How long is long enough?

[Former_Member]

Hi guys,
I was just wondering how long you think you should give your shop before calling it quits? What is a successful first year? Any thoughts please guys :0)

[AtHomeWithLolly]

Hi Sam, are you asking because you are considering closing? Seems like you could be miles ahead of some folks with your sales!

Your shop appears inviting and colorful to me!

[Former_Member]

Thank you Becky :o)
I guess I'm a bit disheartened, trying so hard to make unique pieces all the time is kind of exhausting, and I'm not sure I have the know how to make my shop a proper success :o/

[PotteryLodge]

Sam I think your shop and creations are so beautiful.

You have plenty of items in your shop so I would give making new ones a break and focus on marketing and promoting your shop. What kind of promoting are you currently doing? How many views from etsy and direct traffic are you getting daily?

[WilliamsGiftshop]

It depends on your shop goals and how much time, energy and dedication you are willing and able to put into reaching those goals.

Do you have a marketing plan?

[Former_Member]

Thank you Casi, it makes me feel better about my shop when others like my pieces too, kind of like it's worthwhile :o)

I promote my pieces on Twitter, Facebook, Rebelmouse and Wanelo. I normally get around 250-300 views a day, many from Etsy though.

[WilliamsGiftshop]

Remember it is not about the amount of views you get, but about getting the right views (of people most likely to buy your products = your target market)!

Marketing is not the same as promoting.
Marketing is finding your target market(s) and then find ways to promote directly to them (without spamming them).

[Former_Member]

You're right BeaG I don't have a marketing plan and don't really understand how to make one :o/ I know I sound like a bit of an idiot, but things confuse me quite alot like written instruction as I have aspergers arggh lol.

Maybe I just need to lower my expectations, as I can't pyhsically put the time in to make the changes I think I would need to make for it to be more successful.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much for replies guys, the members of this team are great at giving me perspective when I'm having one of those moments (hope you know the ones I mean) lol

Cheers guys and happy sales :o)

[Former_Member]

I Just made two sales WOOOOHOOOO! I'll shut up now lol

[SnarkFactory]

Your shop is full of unique jewelry and beautiful photography! You've definitely perfected the art of having a lovely etsy shop. I wish that were enough, but i'm learning that's not the case.
Do you know who your target customer is? Are your prices consistent with the amount of disposable income your target customer has to spend? Where are they and how are you going to dangle your product in front of them? What are they reading, wearing, and watching? What qualities do they value? How old are they? Married or single? Children or no children?
I'm still figuring this out myself, but the clearer vision you have of your ideal customer the easier it is to make decisions for your shop.

[TheRitzyMeow]

I think your work is absolutely freaking amazing! Looking at your sales and they look pretty darn good compared to many others that I've seen. Keep on trucking, I think you'll do great!

[Former_Member]

your work is beautiful and unique. Keep marketing, people love unique products. Please don't consider closing your shop!

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much for your lovely words both of you, it's very kind :o)

I will have a good long think about what you have said Mallory and try to answer those questions to make the appropriate changes. Thank you for your advice guys x

[Former_Member]

sam, don't feel alone if you don't know the answers to those questions.i don't know them for my shop :( I do not have aspergers but I struggle like mad with the same situation. I also get down and feel like "what am I doing wrong"? but alas, we are swamped by other jewelry shops here, and being original and different aren't exactly enough to be successful. you have more sales than I do, and haven't been open as long. that said, I am NOT ready to give up! yes some days I feel like I should, that is not enough cause to do so. keep on keeping on. feel good about those sales you have! like others have said....take a break from making (I know that's way hard sometimes) and work on selling whats in your shop! I love your shop name, and you have been one of my favorites for quite a while. best of luck, please hang in there! I saw that you got 2 sales after asking for help. good karma comes from good things!

[Former_Member]

I would definitely give it some more time. It takes awhile to establish yourself on Etsy - and even more so online since there are so many other shops and websites, but I'm a firm believer that if you work hard, it will pay off! :)

[LaBelleGifts]

Oh I remember your lovely shop, Sam ~ glad I popped into this post to check it out again, it's a treat looking at it :)

[LauraCColeCo]

It can be very discouraging but keep at it if you believe in it. You have to want it, love it, believe it or if you deep down do but on the surface aren't sure, "fake it". Have confidence. Its what I had to tell myself and now its been two years with BowPosh items being sold in stores in the US, not just online internationally. I even started my own name brand. It took a year of sleepless nights, but I stuck with my goals and kept chugging along :). The above have made some great points :)))). Hang in there!!!!!!!

[Former_Member]

trying so hard to make unique pieces all the time is kind of exhausting,
----------
It's more profitable to make repeatable items instead of only OOAK. You don't need to waste time on photos and listing them again + making a 2nd and 3rd always goes much faster.

For example, I see that you've sold a lot of the cookie necklaces. Why not offer more of them, in other colors?
I would do some analysis which of the items sell best, which ones get most views, and offer the same items again, as well as create similar items to those who are the most popular among customers. Let the market's demand lead you and show you which direction to take your shop.

[TerraRhapsody]

Mel has made a great point there. It's good to have a range of prices through your shop as well as items you can make again and again. Have simple things, have complex things, see what items are trending, try to get your items trending, look for craft fairs or local events or galleries you can also sell your work at.
There are still lots of things you can continue honing in your shop. If it makes you feel any better, I've had barely any sales on Etsy for the past few months. However, I've been working on my inventory for Christmas and upcoming craft fairs. I've also applied to a local gallery and have a number of my jewellery items on display. I think a gallery would be a perfect place to show off the incredible detail of your work. Your photos would only need to be for a portfolio then instead of touched up and listed etc.
Give it a try- seriously! You're located in Bath, right? Give this place a look: http://www.rostragallery.co.uk/

[xoxocrocheted]

Definitely don't give up :) You have tons of sales for just over a year! I hope I get that many :)