When Anne Hadeka gifted her family and friends with Brass Butterfly Rooter Vases, she saw their joy firsthand. The elegant designs brought smiles and admiration, inspiring Anne to share this beauty with a larger audience.
In 2021, Anne and her husband made a bold move. They purchased the Vermont-based Brass Butterfly business from a family friend. Their mission was clear: bring plant propagation into more homes with style and simplicity.
Overcoming Challenges in E-Commerce
Brass Butterfly operates entirely online. This setup offers flexibility but brings unique challenges. Competing with larger e-commerce giants can feel overwhelming.
“We had to find ways to stand out,” Anne said.
She focused on quality products with unique designs. Highlighting the natural beauty of plants became their signature.
Digital marketing was essential to their strategy. Social media posts and email campaigns helped them connect with plant lovers, and online marketplaces funneled traffic to their website, the heart of their operations.
However, converting visitors into customers wasn’t easy. With average e-commerce conversion rates of around 2.6%, Anne knew she needed an edge.
That’s when Brass Butterfly turned to PayPal.
PayPal’s reputation for reliability appealed to Anne.
“It was an easy decision for us,” she explained.
“PayPal builds trust, which is crucial for online shopping.”
Brass Butterfly integrated PayPal Complete Payments into its BigCommerce store. The process was simple, allowing Anne to focus on customer experience. Transactions became seamless, boosting customer confidence.
Adding PayPal’s Fastlane checkout solution brought immediate benefits. It reduced friction in the purchasing process, helping more customers complete their orders.
“We saw an increase in sales right away,” Anne shared.
“Anything that simplifies checkout is a win.”
Driving Growth With Data and New Opportunities
PayPal’s backend reporting offered valuable insights. These reports showed which products were most popular with customers.
Anne used this data to refine their inventory. It provided insights into emerging trends, allowing the business to stay ahead of the curve.
It also helped ensure the right products were always in stock, reducing waste and improving customer satisfaction.
“We can double down on best-sellers and phase out slower-moving items,” Anne explained.
By focusing on quality over quantity, they maintain a sharp competitive edge. This approach ensures they meet customer demands. It also keeps its offerings streamlined.
Their finely crafted vases embody elegance and offer a distinctive touch, making them ideal for commemorating special occasions.
Brass Butterfly has big plans for 2025. The wedding market offers an exciting new opportunity, and their elegant vases make thoughtful and unique wedding gifts.
“We see weddings as a natural fit,” Anne said.
“It’s a way to expand while staying true to our brand.”
They aim to position Brass Butterfly as the go-to choice for rooting needs and memorable gifts.
Managing operations remains a priority. Anne plans to use PayPal’s tools to simplify vendor payments. Streamlining these processes frees up time to focus on growth.
Anne and her husband continue to refine their strategy. Leveraging PayPal’s insights helps them make informed decisions.
Brass Butterfly’s story highlights the resilience needed to succeed in e-commerce. Passion, creativity, and partnerships drive their journey.
Anne says, “We can make anything possible with the right tools.”
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About the author
Khalid Jama is a Senior Contributor at DbdPost, offering expert insights on business and finance through engaging news and opinion pieces. His thoughtful analyses make complex financial topics accessible to readers.