I Need Advice!

[Former_Member]

There are so many items I love to create but I'm not exactly sure what I should sell. I started off with ONE shop that I sold rainbow loom bracelets and charms, painted wooden crafts, jewelry, knitted items, dog treats, hand painted greeting cards, and digital photography. Of course this sounds like A TON OF STUFF. And I had multiple people telling me that my shop was all over the place. Finally I started to see what everyone was talking about. It just looked unorganized. So... just recently I opened two Etsy shops. One shop sells jewelry and the other one sells anything made with looms (my rainbow loom stuff and my knitted stuff). It just sucks because there's a lot of other stuff I'd like to sell. What do you think I should do? Did I do the right thing by opening two shops? Does anyone else have this similar problem? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[ButterflyFeetDigital]

My honest opinion is that you should decide what you love and do best and focus on that because you can't put the time and effort into everything and be successful at anything. Two shops isn't bad, but get them going well before you consider more. That's just my opinion.

[HoneyThistle]

I think having a focus in your shops will definitely help you establish a brand and an audience. I struggle with this myself sometimes in that I love making jewelry, but I sometimes wonder if I should have one aesthetic for my work (i.e. just all miniature polymer clay or all metalwork) and I'm still thinking about it.

However, by choosing one type of look/product to focus on, it will allow you to really develop your craft skill in that area which will help you differentiate your shop and products later on. Hope this helps!

[Mzcarley]

You could use shop sections in your shops. I know what you mean. There is a lot of things that I want to make for my shop too and they are all different types of crafts.

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Pick something that you want to do wholeheartedly and then pursue it completely. I see that you only have 14 items in your jewelry shop - not nearly enough! When you work to fill a shop completely (well over 100 items) and have consistent sales you will notice that you become more proficient / better at what you do. You can develop more artistic flair, betters ways of making your items, becoming more inventive, etc. Give yourself the chance to improve in one area instead of being a bit scattered selling many different types of items.

Use your "other" areas of interest to make things for yourself, your friends, your pets - not to try and sell each...

[StuckOnSilver]

Kourtney, fabulous launch!

I agree, concentrate on what you love to do. Sell items at craft shows and listen closely to feedback. I suggest you include your other shop(s) in your about page so your other work is easy to find.

Rock on!!

[JewelMeShop]

One more supporter for concentrating on what you love because it's the best motive to run a shop.
In my opinion shops should be as cohesive as possible, so a second shop is the best solution if you have the time/energy needed to devote.

[Former_Member]

I agree, it's so difficult to stick to one type of product when your a creative person. I love making and trying out every kind of craft going.

I have two Etsy shops, but tend to favour my original, KnitADeeDooDah. I spend most of my time on this shop.

I could probably open many different types of shops, but would definitely lose focus on my original brand and not have the time to make any of them extra special.

[LydiasWeb]

Kourtney, I think you've made the right start with your two shops. both are looking great to me. You're the best! Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I think you made a good decision by choosing to open up another shop. However I would agree with those on this thread who have said it's best to choose your absolute favorite products (the ones that you really have a passion for) and go for those. Making sure your shop has a simple focus and isn't all cluttered is great.
Hope this helps... Good luck!! <3