What to do with so much inventory?

[Former_Member]

I really don't know how well people are doing with their sales. I for one am at a loss for words. I had a craft show recently and I had nothing much to write home about. It was an okay day. But now I am stuck with a lot of inventory.

I know I have to list them up on etsy so somebody will see it but its the money factor again. I am listing new items and relisting the old. But there is no inflow to my account. I had a coupon code for 25% off on all my items....its still valid until tonight Nov 13, 2011. I had it up on various etsy forums, I put it up on facebook, page, tweeted about it but the only sale I made was through a friend and that too locally.

Thinking of a black friday sale...but what now? What do I do with so much inventory? I am so frustrated....I don't have my creative juices flowing anymore!

[Former_Member]

The best thing you can do is list it. You only have 46 items listed - that's not bad but it's not a whole lot. The more you list the more opportunities people have to find you. Even if you have 100 items to list that's only $20. I know that seems like a lot, but you can make that back in one sale - and you don't have to list all at once - do 10 a week - that's $2 a week. Listing is the most inexpensive most efficient way there is to promote - get all that good stuff out there!

[kickglassenamels]

Can you find a consignment gallery willing to take some of them? If they sell, you get a percentage which is better than nothing. If not, you can always list them on etsy.

And add some new items to your etsy page if you can manage it. People like to be able to make a choice. If you put a link to the rest of your shop in each listing, somebody who looks at one listing can easily end up looking at your shop.

[LovgrenandDaughter]

There have been mixed comments regarding "Heartsy" but as I understand, they offer at a significant markdown as may help you move some inventory. And Black Friday/Cyber Monday is right around the corner :)

[Former_Member]

My sales have been down this week but I'm listing away anyway. It will only take one or two sales to pay for the listings. The more listings I have the more opportunities for someone to see just the beads they are looking for.

[TwiggyandOpal]

I agree. List them. If I had more product, I'd get it in my shop! You have a better chance of sales with more, more, more! Good luck!

[HandcraftedSerenity]

After you list them, try putting them on Pintrest. I have gotten a lot more traffic since posting my jewelry there. Not a lot of sales from it (YET, hopefully) but it is free and growing quite a bit.

[Former_Member]

Thank you so much to each of you for taking time and helping me! I guess I need to add more items. Like somebody once mentioned....hit a 100 on your listing and then you will see some sales.
@ Nina- Thats a nice tip about a consignment gallery. Will look into it and add an extra sentence about choices in my store. Yes I should do it!

@R.Rizzi - Yup, $20 is not a big deal if you look at the big perspective. Thank you for making me look at the glass as half full and not half empty!

@ Mary Anne Flesch - I do put them on Pinterest...but I don't have anybody liking them. But yes, I guess be patient, who knows...somebody will stumble upon it! And yes I do use stumble too :-)

[Former_Member]

From my experience on Etsy at this time of year sales take a drop right before Thanksgiving. Then hold on tight, because it gets crazy. I would say start listing them. In all of your tags add "Christmas" and "Gift" I would also say to let people know if it comes gift wrapped and if it ships same or next day. Do a Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. You can also add those key words to your tags if you are having a sale. Good luck and your shop is Gorgeous by the way.

[Former_Member]

look into wholesale.

I'm in the same boat.

[Former_Member]

Your work is amazing, you should look into consignment in local boutiques, I am sure a lot of fashionable boutiques in your area would be super interested!