Many people think that the world of digital entrepreneurship is only for the young. But the story of a retired couple shows that It's not age, it's attitude that matters.After retiring from the working world, they didn't turn to boredom or watching TV, but rather began one of the most creative phases of their lives - online.

The couple had been making their own handicrafts for decades: the wife crocheted and sewed, the husband carved wooden ornaments. After a fair, the sentence that changed everything was said:
“You could sell these online!”

First up is WooCommerce, WordPress, plugin and domain seemed like a foreign language. But they didn't back down. Step by step, they learned how to build a functioning, automated webshop, where they now have They sell hundreds of products per month – all while maintaining their passion for craftsmanship and working at their own pace.

Statistics:

The AARP (USA) According to his 2024 research, the 50 years number of digital entrepreneurs over Increased by 35% in the previous 3 years – and WooCommerce is one of the most frequently chosen systems among them because it is flexible, cost-effective, and easy to learn.

This story is not only about how to start a webshop, but also about how It's never too late to start something new. – even if the technology seems daunting at first. If you have a product, a passion, and a willingness to learn, WooCommerce could be your path to the online space.

The beginnings – Where did the idea come from?

The story started with a completely ordinary passion: the wife has been crocheting since she was young, and the husband has worked in the wood industry for decades, so it was natural that they would seek the joy of creation even in their retirement years. Their special, handmade products quickly found their way to the local community: they became recurring characters in smaller craft fairs, village days, and Advent markets.

Customers not only praised their work, but they also asked the same question more and more often:
“Where can I order this online?”

This sentence was said more than once – and over time it planted a seed. At first, they just waved it off with a smile, as the technology seemed distant and complicated. But the demand was real: some people were interested from other counties, others wanted to take the products abroad as gifts.

The decision was made at the end of 2023: have your own webshopIt's not a big and complicated system, just a simple but stable online store where customers can conveniently browse, order, and even pick up the products in person.

Interesting fact:

THE Google According to Trends data, searches for the terms “handmade webshop” or “handmade shop” increased by 35% in Hungary in 2024. This indicates that The demand for personal, authentic, unique products is also growing in the online space. – exactly like the ones this retired couple made.

Why WooCommerce?

They looked at several platforms during the decision - but they chose WooCommerce:

• low start-up cost,

• full customization,

• and that no programming knowledge required for departure.

The initial idea was not born from a business plan, but from a real customer need. A little drive, a pinch of curiosity, and some courage were enough to turn a hobby into an online business.

First steps in the world of WooCommerce

When the retired couple decided they wanted to sell their own handmade products online, the first question they asked was: “What and how should we start?” They had no web developer friends or previous experience in the digital world. A friend recommended WordPress + WooCommerce as one of the most cost-effective and flexible solutions.

This choice has become popular worldwide for no reason: BuiltWith According to the latest data for 2025, more than 4.4 million active online stores use WooCommerce and continue to do so the world's most popular webshop engine.

The initial difficulties

The launch was not smooth. Even the most basic steps were challenging:

• What is a domain and how to register it?

• Which hosting provider should we choose?

• Should we use a free or paid template?

They encountered countless new concepts, but they did not back down. They began Watch YouTube videos, read blog posts, and they also took a short online course for beginners that guided them through the process step by step.

The design: simplicity and functionality

Simplicity and transparency were clearly the main criteria when choosing a template. They wanted a look where:

• products take the lead,

• not distracted by too many graphic elements,

• the purchase process should be fast and smooth.

In the end, they decided on a clean, mobile-friendly WooCommerce template that already included the basic webshop functions: product listing, cart, payment, contact form, and newsletter subscription.

Interesting statistics:

WooCommerce users 85% they create their own webshop, at least at the start – it turns out From the WPForms 2024 surveyThe most commonly used learning resources are:

1. YouTube videos (67%)

2. Blog articles (54%)

3. Free or cheap online courses (29%)

This also shows: you don't have to be an IT expert to have your own webshop – just enough patience, interest, and a little courage to get started.

The technical settings – What were used?

One webshop It's not just about beautiful products and good ideas. Behind the scenes, a well-functioning technical system ensures that visitors can browse, shop and return with a good experience. For the retired couple, this was unfamiliar territory at first, but with the right choices and a little support they managed to build stable foundations the For your WooCommerce webshop.

Hosting and domain – simple, fast, reliable

After initial research, a domestic hosting provider which proved to be a beneficial choice for several reasons:

• Hungarian-speaking, helpful customer service,

• fast loading time for domestic visitors,

• simple admin interface and automatic WordPress installation.

The latter was particularly important, as they wanted to edit the webshop themselves from day one – without involving a separate developer.

Plugins used – the heart of functionality

One of the biggest advantages of WooCommerce is that it can be extended with almost any functionality – mostly with free or affordable plugins. The couple chose the following key plugins:

✅ WooCommerce explanation + SimplePay payment

The entire webshop interface was now in Hungarian, which was not only more transparent for them, but also instilled trust in customers.
THE With SimplePay integration made credit card payments available – which is now a basic expectation. The Mastercard Survey 2024 According to 79% of online shoppers in Hungary prefers payment by credit card.

✅ Számlázz.hu integration

Invoices are automatically generated with orders – legally compliant and saving time. The plugin connects WooCommerce with your Számlázz.hu account, so manual invoicing is no longer necessary.

✅ Yoast SEO

Yoast helped me optimize my product pages, categories, and blog posts for search engine optimization.
Through properly specified meta descriptions, headlines, and keywords after just a few months organic traffic also came from Google.

✅ Smush – image optimization

Visual appeal is key for handmade products. However, photos take up a lot of space and slow down your site. Smush automatically optimized images without losing quality, so the webshop remained fast – which is not unimportant, since the Google algorithms in 2025 are already particularly sensitive to loading speed.

Product photos – authentic and human-friendly

The product photos made with your own mobile phone, in natural light, in a home environment. They didn't use stock backgrounds or artificial sets – and that was one of the keys to their success.
The photos were honest, authentic, and this is exactly what customers ratedThe products looked like something any of them could imagine for their home – not overly photoshopped, sterile catalog photos.

First product uploads and customers

When starting an online store, many people make the mistake of wanting to open with dozens or even hundreds of products – spending months uploading them, while not having a single customer yet. However, the retired couple deliberately started with a small offering: They uploaded 10-15 products, each one was handmade, a unique piece.

This decision not only saved them time, but also allowed them to improve their product based on feedback from their first customers. gradually and purposefully develop the range and the structure of the webshop.

First purchases: familiar circle and personal recommendations

As with many small businesses, the first orders here are came from family members, friends and acquaintancesHowever, this was not mere courtesy: the products represented real value, and acquaintances were happy to recommend them to others.

Initial experiences have confirmed that there is a real market for their products, and they can reach lovers of handmade products not only locally, but also nationally.

Facebook groups: the first “foreign” buyers

Social media was one of the most important channels in the early days. They made a conscious choice thematic Facebook groups – for example, craft buying communities, home decor inspiration groups, Christmas gift idea sites.

They didn't write intrusive advertisements here, but honest posts, behind-the-scenes photos, werk pictures: how a product is made, what inspired them, how they are packaged, what message they add.

The first “unknown” customer ordered from a small rural town. This moment was a milestone for them: confirmed that they can also reach the audience online who truly value what they create.

Continuous improvement: learning from feedback

Based on feedback from customers, they have consciously improved:

• product descriptions (e.g. size, material, use),

• the images (background, scale, detail photos),

• the purchasing process (e.g. post-order emails, packaging communication).

THE Baymard Institute 2024 research According to the average cart abandonment rate of online stores 69,8% – often due to lack of information, uncertainty or too many steps. On the couple’s webshop, this number has become dramatically lower, thanks to They tried to answer all customer questions in advance. on the product page or in the FAQ section.

Customer experience = brand building

For the first 20-30 purchases on every package handwritten thank you card This was not only an act of consideration, but also a personal experience that many people shared on social media – thus starting the word-of-mouth brand awareness.

Community building and brand development

The long-term success of a webshop is determined not only by the quality of the products, but also by customer relationships and community. For the retired couple, this was intuitively clear: they wanted not only to sell, but to create a relationship with those who appreciate handmade products created with love.

Facebook page – a look behind the scenes

The first step towards community building is Start a Facebook page They didn't write classic advertising posts, but showed themselves, the workshop, the process, the "how it's made" moments. This content not only was it interesting, it was also authentic – and that made them lovable.

THE Meta 2025 Q1 statistics according to users 83% gives more trust to brands that show real people, real storiesThe couple's posts weren't perfectly edited — but that was the gist of it: human and honest.

Newsletter – building relationships directly with interested parties

THE Facebook after that the next step is a simple, weekly email newsletter The goal was not to push, but to add value:

• behind-the-scenes stories,

• 1-1 craft tip (e.g. "how to store crocheted decorations after Christmas"),

• seasonal offers, introduction of new products.

The language of the letters was direct and friendly – as if they were written by an acquaintance. They were not sent en masse, but started with a small list, and the number of subscribers gradually increased.

An interesting data: the The average newsletter open rate for small webshops ranges from 38–45%, compared to an average of 15–20% for big brands, according to MailerLite's 2024 e-commerce report. Personalisation is key here.

From customer to follower, from follower to regular customer

Throughout their history, most of their customers became a returning customerThe reason for this is not only the product quality, but also the relationship that they have continuously cultivated:

• personal messages,

• thank you emails and handwritten cards,

• periodic surprises, coupons for loyal customers.

People not only bought products, but identified with a brand that represents a value.

A brand name is born – personal and memorable

Along with the growing awareness, there has been a demand for a for real brand nameThey wanted a name that was both:

• refers to craftsmanship,

• related to their story,

• can be remembered well.

This is how their own brand was born, which simple logo and unique packaging was also made. This unified not only the webshop, but also social media communication, customer experience and branding.

Community building was not only a marketing tool for them, but became the soul of the webshop. Behind the brand were real people, real values and real stories – and this is what it is today, in a stereotypical, over-digitalized world. real competitive advantage.

Results and lessons learned – What can someone who sets out achieve?

When this retired couple launched their WooCommerce-based webshop, Their goal was not to get rich quick., but to provide value – something that they made with their own hands, with heart and passion. The motivation came from within, and this is what made their brand authentic and lovable.

Stable, sustainable income – without external help

The first few months were spent learning and fine-tuning. They didn't buy traffic, they didn't pay advertising agencies – they built at their own pace, step by stepAs a result:

• After about 6 months, you will have a stable net income of 200–300 thousand HUF per month produced by the webshop,

• the vast majority of products were orders placed by returning customers or based on recommendations,

• The operation became sustainable in 100%: the revenue covered the cost of materials, packaging, storage space, and smaller amounts spent on advertising.

This is not a multi-level success, but a For a retired couple, it meant freedom, respect and community recognition.

Lessons learned – what others can learn from them

✅ 1. It's never too late to start.

Online entrepreneurship is not just for twenty-somethings. The digital world can be learned, and age is no barrier – in fact, life experience is often an advantage.
One Research conducted by Etsy in 2024 According to 41% of sellers over 50 made their first online sale in less than 1 year – and most of them had no prior web experience.

✅ 2. The relationship with customers is the greatest value

Most online stores make the mistake of forgetting that customers are people. The couple carefully wrapped each package with a handwritten message. They answered questions regularly and they had an active dialogue with their customers – they not only generated sales, but also built a community.

✅ 3. The technique can be learned if you go step by step.

No one is born a WooCommerce expert. They didn't know what a plugin was either. SEO. But with 1-2 hours of study per day, YouTube videos and blog articles they built that knowledge, which was enough for a functional and well-managed webshop.

As they put it:

"It's okay to go slowly. The important thing is to move forward and follow our own path."

Summary – what does this mean in practice?

• Time commitment: 10–15 hours per week

• Initial capital: approx. 50–70 thousand HUF (domain, hosting, template, materials)

• Monthly operating cost: approx. 5–10 thousand HUF

• Income: 200–300 thousand HUF per month after 6 months

• Value: stable, privately owned brand with real customer relationships

Their story highlights a simple but often underestimated truth: Success is not necessarily about size or speed, but about commitment, honesty and value creation.And that's what's truly timeless - whether you start at 20 or 70.

Who might this story inspire?

This story is much more than just a presentation of a retired couple's webshop. A a real-life example of how you can create value from any life situation, even without technical training – and in an online, ever-growing market.

For those who feel left behind in the digital world

It doesn't matter how old you are or how much you've used a computer. Technology can be learned. Today's WooCommerce and WordPress-based systems no programming knowledge required, just curiosity, patience and a willingness to learn.

A fresh Eurostat survey (2024) According to the European Commission, 471% of Europeans over 55 are already active internet users, and 121% of them regularly shop online – a number that is growing dynamically every year. More and more people are not only consumers, but also will also be creators of the online space.

For artisans, local manufacturers

If you make anything by hand – crocheted products, ceramics, wood products, scented candles, jam – this is the story can show you the way tooThe local market is often limited, but online you can reach customers you would never meet in person.

The demand is real: searches for the keywords “handmade” and “unique gifts” are increasing year by year. According to Google Trends, by the end of 2024, there were 18% more searches for these keywords than the previous year.

For those who would like to build something with a small budget but a big heart

You don't have to spend millions. The example of the retired couple also shows that a gradually built up, low start-up cost WooCommerce webshop can also be stable and successful.
You don't need a professional photographer, expensive advertising or a developer to get started – a good idea, a real product and consistent work are worth much more.

And most importantly, people don't just buy products, they buy stories. If you have a story to tell, if you have passion and are willing to learn, then you're ready to go.

This is the story about you can also speak. Whether you're getting ready to retire or just starting your first business, WooCommerce and the digital world are open to everyone - you just have to take the first step.

And if you feel like you need help with this, you've come to the right place – we help you get started, step by step.

Your opinion matters!

While reading this story, perhaps you too have had the thought:
“Maybe I could try it too?”

Whether you're just getting started with WooCommerce or you've already started but are stuck somewhere, don't feel alone. Most people go through the same steps: hosting choice, payment solutions, product upload, marketing – and everyone faces questions.

We'll help you get started too.

👉 Are you curious about how much it will cost to start a WooCommerce webshop in 2025?
👉 Don't know which extensions to start with?
👉 Are you unsure how to reach your first customers?

Write in a comment or send a message - we're happy to help!
Whether you have a technical question or need ideas for positioning your product, we have an answer.

Did you know?

THE GoDaddy 2024 Global Survey According to new online businesses, more than 60% starts on its own, but their 73% said that would feel safer if there was professional support in the backgroundWe offer exactly this support – practically, understandably, people-centered.

So you're coming!
Share where you are on your journey and feel free to ask questions. Your question may help someone else – and together it's easier than you think.