Cupcake and cakepop company
Cupcake Planet saw an increase of deposits paid on the spot of 800% when they started using PayPal Here. In our latest Small Business Spotlight, which profiles some of our most successful small businesses, we talk to founder Kirsty Thomson about the secrets of her success…
PayPal: What have been your greatest successes?
Kirsty Thomson: We’re proud of everything we’ve achieved so far but I’m particularly proud that we’ve had a consistent growth in sales almost every month since starting out. As any small business owner will tell you, success doesn't come easily - it requires serious hard work and many sleepless nights which makes our growth all the sweeter!
PP: What advice would you give to other small businesses and those thinking of taking the plunge and creating a start-up?
KT: There are so many things to think about when you’re starting out that it can seem overwhelming. However, if you look in the right places, there’s no shortage of people and resources to give advice. Draw upon these sources of knowledge whenever you can, but never forget that you and you alone are responsible for the success of your new business.
Most importantly, if you know in your heart that you have a good idea, don't let fear stop you. Just do it!
PP: How has PayPal helped to support your business?
KT: After researching all the options we signed up for
PayPal Here, an app that allows us to take debit card, credit card and PayPal payments. The app connects, via Bluetooth, to a Chip and PIN card reader so we can take card payments wherever, whenever - and never miss out on valuable sales.
The first outing for our PayPal Here terminal was at a wedding exhibition, and at this one event we saw an increase in booking deposits paid on the spot of around 800%.
PP: How were you taking payments before?
KT: Before using PayPal Here we had to issue invoices to customers, so we couldn’t take instant payments and we were reliant on people paying with cash. At events we found that most people simply don’t carry the cash to cover the booking deposit.
PP: How have customers reacted to PayPal Here?
KT: Our customers definitely appreciate the flexibility of being able to pay using their debit and credit cards or by cheque. Many of our customers have themselves used PayPal for years, and having the reassurance of the PayPal logo on the card reader gives them the confidence to do business with us.