Post Vacation Funk

[SandyRubinJewelry]

Things prevacation were starting to really pick up. I was getting multiple orders and even more inquiries before leaving. I put my shop on Vacation Mode and now that I'm back, well, I'm finding it really hard get my groove back.

I've picked up with all the commenting, liking, and following, as well as some promoting. I have a couple treasuries I plan to post later today & 2 new items for the week.

I've never put my shop on hold before. What's your experience with coming back after a vacation? How long does it take to get ramped back up?

Really appreciate any input as I'm trying not to get discouraged!

[ShadyLaneDesignz]

I went on vacation mode once and picked right back up where I left off.

[SandyRubinJewelry]

I'm just not getting the same traffic to my page. Did your traffic slow down any when you were gone?

[Former_Member]

be patient. that's the best advice for most every problem :) I think youre doing exactly what you should be doing, being active and social. I had this happen to me, I put my shop on vacation for just 2 days, and actually brought an order with me (in case I had time to find a post office in Orlando. I did not.haha) so I had a good week before leaving. came home, turned my shop back on, shipped the package.that was feb 27th. then I had favorites and views (and I stayed very active in my teams, and favoriting, and ordering supplies) and didn't get another sale in my shop until the 28th, then had 2 more (3 orders in 3 consecutive days, which is a first for me!!) I just looked at my order history, and I did forget about a small sale on the 12th. I sell my handmade beads for a pretty low price, so it slipped my mind.
anyways, give it a week or two, and stay active, and you are sure to get back into that groove.
another trick I have to stay positive when im getting down about things, is to work on small projects/organizing supplies/editing listings/etc, get those little tedious things done that are easy to put off.
I surely hope this helps. I get to ranting sometimes
<3 erin

[SandyRubinJewelry]

Thanks Erin! You're absolutely right about being patient. I know there isn't a clear answer as to when exactly it will pick back up. It's just nice to know/hear that I'm not alone!

You had a great idea about working on the smaller projects. I've been meaning to change some of my tags, reorganize my supplies, and play with my listings. I'll make a point to do those today!! Great idea & thanks for the suggestions!

[Former_Member]

you are so welcome! I put those sort of things off, and when im feeling sad, I think of that silly quote I keep hearing, " I stop being sad, and start being awesome". lol. I thinks its very insightful, and fixing those little things, often makes a BIG difference
:)

[SandyRubinJewelry]

Erin, I LOVE THAT QUOTE! I'm going to post that in my workspace. :-)

Can I ask one other question? I noticed in your shop you had a good amount of feedback. This is something else I've been struggling with. Would you attribute your feedback to any one thing in particular that you are doing?

[NeatoKeen]

I put my shop on vacation for 3 separate weeks this year and, while my sales seemed to pick right back up, my placement in the Relevancy searches has been abysmal since I've been back open. So I've learned to be less concerned about Relevancy search. Erin's advice is spot on...hang in there. You are doing everything right!

[Former_Member]

hmm, ive never thought about it. I always give positive feedback as quickly as I can. im also almost too nice, as I will admit to blatantly lying once. I got something that was suspiciously cheap, but took a chance, and it smelled like cigarettes so bad! it still smells a little, and I got it before Christmas. (its also a childrens item, so I thought it almost mean not to admit it) it was a nasty surprise, but...I took a chance, and she lost money by charging me too little for shipping. all that said, I couldn't find it in my heart to leave negative feedback. I honestly don't know why. haha. maybe that had something to do with it? I also try not to just say thank you, I mention all the good points of that transaction (shipping, price, customer service, the item itself, packaging, etc) all of those aspects go into each one of my shop listings, so I try to recognize that, even just in that 80 characters or whatever it is, In the comment part. I feel like that little bit can go a long way. I also love reading someones heartfelt comment left for me. those have made my week sometimes.
on top of all that though, I think my volume of purchases ive made here, all with very positive feedback left for them, may also have attributed to it. I also never hesitate to ask sellers questions, or just reach out to them to say, I love your things, for so and so reasons. most times I cant afford them, but (especially handmade dolls of any kind) I love to let them know, hey your item is unique and special, and you have great talent! im believing more everyday, that good deeds done here directly brings good things right back to you. there is such a beautiful community here, if you look for it. and ive made such good friends in such a short time
its funny, I have a eerily good memory at times, that quote (though im sure not originally) is from neil Patrick harris.haha. :)
my other top loved quotes (that I will have in my workspace,if and when I can find one : / )
-be yourself, everyone else is already taken
-be happy with what you have, and you will always have plenty to be happy about
-do what you love, love what you do

[SandyRubinJewelry]

Thanks Neato for the kind words!! Building back can be really daunting!

Erin, You've been such an incredible inspiration! Thank you so much for your kind words, wisdom, and assistance! I like the additional quotes you sent me. Will definitely put them in my workspace too! Having a space with good vibes is so important!

[Former_Member]

aww shucks :) you are so welcome. this is a great team for pick me ups and kind words when you need them. just ask! :)
and I couldn't agree more. im one of those people who always have a book/calendar/journal/etc on me, to write them down when I find those super special quotes!