Why are my sales slumping?

There could be a lot of answers to this often asked question, starting with "Do you have enough items in your store?", or "Are you promoting and advertising outside of Etsy?", and even "are your listings 'Relevant'?"

But right now in early April the answer very well may be warm weather!

I've had Serenity in Chains on Etsy since 2011, which is long enough to notice trends. A big one is the limited online shopping traffic during late spring and summer. During the warmer months people are more likely to send their time (and money) outside. They are BBQing, going to festivals, and spending more time away from the interior of their home (and their computer). This means a general slump in sales for those of us in the northern hemisphere.

"How do I combat summer sales slump?" Glad you asked! Selling and being in business is about constantly getting your stuff in front of your target market. This means if they aren't online, then getting your stuff in front of them physically. So think about what shows in your area that your target market would most likely frequent, and get a booth! Put out flyers (which should cost nil title more than time and printer ink) at venues that your customers may be, and network with local businesses that compliment, but do not compete with you.

For Serenity In Chains that means art fairs, NOT craft shows (our target market doesn't shop craft shows), concert venues, conventions, and networking with the local art commission and downtown restoration project.

This strategy also helps boost seasonal (holiday) sales, as people get the opportunity to touch your wares, fall in love, and beg for them as gifts!!

So don't get downed by the Summer Sales Slump, but take the opportunity to switch gears and get out there in your community and get noticed!
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15 Replies

Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Great, you answered your own question!
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Former_Member
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Great advice!
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Good thinking! Thanks!
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Former_Member
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Great info. Thanks for sharing!
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Good advice! I only wish it felt like spring here :(
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Former_Member
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Thanks for sharing! Great advice!
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Thanks so much for great advice.
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TheFairLine
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Michelle, Great info for everyone. I have been selling online for about 7 years and in brick and mortar store for about 15 years and there are always slow / slumping times and for me it depends not only on the time of the year but the type of items. My retail store was a floral and gift store so the slow times were different than my Etsy store slow times right now.

I also have shows scheduled for our slow times with my Etsy shop and take the slow times to work ahead for new designs and production. This morning I was working on winter 2014 /spring 2015 designs.

Thanks again!
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RomaMiaTradingCo
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Why are my sales slumping?

This is a great help! I have been realizing for at least my shop I need to start focusing on certain items and reel myself in. I want to do everything, but not everyone will buy it. I know that's why my sales have been slow.
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CaseyHPerez
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Why are my sales slumping?

I wonder why you do better at art fairs rather than craft fairs Serenity in Chains?

We have definitely slacked on doing local events but are gearing up for our first big one, The Doggy Dash, wish is a 5k people run/walk with their dogs for the SPCA and there is a vender section. Nice place to advertise some custom pet portraits :)
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Yes, absolutely get your product in front of your customer. Relying on Etsy exclusively or for year round sales can be a fatal flaw to your business. Etsy is just one of a myriad of places to run your business.
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BiomedDesign
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Why are my sales slumping?

Great article. Glad to see others also experience this phenomenon. Are there good places to find the shows? I have a hard time finding them. The bigger ones I went to cost a lot. I lost money each time. The smaller ones are hard to find. I sometimes come across a show doing my normal activities. I wonder how come I didn't know this?
Thanks a lot.
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

You can usually find shows by googling "craft fairs near x city" or "at fairs near x city"!
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

thanks for this! :)
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Re: Why are my sales slumping?

I think it is always good to find out what works for you and your target market. I have never had many sales. I have begun to realize that this year my store is too girly and i need to rebrand it to make it more guy friendly. I think even some women and girls might be turned off by all the pink in my store. My store is overly pink and fluffy girly. I know that if I walked into a physical store space that was all pink and girly that would be a turn off for me. That is my reason to start rebranding my store. I am going to start reading books on selling online and marketing.

I have not tried art shows yet. i hope to in the near future. artfairinsiders.com has a lot of info on artfairs all over the country and they have a podcast too.
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