Has anyone else lost the will to keep trying?

[#1]

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

[Former_Member]

Rhonda your shop is really lovely. I know it feels pointless, I'm there too. On the upside you make gorgeous things and how many people close to you make such wonderful things?

Maybe we could just make a gallery for people to just look at the pretty things and charge them for it lol :o)

[KWUDLV]

Every day of the week i feel i should stop using etsy, but can't resist and holding thumbs up!

[Former_Member]

hei Samantha,

first of all:
"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"
------ there are definitely plenty of buyers on Etsy, one just needs to offer what THEY want, and get noticed.

There are also plenty of other sellers with little kids and all kinds of other difficulties (like myself), and it did not stop them. I got my first sale 7 months after I opened the shop - that's how long it took for me to research what's the best for me to sell, and HOW to present it. But now Etsy pays my bills.

I already suggested you in the other thread you started a week ago - work smarter, not harder.

Offer some smaller, simplier necklaces with just 1 item, and simple charm bracelets with just a few items on them, and put those on first page.

Zoom your thumbnail photos out a little - there is an easy option for this when you click on Edit listing - you don't want the item to be cut off in the thumbnail, or barely fit in it. It looks better when there is a little space around the item, like this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111935664/food-jewelry-sushi-rolls-earrings-post?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_se...

AND STOP WASTING MONEY ON SEARCH ADS!!!!! Everyone says search ads are garbage. Use the free ads on facebook instead. My fb always keeps sending me offer to use 50$ worth of advertisement.

You are super talented, and you can do it!!

[ninedragons]

Hi Samantha -- I think what Shawnna was trying to tell you Love, is that this selling thing is a full time commitment in itself. I'm still working full-time hard on my shop going on 15 months now and only 12 sales...just beginning to figure out search engine optimization (seo), becoming more active on my FB page, writing a blog and trying to do some shows and I don't have any children...with challenges or otherwise.

We all have our own, sometimes horribly difficult, personal challenges and we all get very, very frustrated sometimes. The most important thing you can do is to stop telling yourself why you can't do it, why you are restricted, why you will only give it two more months. When you get this massively frustrated, stop. Take a break. Give yourself a little hug. I know this sounds goofy, but I give myself hugs and gentle pats on the back when I'm down and it feels very soothing. Also, I took a month-long break this summer and it helped me look at my shop with fresh eyes and renewed energy.

Every time you tell yourself why you can't do it, why it's too hard, you re-inforce those thoughts. Take a deep breath and try to figure out how to turn those negative thoughts around - because negative thoughts just dig your dark hole of despair a little deeper. Make them positive statements instead. Example: "I am completely alone and have no idea how to do any of that stuff". Cancel that thought - right this minute and think this instead "I'm surrounded by all sorts of Etsy sellers willing to help me, I will figure out something new every day. And I will be kind and gentle to myself as I continue to learn".

You don't need to defend yourself to anyone - not even yourself. I've read all these comments and can see that they are offered with the best of intentions and with all kinds of loving hope for your success. You can do it. Start by telling yourself ten positive things today - and keep practicing that - I swear, it will change your life. Best of luck to you - I'm holding you in my thoughts. E.

[Former_Member]

Good words Elizabeth.

Samantha, your comment about sticking mustaches on everything cracked me up! I was just thinking about that as well. You sound stressed and exhausted. Remember that you're making your creations to take a break from your responsibilities and this is your time. If you can keep it up through the holidays and take a break afterwards, it might be a good idea and help recharge your batteries.

Have courage, we're here for you :)

[GabriellasTreasures]

Hi! - Chin up!

I know you are tired of hearing this, but it takes time, just keep at it. Your work is unique and amazing!

How about putting in some tags and add to some titles/descriptions "childrens necklace, girls necklace, jewelry for girls", that may have been said above, I did not read the whole thread.

Good Luck, and Bless you and your children - hugs!

Edited for p.s. : Agree with No Search Ads, they do not work!

[GabriellasTreasures]

Just thought of something: Type in the Etsy search bar : Carmen Miranda

She was the actress/dancer/whatever, who always wore fruit. Use her name in some of your tags or descriptions maybe! I just searched her here, and there's a lot of related stuff and shops, check them out.

[SweetSights]

I looked through your shop & agree that Christmas ornaments would be awesome!! If you could even add a flat section at the bottom in a banner type design, You could take a sharpie & offer personalized ornaments (assuming you have nice handwriting...which I do not). Like the ones they do at the malls. I have to admit...I am a sucker for those. Especially the ones with a fireplace design and enough stockings to have each family members name written on the stockings with the year along the top. I also like the idea of what I think somebody mentioned with making the bracelet with a charm or two on it, then selling additional charms individually for them to attach on their own...it opens a whole new world for people who may have charm bracelets that they already own, but are looking for more charms for. Perhaps, also, you change up the tags a bit....I looked at the pizza dangle earrings, and noticed 'olives' was a tag, but as a customer I wouldn't search for olives....I might search for pizza earrings, fake food, faux food, food jewelry, food earrings, and I would probably add a childrens or preteen tag in there as well.
I hope you figure out what works for you....I completely understand your frustration!! I am there a lot of days too, but I do this only because I enjoy it (this is how I want to spend my 'me' time)...so there is a lot less pressure for me. Best of luck...i am adding you to my circle & hearting so I can keep up with your success (power of positive thought)!!

[Former_Member]

Unfortunately my handwriting sucks, i mostly write in capitols lol.
I have changed quite a few of my tags in the store but there are still some to change, haha that's one :o) So my tags are in the process of change as we speak.

Thanks for all the ideas everyone im going to think about all of them and see whats viable (financially and time wise) I think it might be charm bracelet idea, and use lobster closures so they can be added removed easily. Thanks again :o)

Everyone have an awesome day

[Former_Member]

Yes, I understand completely. I've had no sales yet and am trying to stay motivated. Have gotten a lot of compliments but would love to see dollars!

Oh well, just keep on keeping on as they say. . .!

[Former_Member]

Me too! loads of compliments and favourites but barely any sales. Guess I will have to make smaller, cheaper pieces to make any sales, which is shame as I love the big more artistic pieces.

Yep I think we just keep plodding on regardless lol.

Good Luck and hope christmas makes a big difference for you :o)

[KriyaDesign]

I know how you feel. I seriously do. I've been at these... ventures for 10 years without much success. There were times I was thinking, I'd be aged and decrepit by the time I figure things out :-), business and personal wise.

This Etsy store is the first that seems quite promising. But knowing life, nothing is permanent and everything changes. So I won't be complacent about it.

My words are the same with everyone before, keep at it. Life is that... the ups and downs. Even when we work hard at it, it seem so pointless at time. Feel like just sitting there and doing nothing. Nothing seems to work anyway, right

I'd say test and keep testing. Tweak and keep tweaking. I am not saying just tags and titles. Just EVERYTHING. Find another avenues too. Maybe Etsy store is not the only answer. Maybe the answer lies some where. But we keep at it until we get it. Feel whatever you feel... hugs yourself, pat yourself in the back... you've come this far. Then I guess keep on your journey.

Best and hugs huge one

* Your shop is so much fun. I love wearing those colorful jewelry in my teens. In my prime now :-)... so I wear more.... demure pieces

[ChrisOsCreations]

your prises are at the low end:-)

just change a little your titles
for example this one
http://www.etsy.com/listing/111154352/christmas-gingerbread-necklace-polymer

i believe it would be easier to find you with a title like this one
Christmas Statement Necklace, Polymer Clay Food Jewelry, Gingerbread Necklace

many ppl don't have something specific in their minds so they search just to find something they like:-)

[Former_Member]

Hi Samantha...

I applaud the fact that you have done so much work on your shop, that's hard to do with all of the responsibilities you have!

I agree with others that sometimes we need to step away from this for awhile and re-evaluate what our goals are. I have done that a few times since I opened in May (yes I am extremely impatient lol) but every time I do I come back with renewed energy and commitment to my goals.

[GirlpowerKnits]

NO! I recently started getting active, after a SLOW Feb- July!

[PennyBirchWilliams]

Hi Samantha,
my heart goes out to you. You are right, most of us cannot know what your life is truly like and how hard it must be to get through some days. Having no one to help with your autistic children and to encourage you and support you through the challenges would be very difficult and lonely, I can only imagine.

But your work is like an oasis in the desert....when I look at the artistry and beauty you are creating, I feel like I see your heart blooming. If you are like most of us here, you need to create, or you would feel cut off from your own heart.

I do feel sad and frustrated sometimes, because I'm working on my shop and waiting too (just started listing in June this year though I signed up for my shop in 2010) with only a few sales and not nearly the views you have. But I love being able to express my creativity and use my art skills, and I know it will take time and patience to develop my shop. I'm experimenting with diversifying what I make to widen my potential audience, and trying to stay flexible in what I do. There is a lot to learn and I can't devote myself full time to it. So I do what I can and try to have no expectations. Just hope, and to keep working at it, with patience and persistence. Because it brings me pleasure to create, and pleasure to be here, and when there IS a sale, it's such a happy feeling! I do a lot for others, but this I do for myself.

I hope you will keep creating for yourself, if for nothing else, because when life is difficult we need something that brings peace and wholeness even more. You have many well wishers here and so many are willing to help with encouragement and suggestions. Please take some time to breathe, take care of yourself, and maybe consider the reasons you are on etsy. Is it ALL about sales? or is it also about allowing that creative self inside you to have expression, and to share it with the world outside your door, and to be connected with others (more or less) like yourself?

IMHO, if you allow yourself the time to develop your business slowly, within the limited time you have for it, there is so much potential for success. Best wishes to you and your children.

[Former_Member]

Thank you to everyone for supporting me, being caring and helping think of new ideas, you've been brill :o) So nice to not feel alone and hear a kind word, actually any words lol, (my son doesn't speak) hehe, sorry that's my odd sense of humour. I would like to write emails to everyone for all the great advice, but i just don't have the time, I apologise for that.

I wish you all tons of sales and all the best of luck with the christmas season :o)

PS, Penny thanks for the custom order, it's totally appreciated. It's my first so I'm very excited :o)

[Former_Member]

I'm basically there right now.

Asking myself "How much do you have to take before you finally throw in the towel?"

How many consecutive weeks of no sales, and just losing money to Etsy listing fees.

I'm at 7 weeks and holding... I don't know when to give up, I guess.

[TOMgirlApparel]

Nope, not here. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) something inside of me won't let me quit. Ever. I have a vision and I will see it through :)

[Former_Member]

Same here, I was at about 2 months and feeling not so great about it. I really wish i could offer some good advice to help, but i can't even make my own shop work lol. Sorry Maggie, but on the upside there are really nice members on here who may be able to instead.

Sometimes it's just nice to know you aren't the only person struggling though, I feel your pain and am in the exact same situation, "when is enough, enough?" thats kind of what i'm thinking too.

I'll cross my fingers for sales for you too :o)

[Former_Member]

All the time! I feel like the train that never gives up. Hopefully it will all work out.

Good luck

[AdamRabbit]

When I feel discouraged I try to envision what I want my store to look like and reassure myself that it *can* and *will* happen. Best of luck to you, hang in there!

[Former_Member]

Hi Samantha -- your shop is great! I love your jewelry.

I completely agree with Anita (and others) about adding Christmas ornaments, smaller pieces of jewelry, variety in size / price may really help.

My family tradition, started by my grandmother, was to purchase a special Christmas ornament for each child every Christmas. When the child became an adult the ornaments went with them for their "first" adult tree. I have been keeping this tradition for 18 years with all 4 of my kids.

I know there are other parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who do the same thing. I also purchase special ornaments for my tree every year. Like little memories that come out each Christmas. And I've paid a lot for some of those ornaments so keep that in mind.

As for my shop, today has not been a fabulous day (week for that matter). I spent much of October changing titles and tags (twice) and I'm 1/2 way done with reshooting all photos.

I am also creating new pieces for the shop in preparation for the holiday season. My goal -- 150 to 200 pieces by mid-November. Realistic? Don't know. Discouraged? Today, yes. Sick of hearing about people getting 300 views a day -- you bet! Giving up? No. I want to keep creating and see where this goes.

Fortunately, I do not rely upon my Etsy shop for steady income. But the investment is a lot and I hope to make a profit some day.

Good luck to you. Get a good nights sleep, take care of yourself, and relax. Sounds like you need some TLC.

[Former_Member]

Thanks ever so much Tammy :o) really great idea, I love it! And lovely to have such a sweet tradition. I might start doing that as i love christmas and it's a really special way to remember each year.

I have kinda had an idea i think might work, but it's only for girls really. Here it is, well i'm thinking of christmas crackers with a christmas charm of some sort, on the front that can be cut off the ribbon, kept and put on a chain, 6 relatively quick charms, but still adorable none the less :o)

What do you guys think?

Tammy how are going to get so much work done, in such a short time? you must be super good at it! Don't over do it though, as i've been over doing it and it makes you really stressed.

[Former_Member]

Tammy, think i migth have to buy some of those pine cone earrings they are so sweet! :o)