What if I like to sell random items?

I am a renaissance woman and I like to create a little of everything - hence the random assortment of items in my shop. I started with jewelry and have wandered off... I'm afraid of committing to jewelry alone. What do I do with all of the other lovely things I create? ; )

Maybe I need a shop titled "Everything But the Kitchen Sink" or "The Junk Drawer"... Joking.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
27 Replies
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Put them all in. It will sort it's self out in time. Maybe that will mean a second shop at some point. Or maybe not. I can't limit myself either. You need to be who you are.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I think you're actually right about your little joke. Maybe the best way to brand yourself when you seem to have a million different things you want to sell is just to sell a million different things! Sometimes the best "niche" to have might be not having a niche at all!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Thank you! You just made me smile after a difficult day. I needed the reminder to be me too.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Maybe on the description of the shop you can start with "Kite Flier: Everything Under the Sun." I have a similar problem, in that I'm attracted to just about anything floral. So I started with my floral photography and am introducing other craft items I enjoy like cards, frames, dessert stands...

Good luck.

Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Love your shop. I love having random items. There are so many different projects to try and it's so much fun to have a variety of talents to use.

I totally agree with Nicolette.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

If Vintage shops can get away with it, surely everyone else can!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I know, right?!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Im the same Lydia with lots of interests and since turning the Tv off 4 years ago some more skills .Hence my shop name. My logo is assisting asmile to creep to your face.I like everything but the kitchen sink as a shop name.I got mine by brainstorming my husband at a thai resturant-we ran out of water and the waiter was busy so it was a funny night that has defined my shop.It helped me clarify the goals of the shop and who I am. Best wishes to you Debbie
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I understand!

I have so much randomness in my shop too! I just keep creating what I want, and I figure it'll sort itself out over time, like Ewe said.

You don't have to limit yourself if you don't want to! It's YOUR shop!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I love to do lots of things, too. I use the different sections, and I organize by write so my shop doesn't look too crazy. I don't want to do only one or two things. I would get bored!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
KriyaDesign
Inspiration Seeker

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I'd say go for it. I feel the same way. For now jewelry. I've have sketches of clothes mainly ruffle tops since high school. That was lonnngg time ago *giggle*. I just need to brush up my sewing skills and all that is which is super rusty.

I love the idea of doing whatever you feel like doing. Creative nudges know no limit.

Why not... you never know.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I don't think there's anything wrong with selling a variety of different items in one shop. I know I don't have the time for multiple shops and I'd rather not put my focus in just one area. That said, I've had a few ideas that I've tried that I probably won't try again. :) I'm hoping the variety will work to my advantage over the long run as people combine more items together to save on shipping and they can get several different types of items from me ;) I think it's really important to have a fairly cohesive look overall in your shop and to use your sections well.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
lippybrand
Inspiration Seeker

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I opened a second shop called "lippyrandom" for this reason. When I started adding random stuff to my baby shop it seemed detrimental. But now I dont work on my second shop at all so im just going to let the listings expire. And save my random things for the local craft sales this fall.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
thevicagirl
Inspiration Seeker

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I think you may find out what it is that really sales and does well if you have a lot of different things. I do actually like the idea.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I don't see a problem with collecting all your good ideas in one place - photography can work wonders! Just make sure all your photos are cohesive and in the same style. Even if the items are totally different, they will look like they were made to be together!!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I'm with you Lydia: I can't stop making different things ;-) And I love it. BUT I don't think we will become super sellers with it. Most of the items are one of a kind and so we can't create really bestsellers. And it's difficult to promote such a shop.

I decided to make some items again and again. My dog bowls and my ebook cases for example. And the rest is for fun ;-))
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Same here. I've got an 'eclectic assortment of items', to put it nicely. ;-)
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Your photos are so unique!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
HORD
Inspiration Seeker

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I constantly weigh up this problem - but I just remind myself of my brand concept which is applying my art & illustration to a variety of objects. I can't really manage the time for another shop (I do share another shop, but we manage the work load).

I reckon stick to it! You may notice that your sales are coming from specific items and it's up to you whether you want to follow the trend of your customers. It may be that you find your brand settles into specific items too - just follow your heart and creativity!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I will say this to you, follow our bliss and so what feels right, at least from all the comments you can see that several people are in you shoe. Here is my story, I opened by shop to sale jewelry and now I am making most of my sales from my Handwoven scarfs. I never imagined that the will do well but hey, so my suggestion is make it clean tag them in a way where you can be found for most of your items. For me I still have my jewelery on my shop but most of the colors of the stone are similar to the yarn color of the scarves so it kind of work as some will choose from each craft. This has allowed more listing views to my shop and many convo me regarding wholesale so give it a try and make it simple . Best of luck and happy sales from Ethiopia.

Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

Do it! Don't let yourself be tied down if it doesn't feel right. My shop is based on color. I have lots of different types of items, but they are all bright and happy, so I think it feels cohesive.

Find your vibe and stick to it, no matter how many types of things that vibe includes.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I have had this same issue! It was so discouraging to hear heymichelle, knickey, or daniellexo say you need to find one item to sell and sell it well. I mean, it makes sense but I feel I can get good making a wide range of items! I don't want to make nothing but vinyl record bowls the rest of my etsy career!

So the way I'm trying to make my shop cohesive is my making items that you can STORE stuff in and then a few items that match their containers (stuff you can put iNside).
My shop is called N'store for this reason (partially). I havent expanded past the record bowls yet but I hope that when I do people will get the idea.

none the less it's really great seeing all the people on here who have the same issue!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

you're welcome to have whatever kind of shop you like :)

that said, you'll sell more if your shop is cohesive. I know no one likes to hear that, but it is just the nature of business. You don't have to only sell one item to be cohesive -- your branding can be as simple as having a photography style. Look at successful vintage shops -- they have a range of items by nature, but the good ones choose a particular era, and photograph their items in a similar manner.

The reason why cohesive shops tend sell more is because their items will attract the same type of customer. If your shop is cohesive, when someone wanders in because they like your necklace, they will probably also like your scarf, for example. Or if you focus on wedding items, a bride-to-be may find lots of things she likes that she wouldn't have thought to look for. It gives you multiple opportunities to sell to the same person, while also making your overall shop more appealing to that individual.


That said, having a variety of items allows you to "test the water" and find out what
the market is like for any given item. But over time, you'll most likely find that the majority of your sales come from the same few things over and over. Even if you don't narrow your offerings, your customers will likely do it for you ;)
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
sadiesez
Inspiration Seeker

Re: What if I like to sell random items?

I do think you sell less if you're a *variety store* , that being said; I could never work on just one thing-- it's just not who I am. The monotony of doing one thing over and over does not appeal to me-- I have a "day job" that takes care of that and it is how I pay my bills. I might feel differently if I were an artist full time...
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Reply
You must log in to join this conversation.
Remember that posts are subject to Etsy's Community Policy.