We're Hooked...On Canadian Baits!
Canadian Baits started as a hobby for Eric Brett, who began creating handmade fishing baits in his living room for himself and friends. The interest quickly spread throughout his community and responded with great feedback. In May 2020, Eric’s hobby quickly turned into a small business and Canadian Baits was formed. His entrepreneurial journey soon led him to the ShopHERE Powered by Google Platform who helped him with the setup of an online store.
“The program made the next steps 10x easier and made me learn and taught me things I didn’t know and how to grow and make a website that WORKS!”
Canadian Baits sells a wide variety of custom fishing baits, and is located in Mississauga, Ontario. They take pride in being a local company with knowledge of the surrounding lakes and fishing techniques. They provide nothing but the best for their customers – using the highest quality plastic, 3D realistic eyes, non-bleeding colours, fine salt and premium scents. Since the beginning of their journey, Canadian Baits have poured pounds of plastic for dozens of local customers.
Eric operates his business based on one simple rule – to have no rules! He encourages everyone to get involved as his business grows – whether that be with his team or part of the wonderful group of people that support his venture. Eric says his customers have incredible ideas, and his team is there to help for a 1-on-1 experience, from start to finish.
Since launching his online store through ShopHERE, Eric feels customers have a better understanding of his brand and his products because the website provides detailed information about the company in a fun and user friendly manner. On his website, customers can choose from a variety of collections for baits, tackle gear and branded merchandise. There’s everything from baits with endless variations and possibilities or product demonstrations.
Eric is happy because he spends more time working and fulfilling orders instead of having the added stress of answering questions one at a time, and can provide an enjoyable online customer experience. The ShopHERE Program equipped Eric with the tools and resources he needed to have his own eCommerce business. Eric mentioned that with the help of his eCommerce Coordinator, a lot of stress was taken off him. “She always was willing to do research and very understanding and always nice to me. She went above and beyond to help me figure this out as I’m new to this so she’s taught and helped me through this whole process 10/10 on her skills.” Now, with the knowledge, resources and tools to move forward. Eric feels:
“… grateful that I was able to get help and more importantly I got Michelle who went above and beyond in the few months we worked on the website constantly asking useful questions and getting me into the right frame of mind when talking about the experience we wanted to see on the website. Just outstanding, I have told my friends and family about this great program and it’s great workers!”
Canadian Baits found transitioning his business a bit difficult through the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with his new website he feels that the restrictions haven't stopped them. Eric wants fellow business owners to “Do what makes you happy! Take time away a week or so and allow yourself time to deal with everything the past two years and reflect! Use it for our future endeavors.”
To become a member of the official club for anglers who are ready for custom lures, please visit canadianbaits.ca. To learn more about the ShopHERE Powered by Google Program, please cliquer ici.
Digital Main Street a été créé par la Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) avec le soutien direct de la Ville de Toronto. DMS est également soutenu par un groupe de partenaires commerciaux stratégiques, dont Google, Mastercard, Shopify, Meta, Intuit QuickBooks, Square, Lightspeed, Ebay et Postes Canada.
A $42.5-million investment from FedDev Ontario brought together the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas, Communitech, Invest Ottawa and the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association to expand the Digital Main Street Platform in order to support more businesses going digital as a response to the impacts of COVID-19 in Southern Ontario.