Solved: Re: Thoughts on closing.

Porzana · ‎09-23-2012

I'm thinking of giving up.

It's been three weeks since my last sale, with no end in sight. In the last two months, I've only made three sales. In July, my sales were up to 13 and I was so hopeful. Then nothing.

It's just too painful to work this hard and get no return. It's hard watching all my art gather dust as it is ignored day in and day out.

Even my friends and family aren't as supportive as they used to be.

I reached the magical 100 items - after which sales are supposed to start pouring in.

I've been here the magical one year - after which sales are supposed to start pouring in.

I raised my prices. I lowered them again.

I promote on Facebook, Wanelo, Tumblr, Wordpress, and about 5 Etsy Teams.

I'm more depressed now, following my dreams, than I have been in a very long time. Because I'm doing what I've always wanted to do and realizing that no one wants what I have to offer.

JanJat · ‎09-23-2012

DON'T CLOSE!!!

I agree with what others have said about holding out through the holidays if you can afford to. Beyond that I would still stay open :)

I have a few suggestions that might help...
1. You have a lovely, heart warming story about your possum which I would include in your profile and how it has inspired your art. As well, keep the links to other sites but I would put them right to the very end - you want buyers to stay in your shop as opposed to clicking out into the wide world of the internet to maybe never return. The other option here is to perhaps (if you can afford again) is to donate a percentage of your profits to a possum based charity. Then that information could actually be in your listings as well - you could make this a reciprocal relationship with the charity too.

2. You're pictures... There is a big thing here on Etsy about white backgrounds - as boring as it is. With your miniatures some of them are on white (the polar bear) which look good but the others are outside which is cute and maybe good for pic #2 but I would change the first shot to a white background. This would help treasury makers. I've seen loads of miniatures on the FP and there is no reason yours can't be there too!

3. Art... I would work on 'staging' your artwork.. The pictures you have are lovely (especially the close ups which are really cool) but when you get to the picture with the frame it's a bit unwhelming. Personally I would never put a black image into a brown frame - that's me. As well, I find that frame really heavy. But beyond that I would put the art in a frame (or not depending on the artwork) but then place it on a mantlepiece with some flowers, a coffee cup, even one of your miniatures. Basically something to show what the pieces would look like in a buyers house and a more 'clickable' or 'treasury-able' photo.

Beyond that I think your titles and tags are really good. The thing I've realized about the magic 100 is that it's not magic and I think it really works if all you are selling in 1 thing. 100 hats is fabulous, 20 hats/20mittens etc that adds to 100 is slightly different.

Don't get disheartened by people who dislike possums. Everyone is different with different experiences. I love german shepards - other people wont let them in the house. I have 3 cats and people are scared on them - even though they are the most gentle animals ever.

Keep going and do what you love. When you stop loving it then it is time to stop - not when the sales are down.

Good luck. I apologize this is soo long and probably full of spelling mistakes too :)

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Former_Member · ‎09-23-2012

There is no magic number of listings. There's a lot of hard work, frustration, retitling, retagging, and on my part, prayer that this is what I'm supposed to be doing.

No one ever said this was easy. My dad's been in business for himself for 35 years. He still has downtimes, even after all this time. I've been where you are. I know how much we attach ourselves to our own work.

I say keep going. You never know what's around the corner.

rusticcraftdesign · ‎09-23-2012

I just perused your shop---pictures look pretty good....

but i am instantly drawn to the possum oriented things. Especially the little figurines.

Then i see this awesome little figurine on the pumpkin for $25...but then this simple tree painting for $40....i don't mean to offend when i say simple---i'm sure i couldn't paint it =) But it is a fairly simple, plain painting as far as the comparisons between other painters---i almost feel (as a shopper) that i could paint that myself maybe! ...So anyways--beyond my long explanatory backstory---i think your painting prices are too high.
For a very detailed painting---$40 would be a steal----but for a very simplistic one---perhaps lower your price points?

...and perhaps group the possum themed things together by 'rearranging' in the shop

StarLightChildren · ‎09-23-2012

I have to tell you something.

I have a blight of possums living under my house. I hate them! (we won't go into details, but lets just leave at this...they are not warm and fuzzy creatures).

Your drawings are adorable, but that photo in your banner repulses me.
I'd change your banner, and use your ever-so delightful art up there instead.

rusticcraftdesign · ‎09-23-2012

^ i didn't notice the banner before...but i also agree with Rayh....

ThePlaidPineconeCo · ‎09-23-2012

I wish I could say something to magically make things better. I know how you feel to some extent as my sales were depressingly slow this summer. I'm sure it's much more personal when you create art (I sell vintage) and don't see the passion from customers that you feel for it. All I can say is that your work is lovely, your shop looks professional and smart, and I would at least wait until after the holidays are over to decide anything. Perhaps there will be some people purchasing your art as gifts.

I'd only recommend closing shop if you feel that the fees to create your art and renew your listings are causing you to lose money. My mother used to own a brick & mortar gift shop that she had to close after 4 years. She simply lost too much money due to high rent and no sales. If it's purely emotional, don't give up hope. These things take time. But if it's financial, then I understand that's a valid reason.

Porzana · ‎09-23-2012

Ouch - possum-hate!

Possums are warm and fuzzy creatures, just hopelessly misunderstood. I found an injured orphan baby last year and she has been with me ever since. She has turned many possum haters into people who love possums with her sweet nature.
I am part of a large possum rehabbing community on Facebook and my possum art has been one of my biggest hits.

When I first started this shop, I asked in the forums if people thought my possum name and theme would turn people off and the majority answer was no (actually, I don't think a single said that I should change those aspects of my shop)

Sam Squailia - I think you are right about my more simple paintings. Pricing my work has been one of my toughest challenges.

Former_Member · ‎09-23-2012

I notice that the owl in tree painting does not mention the size of the painting. That is something shoppers usually want to know.

I understand your frustration. It's really hard to do all this work with no return. But please don't give up. :)

ThePlaidPineconeCo · ‎09-23-2012

Mandy, personally, I think that since you're an artist you should incorporate that into your banner. I agree that possums are sweet but misunderstood animals, but that particular photo of the possum looks a bit menacing, and also doesn't show off your drawing skills. I think you should create a fresh, new banner using one of your possum sketches.

Former_Member · ‎09-23-2012

To me possums are scary - but only when they are mad or in pain. Humans can also be scary when they are mad or in pain. Otherwise, they can be the sweetest, cutest creatures, I agree, Mandy! And I think your shop is delightful! Like walking into a nature-inspired boutique. September I think has been a bit depressing for many of us as far as sales go... hang in there! At least through the holiday season! How are your tags and titles? That is something that can be worked on to garner views, for me, it has gotten me more views than any advertising. Like Jaime said, unless fees are drowning you, why not let the shop stay open?

PaperWhispers · ‎09-23-2012

Can I ask, have you tried to showcase your art in a gallery or art show?

Porzana · ‎09-23-2012

I guess I could stick it out through the holidays and see what happens.

I've taken all your advice, made some alterations to prices, and I changed my banner back to what it was before. I really never thought anyone would find that photo repulsive, but I guess it is a little creepy if you don't know what the rest looks like.... and if you hate possums.

Porzana · ‎09-23-2012

Ruby--

I've done a few festivals in which I tried to sell my art, but none were hugely successful. The last one I did was in June and I only sold one item. It was to the owner of the venue and I suspect it was a pity-buy.

My town isn't exactly the art-center of the universe either. In fact... the art scene is fairly non-existent. The art galleries we have tend to only show the art of students at the college.

HeidiMillustration · ‎09-23-2012

i have never seen a possum, they look cute to me.
I would say don't give up, you have some lovely items in your shop.
An idea would be to try a few stalls/ art fairs especially around Christmas time, this could help give you straight feedback from customers and may help you in your Etsy shop

CatherineMarissa · ‎09-23-2012

Is there a noticeable pattern to what's selling? If there are a few items or styles that seem more loved, I would focus on creating and featuring those.

If you can afford to (financially & psychologically) ride out the holiday season, I would do that. Once the season is over, you can reevaluate whether or not Etsy is working for you.

Rather than closing up shop, you could always take an extended vacation. I have taken off 1-2 months multiple times and that's worked well for me emotionally.

StarLightChildren · ‎09-23-2012

You should see how the 30 pound males fight...knocking things over in my patio...rolling over everything, the female they're fighting over, cats and humans alike, in a Roman-Greco wrestling hold...

JulieEllisDesigns · ‎09-23-2012

What would you do with your time if you quit Etsy? That's what I keep asking myself, and my answer is - keep making jewelry. While I get views from twitter and all those other social networks, I've never had sale result from one of them. Maybe back off a little bit and try not to be so obsessed (like I usually am), and relax. Etsy is a very inexpensive place to show and sell your work. If this is what you love to do, don't give up!! Good luck to you!!

Porzana · ‎09-23-2012

I guess it's been hard because when I first opened, I felt like I had a lot of support - both from people I know and people I didn't know (at the time).

The longer I stay open and the more feedback I get... it's beginning to feel like no one actually likes my art (except for a few, apparently tasteless, people like me).
And that fact makes me feel stupid for continuing to stay open. I feel like people look at my shop and shake their heads thinking, "Who does she think she is? Why is anyone letting her stay open? How, in all this time, has no one told her she's horrible and she should give up immediately?!"

ThePlaidPineconeCo · ‎09-23-2012

Mandy, have you ever worked an art show/craft fair? No matter what you sell plenty of people will either ignore you or stop to look, then walk on by.

My candles smell ah-mazing but I can't tell you how many hundreds of people have walked right by me without a second glance at a show, or even smelled one of my best scents and turned their nose up at it, telling me it smells awful.

Same with my writing. I have a Masters in English, yet I get rejected all of the time by publishers. Rejection is part of the game when you put yourself out there. It doesn't mean you're not any good, it just means the person looking isn't interested.

JulieEllisDesigns · ‎09-23-2012

Jaime is right. Sometimes it's hard to find your target market. There was an article in a blog many months ago about how to find your target market and what to do once you have found it. I'll see if I can find that when I get home from church and share it with you. With all the sellers there are on Etsy, we must have thicker skin. Not everyone likes what we do, or even what we like. And I do know how rejection hurts....

Former_Member · ‎09-23-2012

Mandy from PossumTree says

I guess it's been hard because when I first opened, I felt like I had a lot of support - both from people I know and people I didn't know (at the time).

The longer I stay open and the more feedback I get... it's beginning to feel like no one actually likes my art (except for a few, apparently tasteless, people like me).
And that fact makes me feel stupid for continuing to stay open. I feel like people look at my shop and shake their heads thinking, "Who does she think she is? Why is anyone letting her stay open? How, in all this time, has no one told her she's horrible and she should give up immediately?!"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

STOP THAT!
Your drawings are wonderful!
Your little figurines are fantastic!
I think you need more close-ups!

Remember, Van Gosh only sold one painting in his life time....don't give up!

LeChaim · ‎09-23-2012

Mandy, I love your miniatures, they are sooo cute! Have you ever thought about making necklaces, rings, key chains with these miniatures? or making cards or other paper goods with your drawings? I love possums, wish I can have one someday, now I have a pet ferret :)

KriyaDesign · ‎09-23-2012

Pre Etsy, I sold gift items on my own website. And couldn't make it work. Then came the handbags, solid gold jewelry and sterling silver and what not in between. I only sold 2 items a week. I kept on testing. Okay my morale was in between up there and back down and went up again. But what would I do anyway. I am not cut out for 9 to 5. I'd die if I have to sit on one spot for 8 hours. Years of this. A decade.

Then I took a break. Worked part time. Planting tree and plants. No no not sitting on one spot. Then found Etsy. 6 months with no sale, or maybe one to two sale a month. But this time around, I am ready. When I took a sabbath I worked on myself too.

The morale of this lengthy story (pardon me) is keep testing. Maybe Etsy is not for you, maybe... not a certainty. Who knows what's in store for you. Let the store open and go about finding another venues too; online and off line.

Or maybe tweak your style a bit. Or add more of those adorable possum. Melanie said necklaces, ring, key chains (I love this one), cards, etc.

I love possum by the way. Have seen one walking right in front of me. Leisurely crossing the street :-), not even looking left and right. What was it thinking!

Former_Member · ‎09-23-2012

I think your prices are good! I think less would make them look not worth buying. Everyone will have an opinion, you don't have to agree! I love your bottles, very pretty. Maybe rearrange by rows, a row of paintings, a row of bottles, it would appeal to lots, I think. Since I rearranged my shop, people that look at my shop tend to stay longer and click on more. Also, it shows at a glance your different types of items.

Former_Member · ‎09-23-2012

i only looked at a few of your items for sale, but i LOVE them all! (especially the trick or treater possum figure!) i also love possums and find them absolutely adorable. have faith in yourself and your talents. i find that patience is the most difficult things in my day to day life. i strive to figure out how to find it! i dont have the most successful shop on here, but i refuse to give up. i love your story that you rescued a baby possum. i am also a animal rescuer, i have saved many baby birds and even a full grown hawk once (i also have a pretty bad case of bird fear! so i dont know why its always me who finds the hurt ones)
anyways...i in my humble opinion say, HANG IN THERE. i have found getting to know people you admire here on etsy (for whatever reason) can leas to sales, and or friendships and that can really keep you going when youre down. look for support here, and you will find it!
youre a gem :)
<3 erin