AAA Cafe' Daily Chat 08/12/2014

[NaturalClocks]

Welcome to new members, welcome back to returning teammates! If this is your first time here - this is a place to ask questions, share your most embarrassing secrets, or just chat about the slow and boring bits of your day…we want to hear from you!!

Be sure to check out the discussion board. There are games to be played and threads to explore. The more you promote your fellow team mates, the more you get promoted, so be sure to participate on a daily basis. Check out our blog and our Facebook page, as well as the other links provided below.

IMPORTANT LINKS:
* Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/301427606658253/
* Etsy Calculator: salecalc.com/etsy
* Etsyology: www.etsyology.net/
♥ Online Photo Programs: fotoflexer.com/ or www.picmonkey.com/
treasurypin.com./ and editor.pho.to/
arwmedia.net/tools/pixlr_express.php
* Etsy Craft Tools: www.mycrafttools.com/
* Etsy Gadget: www.estygadget.com
* Craftopolis -Edit multiple listings: www.craftopolis.com/#com=ee
* Etsy Banner Maker: bannerfans.com/banner_maker.php?bnew=1&pses=1a256d05
* Craftcount - craftcount.com/teritory.php
* Google+ tutorials blog.kissmetrics.com/personal-google-plus-account/ and moz.com/blog/tips-to-use-google-for-s
* Chrome Treasury Box: brittanysbest.com/treasurybox-chrome-extension/

Good morning team! And goodnight to the night owls on the other side of the pond :)

Still windy out there by the look of it, but it should stay mostly dry today. We'll see.

Some lovely treasuries again yesterday, thank you for the features! Well done Adele for the sales of your fundraisers, hope they'll carry on this way!

You've done a great thing Karen, that's true friendship :) I hope all is well with your friend now.

Unfortunately there is no way to have emails set up for thread replies Debbie.

I'd like to ask your opinions on wholesale and consignment sales, Dona gave a good insight on this the other day. Do any of you sell wholesale to retailers? I've been approached once a couple of months ago, this lady (also a seller here) got some retail space here in the UK for some of her wool and asked if I would consider sharing it with some of my wool clocks. I declined, mainly because between keeping both Etsy and the brick and mortar stocked I really don't have the time to create more for something else (I'm struggling as it is!), and also because she wanted to do it on a sale or return basis. Well, I really can't afford that, and I gave her these 2 reasons in my reply.

I have to admit that if I didn't have the brick and mortar and time in my hands I would be tempted to consider trying my luck with consignments for some local shops, difficult to tell though.

I look forward to read of your views and experiences on the subject.

Have a great day everybody!

[DCArtandPhotography]

Good Morning!

I did have an offer to do consignment when I was in florida, but i had to decline since I didnt have the time with my full time job, etsy and the festivals. Since my ultimate goal is to be able to have my own physical shop, I have decided to just work on saving up the money. I imagine it is going to take me several years before I have enough money tho, LOL.

New:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/199282864/blue-and-white-bracelet-blue-and-black

[DerBayzVintage]

Good Morning All,

I was so excited that I sold 3 key chains yesterday, I hope the trend continues today! I know this isn't what you mean, but I do accept consignment. I have sold a number of things for my friends, they pay listing fees and I get 10% of the sale for taking pictures, doing research and advertising. I know that is not what you meant, but well......

I've decided to focus on cookie cutters right now for 3D printing. I felt it was a good place to start. :D

Something I was not aware of and I am sure this is just me, but if you post an item that you have multiples of, one one sells Etsy renews the item for you for the remaining inventory. I find this interesting and curious. If renewing and posting new helps you in search results, does this automatic renewal count? I am just curious!

[Former_Member]

Afternoon All,

Another blustery day here with a distinct nip in the air, there are berries on the rowan trees and the conkers are ripening on the horse chestnuts - I think summer is drawing to a close here.

Sorry, I can't answer your question Adele - all my stuff are one offs.

Yes, I had the registering for VAT email as well Val, can't see my turnover ever being high enough for that. I can't see me ever selling stuff retail either, it's taken me months to stock my Etsy shop with 80 items. I enjoy making stuff but think it would become a bit of a chore if I had to produce sufficient quantity to make a living out of it.

Lots of lovely treasuries yesterday, thank you for the features. Welcome to the team Sarah and Debbie.

Have a happy day all

[Former_Member]

Good morning, team!

Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. I did do a couple of RAKs, but didn't have time to post. My sister was in the ER a good portion of the day, with more chest pains, shortness of breath, and an abnormal EKG. She sees her cardiologist either today or tomorrow, and he may want to do a cardiac catheterization. This kid has been through the wringer these past few months.

I'm thinking of selling to a New Age/pagan shop nearby. Quite a few of my totes are pagan-themed, and I think they might do well there. It would depend on what percentage the shop owner wants. And, of course, I have to get up the nerve to go talk to the owner!

I've got only 3 more Halloween totes to do, and I hope to finish those by tomorrow. Then I can take photos on Thursday and list by Friday. I have a total of 8 Halloween totes to list, which will bring me up to 143 items.

That's it for me for today. Have a wonderful day, everyone!

[NisesNostalgia]

Good morning everyone. Great day yesterday. It's always fun to look at the treasuries and activity feed on Mondays!

I have sold some larger pieces and some antique firearms and sword through consignment at my neighbors antique store, I think personally, if I was making items, it would be doubtful if I would do consignment as you get the full amount on etsy, wholesale, maybe.

Adele, I don't think they are actually renewing the item. I think it works the same as when you edit a listing. I think if they were renewing it, we would have to pay another .20.

Welcome Sarah and Debbie!

Alanna, hope your sister gets better soon!

[ItsSewYouDear]

Good morning all!

Alanna, sorry to hear that you sister was at the ER again. I'll be thinking of her and wishing her speedy recovery.

Adele, as fas as I read in the forum and my SEO team, renewing sold does indeed give you a boost in search results. Well done with the sales.

I haven't been approached for wholesale or consignment and I have no interest in either. This is supposed to be my "hobby' although judging by how much time I have been putting into it, you'd think it's my lifeline haha. I do enjoy it immensely.

August has been really good for me, I need to get caught on orders today before work.

Happy Tuesday all!

[ItsSewYouDear]

Denise, yes, they renew when you list multiples of something. The way it works, say I have made 10 of the same key fof, When I list it. I indicate that I have 10 available. Etsy charges me $0.20 to list it. When one sold, Etsy automatically relists the item with 9 available and charges $0.20.
Does this make sense? I still need more tea!

[Chockrosa]

Hi everyone!!!

First of all, the fire I told you about last week is under control and people are starting to get back to their homes. When the planes from Italy and France came they were able to control the fire, so thank you Italy and France!

Alanna - :( Hope she get better soon!

I would love to have my items in a real shop, or brick and mortar as you call it :) So I wouldn't turn down a wholesale offer if I got one.

The extreme summer heat is starting to end now. We "only" have around 20C now, normal and warm for us haha.

I'm gonna get back to baking cinnamon buns now and after that I'm gonna sew some more card wallets :) Got to get a big inventory before the winter!

[NisesNostalgia]

Candi, thanks for clarifying that. I have very few multiples and I guess I just never looked at the etsy bill after selling one. I always thought that the benefit of them all being in one listing was to save on the listing fee, so what is the benefit?

[NisesNostalgia]

Off topic but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I just had a sale to Australia which is actually my second largest market. She contacted me to ask if I would ship there and she ended up making the purchase. Afterwards, she asked me why I don't have it listed that I ship internationally. I do have it in my announcement and shipping policies, but I think they only ever see the "prominent" only ships to the United States from Newark, Delaware.

I complained to etsy when they first made that change and suggested that they add just as prominently that will ship internationally. Just wonder how many customers do not ask as that is the first thing they see!

[Former_Member]

Hi guys just coming by quick to share a team treasury I made late last night, https://www.etsy.com/ca/treasury/NDI0MTAzMTN8MjcyNjYyODc4Mg/colors-of-a-sunset?index=0&atr_uid=

Will be back later after hopefully shooting a couple items before it rains!

[Former_Member]

Adele,

congratulations on your sales!!! Really happy for your success. Yes, each renewal is 20 cents. Have you considered offering a set of 5 or 10, because that way you save the renewal listing fee.

[DerBayzVintage]

I would have to raise the price if I sold then in groups of 5, I am willing to eat the 20 cents per, it is for a good cause. It has been suggested that I create treasuries on my items to bring more attention to the fundraiser, but I thought we couldn't make treasuries promoting our own items. Does any one know if that is really OK?

[RedRiverValley]

Good Morning All,

I also missed yesterday's chat. My interenet was down. It just didn't feel like Monday without participating in RAKs! I had a couple of items I wanted to list yesterday too. Hope to get to them today but I am behind in my regular job from not having internet yesterday so we will see.

I was approached a while ago about selling consignment at a shop that is about 3+ hours away. I declined because it would be too expensive to get my items to the shop. I would definitely consider selling consignment at a shop closer to me where I would have to ship my items or drive 6 hrs round trip.

Adele, congratulations on the good start to your fundraiser sales. I hope you have many more!

Alana, I hope your sister starts to feel better soon and that her drs are able to figure out what is going on with her health.

I am going to try and get some RAKs done today too. Busy day. It's amazing how far behind not having internet for 1 day puts you!

[Former_Member]

I forgot to share, my listing - Got a sale for this yesterday, so renewed it this morning,

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/188276052/decorative-paperclips-owl-paper-clips

[Former_Member]

Hi Does the chat from yesterday get deleted and a new one started each day? New here and trying to learn how all this works. Thanks

[NisesNostalgia]

Off topic but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I just had a sale to Australia which is actually my second largest market. She contacted me to ask if I would ship there and she ended up making the purchase. Afterwards, she asked me why I don't have it listed that I ship internationally. I do have it in my announcement and shipping policies, but I think they only ever see the "prominent" only ships to the United States from Newark, Delaware.

I complained to etsy when they first made that change and suggested that they add just as prominently that will ship internationally. Just wonder how many customers do not ask as that is the first thing they see!

[RedRiverValley]

Debbie, no it doesn't get deleted. It should be at the top of the second page. If you scroll down to the bottom of the discussion page, click on the 2 it should take you to the page and you click on the discussion for yesterday's chat.

Denise, I have the specific countries that I ship listed to in my shipping information. I added the specific countries to my shipping profiles and then have all my listings connected to the proper shipping profiles. If you click on one of your listings and they click on the shipping & policies tab it should list out all the countries that you ship to.

[homecraftframing]

Val, Consignment is different than Wholesale. Wholesale, the seller is taking a risk that your products will sell for them, where as a consigner, is leaving the risk in your hands.

As for selling wholesale to someone on the internet, keep in mind that you are creating more competition. The last thing you want another seller to do, is sell your products in their shop and you have to lower your prices to compete.

Consignment shops are a risk, because if there is a theft of your products they will not pay you for the loss. They usually charge some outlandish percentage for the privilege of your products to sit in their store. Ask yourself this, is the consignment shop advertising? Are they actually licensed? Did you have to sign a contract? Did they ask you to lower your prices? A lot of times a consignment shop is nothing more than a second hand store. Do you want your product sitting with a bunch of used junk?

Some consignment stores who sell only gifts, have been known to get their store full of wonderful products then pack up and leave during the night, never to be seen again. I do not know about you but I do not have the time, nor can I afford to lose product or money.

Wholesale you have to work twice as hard and make half as much. I know because I did it for a short time. You are at the mercy of the shop owners who want the product in their stores and on their shelves yesterday. Then they want you to give them net 30 through 90 to pay you. I cannot afford to do this and I doubt if any of us could. They want to get the product in their stores and sell it before paying you, for me, this just cannot happen.

Consignment you can lose more than half. The reason the consigner is asking you to drop your prices is this, she/he can make more money when they set the price to their advantage. You will be getting the price the two of you agree upon at the lower price, while she/he jacks the price up for themselves.

I would rather see our team members work on getting their Etsy shops in good optimization order and have to struggle to keep up with retail sales and not wholesale. If you get a good many people asking you to consign or wholesale to them, you have a product that is a good seller and they know it. Although, you know it as well, because it is selling for you.

Also, if you do wholesale or consign, remember that the Federal Government will want the occupational licensed numbers from all the businesses you are doing business with and if you cannot give them those numbers, you will get hit with the fines. If someone refuses to give their tax id number, end the conversation, right then and there. Also, to see if they are really a business or just someone who wants a few items from your shop. Have the minimum price ($500.00 to $1,000.00) and they need to buy three of each item. This will also clue you in, they are not a real business.

Alanna, I am sorry to hear about your sister again. I will keep her and you in my prayers.

Caroline, You have to factor in the cost of fabric and supplies in your country. If you could get the fabric as wholesale prices you might be able to turn a profit. Remember the links I sent to you and the one company was asking $2,000.00 minimum of fabric for the first order and $1,000.00 for each order after. If you are paying retail for the fabric, I doubt you could wholesale your items for 50% off the retail price which is the industry standard pricing.

Well, I have to paint some frames today and get a bunch of other things finished. Have a great day everyone!

[COLDHAMCUDDLIES]

Well, I'm at the other end! Everything and everyone made it in one piece. Removers took 3.5 hours to load everything yesterday, and just 2 hours to unload!! Now comes the "fun" part: unpacking and finding a space in a smaller place for almost everything that fitted into the other one. This end, though, I've got help from daughter and son-in-law!

Only complaint - the movers arrived half an hour early the first day, and 15 mins the second! I was not quite ready for them on either!

Still, it could have been SOOOOOO much worse!

"Normal" service will return shortly, hopefully!

Re Adele's enquiry re mutiple listings and renewals: with my smaller toys - e.g. Koalas and Baby Rabbits, I tend to list in fours. If one sells on Etsy, or off line, I've not had a renewal cost (I don't think!) which is why I try to re-list before I sell the last one! Think you need to clarify that with Etsy, Adele - and, if they reply - they usually do - perhaps share it with us?

Glad the fire risk is now over Candi

Debbie: if you're wanting to check on the previous day's items, you can find that in the Live Chat thread in the Discussions (upper left of the Home page).

Must away to get ready to take Grand Dog (Dotty - labrador/rottweiler/queryGerman Shepherd "Saturday Night Special") for her evening pre-dinner stroll.

[Former_Member]

Adele, congratulations on the sales! I love interesting cookie cutters! Can't wait to see what you make!

Alanna, hope things get better for your sis soon!

Caroline, glad to hear things are almost back to normal!

I have finally gotten a new listing up! Only one for today and one or two again tomorrow!

[Former_Member]

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/199654342/purple-paisley-skirt-pink-and-purple?ref=shop_home_active_...

[NisesNostalgia]

Sara, I though about doing that for my jewelry, as that would be relatively easy as the weight hardly ever fluctuates. The thought of doing that for the rest of the shop is overwhelming. I have close to 900 items all of varying sizes and weights. When they ask, I get the item out, put it in a box and add extra for packing and then get the quote for their country. I never had a problem with people seeing that I ship internationally until they changed it and put it front and center that I only ship to the states!

[RedRiverValley]

Denise, its changes/tests like this that Etsy does that are so frustrating. They don't think about results like this! I would definitely add it for your jewelry. I completely understand that it would be hard to do with vintage items... I believe there are USPS flat rate international boxes that might help you get prices up for some of your items. It would definitely take a lot of time and effort because you would have to edit them 1 by 1. Another option would be to put it into each listing that you will ship internationally and to convo you for a price... of course then you are relying on customers to read the whole listing:)