How often do you get discouraged?

[#1]

Not even just in sales- also in the "is this the right thing for me?"

I have only had my store for 2 or 3 months. I've made 13 sales, which I think is okay/good for my genre. Since I've been open I have been on an emotional roller coaster! Falling in love with fabrics, being dejected after listing something I just know people will love. Excitement over a sale or being featured in a treasury. Wondering if doing this and taking time/money away from my family is the right thing. Seeing how much other people are selling; stressing about pricing and budgets...

Don't get me wrong- I love it!!! But I am just wondering if all these emotions are normal and if so, how long do they last? Do they ever regulate?

[CCreativeVisions]

Every day and I have had my shop 5 years.Granted maybe the first and second year I had no idea what I was doing and it showed in my pictures in my tags,etc.

I started reading the sellers handbook and doing what it said, posting to facebook, joining groups, posting new items regularly and before I new it I had a sale.
It was only one through Esty but things were hapening elsewhere.

So as one post said promoting other places seems to be the key.
By the way I love your shop.

[MadMeadow]

I don't know very many people who don't get discouraged on a semi daily basis and some of them make killer sales in my eyes. I think we are all our worst critics at times. In a few months you've had more sales than I have since I opened my shop over a year ago. I just keep making, keep listing, and try to find little things I can do to make my chances better. I'm not giving up and you should definitely not give up. Your work is great! Especially the clothes! I'd love to dress my two girls in your designs! :)

[Former_Member]

I know how you feel. I feel that very often too, just like other sellers. All we can do is to learn how to promote our shop I guess. I heard sales will pick up from now on, let's hope it will happen. Good luck to all of us! We are lucky to have so many supportive members here!

[PennyBirchWilliams]

I get discouraged about low views and no sales, but not about whether I belong here. I know I do! and I'm in it for the long term. Whatever it takes, however long it takes. Just keep on learning and moving forward.

[Former_Member]

Regularly I start to get discouraged and then something good happens. Today I have had so few views its not funny and only 2 favourites! feeling a bit down right now, but i know something good will be happening

[Former_Member]

I get discouraged right after a sale, because somehow I expect more sales! Weird, I know. But I get all excited when I make something I really like and list it. Then I get a little discouraged if no-one even looks at it! Maybe I'm a little needy ;) My husband is awesome and encourages me all the time <3

[Former_Member]

I am so glad to hear that the way I feel is normal. I have had my shop about 2 years and probably average one sale per month. I am always struggleing with some aspect of my shop. Right now it is the pricing. I sometimes think I'm priced too high and I lower them. Then I look and say, "Hey, my products are worth more than that," and I raise them. I guess I need some very honest shop critiques. If anyone is willing I would greatly appreciate it.

[1AEON]

I have a poop day on etsy: numbers are down like 1/4 what I'm use to. Sales are down, and I can't complete 21 orders plus wholesale orders because of the delays caused by this holiday and UPS lack of workers. Also getting married in 2 days so if you are married , you know the stress and preparation comes with it. BUT it's just the current situation, that can change in any minute, and I have to say I had my second best month in August since I started in 2006. So nothing to worry, even i do make a living from etsy and I do have a ton to loose. Just keep your head high!
People going back to school, to work and mid Sept should pick up again!
AIM HIGH!!!!!!!!
gabe/1Aeon

[Former_Member]

I get discouraged a lot because I have yet to have a sale since getting back into Etsy. There are so many people knitting and crocheting that it is super hard to stand apart.

[Former_Member]

I get discouraged when I see my bank statement...

[Former_Member]

@ Kathy, I think you need to brighten your pictures and choose a background that suits your style and items.

[Former_Member]

REALLY frustrated right now.

[ShadyLaneDesignz]

Yep, I get discouraged most every day as well. I am putting all my hope into the upcoming holiday season....plus doing some craft shows. I do pretty well at craft shows and get so many compliments from the people I meet there, so that always ups my confidence!

[Former_Member]

@ Elizabeth, I know the feeling...

[Former_Member]

I get a lot of nervous moments. I am not discouraged yet because I know a business takes time. I do sometimes feel like I am on a wild roller coaster sometimes though.

I feel that in my jewelry I have the opportunity to express a deep part of me that I do not always expose. I am able to have fun with colors and be as wild as I want. If you really express your true personality, there are some feelings tied to views and likes and sales. But, I also know that my jewelry may not be everyone's cup of tea. I always hope it resonates with people though.

That said, I am a total stat-a-holic.

[Former_Member]

Thanks so much Katie. I will definately work on that. Do you have any suggestions for my background? I used to have a print that had small pink rose buds on a white background. What do you think about that?

BTW I love your shop and items!

[RelovedAttic]

What a great thread...having a discouraging week after a good August. This truly is an ebb & flow business with lots of up and downs. Working on some new ideas and items, hoping for a great fall for ALL the creative and hard working people on Etsy!

[Former_Member]

Every day. I check my stats rather often and get really disappointed when I discover that nothing's changed since the last time I checked. But, I'm also easily excited. I still smile and get hopeful whenever I get a favorite or a treasury. Today, I was thrilled when one of my items that I just listed not two hours before was featured in a treasury. It's those little things that keep me going, I think.

[CindersJewelryDesign]

All the time! Lol. I just had a woman cancel an order the day after she bought it because the shipping time from Australia to America would take too long. I even offered to register it for free, which would be 20 dollars out of my pocket! Not cool.
September has sucked for sales so far. August was good, but I'm not in a good etsy mood at the moment. *Grumble*

[Former_Member]

I have been open since the end of June. I still have no sales over 200 views but no sales,but I know I am going to make this a success! Just hang in there!

[philosophiacreations]

I get frustrated probably once or twice a week. When I was doing this full time, though, I felt frustration much more often. Now that I've started looking at maintaining this store as more of a hobby once again, it's taken huge amounts of pressure off of me.

[Former_Member]

Oh my goodness- thank you so much to everyone!! I am so amazed at everyone's stories- thank you so much for sharing. It is always so nice to hear similar experiences and realize that I am not crazy. lol Reading each post I kept thinking, "Yep, I do that, too!"

You all are wonderful and it is truly great to be part of such a supportive community. Starting my business I never considered that I would be entering into a group of wonderful people. I am so glad I posted this last night!

[Former_Member]

EVERYDAY!!!
Sometimes, I don't have any sales in almost a month and it's really depressing....

[Former_Member]

@1AEON congratulations on getting married! I know the stress, keep your head high and don't stop breathing then everything is gonna be all right! Wishing you a lovely day!
And for the discouragement, well, sometimes a good night sleep is all the difference you need. The more you focus on what you don't have under control: the reaction of potential buyers, the more frustrated you get. Stepping back and focussing on what you CAN do, working on your shop and items helps me turning the corner to a more possitive additude.

[Former_Member]

Yes, I too get discouraged-and I admit to jealousy, especially when people online constantly chat about how wonderful other peoples work is, and they wait to purchase her work...anyway, yes, I too need encouragement.
I see so much work that is "assembled" and stuff that is bought at craft store and "attached" and that's it. As time goes by, I am focusing on more metalsmithing work, but have to realize that work is purely for my own satisfaction, and will ot be selling on Etsy. Also I think too many people underprice their work and it leads to expectations on the part of the consumer, and there is something to be said for pricing your own work fairly. When I do open studios and such, if I see work "jammed otgether" I think it devalues the work, but that's just my 2cents!

Sorry guys, guess I'm just being bitter and twisted atm!end of tonights rant!