some constructive critique, please!!

[Former_Member]

Hi to all!! I am a newbie in etsy but I try my best to do good work on everything (and the truth is that there are much to do!!!!).
I need some opinions if you have the time to do it, about my shop.
Also I would like to ask you: "Do you think that I should open 3 different shops, one for felt, one for knit & embroidery and one for soaps?"

thanks in advance!

[Former_Member]

I personally like the many different items in your shop. The colors and style still meld together in my opinion. You have some beautiful items.

You can tell that your photography abilities are improving. You might want to go back and retake a few of the earlier photos. It takes some time, but I think is worth it.

Also, more items or listing more often can help keep you closer to the top of searches. When you list, items get pushed to the back relatively quickly, so unless someone types in your exact title (highly unlikely), they may never find you.

Good luck to you.

[theHabitualVintage]

Hello!

You have awesome items! I really like the fact that you have a variety of products; it keeps me interested, and makes me want to keep looking.

For your pictures, have you ever thought of using a lightbox? I find with a solid background your items pop a bit more. Here is a link on how to make one: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2006/07/diy-light-box.html

Your product descriptions are good.

Stay visible in the community so people can see what great products you have.

Good luck!

[DakotaRockDesigns]

Good Morning!

Absolutely LOVE the colors & products in your shop! Felted Organic Soap? Nice!

You are right, there is a WHOLE lot to do, & pretty soon, if it hasn't already, it will begin to invade not just your waking hours, but sleeping hours too!

Some personal advice.......I began on Etsy with three shops. I closed one after a year because I couldn't devote as much time as I would have liked, & of course, there was only one sale - so that was a help.

However now, I am closing down the 2nd one, so I can concentrate on this one here. What I found personally, & some may disagree, but too many shops, spreads you too thin. I began to concentrate on this one & began to expand (last November actually) & am now participating in many local Arts & Crafts, Shows & Festivals.

Your items, from my point of view, & from my glance, all appear to have a common denominator, so the section area should be good enough (to me anyhow) to divide the different products.

Utlimately? You have to go with YOUR feelings on the matter. Its YOUR shop! But keep one thing in mind........DO NOT give up! DON'T quit!

The forums & the community here are awesome! You will meet some great people & make many friends. You also will develop a loyal clientele! Enjoy it! Don't allow it to become a burden (I had to make office hours - lol).

& Welcome!

[Former_Member]

Don't allow it to become a burden (I had to make office hours - lol).

Good Call ALittleXtraSomething...it is easy to let your business run your life, rather than you running your business.

I agree....Don't give up, but don't let it "become a burden" either.

[Former_Member]

thank you all for your thoughtfull advice!! I read each one carefully and I found them great help. I also thank you for your encouragement.
I use photoshop for a bit of 'touch" in my photos, and yes, some of my early artifacts need some new photos to emerge their real image.

To 36Colors: thanks for the idea of the light box, maybe I'll try this!!!

I'm happy that you find interesting the variety of items because as much as I would like to open 3 different shops, I know that it would be a big effort at the end to keep track of everything as you said ALittleXtraSomething.

[Former_Member]

Your shop is fun. So long as you keep distinct sections for the different types of product, I wouldn't burden yourself with opening a new shop. How about using some of your wonderful products to create a banner that immediately shows us what you are about ?

[Former_Member]

The truth is that I thought about your idea but I have the opinion that a banner should be something of a "mood" not the items themselves. It's something like going to your favorite pizzeria and the label of the shop depicts pizza and pasta! I find it a bit too much.
Your banner for example, besides an artifact itself gives a flowery and romantic mood. I think it suits your shop.

[Former_Member]

I love the variety of items in your shop!

The only suggestion I'd make is to rearrange the items into collections or stories.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/search/tags/rearrange-your-shop/

[Former_Member]

Your items are so colorful...I just love them all! This is my favorite!:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70308993/woollen-embroidered-pillow-case-folk

[Former_Member]

Thank you all for your thoughts!! Are very welcomed!!

[Former_Member]

Anyone else??? I have done some changes in my shop, took new pictures (not done yet, a lot of work....!!!). Can you please give me other opinions?