Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt McLean.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like many customers I currently talk to, I myself was in the market for a headboard for my apartment in 2008, so naturally, I went online to start my shopping experience. It was painful to find exactly what I was looking for – I either had to settle for a generic headboard from one of the big box furniture stores or pay way too much for a custom-made headboard. There was no in between to be able to customize my own headboard to exactly the style, size, shape and features I wanted to match my bedroom design – without having to redesign everything just to fit the headboard. I saw an opportunity to cater to customers like me – and I know there were many out there. I honestly tried to build one myself, but it didn’t turn out great. So, I tried to become an expert by studying design, manufacturing, etc. I also found one of the best seamstress and furniture wood maker in Atlanta to help with the craftsmanship of each piece and I was lucky to partner with him.
I launched the website with the expectation that it will be easy for customers to build their own custom headboard online at a reasonable price. We blew up in Atlanta and then decided to ship across the country to expand our customer base.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was smoother than I thought it would be honestly because as soon as we launched the site, it took off and that made me realize how much demand there was for this specific type of market.
The biggest challenge was creating and designing the highest quality headboard as possible and still stay within a reasonable price point for customers so that we can be that difference maker in the industry. We’ve certainly improved our quality – and design options – along the way and think we’re in a good place now.
We were featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for niche, crafty shops in Atlanta and have had the pleasure of working with so many customers in Atlanta and elsewhere. We always hear things like “we have been looking for something like this for so long and so glad that we found you!” That’s what makes the challenges and hard work pay off for sure.
Please tell us about BedBoards Design Co.
We specialize in custom headboards and beds. We had the opportunity to move into other types of furniture (e.g. sofas), but we want to be known for specializing in one thing. I think that’s what’s going to separate us from the big box stores, along with offering a completely customized experience online.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I remember our first website design (we’ve had 3 iterations of where the design is today) and think about how awful it looked. I am still surprised that we had so many visitors/customers. I wish I had worked with a web designer instead of designing it myself… but you have to cut costs anywhere you can with a startup company.
Pricing:
- Our custom headboards start at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mybedboard.com
- Phone: 404-227-3340
- Email: info@mybedboard.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BedBoards-Custom-Headboards-157431801018814/
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