If someone gave you $500 to invest on your business...

[#1]

Hey guys! I don't know if this question's been asked before... I stumbled upon this http://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2014/12/how-to-have-your-best-year-yet-a-big-announcement/ post by an Etsy seller/member https://www.etsy.com/people/BlacksburgBelle?ref=owner_profile_leftnav about growing your business, and the first strategy that's suggested is to invest in your business. So... I was wondering:

a. What was the best investment you made on your Etsy business?
b. Or, if you're a fledling seller like me, if someone gave you $500 to invest, or $50 for that matter, how would you spend it?

Thanks for sharing!

[Former_Member]

A camera, fabric and lots of it, and advertising. Now if only I could find an extra $500.

[TiganiSoul]

The best investment was the money I spent on getting my banners, business cards, facebook banner, and avatars branded and looking professional.

[MissTanDesigns]

Website Hosting, More Supplies, More Inventory for sure.

[NataBurgos]

Some shelves to put my fabrics, a few supplies and I would list more things in my shop. I would love a photographer for my stuff, because I don't enjoy that part so much.

[Former_Member]

I used some of my money set aside for Christmas to invest in myself & my business. I bought a nice camera on Black Friday, one I've been wanting, and I'll use it to start taking pictures of my vintage items that I plan to sell (in a different shop, of course!) I also bought some fabric for my prim santas that I sell off-line, more memory sticks (who can have too many of those?!???!!!) and I bought a TV for the bedroom- I know, it's not really business, but I design on my computer in the bedroom, and I enjoy listening to tv when I work. Sadly, the TV will go back this weekend sometime- it's a poor picture and it's way to loud. I'll wait until I have enough $ to buy a better one! All "I" wanted for Christmas was the magazine "Where Women Create Business" (for my business!!) and a knitting loom :-D Otherwise, I marked everything else as things I wanted for my business!

Christmas is the perfect time for some things, between the fact that you get GIFTS and can ask for things you wanted, there is also the black friday sales- if you do it right, you can really make out! My camera was $100 off, PLUS it came with the SD card and a camera case! Same with my fabric, I bought it for over 75% off! Better than a new blender or jewelry item- my goodies will make me enough money (hopefully!) to buy myself those things in the future (God willing) !

[Former_Member]

SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist 600-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Extension Table, Bonus Accessories and Hard Cover

[Ankleknits]

I would buy yarn yarn and more yarn.

[Former_Member]

Oh so many things! Silver wire and a tumbler, classes to expand my skills and a marketing/promoting masterclass sound good too. I'd prefer it if I could hire someone to do my marketing actually, but $500 doesn't sound like it'll last very long!

[BlackCatStudio98]

A) My best investment is my inventory. I have build up a good supply of well supplies so that most of the time I have what I need. However there is always more to buy!

B) If someone gave me $500 I would be torn between putting it towards a camera and a small kiln.

[mathuhmatics]

I'd put a 1/3 towards inventory & the rest towards marketing.

[Former_Member]

To be completely honest, I'd put it towards rent. I *might* buy a 50mm lens, but I need to catch a break from rent more than I need that.

[ModernSwitch]

A vacation.

[Former_Member]

I'd probably rent a table at a comic convention, split about $100 between photography tools/skills and art supplies, and put all of the rest into marketing.

[Former_Member]

A mannequin with ear holes. And a motor scooter.

[Former_Member]

I would definitely invest in a nice camera! I wish I had one, I only have my phone and IPad mini. Good pictures, but not amazing.

[CoolGiraffe]

$50 - supplies (most likely), but I'd use $500 to buy equipment needed for new techniques or refurnish the studio. The Christmas gifts I received this year were all shop related, so I can move some things up the wish list!

[GatheringStars]

Copper, and beads. Nice big beads.

[susanstacey09]

I would hire an assistant to help me photograph and post my jewelry so I could spend my time on marketing my shop.

[Former_Member]

Probably a better camera and lighting supplies

[MuttsnBones]

Best invest...my sewing machine. What I would do with 500.00, buy a better camera.

[Former_Member]

Big piles of fabric..hehe :)

I need a rotary cutter and mat too..

[Mzcarley]

If I was given $500 I would not spend it right off the bat I would save the money. I would open up a bank account (with a debit card) just for my business and put all the money there. save the money for a rainy day when I need something for my business.

[maydaylabels]

a. committing to product photography was the best investment, I think (although the Dymo is a close second)
b. $500 won't do it, but I could put $50,000 or so to really good use.

[JesseBlauwhof]

I think I would use it to put in new machines for my workshop. The more machines, the less I have to do by hand, so that would save me time and would save money as well.
Hopefully I will start selling soon, and I can start investing with the money I earn.

[Former_Member]

I'd hire a professional photographer, a business accountant/tax guy to make sure I'm doing it right, and supplies to add to my product line if there was any money left over.