Holiday Boot Camp - Week 2!

[#1]

Hi all,

Are you following along with the Etsy Success Holiday Boot Camp program? Week 1 is almost over, if you need to check out all the task for last week you can find them here: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/holiday-boot-camp-a-flying-start/

This week we're going to focus on developing the right products for the holidays (or tweaking the products you already sell).

Keep your eyes on your email inbox for your instructions.

And if you have any questions let us know in this thread.

I'd also love to hear if you plan on offering your buyers something different for the holidays!

Best
Danielle

[Former_Member]

I plan on offering custom stamped designs soon since I read in the merchandise area that it is quite popular now. As far as gift wrapping I always do that anyway with all outgoing orders.
I wqas thinking of adding beaded ornaments, but still un sure.

[Former_Member]

This week's tasks have really motivated me! For a long time I've been meaning to design labels to go in my crocheted items, but I've been putting it off, but finally yesterday I sat down and got some ideas out. Hopefully today I can actually place an order for the labels!

I've also decised to finally purchase some boxes to ship my items in. They looked ok going out the door, but boxes would make them look so much better!

[TheButlersPottery]

Since I make pottery it is not something you can just whip up for the holiday. It takes 6 weeks. I am sticking with what I sell locally. And it works. Make it from the heart and it will sell. I am trying stumbled upon and pinerest.

[Former_Member]

I offer gift wrapping free of charge on some of my items - should I be charging for this do you think? :)

[Former_Member]

Just checking in on week two. I put in my listings that I offer gift wrapping for slightly extra and how to select "Other" as a payment option with a note and then I'll send an invoice for the total with the gift wrapping added on. Is that suitable or should I add a seperate listing in my shop? I'm going to go out today for gift wrapping supplies and am going to include a picture in each listing of what it will look like. Since I use small jewelry boxes, I'm only charging $1 for the service. Does that seem reasonable?

Good news: I made a sale this month! That means I've made a sale three months in a row which is a new record for my shop!

[Former_Member]

Sometimes it seems that there are so many Christmas fabric prints available, it's hard for me to chose which NOT to buy for bibs! I'm going to do some appliques and offer a line of bibs that aren't quilted so I can add some different price points.

As for gift wrapping, right now I'm offering free shipping with a coupon code, so I think I'm going to replace that with a gift wrap coupon...or should I keep the free shipping and charge for the gift wrapping...I'd love to hear what y'all think about that.

I'm using stationery boxes with clear covers. I add decorative tissue inside and a bow to the outside of the box to coordinate with the bib/set....I pack it in a bubble envelope.

I have yet to create some gift tags which I think I probably need, but, since I also work outside Etsy, I need to concentrate on product right now.

Congratulations on your sale, Kristina! Funny how that goes....a few days ago I was whining to my husband about the low # of views and no sales in the past 3 months...I opened my e-mail and there was a sale! You just never know!

[Former_Member]

Checking in with week two before I read week three's photography theme! Staying on track so far but thinking of Christmas right now seems daunting when there's Halloween orders to fill and craft shows to attend. But I've made my list of how to personalize certain items and how to make my existing items "gift-able" I will probably order some new packaging materials tomorrow.

[Former_Member]

Once again, I have not dropped off the face of the earth:s Although after this week not being able to see because I scratch the entire top layer of epithelial cells off my left cornea, I might reconsider that option!!!!!
I thought I would be smart and try changing my banner to the recommendations of some Etsy pros and I am just about blind again.....our son, BJ, is working on a new banner and business cards for me, but I needed to do something temporarily before Saturday because I am setting up a booth at a small Breast Cancer Awareness Craft Fair and I was advised to place a pic of my work in my banner. Ugh, I am too tired....please check out my shop and let me know what you think. ;/

[Former_Member]

Excited! Especially now I have a buddy (actually 2 buddies!) x

[Former_Member]

Today is catchup day for me... 1 and a half weeks done, 1 and a half to go!

I send all of my items wrapped in tissue with a tag detailing the item name, care instructions and a to/from space in the middle. I was thinking of adding a listing for tag personalisation with either printed or hand-written message and option of direct mailing to recipient. I've never done a listing like that before, so I wonder how it will go?!

[Former_Member]

I need the weather to cooperate so I can start revamping my photos! Come on sunshine!