How about a catalog?

[Former_Member]

Has anyone else ever done a catalog of their products, printed or electronic?

What has been the response?

Has it helped your sales, online and/or off?

[ZehOriginalArt]

I used to use a catalog for my artwork, but since I've been mostly selling online there has not been as much need for one. Almost all my art is listed online somewhere.

I still use sample books for wholesale of my note cards for gift shops and to show samples of my pet portraits when I do shows. Both of those are really indispensable. They do bring in sales and commissions because you have it right there for the person to see and you can more easily make the sale.

[Former_Member]

I have been toying with issuu (a free product from issuu.com) to make an electronic 'catalog' or magazine for folks to look at. I don't ave all of the bugs worked out, and this is just my first attempt, so it's not great yet, but I still think it's a fun idea:

http://daintychain.com/home.htm/zine/

It's a chance to show off or feature specific items that I want to move, and use different pictures too. Plus I just like that it's interactive :)

[Former_Member]

Thanks ladies.

I have used issuu and was thinking that would be a great place to digitize my catalog. I also like what you've done with yours.

The interactivity of the printed peice was why I did it in the first place so it's nice to carry that over online. I think having to spend time and interact with something makes it more memorable.

[LoopsJewellery]

I love it! I am curious in what context you will find it useful as you have Etsy. Do you do shows? Sell wholesale?

[LoopsJewellery]

Sorry - to clarify, that comment was to Kat. :)

[Former_Member]

Yes - shows mostly. And even when I just meet people. Note that the catalog I did is small-ish - 5.5 x 3.5 or there about, and 10 pages excluding the cover.

[Former_Member]

Oh, I don't do shows and have not been approached about wholesale... but I think it is a good idea for both of those things!

I was thinking of doing a monthly magazine to highlight a few items, and talk about the materials I use. It would be for any buyers who find me via etsy, my promotions, or search. I thought it would be a fun addition to a regular blog (since it's flash based, it's not good for SEO like a regular blog would be).

I guess truly, I just saw a new toy and wanted to play with it! :)

[Former_Member]

I understand Kat. I'm like that too. I like that monthly magazine idea too.

[MyDestashery]

I use a PDF catalog of my items with a line sheet to send to various retailers in hopes of consignment or wholesale orders. It's pretty simple & I know people have looked at it. Haven't heard any flat out compliments, but no one has said it's completely horrible, either. ...and I've gotten two wholesale orders from it!