Does having more than one product lines make your shop seem less professional?

[AvonnieStudio]

Hello all, I came across some comments in this forum saying that your shop looks more professional if you just stick to a category. I also notice that a lot of successful shops do focus on just one category as well. Is that true? So far I sell both of handpainted coffee mugs and scripture arts on wood at the same time and might add more product lines in the future. Should I open a separate shop for it or just put them in this shop that I have? What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance :)

[Former_Member]

I'm struggling with the same question and I'm eager to hear what others have to say!

[Former_Member]

At one point in this shop I sold hand crocheted items, handcrafted wooden soap dishes, display mannequins as well as yarns and notions.

I've never had any sort of problem at all (other than trying to maintain my inventory at an acceptable level).

For me its always been a matter of marketing each different line directly to that target customer.

[Former_Member]

From doing it before, running 2 shops is very hard.
I had food, and the shop I have now. One always gets neglected, it's very hard to focus on making both shops grow.
That advice: Stick to one shop.

Because your shop has both handpainted coffee mugs and the word art I think you could leave them together. There is a similar theme going on.

Do you enjoy doing both? My second piece of advice, is stick with what you really enjoy, because when it becomes work it gets hard to keep yourself motivated to doing it. Also, which makes money.
My opinion the coffee mugs are a more unique place for you, everyone is doing the wood blocks. Maybe expand your coffee cup words and line, and focus on that.

[Former_Member]

I don't think that different items will hurt your shop as long as it is all coherent

[PrettyPictureGiftsCo]

My opinion is that a a shop DOES look more professional (and successful !) if it contains one cohesive look ....but I also agree with Katie above.

I have 2 shops with fully different items and struggle to not neglect one shop over my favorite shop [this one].

I have debated to faze out my glass pendant shop [swansonglass] and just have the more successful shop open and expand the product line but stay with products that go well together.

Good luck on what you decide :O)

[WilliamsGiftshop]

In short: no.
I'm doing fine with lots of product lines.
The more product lines, the bigger your target market.
Just make sure your shop looks cohesive.

[PorcelainJazz]

I agree with most of the comments here that different product lines in one shop usually aren't a problem. Usually if you are making all of the product for your shop it will naturally tend to have an over arching theme. In my case it is things one can make from clay. That said if the two lines are wildly different then it might be wise to separate them.

For example I'm thinking of trying to sell off my parents estate in a vintage shop. Since we are talking handmade versus vintage. I think opening another shop may be the only rational thing to do.

[SkyeDancerJewelry]

BeaG, I looked at your shop and really like your idea of having it be a gift shop, which opens it up to many different lines. (I particularly like the inhaler covers.) I have just jewelry in my shop, which I think is limiting. Now that the holiday bazaar season is done, I want to spend more time and look into having a supplies (beads) shop. Heaven knows, I have lots and lots of extra beads! I'm going to watch this thread and see what more people say about having a second shop.

[Former_Member]

I have 3 shops because each shop has a different target audience. HouseonCherryHill is all PDF knitting/crochet patterns, plus digital paper dolls- I left these two together because most of my customers know that is where my dolls (or patterns) are. I have CherryHillLiving with digital clip art and paper sets and plan to add collage sheets to this site, as well. Then I have CherryBlossomAvenue for my printable party kits. Some people do digital paper and printable party together, but I choose to open 2 shops because the paper and clip art go on sale regularly and I didn;t want to 'cheapen' my party stuff by selling it side by side with 50% off products or other sales gimicks.

[Former_Member]

for me personally, I have separate shops. I just opened my third etsy shop in fact.

This shop is finished goods.
My design, patterns and supply shop
and now my Blingwear shop

for me: it is more manageable because each shop has a very different target audience and customer base so it makes sense for me to have them separate. That was it is simple for promotion and marketing.

a few items in each crossover of course but I have been very happy having them separate.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Thanks, Sally!

[AVisionToRemember]

I have lots of different lines in my shop. I have chosen not to open other shops to sell the different lines. I feel like I don't have the time to promote 2 or 3 other shops so I stick with the one.

Do what you feel like will work best for you :)