Can't Decide What to Do

[MeadowSongArts]

I have been debating what to do. I've had a shop since January of this year, and haven't really sold anything. I know people join face book and things like that, but I just don't know if that will be worth it. I am not a face book person and never had one. I don't like spending money on posting items and never selling anything. I just can't decide if it's worth keeping my shop, and yet I am someone who loves to make things.

[GeminaeCo]

I've had moment like that. Lately though I've decided to put a little more effort into the marketing side of things and I've been getting more views. But will they lead to sales? Not so far. Although the holiday season is coming up things may change. But I figure if this doesn't go anywhere after my next line then I'll probably pack it up.

[MeadowSongArts]

Your clothing looks very valuable. I'm sure you'll eventually get sales.

[GeminaeCo]

thank you, and you appear to have genuine artistic talent. I cannot tell you how many people I see on here who create just amazing things and never get any recognition. It is unfortuante that marketing is key, probably even more than talent and ability.

[GeminaeCo]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65852269/original-drawing-then-they-knew-him

I'm not a religious person but this is really beutiful.

[Former_Member]

The recession has been very hard on all of us. I haven't sold anything in a very long time, but I am also just now getting around to restocking my shop. I'm learning to use social media (facebook, livejournal, etc) and it's helping with views. I think the last things I sold were a couple tote bags last summer? So, yeah, I'm not going to worry about it. I have plenty of time to spin yarn nowdays, along with babysitting my grandsons.

I like Etsy because the fees are very affordable. They aren't going to put me in the poor house (already there!) and my listings stay active for 4 months at a time. It's even cheaper (and less hassle) then trying to hit the craft/art shows that are popping up this time of year. I will probably hit only one show this season, I just have to choose which one. I did one last year and sold absolutely nothing. :(

Eventually, everything will balance itself out and people will start buying again.

[Former_Member]

ReverseClothing, your styles are great. I love the vintage feel. Maybe if you had a larger product line it would attract more customers.

I'm familiar with the 'no sales' frustration. Just remember the economy is down right now. People will start buyin again.

[Former_Member]

ReverseClothing said:
"marketing is key, probably even more than talent and ability"

Nope... Marketing plus talent and ability are the key! :D

Don't give up, MeadowSongArts! I'm learning how to sell my art too.

[Former_Member]

Looking at your shop, it seems that you haven't decided what you want to sell - art work, clothing, or crafty things. I'd say focus on one niche, raise your prices, and market off of etsy.

You're prices are INCREDIBLY low, and while that may seem like a good idea, it's not. People come to etsy to spend on quality items and low prices makes items seem cheap. (I'm in no way saying that your items are cheap). Raise your prices to what they are worth based on your labor and supplies. I mean, you couldn't possibly be making a living wage selling a girls dress for $15 - It takes me AT LEAST an 1 1/2 hours to make something like that plus probably 1 -2 yards of fabric - so at $8/hour (min. wage in my neck of the woods) + fabric (approx. $6/yd) ... That's $24 at least! With no profit!! So definitely raise your prices!

I know you said you aren't a facebook person, but you really need to find a way to market yourself off of Etsy. If not facebook, the twitter, blog, etc. If you do decide to go with facebook, let me know and I can help some.

Work on your SEO - for this item:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/79551862/sweet-cottage-pink-dress-slip-and-apron
I would title it Baby Girl Dress with Slip & Apron - Sweet Cottage Pink. Then your tags need to be what people search for. Meadowsongarts isn't a great tag, because not many people will search for that. And with the new relevancy search, it's imperative that you tag appropriately. And now you can use phrases like Baby clothing, baby dress, girls dress, etc.

Hope this helps!

[Former_Member]

I think you've gotten some great advice already. The way I look at it .20 an item is NOTHING for 4 months. Even if I don't make a sale, I'm only out a few dollars trying. So personally, I don't think there's any need to rush to "close shop". However, I have a feeling virtually nothing will be sold unless you really make an effort here and elsewhere.

When looking at your shop, I agree with the above that it's confusing with so many different types of things available. There was recently a discussion here about how to rearrange your shop - so the most recent item doesn't necessarily have to be on top of the page. If you're going to keep the different things, I think that may be something you want to do. Put the baby clothes together, the art, etc. I know you have it divided into sections like that already - but I mean on your main "shop" page too. And then maybe your featured items would be one of each type so shoppers would know you have different types of items.

Good luck!

[GeminaeCo]

tatimaia said:

"Nope... Marketing plus talent and ability are the key! :D"

I'd really like to agree with you but some of things I've seen in treasuries and even on the front page make me wonder if it really is all about who can promote the best. I understand that not everyone has my taste but when something that was obviously just thrown together or purchased from some wholesale company (not handmade) makes it to the front page and the seller makes a ton of sales that day, well it's discouraging.

[GeminaeCo]

AzuiltDesign, thank you for the kind words. I am currently working on adding more to my shop. I have an alterations business as well as two little ones so it's hard to find the time.

[Former_Member]

That's understandable. I work 40 hrs a week, to minutes from
Home and have a full-time husband. :)

Dreams are worth working toward, though, IMO.

[Former_Member]

I'm a new shop owner too - just opened in July, and have had only 3 sales, but I'm becoming more involved in teams and building my circle and bookmarking favorite items and favorite shops. I'm a "marketer" in my day job, and it takes time to build a business. If you haven't really connected within Etsy, I encourage you to do so - it helps.

Meanwhile, I can offer a couple of ideas for you to consider for your shop. I agree with some of the other comments that you are selling lots of different types of products, and there seems to be no real organization to your shop. My suggestion would be to use the etsy "Rearrange your shop" function to group your like products together, i.e., Art, Clothing, etc.

The other thing I noticed is that your shop banner is dark and your shop name in the black font is getting lost. Maybe redesign your banner to be more inviting.

Good luck!

[MeadowSongArts]

Thanks. I'll try to do all that.