I know that as an aspiring business person I'm supposed to convey nothing but complete confidence and a know-exactly-what-I'm-doing attitude. I know that it's not in any way attractive to complain about how things are going, or not going, and boo-hoo about lack of sales but ya' know what? It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!I've been trying to maintain my business-like demeanor but right now this whole business thing is feeling pretty sucky! I'm not blaming the economy or Etsy's fairly recent plummet in item views due to the batch loading system getting all gummed up (ok, placing a bit of blame on that second one) but whatever the problem it's bringing me down. It's been nearly 3 months since I've had a sale! I'm making fewer sales even though I'm making and listing more than I did before our big move and my reopening shop. I made more sales in the months right before we relocated and I did nothing to my shop, so I'm finding it difficult not blaming the Etsy issues.
I feel like I'm making all this super sweet stuff for no one. Maybe it's just going to be that way until the boys are both in school and I can devote myself full time to this little venture. I'm trying so hard to see it as a fun hobby, a creative outlet, but I can creatively outlet into my own scrapbooks. I know, woe is me. I'm frustrated. To sell you have to make make make and list list list, even more so with the aforementioned issue. If I'm not selling I don't have the money to make and list. Since I know that a full-on bitch and moan session isn't terribly appealing I'll put on the breaks before I go careening into a dark ravine of self pity (or is it too late?) and share some things I plan on trying to do to drum up some business.
- I am trying to get some sales warming up by listing several times a day. This has become quiet the conundrum since I can't always make enough new items and find time to take, edit, and post said items with the distractions of kids, pets, husband...but no excuses, I'm trucking along none the less. At the very least I hope to be creating a large stock pile of goodies to take with me whenever I decide to finally take the plunge and try selling at my first craft show.
- Sell at craft shows. This is an incredibly intimidating prospect but one I think I should be planning on tackling next Spring.
- Hand out all those stinkin' cute business cards I made! I have a stack of business cards holding a spot in my wallet when they should be going out into the world to inform people of my existence!
- Approach local shops about selling my wares in my heavily trafficked downtown. Also a very intimidating prospect.
- Give Etsy's Alchemy feature a test drive.
- Discover a magic potion that endows me with boundless energy, time, money and creativity to accomplish all this! That could be a successful endeavor. I think Starbucks is already making some serious headway in the area though!
NOTE: My shop The Beehive is now Papercut Kitchen! Please visit my shop Papercut Kitchen by clicking here.
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6 comments:
Although I have had sales in the past little bit, my jewelry shop has been DEAD for the past few weeks. It makes me sad because I put so much time and effort into making new items, photographing them, etc and no sales. I see other shops with sales so I think "Is it my stuff???". *sigh* No, it really is the economy. I'm not even shopping anymore and I used to buy WEEKLY off of Etsy. It's hard to find motivation to make and list new things (not just renew) when it's not selling, but I'm going to keep on doing it. If anything, I'll be stocked up for craft fairs :)
I think you should blame the economy. At least I do. Yes people are buying somethings, but most people are not buy non essentials. If you had sales before the bottom fell out last fall, then you should remember that! Do what you can, relist, and create some less expensive items. That is what I'm going to focus on. Hopefully things will pick up soon.
hi sunny!
I really like all the things you are doing to stay positive.
slower times are a great opportuntiy to develop new items, marketing and inventory.
things definitely will pick up again and we will be ready! :)
m
Thanks for the comments. I feel like such a whiner with this post but it is how I'm feeling. It's nice to hear I'm not the only one. Well, and bad since that means you all are in it too!
I'll come to the stores with you! Or, better yet, I'll come watch the boys so you can go to the stores yourself. Either way, we'll get to spend time together. Love ya Sis.
I don't think I will ever understand how etsy works. Love your stuff.
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