Zina & Sabre -- although it doesn't take a "rocket scientist" to put up a website, it does take a knowledgeable person to make a slick one like the ones you're talking about. After all, they already have a website up, so they figured out how to do it. Consider your own mom or grandma (not making a comment about age here, but more of a comment on technical knowledge) -- how slick of a website would they create?

I think it's a *massive* overstatement that *anyone* can just put up an e-commerce website & have it look sleek & professional on the level you're discussing. I can assure you that if my mom went into business for herself, she would not be able to put up something with ZenCart or even Etsy - she'd have me over doing it for her. Like Anyanka (or someone) said, these ladies' talent lies in sewing, not web design. So they'd have to hire (or beg/plead/trade) someone to do it for them.

And I also think that it's a misconception that every website is there for the specific purpose of e-commerce only. Maybe it's just informational. Maybe it simply decreases the number of phone calls & emails they get from local clients. Not every commercial website is there for e-commerce purposes, especially on a national scale. If that were their main or only client base, then yes, I would agree that it would be worth investing in & therefore raising their prices for. But it doesn't seem like that's their goal to me.

Anyanka -- personally, I think their site looks fine for what they're going for. Simple, informational & clean.

Actually they do care about 1st impressions. I happen to think their main page is bright & cheery & to the point. They started doing this so bellydancers could have something pretty to wear at affordable prices (which is not common these days). Sewing was a hobby for them both & they both loved bellydancing. Since the 2 hobbies fit together really well, they decided to sew pretty costumes & make a bit of money too.

As well as making costumes just to have on hand to sell at local shows & BD swaps (they are a repeat vendor at Yasmina's annual BD Yard Sale - www.joyofbellydancing.com), they have done costumes for dancers in the US and have a troupe in Canada who are repeat custom order buyers. Although they do sew things just to have around to sell, they love working with others to do custom orders. Because these ladies have been sewing since their teens (about 40-45 years each) their turn around time on making costumes is rather quick. In fact, if you are looking for easy to make items, such as unadorned harem pants or a simple unadorned top to wear to class, they can usually crank something out in an hour or two.