HELP PLEASE!

[Former_Member]

Please Help Me! I have been on etsy since Dec and still only 2 sales from friends.
I feel like giving up. I create masks. Not a common item. I have been very involved in team discussions supporting everyone I can. I share, write comments, like, follow, retweet etc. I have created treasuries and included as many as possible. I encourage when others are down and so on and so on....
I need exposure. I have a blog, facebook, twitter. Very little traffic. Please as many of you as possible. Go to my links. Share, follow, like and retweet as many as you can. I need the public to know I'm here. If I sound like I'm begging... I am.
I'm in tears because I feel like I might just quit but know I can't. My First Love is creating my masks. So there you have it. Here are the linkss

http://deesdreammasks.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/?utm_campaign=welcome20100914phx&utm_medium=email&utm_source=welcome

http://www.facebook.com/pages/deesdreammaskscom/183931721631750

http://www.etsy.com/shop/deesdreammasks?ref=si_shop

[Former_Member]

Hi Dees, Saw your post earlier and didn't have time to respond. It's easy to get frustrated and want to quit especially when you are doing so much to promote your shop. I've been feeling that way, too. I thought sales would come a little easier! Don't quit though! Your doing the right things to plant those seeds and the right customers will come. Your shop is great, your pictures are great and at least etsy's costs are low. I'm sure it's harder when your product is unique. Is there a team out there for people with more unique items? I remember reading an interview or blurb from a successful shop owner who had very unique items and she stressed the importance of not making items that would appeal to everyone and that the right customers will find you. I wish I could remember who this was...Sorry for the rambling but I haven't had my coffee yet :) . Hang in there and keep making masks especially if you love it!

[AngelaFichtelJewels]

Good morning Dee,
I just came from your shop....... I think your masks are delightful and unique.
I know how frustrating the waiting can be.

Maybe you could consider starting your own team. Just for unique items.
Your doing so much to sell.
I'm sure the sales will come soon.

xoxo
Angela

[Former_Member]

Just a thought...are there any New Age shops in your area? If so you might can see if they will do consignment or wholesale. I know it's not selling on Etsy but you can put your info on a cute little tag with your Etsy address. I have some of my soaps in a shop on consignment with my info on it and have had a few people see it and purchase from my shop because she does not carry my whole line. Another idea...in our area twice a year we have a Mideval Carnival (sorry I know I didn't spell that right) held in a "castle". They have vendors selling stuff. Another way to get your name out. Maybe there is an upscale boutique that sells home decor in your area..they might even buy wholesale.

Please don't give up yet.

I think starting your own team is a wonderful idea.

[JewelrybySkye]

Wow, such great ideas above, don't have much more to add. I would keep up with the treasury idea at least once a week with similar items and then ask teams to check them out? Any craft shows in your area> That got me lots of exposure so people could find me? And, having items on consignment in local Artisian market helped me too. Having your etsy address on everything you sell will help. Hang in there... you will find your niche, it often takes more time then we could ever dream.

[halfmoonroad]

Love your masks. I think you could concentrate on tagging your masks as costume pieces (if they can be worn..of course) There are similar items listed under "renaissance costume" It could bring a different group of buyers to your shop.

[Milesstones]

I think your shop is great. I just liked you on Facebook.
Freya

[Former_Member]

Awesome looking masks. Hard to sell overall, specialty or otherwise. Since we're networking here (any feed, back is always appreciated), taking from what sunharborscents said about medieval, got me looking at your masks, than I saw one that gave me another idea.
First the Medieval: There are a few places involved in this. The SCA is one of them. Also look up the Renaissance (especially the Faire). Anything which would hold a ball or such. You can lean into more goth for more flavor. I'd think Mardi Gras type groups. Cosplay comes to mind.
Not that they have places to advertise per se, but good places to look into. I know how hard it is trying to wear all of the hats a business owner has to, believe me. My perfection alone tends to slow things down (yikes).
About one of your masks, I was thinking of the movie Eyes Wide Shut. Try tagging your masks with words people will search for. I don't know if you can meta tag here, but I do so on my web site. Just some simple advice from a fellow Etsian. Stay in there.

[believeinURdream]

Please do not give up, your masks are beautiful, but you do need the "right" customer base. I would also tag with theater, broadway. Also try joining the upcyclers team on Etsy. As you reuse materials and turn them into something else, this may be a good place for you. I liked you on your FB page, and my link did not work right, but you can find me by typing BelieveinURdream in you FB browser. Best wishes to you, and reaching out to others is a great idea when you need strength to carry on...so good for you for having the courage to do that,,,that in itself shows your strength.

[HanaMauiCreations]

Lots of good ideas, I think the problem is that your masks are a specialty item and you just need to connect with the right buyers. Maybe theater groups or renaissance fairs would be a good start. Good luck!!

[Former_Member]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice and support. I have found friends here on etsy and I won't give up. I was just feeling alittle down. I feel much better now. Again I Thank all my new friends