Team 1 Challenge Discussion

[#1]

If you'd like to issue a challenge or announce completion of a challenge go to the team 1 Challenge Board and be sure to read the instructions at the top.

This thread is for discussing your challenges! Why you gave them, what struggles your having, clarification about issued goals, and so on. Pleas

Please only discuss these things on here and NOT on the "Challenge Board" as it's so helpful to see who has a challenge they're working on and who is open for a new one!!

[SunshowerParties]

Ree about challenge completion:
Love it!!! So your long term is set! Bam! What are the steps to get there? That's where the 1, 5, 10 yr plans come in! It helps soooooo much to keep your dream alive.

I have an idea for you, but you might hate it and that's ok, as always, ignore me if you want!
What if you STARTED by opening up your own stall?! If you know you can be successful there, have cute business cards that you hand to everyone with the link to your etsy shop so that they can come to you again much easier
AND can help browsers or undecided customers browse anytime even when your shop isn't open!? You don't have to choose one or the other. Your pieces will work in both places so there's no extra work except making a listing for your product! This isn't an easy way to use your local support, but a way to grow your business from the outside in. (I'd definitely do that if I could)

[StylishStoneJewelry]

I have been thinking about stall for long time. First, I am very shy about it. As I said I am not comfortable asking my friends.
Stalls take lot of money for set up. If I do not sell that will just waste.
One local public school teacher saw my store from Etsy. Asked for a specific necklace for auction donation. I donated that. In return they will advertise my shop. Let see how it goes. Over all I am very shy to ask anyone in my community. That is my problem 😜.

[SunshowerParties]

GIRLS - I think I may be bulldozing the challenge board....I obviously love giving them which is why I started this board, but you guys have too issue challenges too or I'll never stop, lol!! It doesn't mean you can ignore my challenges (because let's face it, they're awesome😂😜) but your idea's are just as awesome (probably more so!!) Just don't feel like you CAN'T push me aside a little!!! sometimes I need it, I'm so sorry if I'm taking over!!

[SunshowerParties]

Following that....New Challenges for all on the board (except GG - but OF COURSE I have one for you if you want! Haha)

[Former_Member]

GG is ready for your challenge!

[SunshowerParties]

GG! Yay! Ok... people love to see the smiling face of the creator behind the shop (like beautiful campy there) put a photo of yourself up! That way when customers visit, see their receipt, etc. It's giving them that extra personal connection to you that shoppers at etsy are looking for!

[StylishStoneJewelry]

Tonya, I agree with you. I read this somewhere. Right after I uploaded my picture there. But still I am struggling 😄ha ha. Btw I think I told this to GG before. It is a good idea.

[SunshowerParties]

Ree.. put more of a close up pic! People want to see that smiling face (i don't actually think it brings business? But just makes people have a better experience or something?) Is that what u read? I definitely can't remember

[SunshowerParties]

Campy, I forgot to ask.. what's an abandoned cart sale? You wrote it in your bus plan and I was just curious

[SunshowerParties]

As for my "challenge" campy, what exactly am I getting from this very one sided exchange?

[Former_Member]

I hope that really doesn't affects sales because I personally perfer to keep my identity to myself. Sorry, Tonya but I am totally against putting up a pic of myself but I change the image to one thats alittle more colorful and has kids. Lol lets see if that makes customers more comfortable.

[SunshowerParties]

I do understand. I have an adopted daughter from the foster care system and anonymity is our number one priority for her. We don't put her pictures anywhere and even when she's college age we already have a name for her... she calls it her "special name"

[Former_Member]

That is great Tonya! You mentioned that before and I personally think that is great and this world needs more people like yourself. Amazing!

[SunshowerParties]

Hate it when i repeat myself. So sorry! Just wanted u to know I get it.

[Former_Member]

Lol no these are actually good things that are good to hear anytime.

[StylishStoneJewelry]

Tonya, that is so nice of you helping a kid👌👌. Not everybody can do that. Al least I am trying to help each other here 😜lol haha.

[SunshowerParties]

Ree have you thought about doing my picture challenge?? You're pieces are actually quite beautiful and on trend (especially certain ones) I think pictures are huge with your jewelry to showcase the gorgeousness. People just don't realize it without eye-catching pictures (don't get me wrong... your pictures are actually quite good..I just think this kind of photography will make you STAND OUT from all the noise that's similar.

[StylishStoneJewelry]

I am thinking that also. I will work on that. Yesterday I took one picture for my new listings. I was happy the way it turned out. I have to do with everyone. Also put some new style also. Thanks Tonya

[StylishStoneJewelry]

I think I have to list some new style first to see if I get more visits and then working on photos side by side. What do you think?
Do u use light box to take pictures?

[SunshowerParties]

I don't have to since all my stuff is digital also, I don't want to, lol. My sister is an amazing photographer and says a light box and a BLUE lightbulb are key to getting great etsy pictures if your not a photographer

[CampysTreasures]

Hello Ladies 😆! Hope everyone is doing well 🤗! I've been seeing my Oncologists and doing Cancer Treatments so I have been absent. Glad to see we are all still here and persevering to accomplish our shop goals and grow our businesses 😉!

Tonya:

l like how you've phrased that "One sided challenge" 🤔 Yes we never did discuss terms. As you know, I work on Vintage Styled Jewelry. Take a look around my store and tell me what you like? I have an Idea of what I would make for you. I'm thinking a Cameo Locket using a Vibrant Modern Cabachon not the usual Black or a Solid Antique Gold Cameo 😄.

Abandoned Cart is the term used when a customer places an item in their online shopping cart but does not complete the purchase.

Also, I started to try using the white background as you suggested. I've also ordered a White Box with Lamp. It was actually quite affordable. I found mine on eBay but Walmart also has them. Most of them under $15.00!

GG:

I've noticed you have gotten more sales 🤗! Keep up your hard work! Your shop is looking amazing!

I noticed you said you really did not like social media. Unfortunately that is your market potential. It is also where major store brands advertise to get customers. Remember your store caters to women of childbearing age and that age range is 25-45. Their friends will also fall into that category. Most of them cybershop. So they will be on IG, Fb, and pintrest. They will also be using google to search for products. The key to privacy on social media is account control. Who you allow to see and what they are allowed to see.

Banasree:

Don't get disheartened! I have had many visitors but no sales in the last week. I wonder too if it is really worth my time and efforts. You are right Jewelry Sales are hard; as so many of us do this 😓😓😓 but would giving up be better? No! So I refocus. I currently have 62 pieces in my shop. If my goal is 100 then I focus on letting my creativity flow. Tonya said some time ago that inventory of 100 pieces and time is prime. I have to say she is right! I agree because I checked out other jewelry sellers on Etsy. Those sellers who are hitting constant sales are the ones with 100+ pieces and 2 to 4 years on Etsy. Not to mention, those of us making jewelry, no piece is the same. We may use the same materials but our pieces are all unique. So we have to stay the course 👍😃!

Did you put up your new pics yet with you modeling your jewelry? I was looking in your shop but I did not see them? I have to say too your shop is looking like a nice online Boho Boutique. Your pics are much better too 👍! Keep up the good work!

[StylishStoneJewelry]

Hi Campy, I feeling better reading your post. It is hard and time/ money wasting job. But if we do jot try we do not know. To be honest with some days I am up with my shop and some days not😜. Running a business speciall jewelry business is hard hard hard. My husband and me are in another last 22 years. I know it is not a piece of cake always. It has good time and bad time both. I am posting new style also to try. I saw that other store are selling similar style like mine but I am not. Do not know why? I like when GG Said giving up is not an option.
I am thinking since I do not have any other social media people do not trust my store. Is that right? May be not.
I did not post my hand painted outfit bcos it is Indian outfit and I do not sell those. But I want to show you that picture. Trying to figure it out how?

[StylishStoneJewelry]

I am dreaming of making my custom gift bags. But without any sell that is a big question how far can I go? I thought I will make one piece exclusively unique. May be I am wrong. I see store that are selling they carry same item a lot. Not one exclusive item.

[CampysTreasures]

Banasree:

Social media is not something you have to do, but it helps you advertise your shop. Do you use Promoted Listings on Etsy?

I would say make your gift bags and add them to your shop inventory. This way a buyer can purchase the gift bag as an addition or as a single piece. Start with maybe 2/ 3 gift bag styles. Try any ideas you have, we are not going to know if we don't try. This is how we grow 😉!

Like today I had an idea of making a convertible necklace 🤔! It would convert from 28 Inches to I8 Inches with with a pendant. I have no idea how this will go over in my store but I'm going to make it anyway 😉! I'll show you when I'm done.

Cheryl-Anne

[StylishStoneJewelry]

Hi Campy, gift bags means if my business pick up sells I will make nice gift/ bag box to deliver. I am waiting to see your necklaces