Please be butally honest

[Former_Member]

My beads sales stopped few months ago (I know there is the change in relevancy, but my listings are good).

So I'm wondering if the problem is my product or my prices.

Here I need your help, please be brutally honest - are my beads out of style? there is no market for them? are they too expensive? not expensive enough?

I won't get offended with any critique.
I rather know the truth, then creating stuff no one buys.

Any input will be much appreciated!
Thank you
Roly

[Former_Member]

I think your beads are beautiful. I'm not very sure of the market for polymer clay beads as far as what people are willing to pay for them, but of course there is a market for them. How are your shop views? If your views are low maybe it's time to think about reaching out for advertising or features, etc. on websites & blogs. Do you use social media to build a following?

What about wholesale?

[Former_Member]

My view are good.
As I mentioned in my original message the bead sales just stopped suddenly (had my first bead sale today for months).
And my SEO and relevancy are good too (I see that in my statistics)
Maybe people just don't want to buy polymer clay beads anymore?
Or maybe the problem is with MY beads?
I just don't know...

[Dragonpop]

I think your work is absolutely stunning. Looking through your shop makes me feel like an amateur :) Honestly I'm shocked that people haven't loaded up on your beads, especially the swirled beads in red and white. Those say holiday to me. If I were a bead maker I would investigate the hot fashion colors of the season in the stores and try to capitalize on those. I'm not saying you haven't done that. You have a beautifully diverse collection. Your cane work is so amazing. Maybe you could create a collection that hits on those all popular trends of owl and octopus art. I'll bet yours would blow people away!

[Former_Member]

Thank you Christy :)
I don't sculpt, so no owls or octopuses for me :P
its' a good idea to investigate the hot fashion colors. Any idea on how to do that?

[Dragonpop]

Look at websites like HSN, QVC, and Overstock .com. They are pretty up-to-date on what's HOT now. I was thinking you could create a cane that had those images in them, of the owl or the octopus. Beads with those images would be super cool!

[Former_Member]

Creating owl or octopus canes is VERY complicated and time consuming, so i'm not sure it will be profitable for me.
I'll take a look at the sites you recommended.
Thank you.

[Dragonpop]

Good luck! You have a beautiful product so I'm sure sales will come back :)

[Former_Member]

Thank you Christy, I hope you're right :)

[Former_Member]

Hi Roly,

I think your items have a very high quality appearance. As someone who works in polymer clay AND beading, I'm very impressed with your technique.

There were a few sets that really caught my eye, but I baulked at the price (this may be because I'm a self confessed cheapskate!)

This set is an example... I ADORE the colours, pattern, and the overall high quality handmade look (not easy to achieve, so props to you for that)...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79183869/polymer-clay-swirl-beads-lentil-in

HOWEVER... They work out to be $4 per bead. If I were to make a necklace using these (and other beads I already have), I'd need to charge at least $50 for the necklace to make a profit for the materials (more if I wanted to give myself a decent hourly wage).

Admittedly, I'm not experienced in cane work, so I can't judge how much time it takes to produce the beads. I realise you need to ensure you make a profit as well!

I suggest taking a look at the prices of similar items from other shops.
A quick search on Etsy and I came up with a few:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tooaquarius
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Fanceethat

Remember... more importantly than tracking what other people are making and selling, consider what they're NOT making and fill that market gap!

[Former_Member]

Thank you Kit
Maybe I can drop the price a bit for the swirl beads that I have now in the shop.
But I think i will not make more, since I have to price then higher then most are willing to pay for.