Has anyone else lost the will to keep trying?

[Former_Member]

Just wondering how many other sellers have gotten to the point where they are so sick of trying to improve for no results whatsoever?

[ShadyLaneDesignz]

I know 5 months seems like a long time, but it really isn't, as far as Etsy sales are concered. Your shop is adorable. I'd say don't give up, especially with Christmas coming!

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry to that. Your shop is looking great. I see a definate difference in your pics. Hang on, with the holidays coming I am sure you will see some sales.

[Former_Member]

only about once a week, but then I just keep plugging along! I never thought I'd have the sales I have now so sometimes it just takes time.

[NancyBags4U]

I agree with Gina. It's easy to get discouraged. But keep your chin up. Your shop is so nice. I think every seller will tell you the same thing. We have all gone through the rough time in the beginning.

Hoping for lots of sales real soon.

[Former_Member]

Thank you for your support :o) If it's not picked up by xmas i'm going to call it a day, as I am really struggling with the failure. I don't know about anyone else but it's kind of a bitter pill to swallow, constantly trying to improve, makes you feel pretty bad about your products and yourself.
Thank you again guys and I'll continue to keep trying until xmas.

I wish you all lots of lovely sales :o)

[StepOriginals]

Every day. Your stuff is truly gorgeous, and I bet that you will do great this holiday season.

[Former_Member]

Your shop is so cool. I hope the sales start happening for you , soon.

[Former_Member]

I too am ready to leave! I've poured so much time and attention and effort into the shop. I've done (nearly) everything I can to make a sale including promoting in teams and through outside sources... and after three years of effort and only an occasional sale (which I do appreciate greatly) Etsy is costing me so much more than I can afford (in time and money). It's a great disappointment, for sure. That, coupled with a few local consignment places who decided not to carry my stuff anymore (despite good sales) I'm ready to pull out of the craft world almost entirely. I'm truly glad others have had success... I"m just not one of the fortunate ones, and I can't justify the drain on my time and finances any longer. Bummer. I do hope it picks up for you! Three years is enough waiting for me!

[Former_Member]

I completely understand, I know my time is no where near yours, but I fee totally the same. I've spent every free second trying to promote or improve or both at the same time, and thats a real challenge for me in itself. I have a severely disabled son, and a daughter with much less severe disabilities, but disabilities none the less, and am a single mum, so they take up nearly all of my time, and when not doing everything for them I'm on here :o(. I have not had a moment to myself because I use it trying to make this dead horse work, I'm up in the wee hours every night, but it doesn't. Don't really want to waste much more of the precious few moments I get to myself for nothing anymore.

Everyone here has so much talent, but Etsy isn't really about selling awesome, unique, handcrafted products anymore, as there is more money to be made elsewhere.

I feel your pain Lael.

Sorry for the rant! lol

[Former_Member]

I also feel Etsy has a lack of actual buyers, and that it's sales are mainly sellers like myself buying supplies or pieces they love from other sellers, like myself.

I am also discouraged when I speak to people I know and practically none of them have even heard of Etsy. I am from the UK and there is no advertising of Etsy anywhere. I guess the owners of Etsy make enough money from us poor sellers constantly relisting to care where the sellers actually succed of not.

[Former_Member]

Have you tried any craft fairs or small boutiques to supplement? I agree that your items are beautiful & incredibly creative - sometimes talented folks just get lost here on Etsy. Meeting people in person can also send them to your online shop... Wishing you the best!

L

[naturwrk]

getting there!

[Former_Member]

Maybe I should just stick moustaches on everything I make, that seems to work lol.

[Former_Member]

Yes but here is the tricky part. The time you spend wallowing in your self pity is keeping you further from reaching the results. I mean no one who ever succeeds ever says yeah I was feeling so dawn and negative and somehow I succeeded. Every person who has succeeded did so because they did not get down or let negative thoughts get in the way. No matter what happens they just keep pressing on. The difference is they feel down but then say what can I do and go back to the drawing board. Like I say this is easier said that done. But I refuse to give up. I know that whatever happens I will succeed in the end. Maybe it will be a different road than planned but a happy successful one in the end.

Check out my blog sometime where I post things like this all the time.

[Former_Member]

Yes, sometimes. But then I remember why I'm doing it :)

I love your shop, Samantha! It is beautiful!

[Former_Member]

Samantha, it seems as if you may be asking too much of yourself. You really have a lot on your plate already! Hell, you have more sales than I already! Your pieces are BEGGING to be in a cute downtown store with cards and baby items and wonderful one of a kind whimsical items. They need to be seen in person! (I have the exact same problem with my lamps, and unfortunately, most places don't have a great "dark" display area to really show them off)

I've struggled quite a bit with this idea myself, and have come to the conclusion that selling more items to friends and family than on etsy is not a bad thing. Word of mouth will eventually get around. We all have our own timetable, and sometimes its about working to make ourselves happy and letting the sales happen organically, slow they may be :)

[Former_Member]

Thank you for the pep talk Mireya :o) but it's easy to say that when you aren't in a position like myself. Having a positive attitude is easy when you dont have the huge responsibilites I have. I have 2 children whom need me for everything and i mean everything, my son is unable to do anything at all for himself. I have no car, no partner and no family to help me. So im sorry for my negative thoughts, but maybe take a walk in someone elses shoes before you make your judgements. I'm not saying being positive isn't the right thing to do, but for some it isn't a very easy thing to do. When you spend your days being kicked, punched, screamed at, wiping up someone elses poo etc etc it tends to carry over into other things. Please accept my apologies for not being postive.

[Former_Member]

Thank you to everyone for the kind words, I will try to remain positive.
Fadra your lamps are super cool!

[Former_Member]

Find that special storefront location and I really think things will slowly (probably very slowly) go where you need them. My hat's off to you, Samantha. Take care of yourself and your babes above all else:)

[JannisBitsAndBobs]

Samantha, your product is absolutely delightful. Like me, though, you are in a highly competitive market (jewelry). It's really hard to get found. If something isn't selling, it's no reflection on you personally. After all, not many people on Etsy will know you from Eve. Nor is it necessarily a reflection on your product. Your things look well made and are adorable.

Conventional wisdom says that it can take up to two years to get a business off the ground. Keep plugging away.

[Former_Member]

Went over a year with no sales, have had over 30 in last 3 month.. Dont give up, just keep thinking keep working and enjoy.

[PAPERFLORISTS]

Samantha, your shop is amazing. So whimsical and just wonderful. Really! I am sorry you are discouraged. I am ready to quit at least twice a week. You have a lot of stock maybe you could just give yourself a little break? Sounds like you could use one. Don't give up completely on your Etsy shop. Sometimes, it helps to just step away, even for a day or two to get re-energized. Good luck!

[JustForGiggles]

I was told from the very beginning that it takes 3-5 years for a business to start seeing a profit. I was warned. I have that feeling from time to time. But I'm 2 years in and all I can think is, "What if next month is when the magic is supposed to happen and you quit today?" Sounds stupid(ish). But I've put too much work, time, $$$$, and heart in this to give up. If I make it to 5 years and this hasn't taken off, I'll walk with a good heart and know that I stuck it out for as long as reasonable.

Don't give up on your dream so quickly. I KNOW the feeling you're talking about. But it's your dream. Don't let it go 6 months in. Wish me well and I'll say a prayer for you. Let's keep on keepin on ♥

[Former_Member]

I agree with Lisa - step away, but don't give up!

That's what I've done over the last month. I opened my shop in March and have had a few sales, but it is overwhelming at times.