When Is It Time To Open a Second Shop?......

[JenlynnStudios]

Hi guys,

Looking for thoughts and ideas on opening a second shop. I started my shop as primarily a jewelry store, but have since branched into many other things. One of the items in my shop is really specialized (Tooth Fairy Pillows) and I think my audience may be different for that item. Wondering if I should open a shop just for the Tooth Fairy Pillows? Or if having them in my current shop opens up my other products to a different audience?

Anyone have experience with this? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks in advance....

[Former_Member]

I just opened another shop. I have heard lots of advice against it, but I asked a shop selling similar items to mine (that was making lots of sales!) to view my shop and for a little mentoring.. Her response was that my shop was a little confusing. You have about 10 seconds to keep a viewer and if they are confused, they will leave. It's building a new shop on top of remodeling your current one. A process that is taking longer to complete then I had anticipated, however I have been given new inspiration for the current from the new. I have yet to see how this works out, but like you, I cannot just make one thing and stay happy. So... if things are going well, don't change it. If you feel you and your potential customers could use some clarity - stay up late and put some extra work into it. You can't fail if your heart is in it!

[JenlynnStudios]

Thanks so much for the advice! The idea that my shop could be confusing is my main concern too. I do like the idea of having a very clear style and image for each shop. I really appreciate your input innerfluxstudios!

[Zehland]

I looked at your shop and it does not seem the least bit confusing but very cohesive. You have a definite style to your photos and branding and you are using your shop sections well. To me, the tooth fairy pillows fit right in.

I don't think you really need another shop. It may dilute your brand and as interflux says, it's a lot of work to have two shops.

[JenlynnStudios]

Thanks for taking the time to look and give me feedback Zehland!! I can't tell you how valuable it is to get that kind of outside observation :)

I must admit, the idea of keeping everything under one store is mighty appealing, the amount of work I put into just one shop is at times overwhelming combined with doing craft fairs, my day job and my biggest "job", Motherhood.

Thanks again for taking the time to help Interflux and Zehland!

[twovagabondsvintage]

I was dragging my feet about opening a second shop but I finally did and couldn't be happier. My shops are now more cohesive and I'm getting more sales too. Good luck!

[JenlynnStudios]

Hi Quirky,

I just checked out your awesome shop (and had to "favorite" those bird napkin holders!) and was curious to know what your second shop is? Is it much different from your vintage shop and is that the reason you chose to open a second shop? Also, do you included a link to your second shop anywhere on your page? I checked your profile but didn't see one.

[Former_Member]

Looking at your stuff can see why you might think of separating the tooth pillows... & the way i'm feeling at the moment I would agree (I've been having the same dilemma whether to put all my moon photos in one shop but keep going back & forth!)

I think, if the pillows were in one shop, you might then add more 'land-mark' ideas for children or variations on the theme to expand your range.

If you use another browser for a 2nd shop you don't need to sign in & out of accounts all the time.

[JaneWearJewelry]

I understand the dilemma - I'm right there with ya! I'm kind of in the same situation... I make silver jewelry, but my fingerprint jewelry is taking off like hotcakes, and I'm wondering if I should move all my fingerprint jewelry to a new shop or should keep them with the other silver pieces I create. It's a tough decision to make. Take into consideration how much time and energy you have to put into a completely new shop. I have little ones right now, so I may wait to start up a new shop for a bit and see what happens. Good luck to you ;)

[JenlynnStudios]

Thanks Lonecrow and Janewearjewelry!

It is a lot to think about for sure. There are valid points to both sides. I really appreciate the input!

[JudyStalus]

I think the time to open a second shop is when your have too many listings for one shop. I started off with one shop but now have 300+ listings of photography alone so there is no room for other things. Now I have a second shop for jewelry and knit accessories.
Unless your items really don't go well together I would stay with one shop til that point. When people come to see one thing they may just like something else as well.

[Former_Member]

I checked out your adorable shop and in my opinion it is quite cohesive. Your color themes and styles are similar throughout your shop...I find it to be an very sweet shop! I favorite-d you:-)

[IslandPicnic]

Ooooh, I love your shop the way it is! If you had all jewelry, and then threw the tooth fairy pillows (which are absolutely adorable, by the way!) in there, then I could see opening up a separate shop. But your slogan of "jewelry, gifts and goodies" seems to fit all of your items perfectly. I also agree with ellarye about the cohesive overall look you have, with fun colors throughout. I think it all goes nicely. :)

[Former_Member]

Personally like seeing everything in the one shop.

However, if you can stock a second shop well, and manage the marketing, promotion, etc with 2 shops, then go for it!

I don't have the time or inclination to run more than one shop on Etsy so I've been using my sections to separate everything out.

So far, its worked well for me.

[Former_Member]

quirkyessentials-i am SO impressed with you! your vintage shop has only been open a few months and you've had SO many sales already!!

what is your other shop?? i've been wanting to open a second shop for vintage finds. basically, my house is filling up with cool finds that i can't pass up but have no use for. i wondered how well vintage stuff sold on etsy and if it's even worth all the work.

what do you think??

[JenlynnStudios]

Thanks guys!

*Judy, I checked out your GORGEOUS photography shop and could absolutely understand why you needed a second shop for your other items. With so many wonderful items it would be a shame to overwhelm your customers. Your two shops are perfect on their own.

*Ellarya and OrganiLuxe, WOW, Thank you both so much!! You guys made my night :)

*Crochetgal, you brought up a great point about being able to stock a 2nd shop. At this time, if I did open a 2nd shop it would have about a dozen items in it and that might not be enough to attract and keep customers.

I really appreciate the feedback! This group rocks :)