Liza Adams Launches decktOut: Online Designer HandBag Exchange out of BOSTON!

This article was originally posted on BostInnovation but I wanted to make sure that we hit the readers of Boston WomenPreneurs as well! I usually don't put work from BostInno on here but I found this appropriate.

Less than a year ago, Liza Adams and her roommate were swapping designer handbags as a way to update their bag collections without spending money. Sick and tired of one bag, even though gently worn and still in A+ condition they didn’t want to spend money on a new bag but did like each others. The idea for decktOut was born. Liza started wondering what she could do to change this vicious cycle. Woman after woman buy designer duds, designer gowns, and designer handbags for a hefty amount and then after either one wear (dresses) or after some time of wearing the bag you get sick of it- the bag then collects dust in your closet.

The problem was evident. Taking multiple pictures of your handbag, posting to eBay, and lugging it down to the Post Office to ship out, was just too much work. decktOut was born out of the ideas of simplicity and peace of mind. No longer would the process of updating your designer handbag be one of a long, dreaded process. Ladies could now update their bag collection with the click of a mouse.

Liza Adams founder of decktOut

decktOut launches in beta today – a high end, online designer handbag exchange service (swap). Girls around the world can now refresh their designer collection by exchanging luxury handbags and purses through an exclusive points-based online system. Once you sign up as a member of the exclusive community of handbag swappers, answer six questions about your bag you are given a point value (virtual currency). Questions range from topics on brand, style, material and condition. The best part – there is no printing of a shipping label or taking photos with your smart phone – you simply schedule a time with FedEx to come pick up your bag. Once deckOut receives it they will validate the authenticity, hand check the bag and professionally photograph it for someone else to pick from the online community. Once the decktOut team approves your bag, your points will show up in your account. You may then go ahead and pick out your new bag that you are swapping out your old gem for- all for only a $50 exchange fee.

Fortunately BostInnovation has known about Liza’s long expected launch for months. We were excited to catch up with one of Boston’s long-awaited newest women entrepreneurs:

BostInnovation: How much research did you do for decktOut and who is your target market?

Liza Adams: I didn’t do extensive research, partially because I didn’t have the budget for that. My target market is my group of friends, people my age. I talked to a lot of people in the target market to validate that this would help and make sense. My friends asked their friends and the network spread. The idea was validated as far as the price point, seeing if these women would use it. You can do all the research in the world but you will never actually know if the product is something people will start buying until you start. I wish that I could have done this faster than I did because there is something to be said for getting something up and running and learning from that process.

BostInno: How long has the process taken from idea to actual launch?

Adams: It has taken about 11 months, the first 4 months I was looking for a developer. I had to go with my gut instinct and if it didn’t feel right I wouldn’t go with it. Looking back there are definitely some things that could have been a little unnecessary. For example, I am a designer by day (she is the sole founder and has a day job) and there were certain images and looks on the site that had to be just right. Looking back this probably wasn’t as important as I thought it was at the time.

BostInno: Women would understand the answer to this question but just to validate, what problem are you solving?

Adams: There is no current good solution or easy solution out there for updating your closet or handbag collection. There is eBay and consignment stores which are hassle. decktOut gives people an easy and FUN way to update and exchange items without having to reinvest in a new, expensive item. It is upsetting for many women to have beautiful, luxurious items sitting in their closets that they wont use. With decktOut you don’t have to put a lot of effort into swapping something.

BostInno: Fashion is fun. What do you have to say about the FUN factor and decktOut?

Adams: Every girl loves designer things! Gilt Groupe and Ruelala took off because of their exclusive community where everyday you are looking forward to 12 noon or 11 am because you know there are awesome, designer discounts going to be rolled out. This is similar in a way- every item is one of kind on the site. You will see every bag in inventory. There is real time editing of the site and inventory. You only have 15 minutes to move forward with your pick. If you put something in your shopping cart , you have 15 minutes to chose it or someone else can take it! That is the fun factor.

BostInno: As an entrepreneur launching a new online company what importance has advisors and mentors played in your launch?

Adams: I wouldn’t be in the position that I am in right now without them. I think the key to your success and following through is finding someone or many advisors that believe in you, care about you and want to see you succeed. Advisors have helped me out in so many ways. Friends and family can tell me that I can do it, but they have not been in my position. They cannot comprehend what I am doing and why I am working so hard. Advisors can help give you that push you need.

BostInno: Where does your motivation come from?

Adams: Entrepreneurs are a different kind of person. I have always been extremely hard working. There is something different about you, you have a different type of personality. Part of being an entrepreneur is not giving up too easily and making it work. 90 percent of people give up too soon. Keep an open mind because you can always tweek your idea. Make it work.

BostInno: What would you tell an aspiring entrepreneur who is thinking about going after their idea?

Adams: Only go for it if you are willing to give up almost anything. I have said I would give up anything to make this a reality and I pretty much have. I am 26, single and haven’t gone out in months. I work every free moment I have but that is because I love it. This is more fun to me than anything else. I am willing to sacrifice everything -  or is that I just have different priorities and I am not actually sacrificing anything at all? You have to be willing to take risks and believe in it fully, believe in your idea and mission enough.

decktOut launches today! Head over to the beta of decktOut and begin your swap.You can follow Liza and decktOut on Twitter as well as catch up on all the latest in handbags on the decktOut blog.