Is it because i'm a man

[ManmadeKnitting]

I love to knit and decided I would open a store to sell my work. After 7 weeks of having my store open I still have no sales.

I’m wondering if it’s because I’m a man knitting instead of a woman. I’ve promoted my work, took better photos after getting a light box to help me with that but still no sales. It’s becoming very disappointing and not sure what else I need to do to gain my first sale.

[niseylee]

I don't think that is the reason. Use the fact that you're a guy to your advantage.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Denise Lee Porter, I'm not sure what you mean by use it to your advantage.

[ByTheBayBeads]

I don't think it is that at all! I have read that sellers often wait months for their first sale. Also, you are in a market that is full of competition (lots of knits/crocheted items here) so you will have to work hard to stand out. I know that in my experience the more items I have added to my shop, the more my views have increased and my sales have begun to come more often. Best of luck to you!

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Megan G, so maybe come this time next year I will be selling, give it time and add more to my store.

[Former_Member]

Kevin, No it's not. Sales just take time. I didn't get a sale until my shop was three months old. I only listed about 10 to 20 items at the time. And I just promoted your shop on twitter. Do you use social media at all for promoting? Your shop is great, your pictures are clear, and your descriptions are good as well. Just keep in mind, the first three words of your title are the most important. Use all your tags and add as many items that you can create. The more items you have in your shop the better luck they are found in the search. Good luck with your shop!

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Amanda, yes I promote using the social media sites, thank you for tweeting my store. I do plan to add more products over the coming weeks and months.

[Purl1VintageToo]

You have some really nice things! One thing you might consider is using your sections to organize your shop a little. You could have headbands, gloves and mittens, toys or small items, etc.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Tammy, I'll look into doing that, didn't think in doing that.

[TEEsox]

I think it's great that a guy knits. Etsy is inundated with sellers, don't get discouraged and use Etsy as the during board to your business, not the only way to sell your product!
Good luck,
Teri

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Teri Drobnick, not the only way to sell?? I see many other people also doing the same so I guess I just have to hang in there and give it time.

[thelavenderpear]

Your shop is so nice. It took me forever to make a sale and I have a lot of hand knitted things… I think it's just hard to get noticed. Someone told me that putting up new items often and having a lot of items makes a big difference. I do notice that I have a lot more views and a few more sales now that I have more things. I still don't get how people have hundreds of sales… that is beyond me! Good luck and keep plugging away. It's not so easy.

[organicmountainwoman]

Hi Kevin-
Definitely give it some time. I think you should fill out your About section and totally rock it that you're a guy! Use it to your advantage....not too many men knit. You being an anomaly in the knitting world automatically makes you stand out. Work it! Perhaps add some manly scarves/hats/tams/whatever into your shop. It's hard to find a ton of Guy Gifts here on etsy. So guy stuff made by a guy...even more in demand. Know a manly lumberjack kinda guy? Get him to model your stuff.
Just a thought :)
Super duper best of luck!
P.S.- Your shop looks great! :)

[Former_Member]

It took me quite a while for my first sale, even when I had stinky photos.
I don't think it has anything to do with you being a male- infact I love that! I honestly do not know many men at all who knit! That is fabulous. I would absolutely put in some shop sections.
What type of lights are you using in your light box? You can even tough up your photos on Photoshop.com (Or if you already have photoshop) just to help your photos a bit more to compete with some of Etsy's other knitted shops.
Maybe add an about section? Just to show a couple photos of you in your workspace and maybe some of you knitting :) It is true, there are too many woman knitting! Use that to help make YOU unique! That is very important, especially here on Etsy. It helps you stand out in the crowd :)

[RainnRoseArt]

I dont think your gender as anything to do with it. I opened my shop in may of 2012 and didnt get my first sale until oct of 2012 and the second one I didnt get until the holidays.
sales take time. your photos are well done, your tags are well done as well. it just takes time, promote, sell at craft fairs, give your business cards out.
trading is a good way to start your business too, I wouldnt of done anything with my shop if trading hadnt been a thing. you can join trading teams on here, its a good way to get some feedback so customers can read reviews.
good luck!

[weekendjewelry1]

Kevin, the fact that you're a guy shouldn't hurt sales at all - it might help. But you do have to get noticed, that's the hardest part of selling on Etsy (or probably anywhere).

I do think your titles / tags etc, can be improved. I'm no expert - but will give you one example. You've got a knitted cap in your Featured Items row. For one thing, your title calls it "blue" - it looks purple to me. You might check other monitors? Or find a color name somewhere in between blue and purple... whatever's appropriate. And, experiment with tags. Some people will suggest you only use one-word tags. Other people will tell you the exact opposite. I do know that I'm more likely to search for a "purple knitted cap" than a "knit hat". Narrower niche - but more specific.

I'm sure people will have helpful tips for you - and you've got great items - good luck!

PS ETA to add... your Shop Announcement just says 'all things hand knitted". Which is better than nothing, but google *searches* that real estate. Put your keywords in there! Hand knitted caps and scarves, for example.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Pamela Bernstein yes I'll keep plugging away, I'm sure given time things will happen and I'll have my first sale.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Shannie I'd not thought of that, great idea, I'll look into doing things for men in the coming weeks.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Ashley Westfall I bought I light box from Amazon with the lights, sorry I couldn't tell you what they are, not sure if I could put a link to the item here. I do have photoshop but don't know much about it, still learning with that.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Ida Herter, I've looked at his website, some cool designs. I will work on a "about" page

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Devon Day, Not sure what "Trading teams are so I'll stay away from them for the time being.

[JudysLittleShop]

You've gotten some good advice. Some patience, more items, good SEO matching title and tag phrases, etc. Being a guy shouldn't be a drawback.

My first sale didn't happen for nearly a year and it was one notecard :)
Good luck, and many sales in your future.

[ManmadeKnitting]

Thank you Judy Mitchels, with writing this I've had my first sale, so over the moon.

[envydesignsjewelry]

Wow, your items are cool! Give it time. I didn't have my first sale for a couple of months. If I had some money in the bank right now I would buy a few things, Love the kitty toys!


Edited for spelling

[KiltedWoman]

Nice things, love the Celtic knot hats (of course I do!). Sales will happen for you, keep up the good work!