Selling Your Craft

Shop Critique: SewSweetStitchery

2011-10-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned buying my youngest daughter a new dress from a shop on Etsy. The dress arrived last week, and sadly to say my daughter wants nothing to do with it. "It's not pink," she says. However, I have a feeling she'll be wearing it soon - pink or not.

I purchased this fall themed dress from a Etsy shop called Sew Sweet Stitchery.

Before I purchased the dress I contacted the seller, who replied promptly. Had the dress not fit, I could have returned it. Lucky, my daughter allowed me to put it on her long enough to ensure its fit. It fit her perfect. Now if we can just convince her that blue is as nice of color as pink. :)

Anyway, the dress arrived wrapped in tissue paper in a large envelope. Very nice.

From a mother's view, it was wonderful. The dress arrived in a very timely manner, it was exactly as pictured from the shop and it was well made.

From a small business consultant's view, I would have these recommendations for the shop owner. I was disappointed not to see a invoice of my purchase included with my package ( a receipt of sorts.) A business card would have given me the opportunity to share this shop with my friends who have little girls wanting cute little dresses. There was no brand, no tag on the dress.

Lastly, one thing I've come to looking forward to when I order from Etsy Shops is that personal touch. Within my own shop I include a personal written note, a sample of another product I carry. Neither was included here, which is what I would have expected from buying on Ebay-- not Etsy.

Sellers, your craft is your brand, your name and your business are your imprint on your customers. Entice them, wow them, and impress them, so that they will share your name and your product with their friends. The best type of referrals are those that come from your customers.

Overall, I would recommend this shop to anyone. The dress was cute as a button and the price was very reasonable for a handmade dress.

Next week, we'll start gearing up for the holidays. Three major holidays are fast upon us. How will you handle them and promote your shop?

What's Outside Your Studio Window?

2011-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes as artists, authors, and crafters we get so caught up in our projects that we forget about what's going on outside our studio windows.

The one complaint I hear from those cooped up in their studios is that the public doesn't support them enough. They're under paid, under appreciated, and they don't want to participate in community efforts because the community doesn't give back.

So, today I want to point one very important thing out. Some one once said it and it holds true today. "You must give something to receive something back." I know you all have heard it before. A financial planner will tell you that in order to see a return from your investment you must first take a risk on a chosen investment.

As an artist, author, or crafter only half of your investment is your work. Without the public, community, you have nothing to invest in. The interest of your investment comes in the form of fans, followers, and sales of your work.

But how do you do that, right?

First you must look outside your studio window. Out there is a community full of people who can't wait to meet you. Each one of those people of their own hopes, dreams, and daily dilemmas. Just like you. Unlike you, most of them are running on schedules of work, children's activities, and family obligations.

Don't get me wrong, you may have those too. You also have a craft to sell.

When is the last time you left your studio and attended a community event. Have you gone to another photographer's show, participated in a charitable cause? Have you said hello to the guy who you pass at the bus stop each day? Each one of these people and organizations have the potential to be your clientele.

Clientele = fans = sales

It's a little known fact, too, that people are more likely to buy from you if they know you. Now, how much you decided to tell people about yourself is your choice. You always want to keep in mind that some things are too private to share. Like never announcing on social networking sites that you or your home is vulnerable. Studio included.

This weekend, I challenge. Take a walk around the block. Visit an art gallery. Go somewhere your idle clientele might visit on a Saturday morning. Lock your studio door and instead of watching what's going on outside your studio window-- become a part of it.

I can't wait to hear what you all did.

Going The Extra Mile

2011-09-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

This week I was reminded what it takes to sell ones craft. Last night, the Pajama Factory hosted our local chamber of commerce PM Exchange. I couldn't believe it when several businesses backed out at the last minute. I wanted to scream, "Are you crazy?"

Whether your just getting started selling your craft or you've been in business for years, there is always room to grow and stretch to a new level. It means reaching new customers, making new connections. Yeah, it's called networking.

Those businesses that backed out would have been better off cutting the left arm of their business off than to miss an opportunity to stretch.

That's what going the extra mile is all about.

When the day is over and there is still work to be done, it's the artist, author, or business owner who spends another hour working that goes the extra mile. It's the sales man who helps you even though he's on his lunch break or his shift is ending in 5 minutes and he knows helping you will mean being late getting home for that family dinner.

See what it is all about? Stretching, growing, pushing yourself for just one more sentence on that last chapter your writing, or finishing the hem of skirt before calling it a day.

No one said going the extra mile was easy. It might even hurt at times, but when it's over we're better known brands, well respected for our work ethic, and appreciated by those we were willing to spend extra time assisting.

How have you gone the extra mile lately in selling your craft?

How Much Are You Willing To Pay For Creativity?

2011-09-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Etsy had a really great article last week on Pricing Tips for Your Creativity. Some of you may have already read it if you get their weekly newsletter. I recommend for those of you who haven't, that you definitely check it out.

Today, I want to talk to you about prices. We all know that inflation occurs and causes even the cost of a candy bar to raise, one cent is still a raise in price. Only a few of you may be selling chocolate, but the big question this week is how much you'd be willing to pay for that sweet tooth of yours.

Maybe it's a piece of imported chocolate, or maybe your sweet tooth is yearns for a piece of hand painted delicacy or a photography shot of something surreal. It could be a warm knitted sweater or a embroidered quilt. If you're like me, it probably has something to do with paper and fabric.

How much are you willing to pay to feed your sweet tooth?

As an artist or craftier, you may be thinking "Why should I buy when I make my own?" However, once in a while, we need to step out of the studio and put on our buyers slippers. We need to look at our work with new eyes. Are you worth it? Is the piece compelling enough to buy for that price?

I once fell in love with a gorgeous gown, and I spent nine months saving up to buy it. Call it a princess gown if you will, it was my wedding gown. When I put it on, I knew there could never be any other gown that was more perfect for me than that one. It was the perfect fit.

When a perspective customer walks up to a piece of your art, you want them to feel the same way. Buying art is not an impulse. It's a feeling, "a perfect fit" of sorts, that the expense from one's wallet is well worth the purchase.

The day I slipped on my wedding gown I knew the designer had made many other gowns like mine. Call it print number #593, okay perhaps not that many, but later I was still oohing and awwing over the bead work, the stitching, and the fit.

What I'm trying to say is, that dress design is a part of creativity. That sweater your knitting, is creativity, that painting that you're working on is creativity, and that novel I'm writing is creativity. In our shops, in our studios, on the shelves of book stores, that creativity has a price.

How much are you willing to pay for it?

Lending Your Blog, Would You Do It?

2011-09-09T04:31:00.000-07:00

This week I've been flittering over the web in search of several items for back to school. A new dress for my preschooler, a dance tote, and a rain jacket. I normally turn to etsy and artfire first and eBay last. Sorry Ebay, that's just how I shop.

I ended up getting the dress and tote from two different shops on Etsy. I'll share them in the weeks to come, once they've been received.

However, today I came across an interesting idea -- borrowing someone else's blog in order to promote your business and "borrowing" that blog's readership.

Would you lend out your blog?

Borrowing someone else's blog is beneficial to those selling their craft because you get to introduce your product or brand to new traffic. But you're not the only one who receives the benefit, as the blog's owner will requires people follow their blog in order to win a prize that they did not have to put forth. Hence, the price of borrowing the blog is a price from you. (note: you want to make the prize worth wild to the reader. Something that says, yes I want that!)

For example, a popular blog that I follow called Tea Rose Home, recently lent her blog for such an occasion.

How does it work?

Usually a blog owner puts a call on Twitter or Facebook for people willing to put forth a prize for a giveaway day. You replied back "Yes" and then submitted the materials to them at a later date you both agree on.
This is the day they post about you on their blog, and you agree to send them or a lucky reader a fabulous prize from your handmade collection or publications.

The blog owner determines how long they want to run a promotion on you (feature you in their blog posts) and sometimes may even dictate the rules in which to commenters can have a chance to win your prize. The blog owner picks the winner. The winner's info is sent to you, the promoted, and you fulfill the prize promise.

Sometimes, it's the other way around and you may find yourself contacting the blog owner.

You can even contact your friends with blogs that have different types of readerships. You may find yourself borrowing a few readers and building up your own readership at your own blog and increasing sales from selling your craft online.

If you are an Etsy seller, your Circle may expand and your items become more favored.

Done right, this may just be a fun experience for both you and the blog lender.

If you're willing to lend your blog or looking for someone to borrow from, post below, hopefully you'll all be able to find a match for a great blog hop.

And we'll leave "Blog Hop" for another post on another day.

Happy Selling Folks, stay safe this weekend if you're amongst those in danger by the wild fires or wading through the flooding.

Simmering Into September

2011-09-03T04:31:00.000-07:00

In the past few weeks I've entered into a complete new world. I used to just sit and work on my craft inside the comforts of my home. Then I took my laptop to the library or a coffee shop. My hand made books started over running the dinning room and I moved to a new spot in the house to become claustrophobic in the midst of my own papers and materials.

Then I recently found a super place called The Pajama Factory. I know call it home to my creative side. And, I've now become a part of the staff!

Last evening, I attended first Friday at the Pajama Factory and it was a beautiful art show filled with almost two dozen photographers and they're works. I was breathless by the time I made my way through all the studios and hallways. Not from walking around the building, but the different perspectives of the artwork and their photographers.

The one thing that also caught my eye was the prices. Who could resist not knowing how much a piece of art cost right?

In the following posts we're going to start talking about pricing our crafts for sell. Who do you determine your price? Where do you go to meet your market? And is it really a calculation or a guessing game?

Here in September, I'm moving to weekly postings on this blog. Most likely Friday's, as I'm ankle deep into a new novel draft, working at the Pajama Factory, and stitching handmade books in between.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to post them below, I'll address them promptly as I can. I'm so excited about having my own space away from home dedicated to my work.

Where do you find yourself most productive?

What's Community Got To Do With It?

2011-08-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

If your serious about writing, then you join a writer's group. If your even more series about getting published, you attend a writers' conference. And, if you're an artist or crafter, you join a group of talented people who share the same interest. There are all types of groups, workshops, and gatherings available to those who are in the pursuit of their craft.

But how does one go in the pursuit of customers? Do you meet customers at conferences? at workshops?

The answer to those questions is probably not. If your going to a writer conference and selling books, then yes you'll sell to other authors, because let's face it. If they like to write, they like to read. Just like you. However, if your and artist selling paintings, chances are you're not going to sell as many paintings to another artist as you are to an art collector in a gallery. See the difference?

So if you're getting out there to enhance your craft, that's great. Keep up the good work. Now, it's just time for you to step out into the community with a different gait.

What I mean is, you've chased down the best conferences, best workshops, and best places to talk shop. Now, you need to do the same thing with the community. It's more than attending a local PTO meeting at your child's school or volunteering to be the Den Mom for your son's cub scout troop. Yes, you will meet people, but are you meeting the right kinds of people?

These are the people who will be your customers. They are people most likely to pay you for the craft your selling. Who are they? Well, that's for you to figure out, and I'll help you in another post.

Today though, take a look at what is happening in your community and surrounding areas. Is there anything that inspires you to help, volunteer, or donate your time and craft? Is there any event that you just want to become a part of as an attendee where you can mingle with others and build relationships with potential customers?

As an author, I attend workshops, writer groups, and conference each year in the pursuit of getting published, but more so that I can be a better writer. Along the way, after many years, I've developed a network and support group. Some of those in my network are fellow writers, some are potential customers waiting for a new book to hit the shelf. You'll find me browsing the shelves of a book store alot, or sitting with a cup of tea and my laptop at a local coffee shop. Sometimes, I squeeze in a book club around my kiddo's hetic activity schedules.

As a crafter, I attend parties and gatherings that let me get to know my customers and maintain a relationship with them and introduce myself to new customers. I do this online through social networking and in person. I sell guest books through MRsCHADT, so where do you think I go in the community to get to know others?

That's right, bridal shows (yes, even though I'm already happily married), craft fairs, card parties, local craft shops on weekend demonstrations, and sometimes I drop off little sample product and gifts at hospitals to be included in new mom packages.

What ways can you think of that will help you become apart of the community more and begin your own customer network?

Sometimes, its more than just selling your craft, it's showing others who you are beyond the studio.

I'll see you all on Monday, as I'm taking off tomorrow for a long weekend with my kiddo's before they head back to school for another grueling year of homework.

Eaten Any Good Words Lately?

2011-08-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I would hear the expression, "Eat your words". Usually, I'd hear this when someone said something about someone that the person didn't like.

As a grown up, I've found a words slipping out, that later I wish I had eaten. Haven't you?

Words have a profound effect on our society. Whether the words are spoken out loud, or put into writing, they carry a lot of weight. Sometimes, they can be sweet. Sometimes, they're down right bitter.

How do you want the words about you tasting on someone else's tongue?

That my friends, leads us into today's discussion.

The best kind of promotion you can achieve for your shop or yourself is word of mouth. Yep, we've all heard about it. We've all done it.

I just bought this really cool pink blouse and I can't wait to tell my friends about it. Been there. Done that. Haven't you?

So have your customers. They too, will be spreading the word about what cool findings they saw in your shop or what great service they received from you. You're latest masterpiece might have brought them to tears. They'll tell someone. Anyone.

And you want those words from their mouths to be the sweetest words anyone has ever heard and tasted when they repeat them to someone else. The last thing any small business owner wants is their brand or product becoming bitter in someone's mouth.

We all have to face it. Many of us have been taught not to gossip, but when you come across something really great, you've just got to share it with a friend.

Will the words spread amongst friends about your handmade talent and items flow sweetly onto the next customer in line, or will the foul smell of a bitter customer plague you with it bad review?

Sometimes, it is not necessarily words that stir the flavor of review amongst others when it comes to promoting ourselves and our craft. It is, almost always, our actions that come across loudest that attract others to share good and bad experiences with their friends.

In the words of Lance Morrow:

"As they marched, the crowds lining the route broke into applause, a sweet and deeply felt spontaneous pattering that was a sort of communal embrace. Welcome home."

5 Ways To Tell Others About Your Shop

2011-08-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Let's give your shop a "shout out" and let people know you exist. No, I don't mean standing out in the middle of the street and shouting. Not only could that be dangerous, but someone might think you're a little off your rocker today.

But don't let me discourage you if that's really what you want to do. There are, however, other ways you can tell others about your great shop of handmade goodies.

1. Tell your friends you've opened up a shop. Not strangers, your friends. Those people you see most often and on a regular bases.

2. Make an announcement to interested parties. For example: Writers often announce when new books are coming out. Why? Because over time they develop a readership who are interested in reading their books, or a certain type of book. When you announce you have a new product, certain type of product, it generates excitement through interested parties.

3. Create memorable advertising flare. Leave business cards or little samples after you've gone to a restaurant, at conferences on freebie tables, and other tactful places where some might pick up your shop name and hold on to it.

4. Become and accessory to a charitable event. There are many charitable organizations and other types of fund raisers that are looking for small businesses to donate to help raise month for their cause. This is where you give your best work, not that painting that just didn't come out right or the half bent book cover copy that isn't of any value to you. Here is your chance to shine, and do something good for other. It will come back to reflect brightly upon you if completed in a professional and resonating way. Customers like to see that shops they buy from are involved outside their studios and craft tools.

5. Throw a party. I think I may have mentioned this back in January. But hey, throw a party anyway. Invite friends to invite there friends. Share your new space (studio or store front), have an online gathering with hash tags from twitter or a facebook fan page commodore. You get the picture. And don't forget the candy!
You need to feed your attendees. If you're having a physical party, throw out the party platters and open the buffets of snacks and punch.

If your party is virtual, then you need to give them some eye candy to go with all that reading and waiting in front to the computer. Free samples, games that lead to a chance to receive discount coupons or free goodies from your shop.

Now that's the kind of party I like!

How will you tell others about your shop?

How To Promote Your Shop Online

2011-08-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

I realized back in February I promised we would talk about promotions online and offline for your shops. So today, I'd like to pick up where we left off.

It has been a long time hasn't it?

First let's talk about all the ways we can promote our shops and then we'll break it down the following days.

1. We can promote our shops by telling others. (Dah! right? Be patient. We're getting there.)
2. We can promote our shops by having others tell their friends about us.
3. We can promote our shops by putting ourselves out there for the public to see.

Seems simple enough, yet those three things are kind of broad when trying to figure out exactly how they are supposed to work. So tomorrow, we'll break them down one by one and get down to the details.

What's selling in your shop today?

Do You Have a License to Sell?

2011-08-12T11:18:00.000-07:00

Retail stores need licenses to sell, but today's question I hear everyone asking themselves as they get started in their chosen profession is: Do I need a license to sell my craft?

But really, you should first ask yourself -- Is my craft taxable?

If you are selling a handmade product vs charging for your talents, then most likely your answer is going to be YES.

You'll more than likely need a Sales Tax License. You can obtain a sales tax license through your state department. A lot of craft shows and vendor establishments will require you to have this licenses before allowing you into their facility.

If you don't make a lot of sales in a year, don't sweat it. Most states give you the option of filing your sales tax monthly, quarterly, semi annually, or annually. And now adays, you can fill out the form online or enlist the help of an accounting professional to assist you.

It's a cake walk, believe me, if I can do it, so can you. If you need help, just give me a shout and I'll be happy to assist you with it.

Now, let's go back to talking about retail. What is it? Retail is basically setting up shop in a physical place where your customers come to you. In this case, you will need to check with your local chamber of commerce in the town where your retail shop is located for their policy and regulations of licenses and requirements for retail locations.

And lastly, let's not forget those online shops like Etsy, Artfire, and eBay. Do you need a license to sell your craft online? Absolutely. You might think because you're floating in cyberspace that you're not covered by any state license laws, but it just ain't so. You will still need to collect sales tax on all applicable items sold online for the state in which you live.

So for example. I have two shops - one at Etsy and one at Artfire. I live in Pennsylvania. So, I only collect sales tax from customers who purchase that live in the same state as I do.

See how that works?

Imagine how overwhelming it could become if you had to collect sales tax in all 50 states!! And let's not even think about the hassles of international orders!

So for today, we'll stick with were we are. Do you have a license to sell?

Tomorrow we'll move onto another aspect of selling your craft.

Why Sell on eBay?

2011-02-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

EBay started out as an online auction site for selling virtual anything, and I mean anything. That is until restrictions began to apply.

Today, however, you can set up shop on eBay and sell your craft along with tons of other commerical products and services. It's just not an online auction anymore thanks to their "buy it now" feature and ability to create your own store front.

So why would you sell your craft on eBay vs/ or along with somewhere else?

Selling on eBay gives you these benefits:

* well known site filled with repeat customers
* listing fees and commission fees for each listing sold
* high traffic area (enhance the repeat customers)
* feedback ratings
* eBay bucks (buyer incentive)
* flexibility in product sales
* search engine ranking

I personally have both sold and bought on eBay, ranking from craft supplies, gifts, and a multitude of items. But is it the best place for you? That's for you to decide.

Why Sell on Artsefest?

2011-02-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

Artesfest is an online craft show. It features crafters from all over the United States.

Not nearly as popular as Etsy or Art Fire, this site doesn't rank as high in the search engines, but I did come across it never-the-less.

One of the biggest benefits this site promotes is it's way of bringing together crafters and buyers in a virtual craft show atmosphere.

Site features:

* Monthly fee for listings

* Limited space with option to purchase more space for photos and listings

* 100,000 unique visitors every month

* Online Craft Show - open 24/ 7

* Inventory Control

* Site Builder

* Domain URL

* SEO

You can read more about Artsfest craft benefits on their page: http://artsefest.com/pages.php?pageid=9

And their pricing at: http://artsefest.com/pages.php?pageid=7

What do you think? Would you sell here?

Why Sell on Art Fire?

2011-02-07T03:09:00.000-08:00

Today we start our series on where to sell your craft.

In all fairness, I thought we'd go alphabetical, starting with Art Fire.

I jumped over and visited their site. And in the words of one of their current sellers (right off one of their pages):

"Where else can you have a custom studio website within a venue that does your SEO, ranks you top in searches, links a Google friendly blog to your studio, provides comprehensive marketing insights & advice for networking your business, teaches you how to photograph, write descriptions, make video commercials, and allows you to promote yourself with live links to other places you sell? Only on ARTFIRE - and these cutting edge Mavericks are always introducing the latest tools, features, tech trends and giving insights that you could apply to other places you sell. They give you the tools AND teach you how to use them - you can't put a price on that education and you can't find this anywhere else on the web!"
Natalie of Swank and CapriciousAdornments

Art Fire offers sellers a place to sell their craft with no additional commission charges. Just one flat fee per month. Just like a regular website fee, it gives you a place for unlimited listings of your product, a built in blog, and promotional tools.

Key Features of Art Fire:

* One Monthly fee - no commission
* Blog/ Website set up layout for shop
* Personal Domain URL
* Global Shipping Profile
* Multiple Payment Processors
* Analytics
* Vacation Mode
* Rating Feedback System
* Tweet Your Items
* Pod Casts for sellers
* Search Engine Optimization
* Community

If you're interested in finding out more about setting up a shop on Art fire, you can visit: http://www.artfire.com/groupdeal

If you're already selling on another venue, Art Fire has this great article on comparing it's service to others: If You're From Etsy.

If I've left anything out or you'd like to leave a comment of your own experience on Art Fire, please do so!

Where to Sell Your Crafts Online

2011-02-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

The Internet is full of places to shop. Type in any keyword and come up with at least a hundred places where that item can be found.

But where do you go when you're the seller? What keywords come to mind when looking for a place to sell your special craft?

Automatically, we find places like eBay, Etsy, and Artfire. Yet, there are a few more places out there, aren't there?

Where to sell your crafts online can be more of a chore of finding a reliable site, than deciding which online shopping site is right for you to set up shop.

Think of it as driving down a street or walking through a mall and seeing an empty shop. The possibility is there, but is it the right place for you to sell your craft?

When seeking a place to sell your craft online, you need to ask yourself the following questions: (just like you would if opening a store front of your local mall.)

1. Is this a good location for me?
2. Is the price to sell (rent, listing fees, etc...) affordable?
3. What benefits does one shop offer that appeals to selling my craft more than the other (comparison shopping).
4. How much traffic is the online site drawing in?
5. What type of promotion does the site offer beside you promoting yourself?

Over the next couple of days we'll be looking at each online venue available to sellers to set up shop and sell their craft online. If I miss an online venue, please let me know and I'll check it out and post it. Please feel free to express your own experience with these shops: Etsy, Art Fire, Ebay, Artsfest, Craftsu, and Handmade Catalog. (In no particular order).

Where do you sell your craft?

What's To Come

2011-01-31T06:15:00.000-08:00

It's been a great first month of the start-up here at Sell Craft.

We've covered the basic 10 steps of starting to sell your craft online:

What's Your Idea of Craft

Plan and Purpose

Inventing Your Style

Playing The Name Game

Going Solo

Dotting Your I's and Crossing Your T's

Putting Up The Banner

Calling Your Customers

Open House/ Open Shop

Your First Sale

This month we've had two shop critiques. If you missed them, be sure to check out:

BeBe Babies and Friends

Toxic Daisy

But we've still got more great things to come. Starting in Febraury we'll be running several series including:

Where to Sell Your Crafts Online

Promoting Your Shop Online

Promoting Your Shop Offline

And of course February's Contest - Awards for the Best and Worst Shop Banners. (If you'd like to donate a prize we are currently seeking a shop to donate a free personalized banner design and other promotional shop items. Shops can contact me if you're interested in donating to this month's contest.) Thank you all in advance for participating.

Well, that's it. That's January all wrapped up and What's to come in Febraury. If I've forgotten something or you'd like to suggest a topic, let me know. As always, we'll continue with your Shop Critique Friday, and with Valentines around the corner, I just might feature some special valentines on Feb. 14th if you'd like to send some to share.

Shop Critique Friday - Toxic Daisy

2011-01-28T05:42:00.000-08:00

Located in Greenville, South Carolina.

Toxic Daisy can be found online at both their etsy shop.

While shopping for a men's necklace for a gift this Christmas, I came across this shop. It had exactly what I was looking for with the gift recipient in mind.

1. This shop features different types of hemp jewelry at different rates of cost . ***** 5 stars for customer appeal.

2. Photos were simple, clear, and focused around the product. ***** 5 stars for best of show.

3. Shop owner contacted me to let me know when my order was received and would be shipped along with an extra gift. ***4 stars for customer service (5*****'s if the gift included would have been a sample from the shop or promotional instead of commercial related.)

4. I was notified when the product had shipped. ****4 stars for shipping notice. (5 *****'s if we would have been given the USPS tracking number at time of notice).

5. As seen in this photo, the necklace was beautifully handcrafted. Necklace was placed in a protective bag is ready for it's new owner. **** 4 stars for packaging. (5*****'s if it would have arrived in a box, necklace bag, or type of unique packaging relating to the item.

6. Necklace was shipped in a size appropriate box. Sent First Class and within a week after purchase. **** 4 stars for shipping. (see number 5 comments above).

7. Follow-up. After item was received, positive feedback was left for the shop owner. Ordinarily I would wait to see if there was any follow-up from the shop checking to see if the item was 1. received, 2. satisfactory, and 3. feedback left. 3***'s for follow-up

8. When of the first things I check out before purchasing from a shop for their profile. It tells us about the shop and the owner. I was quite comfortable with the etsy profile for this shop. *****5 stars.

9. The second thing I check before confirming a purchase is the shop's policy. Very straight forward and easy to read. **** 5 stars.

10. Lastly, I was a little disappointed that this particular shop didn't have a blog or site featuring works, or creative process. Personally, I like being able to read about a seller's process of creation, and since this shop owner mentions world travel and art in their profile, I was curious to read about the place they'd been and the art which inspires them. :( no stars for blog/website.

Overall, I would recommend Toxic Daisy to a friend. Am I most likely to return and purchase again? Probably not, only because what I purchased was a gift and the recipient was allergic to the hemp cord and can't wear the gift.

But just don't take my word for it, what do you think? What do you like about this shop and it's website? What, if any, improvements would you suggest to the owner?

A special thanks to Deidree at Toxic Daisy for her shop and appearing in today's shop critique Friday.

Show Me The Money

2011-01-26T06:43:00.000-08:00

In the 1996 film, Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise plays the role of a sports agent. Cuba Gooding Jr, plays the role of a football player that is a veteran of his career. During the movie Maguire (Tom Cruise) goes out on his own and works his butt of to get this high school kid a place with a well known football team, while still trying to hold on to Gooding's character Tidwell.

At one point in the movie, Tidwll says to Maguire, "Show me the money."

Maquire has to prove himself worthily by getting Tidwell a new contract, meanwhile he finds that the high school kid has already signed with another agent and his efforts were for nothing. But, Tidwell remained a loyal client.

In the end, Maquire showed Tidwell the money.

That's exactly what your customers, readers, and clientele expect from you. Show them the money....show them your product is worth the price and their time.

Nora Roberts didn't become a best selling author because the only thing she could do was write. She became a best selling author because she proved to her readership that she was worth their time and their money. She gives them the stories they want that promise to be better and better with each new book she puts out there.

She's just one example. Artists, crafters, your work is just like a book. Maybe you're a writer and it really is a book, but no matter what you create you need to put your worth into the work. Let your passion and talent shine through that customers will keep coming back to see what else you've got.

Show them the money and they'll show you a whole new world of expanded clientele. Because when one person is in love with something, they recommend and share it with a friend.

Where Did They All Come From?

2011-01-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

You've got this great product you've created. You've set up shop. Then all of a sudden, you're flooded with all these people who have come to browse your wares.

WHERE DID THEY ALL COME FROM?

Whenever you are creating a product, a brand, or just setting up shop, the first thing you need to consider is WHO are your customers and WHERE do they come from.

Sounds simple right?

Well, you make dolls and you're targeting 40 something males. I doubt you'll sell very many dolls. However, if you target young mothers, doll collectors, and little girls, you might find yourself in business.

You have keep in mind that every product is not going to appeal to every person.

Take your craft and ask yourself these questions:
What is that you're making?
Whose it for?
Who would most likely buy it?
Why would they want it?

Then take it one step further.

What makes your craft (product) different from the rest?
Essentially, here you're asking, "Why would someone buy this off me and not the shop next door?"

Feel free to post your answers in the comment section.
So... where did they all come from? You tell me.

Shop Critique Friday - BeBe Babies and Friends

2011-01-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Located in Eugene, Oregan.

BeBe Babies and Friends can also be found online at both their etsy shop and their website.

While shopping for a "my first baby doll" for a beloved neice, we came across this shop. First of all, we were impressed.

1. This shop features different types of dolls at different price levels. ***** 5 stars for customer appeal.

2. Dolls photos were simple, clear, and focused around the product. ***** 5 stars for best of show.

3. It would be just our luck that the doll we wanted to purchase was sold before we could click the ADD TO CART button, so upon contacting the owner of this shop, we were able to order a doll. Not only were we able to custom order a doll, but the creator of this doll stuck in a special note to the receipient at our request. In addition the order was able to be made within a deadline. **** 5 stars for customer service.

4. We were notified when the custom listing was ready and when our product had shipped. ****4 stars for shipping notice. (5 *****'s if we would have been given the usps tracking number at time of notice).

5. As seen in this photo, the doll was beautifully and appropriately packaged. You can see the "extra little note" tucked inside the packaging. Doll contains shop's tag and is ready for it's new owner. ***** 5 stars for packaging.

6. Doll was shipped in a size appropriate box and packaged in a USPS priority box. Postage marked on the box proved to be more than postage paid at time of purchase. This tells us that the shop owner is honest and willing to take a dent in shipping costs rather then over charge their customers. **** 5 stars for shipping.

7. Follow-up. We actually notified the shop owner that item was received and left positive feedback at their etsy shop. Ordinarly we would wait to see if there was any follow-up from the shop checking to see if the item was 1. received, 2. satisfactory, and 3. feedback left.

8. When of the first things we check out before purchasing from a shop for their profile. It tells us about the shop and the owner. We were quite comfortable with the etsy profile for this shop. *****5 stars.

9. The second thing we check before confirming a purchase is the shop's policy. This we found a little confusing, as it states: *OOAK (one of a kind) baby dolls are not intended for children (as stated in their listings) and therefore are not covered under this policy if they are given to a child and then damaged.* So we contacted the shops owner asking if the doll we were considering for purchase as suitable for a nine month old child and washable. The response was, "These dolls are perfect for babies and can be washed on gentle cycle in a pillowcase. :)" See the confusion? Easily fixed with some rewording in the shop's policy. We give it **** 4 stars.

10. Lastly, we headed over to BeBe and Friends Website. It turns out there is also a bebe baby blog too.
For all intent and purposes, and with the incorporation of the new design templetes of blogs allowing users to have pages, the shop owner may find it valuable to move the website content over to blog pages and combine the two seperate sites into one. This would make it more customer and web-surfer friendly. ** 2 stars for website. Although the blog itself is well laid out by iteself we give it **** 4 stars without the addition of the website.

Overall, we love BeBe Babies and Friends. Will we come recommend this site to a friend? Absolutely. Are we most likely to return and purchase again? Absolutely.

But just don't take our word for it, tell us what you think. What do you like about this shop and it's website? What, if any, improvements would you suggest to the owner?

A special thanks to Casie at BeBe Babies and Friends for her wonderful shop and appearing in today's shop critique friday.

**Don't forget to leave your comments at a chance to win a free critique of your own shop or product!

Give Them What They Want

2011-01-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

Today's question is:

How do you determine what products your customers will want?

After an extensive search across the web I found these top suggestions of what sells best:

1. Bath and Beauty Products
2. Candles
3. Baby Items
4. Children's Clothes
5. Jewelry
6. Kitchen Items - such as pot holders, dish rags, and casserole cozies
7. Dolls and doll clothing

But I believe this person said it best:

"As an Esty seller, I find that even more importantly than selling whats popular is creating what you love and being creative. Products that sell best are by those who are passionate about what they are producing and provide great service." ORANGE RHINO KIDS CLOTHING, a comment made at the following article http://www.brighthub.com/office/home/articles/77232.aspx#ixzz16o7sqQKI

Bottom line is... if you're not doing what you love, then you're depriving yourself and your customers of the passion, love, and true talent you have laying somewhere beneath everything else you're doing.

If you want to really know what customers are buying, do your homework.

Visit http://www.ebay.com/ and do a search for "crafts", "Handmade", "handcrafted", "custom made", or "finished pieces". Mark your preferences to "completed listings" and you'll see what's been sold.

www.etsy.com/time_machine2/php is another good place to find out what customer wants. Click on the link that says "Just Sold".

and last but not least, http://www.qvc.com/ will also give you a good idea what people are buying.

When checking out these sites, look for three things:

1. Items actually sold

2. Number of bids (for eBay) or multiple sales (etsy)

3. Price (ignore buy it now on eBay - look at what they're being bid for - this will tell you what it's worth to those who bought it.

Maybe you already have a product you're selling, looking to add something new to your shop, or just starting out. What ever the case maybe, always check the current market. What customer's want today will change tomorrow, but there are a few things that remain consistent - faith, hope, and love for what you do.

The number one thing your customers want is you. They don't buy your product alone, they like the idea of your brand, your service, that little extra thing you do that makes them feel like a preferred customer each and every time they make a purchase.

When you combine your product, customer service, and a little you (personality), then that's what your customer wants. Now, if they're the right customer for you is another post that we'll pick up with on Wednesday.

When is the last time you asked your customers what they thought was so special about your shop?

Why Customers Can't Get Enough

2011-01-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

Remember back to the days of Tickle Me Elmo and other favored toys during the holiday season, were supply and demand caused people to pay outrageous amounts for items no longer available in stores?

Why is it that customers do that?

You have just as great of chance of creating the next big hit as the cyber shop or crafter sitting at the table next to you. However, it's one of those deals where the old saying, "You have better luck at winning the lottery" comes to mind.

So why is it, that customer's can't get enough of one item then another?

book publishers, crafters, artists, and musicians have been asking this questions for years. Here's a little secret for you...I don't know the answer either.

But what I do know, is the same thing any statistician is going to say. It depends on a multitude of factors. When J.K. Rowling was writing Harry Potter, she never knew it would be such a big hit. It was actually rejected more than fifty times by publishers. "That will never sell."

What I also know, is that you never want to hone your craft around a trend. Don't write or create for what is hot now, write what you know, craft what you love, and sing what you like.

So then how are you supposed to figure out what customers want so you can make a buck?

Let's go back to those statisticians for a moment. Statistically speaking, customers want a good product. When they buy something handmade they're looking for something unique, seasonal, or of gift giving quality. When you go to the store you're looking for something specific.

It just happened in one particular year a bunch of people decided a red monster that laughed made a great gift for three thru 5-year-olds, which in turn hiked up the demand. Then there is that statistician again who will tell you that the variable between the time of year, current economic standing, and original price of the toy all had a factor in it's success.

I happen to know too, that from one mother to another, if my little girl wants something and tells her friend, then her friend is going to want it. See how that works?

Everybody is out to keep up with the Jones, but nobody really knows who they are. In the business of selling your craft, you want your customers to love your product just as much as one child loved a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll to start a trend of your own.

When you supply your customers with a unique, well made, product that fits their needs, then they're bound to share their shopping experience and your name with their friends.

Win a Free Shop Critique

2011-01-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

Friday's are a special day for us here, and we hope you'll join us.

As any good craftsman knows, to hone their talent, improve their craft, and increase they're marketability, it requires feed back not only from those who have shopped from them, but potential shoppers and colleagues, too.

Every Friday we will be offering a product or shop critique.

Here is how it works.

One shop or shop product will be featured in a Friday post. You will then have the opportunity to visit that shop's online store and then come back here to our blog and make comments and suggestions on what you like or what you think needs improved on that individual shop. If you would like to see an improvement, then make a suggestion in the post on how to improve that item or feature. Remember, this might be you we're critiquing one day, and any inappropriate comments shall be deleted from the post.

Those of you who choose to participate by making a comment on the day's post, will then have the chance to win a free critique the following week of you're own shop or product.

Please note, that in addition to shop reviews. If you wish to have a featured product reviewed along with your shop, you will be required to ship a sample product that can be evaluated and assessed to create the post. Products are non-returnable, but hey you can write them off as a marketing promotion. :)

Oh, and no products rated over T (teen).

Next Friday, we'll be starting off with a product and shop critique from an Esty store that sells baby dolls.

Stay tuned. Shop critique winner will be announced the following week, so make sure you're following this blog and don't forget to leave your comments for a chance to win.

How Often Do You Short Sell Yourself?

2011-01-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Throughout the years I've enjoyed participating and visiting many a craft fair. This last season, it didn't surprise me to find many wonderful and beautifully made items that were sold for little more than cost. The reasoning behind this wasn't because the item's shelf wear had gone too long. No, simply the crafter who had created the item had under estimated the product's worth.

Thus short selling not only their product, but themselves.

As a crafter and even a writer, it's sometimes hard to assess what our end products are really worth. Here's a little secret I learned long ago, and I'll share with you. "It's only as worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it."

Yep, that's it. Didn't help much did it?

In order to evaluate whether you are short selling yourself, you need to assess the following things:

What does it mean - short sell? To short sell yourself means that you are worth far more for your talent, skill, or as the person you are.

Is there anything else out on the market like it? (If so, what does your competition look like - item and price wise)
What makes your product unique from all the rest?
Why would anyone want to buy this?

Starting in January to assess this about yourself and your craft is a great time. January is a slow period where the economy is taking a nap after the busy rush of the holiday season. It may seem like a slow time for you, but actually it's the best time.

It's the best time to re-evaluate your craft, take inventory of what you have to offer, and build your brand.

Why are those things so important?

Well, let's just put it this way. If you had the choice of buying a pair of jeans from your local Wal-Mart or buying a custom pair from say Old Navy. Which pair would you choose? The price of the jeans doesn't matter in this example. I think if you were to take a vote, Old Navy would win out over Wal-Mart.
Why?
Regardless to say that Wal-Mart may have had the cheaper pair of jeans, it's the fit that counts.

Just like your product and your customers.
No matter how much you short sell yourself to attract business, it's going to be the customers who "fit" with your brand than your price that comes shopping.
So today, ask yourself, "Am I short selling myself to make a buck? or do I need to re-evaluate my product and who my customers are?"

Making Your First Sale Online

2011-01-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

They say you never forget your "first." It makes you all happy and giddy inside, while notching your confidence as a new business owner.

Maybe you never thought of it that way before - business owner - enterpuener.... But when you take your craft online and sell it, that's exactly the hat you've put on. It's right over the one that says "crafter", "artist", or "writer".

Let's face it, in order to make it in the online market, you not only have to be able to produce a product or service, you have to be able to sell too.

In today's globalized market, individuals are finding themselves in competition with larger standing companies.Yes, that means you. And with the wide spread opportunities of the Internet now available and expanding, more and more individuals are finding ways to market themselves and make a living online.

So why then is the first sale so crucial? so important? so thrilling?

Because you've put you're foot into the door. It's like having a cigar stuffed in your mouth after your best friend's wife has a baby. You get caught up in the euphoria of the moment.

But what happens when that feeling goes away and your cloud nine has evaporated? Do you allow yourself to float so high that when you fall you can't get back up?

Alot of times when you go into a small family owned business you may see the first dollar earned in a frame on the wall. However, what you'll also see is the shop's owner busy at work to earn that next dollar.

At some point we all need to take our heads out of the clouds. A successful business owner will tell you that a dollar earned is a dollar spent, and in order to keep the dollars coming you need to make the next sale.

Chances are you'll never forget your first sale, but if you treat every sale with the enthusiasm of the first, then you'll be sure to keep your craft and your business of selling online expanding from one sale to the next.

Here's to your first sale!