance

Economy Mail for All States
$6.10 for the first lb. (up to 3 small knives)
Price increases with weight and distance
This service is not available for government addresses such as AE or APO
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I hate have to go to the end of the checkout to see how much the shipping is:mad:

You should make a Facebook PAGE and put link on the home page
"Become a fan of The Ultimate Knife Store"
Or maybe the LIKE button:confused:
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins

And you are eventually gonna need a logo
So brush up on you PhotoShop skills!!!:)
27524_118824084823026_2848_n.jpg
 
Artfully Martial said:
which blur are you using? It is a very cool knife. The first KO I ever held I think. Or maybe the leek...I don't remember which came out first.

If you like the blur, wait until you try a ZT0400. It's the super-blur.
Click to expand...

Im using the all-black partially serrated classic model. I have a family friend who is an ex sniper and he was telling me all about self defense with knives waaay back before I knew anything. He basically handed me that one and said "you need this one, got it?" and I just said okay. It was a really good choice now that I look back. :)

I'll have to check that one out! The pics on google look good.
 
Trent Rock said:
I admire your entrepreneurial spirit at such a young age:thumbup:
The site looks good
Do you do the HTML yourself too??

You should add "country of origin" to your specs
It is important to some knife consumers

Also, I like seeing the shippings costs UP FRONT
Something like this:

I hate have to go to the end of the checkout to see how much the shipping is:mad:

You should make a Facebook PAGE and put link on the home page
"Become a fan of The Ultimate Knife Store"
Or maybe the LIKE button:confused:
http://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins

And you are eventually gonna need a logo
So brush up on you PhotoShop skills!!!:)
27524_118824084823026_2848_n.jpg
Click to expand...

Okay! Thanks for the advice. A friend of mine agreed to create a logo for me as I lack artistic skills, so thats good.

Thanks for the good shipping template. I'll add something similar to my site soon!

I'll get the country of origins up too. Thanks!
 
chandlerm said:
I reviewed all state laws and regulations before opening and everything is clear. I live in California, and you are correct it's not legal to own switchblades, however as a retailer I can possess them to sell to customers out of state. Thanks!
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I love it!!!

Chandler, if you add ESEE and/or Ontario to your inventory, I'll buy one.
 
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