Online Business Gives Gift of Choice and Comfort

It was online gift redemption card that brought the gift of a second business to Hillsborough resident Jeanette Yu.

“I received a gift for my son at my baby shower,” Yu recalled. “I’d never seen something like that before.

“When people get you gifts, you have to go to the store and look through everything,” she added. “This had around 40 items that I could pick from the comfort of my own home. Then I realized, ‘Gee, that would be a great business idea.’”

The experience led her to launch her own online store, E&E Gifts, where she sells gift collections via Amway products, A second, separate site allows her to sell Amway products as well.

The site name comes from effortless and elegant—the words Yu uses to describe her experience with the company.

“It caters to all events,” she said. “Holiday times, like now, we all give to our friends, family, business associates.”

The sites are a second job for Yu, who also works in finance for a banking firm.

Yu’s also cognizant of the economy and said the second business allows her to prepare for unexpected twists in the business world.

“I wanted to be able to create something for myself so I have something to back myself up,” she said. “You dig the well early, before it gets dry.”

Her other reason for maintaining the shop draws from her introduction to it—she can use some of her profits toward her son’s college education, she said.

“I can set up for the future so I can help him accomplish more,” Yu said.

The real draw for both shops is in the online ordering, as well as the ability to choose, purchase, and schedule a gift delivery in advance, she says. It’s a particular asset for those who don’t have time to go to the store for an item or don’t want to pick through racks or aisles of gifts.

Events on E&E Gifts range from graduations to weddings to “Guy Gear” and eco-gifts, allowing it to span a range of interests.

In addition, the gift collection cards never expire—another advantage, Yu said.

“I’ve heard stories about getting (regular store) gift cards and the cards expiring or decreasing in value,” Yu said. “These never expire. Customers are also able to return items they don’t like within 180 days.  It’s easy and fun and provides that peace of mind.”

“As a business owner, to learn all the ins and outs, it was very fun,” Yu added. “A lot of hard work, but it was fun. You also meet lots of like-minded people. It’s part of personal and professional growth.”