It's been a month since I've posted on my blog?! Time really is flying by! I guess this post will be to catch everyone up on what's going on in my life.
Well, we're just a few weeks shy of moving the boys into their dorm rooms. We've gotten them registered for their classes and are just ironing out that last bit of financial business for them. We've got a lot of stuff to purchase to get them settled, and they are so looking forward to being on their own. I'm so excited for them...we've made a few trips to the campus and it really is quite lovely...oak trees surrounding the campus...everything close by...they will definitely have a great time.
FaerieWorlds Festival is right around the corner and though I won't be going for all 3 days of it, I will at least be attending one day of the most magickal festival ever!! It's an annual week long trip that I make with my best friend and I was hoping we would be able to do it again this year, but with her moving and the boys heading off to college, we're both just happy we can make it for a day!
Business is still doing well, and I have some very creative commissions in the works so that's going to keep me busy for a bit. I know I've said this before, but I really need to say it again...I have the bestest customers ever!!! Seriously...they are the best...and I am honored to have been chosen to create pieces either for special occassions or just simply a treat for themselves, whatever the reason....I am one lucky girl!
Well I should probably get to bed....I hope this finds you all well and I promise that I won't stay away for so long!
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Delightful Divas In Business Feature
I just wanted to tell the gals at Delightful Divas in Business thank you for the wonderful feature that they did on March 30th!
Here's a little information about DDIB from their blog:
Delightful Divas In Business (or DDIB) is an online community that promotes, connects, and inspires independent business women. We have a forum where you can meet other indie divas and wahms, share your business info, show off products, and announce sales and discounts.
____________________________________________________________________
These wonderful ladies do a great job promoting fellow women entrepreneurs. On their blog you'll find a large variety of handmade items by various artisans and plenty of giveaways and contests...it's definitely worth checking out! If you're interested in reading my feature you can see it HERE
(For those of you that follow my blog and my business you may notice that some of what I talk about in the feature seems a bit off...it's because I actually did the interview for this feature around the middle of September....though it's a little outdated as to what I'm currently doing now, I'm still very thankful for the feature!)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Quick Post Before Bed
It's been a few days since I posted anything so I thought I would before I head to bed.
Let's see, February has been a fabulous month so far especially for sales. Over all it's been amazing really, it took me 1 year to reach 100 sales (Sept. 2008), and just 5 1/2 months to make an additional 166 sales. It's been a crazy fun ride that's taught me that organization is a must!! I'm not even a top seller on Etsy...I have no idea how the top sellers do it. I often wonder if they have another job outside of Etsy...a family...and really just how they balance it all.
Aside from my business, the boys are doing great. They just received their acceptance letters to Pacific University....yes it's the expensive private college that I've mentioned before. It's funny because while my kids were filling out applications to various college's they said, "Mom, if I'm going to be $100,000 in debt from my college education I'd rather it be from a college that I want to go to!" I have to admit that I agree, though I hope they don't end up that far in debt! This weekend they attended Pace Setters at the university...it's a scholarship competition. The least they will receive is $4000 and the most is a full ride....I have my fingers crossed! They really like the school so far after the various visits and they've had a chance to spend some time with the baseball coaches...they're really looking forward to being part of their team. As their mom, I'm afraid of the debt, I'm excited for their new adventure with this next step in life and I really hope that they get all that they want and more!
This weekend is my best friends birthday so we're going for an all girls weekend with lots of fun and frolicking on the beach....I can't wait!! I think we're going to do some wine tasting, and we're going to attempt blowing our own glass balls....there's so much to do. I think most of all we're going to relax and enjoy the time together before she moves away :( We won't talk about that though...it always brings tears to my eyes to even think about it!
Well I'm off to bed...the morning comes to fast anymore and I am in dire need of some beauty sleep! I'll post pictures of our trip to the beach when I get back.
Let's see, February has been a fabulous month so far especially for sales. Over all it's been amazing really, it took me 1 year to reach 100 sales (Sept. 2008), and just 5 1/2 months to make an additional 166 sales. It's been a crazy fun ride that's taught me that organization is a must!! I'm not even a top seller on Etsy...I have no idea how the top sellers do it. I often wonder if they have another job outside of Etsy...a family...and really just how they balance it all.
Aside from my business, the boys are doing great. They just received their acceptance letters to Pacific University....yes it's the expensive private college that I've mentioned before. It's funny because while my kids were filling out applications to various college's they said, "Mom, if I'm going to be $100,000 in debt from my college education I'd rather it be from a college that I want to go to!" I have to admit that I agree, though I hope they don't end up that far in debt! This weekend they attended Pace Setters at the university...it's a scholarship competition. The least they will receive is $4000 and the most is a full ride....I have my fingers crossed! They really like the school so far after the various visits and they've had a chance to spend some time with the baseball coaches...they're really looking forward to being part of their team. As their mom, I'm afraid of the debt, I'm excited for their new adventure with this next step in life and I really hope that they get all that they want and more!
This weekend is my best friends birthday so we're going for an all girls weekend with lots of fun and frolicking on the beach....I can't wait!! I think we're going to do some wine tasting, and we're going to attempt blowing our own glass balls....there's so much to do. I think most of all we're going to relax and enjoy the time together before she moves away :( We won't talk about that though...it always brings tears to my eyes to even think about it!
Well I'm off to bed...the morning comes to fast anymore and I am in dire need of some beauty sleep! I'll post pictures of our trip to the beach when I get back.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Sleeping in...what's that??
I was so looking forward to sleeping in today and like clockwork I was up after 6 hours of sleep...uuuggghhh! What happened to the days when I could sleep for 12 hours, oh how I wish I could do that again.
I don't have a lot planned for the day. My boys are clam digging with some friends and I'm still in my pajamas sipping on a much needed cup of coffee. Oh, I received the check today to get my roof done..woohoo! If you don't remember, the roof over the deck collapsed from the heavy snowfall. It ruined the BBQ, my deck furniture and the air conditioner, so I'll be replacing those items too. I loved my deck furniture and am hoping that I can replace it easily.
I've added more stock to my Shophandmade store at http://shijewels.shophandmade.com/ I've only listed my custom made items there...these are things that I constantly make so yes I have them in my Etsy store as well. I do really love Shophandmade but the traffic there is slow. I checked out http://artfire.com but they are almost as over filled with jewelry as Etsy is, but it's still a venue that I may consider.
So here's a question to my readers...where do you sell your wares and what are your experiences with them?
Well I'm off to get ready for the day and to get out of the pajamas....have a good one!
I don't have a lot planned for the day. My boys are clam digging with some friends and I'm still in my pajamas sipping on a much needed cup of coffee. Oh, I received the check today to get my roof done..woohoo! If you don't remember, the roof over the deck collapsed from the heavy snowfall. It ruined the BBQ, my deck furniture and the air conditioner, so I'll be replacing those items too. I loved my deck furniture and am hoping that I can replace it easily.
I've added more stock to my Shophandmade store at http://shijewels.shophandmade.com/ I've only listed my custom made items there...these are things that I constantly make so yes I have them in my Etsy store as well. I do really love Shophandmade but the traffic there is slow. I checked out http://artfire.com but they are almost as over filled with jewelry as Etsy is, but it's still a venue that I may consider.
So here's a question to my readers...where do you sell your wares and what are your experiences with them?
Well I'm off to get ready for the day and to get out of the pajamas....have a good one!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Consignment
For those of us who make and sell handcrafted items, we often sell in multiple venues at once. For me, everything is online as of right now, but there are often offers of consignment. I was recently approached again to sell my jewelry in someones B&M boutique. Though it was very tempting, I graciously declined. I wanted to share my reasons why and to share some tips that I've learned.
Read the contract very closely...and for goodness sakes read the fine print. I know you're very excited at the prospect of getting your products out there, but look before you leap!
Where is the B&M store located? It's better if you can keep tabs on your product, easier to restock and to keep in contact with the store in general. But, there have been successful consignment agreements where the store and designer are great distances apart.
What is the agreed consignment ratio? Is it 70/30, 60/40 or 50/50? The higher numbers should represent what you, the creator, should receive after your item has sold. Personally I would never sell at a 50/50 ratio, but that's just me.
Who is liable if your items are damaged or stolen? This is very important to me, and has been a deal breaker. I personally feel that if I take the time to insure my products for delivery, that while they are in the hands of the seller, store, or boutique, it then becomes their responsibility should something happen to my product. Many stores have insurance to cover just that, so be sure to check on it and ask if it's not in the contract.
Do you as the designer still retain your ownership rights? You will find that sometimes the seller does not want you to include your website or other personal information about you because it may draw business away from their store, understandable...BUT...I feel that you should at least be able to have your business name or logo on your product. After all, YOU are the designer.
What is the term of the contract? Sometimes there is a trial period, make sure you read this closely as well. At the end of this term what happens? Who's responsible for packing up your stock and returning them back to you? There are many times when it is your responsibility, and when you live across the country from the store, this is not a viable option.
How often will you receive payment? This is often done once a month on a particular day and is done by check. Find out if you have to include stamped envelopes for them to send your payments to you. This can sometimes be hidden in the contract somewhere too.
How do they want you to present your items? Do they want you to make certain labels, use certain price tags verses another type, boxes, display cases? This can be a lot of extra work if the store is requiring that you package/display your items differently than what you usually do.
A few other things are to make sure you take a copy of the signed contract, check out the store (look them up at the Better Business Bureau), ask for references. If your not happy with something in the contract, ask if it can be adjusted. If you see that something is missing, ask and most of all trust your gut feeling!! Even then, sometimes the best intentions with both parties can go south.
I'm not trying to be a "negative Nancy" here, but I think that we all have to protect what we have worked so hard to make. I will eventually do consignments, but it's a matter of finding the right fit, both with the B&M store and the contract. For now though, I'm content with where I'm at, I've found my happy place so to speak....I hope you can too!
Read the contract very closely...and for goodness sakes read the fine print. I know you're very excited at the prospect of getting your products out there, but look before you leap!
Where is the B&M store located? It's better if you can keep tabs on your product, easier to restock and to keep in contact with the store in general. But, there have been successful consignment agreements where the store and designer are great distances apart.
What is the agreed consignment ratio? Is it 70/30, 60/40 or 50/50? The higher numbers should represent what you, the creator, should receive after your item has sold. Personally I would never sell at a 50/50 ratio, but that's just me.
Who is liable if your items are damaged or stolen? This is very important to me, and has been a deal breaker. I personally feel that if I take the time to insure my products for delivery, that while they are in the hands of the seller, store, or boutique, it then becomes their responsibility should something happen to my product. Many stores have insurance to cover just that, so be sure to check on it and ask if it's not in the contract.
Do you as the designer still retain your ownership rights? You will find that sometimes the seller does not want you to include your website or other personal information about you because it may draw business away from their store, understandable...BUT...I feel that you should at least be able to have your business name or logo on your product. After all, YOU are the designer.
What is the term of the contract? Sometimes there is a trial period, make sure you read this closely as well. At the end of this term what happens? Who's responsible for packing up your stock and returning them back to you? There are many times when it is your responsibility, and when you live across the country from the store, this is not a viable option.
How often will you receive payment? This is often done once a month on a particular day and is done by check. Find out if you have to include stamped envelopes for them to send your payments to you. This can sometimes be hidden in the contract somewhere too.
How do they want you to present your items? Do they want you to make certain labels, use certain price tags verses another type, boxes, display cases? This can be a lot of extra work if the store is requiring that you package/display your items differently than what you usually do.
A few other things are to make sure you take a copy of the signed contract, check out the store (look them up at the Better Business Bureau), ask for references. If your not happy with something in the contract, ask if it can be adjusted. If you see that something is missing, ask and most of all trust your gut feeling!! Even then, sometimes the best intentions with both parties can go south.
I'm not trying to be a "negative Nancy" here, but I think that we all have to protect what we have worked so hard to make. I will eventually do consignments, but it's a matter of finding the right fit, both with the B&M store and the contract. For now though, I'm content with where I'm at, I've found my happy place so to speak....I hope you can too!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Back to this...
I'm back to making my handmade boxes for orders that are going out this next week. I ordered my kraft boxes back on the 15th and haven't heard hide nor hair of them since. I tried contacting Nile Corp today to no avail, so I sent them an email in hopes that I hear from them soon! It's frustrating when you think you've ordered your supplies in time to find that for some reason or another things get all snafu'd and don't go the way you had planned...such is life :)
Don't get me wrong...I love making these boxes because of that little extra touch of handmade. BUT, there's definitely something to be said when you've found a way of packaging your handmade goodies that represents both you and your business. It took me awhile to do just that, and I found it in all aspects including the design, natural colors and textures.
Who would've thought that I would be so concerned about packaging when I started this business? Let me tell you though, the packaging is like meeting someone for the first time....it's all about making a good first impression. At least that's the way I look at it. Many would probably argue that they bought the product not the packaging....true....but just imagine how you would feel if you just spent your hard earned money on a spendy piece of jewelry only to have it come in an envelope wrapped in paper. That tells me that the seller doesn't care enough about their items to either protect it or present it well. Think of it (packaging) as just another way of marketing your business. You never know who may end up with it...word of mouth can be very lucrative :)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Self Promoting, Sales and Discounts
With any small business you have a lot of self promoting to do to get your name out there. I don't sell on any other online venues besides Etsy, so this is especially important for me. I from time to time list on Craigslist but you have to be careful that you don't include your store link or they will remove your listing. Flikr has been especially helpful for me, it's more of a portfolio for my work a lot like TalentDataBase. I've just started listing again on YouCraft.org which is similar to Craigslist but your website can be listed and it's solely crafted items. Of course my blog is also used to advertise. I also use some social networking sites like MySpace, Tribe.net, Facebook and more recently Linkreferral. This is just a few...I've joined others but I'm not really all that active on them. With working a day job, I really have a small space of time to do my self promoting so I have to pick the ones that will get my shop seen the most.
I'd say the most important self promotion that you can do is customer service. I can't emphasize this enough! How you treat your customers can definitely make or break you. If you as a seller and business owner are pleasant to deal with and go above and beyond to make sure your customers are happy, they will Remember, Return and Refer...I like to call this the 3 R's (these are the three things that I always keep in mind). Remember that they are contributing to the success of your business so be thankful, be courteous, be polite and make sure that they know how appreciative you are that they chose "You" to purchase from.
Now on to "Sales and Discounts". A lot of Etsians have SNS's (Saturday Night Specials/Sales), I haven't done one of these yet but may try one soon. I offer discounts during special events and free shipping during the holidays. I will be making Gift Certificates for the upcoming holiday season as well. I also put items on sale within my store...but these are normally items that are out of season. Another thing I do from time to time is include a little something extra with purchases. This can be something as simple as tea, cocoa, earrings, magnet...just use your imagination. I probably wouldn't use candy, the biggest complaint is people want to know how old it is, where it came from, etc., so be mindful of the customer here. Ways you can advertise your sale is to post them on all of your social networking sites (make sure it's not considered spam), in your stores front page, and in the Etsy forum. I don't suggest sending emails to customers who have not signed up to receive them. If you want to send these out I would suggest that with each sale asking your customer if they would like to receive promotional emails from you. Please don't assume that they will, you may lose some customers this way. Everyone likes a sale, but some don't want it shoved down their throats either, so again be mindful of how your customers may feel.
These are all just the way I do things, avenues that I use to promote and advertise. These may not guarantee a sale for you or myself, but they are definitely ways to get your name out there. If you try these, or currently use any of the online places listed above to promote I'd be interested in hearing your stories, successful or not, feel free to share!
I'd say the most important self promotion that you can do is customer service. I can't emphasize this enough! How you treat your customers can definitely make or break you. If you as a seller and business owner are pleasant to deal with and go above and beyond to make sure your customers are happy, they will Remember, Return and Refer...I like to call this the 3 R's (these are the three things that I always keep in mind). Remember that they are contributing to the success of your business so be thankful, be courteous, be polite and make sure that they know how appreciative you are that they chose "You" to purchase from.
Now on to "Sales and Discounts". A lot of Etsians have SNS's (Saturday Night Specials/Sales), I haven't done one of these yet but may try one soon. I offer discounts during special events and free shipping during the holidays. I will be making Gift Certificates for the upcoming holiday season as well. I also put items on sale within my store...but these are normally items that are out of season. Another thing I do from time to time is include a little something extra with purchases. This can be something as simple as tea, cocoa, earrings, magnet...just use your imagination. I probably wouldn't use candy, the biggest complaint is people want to know how old it is, where it came from, etc., so be mindful of the customer here. Ways you can advertise your sale is to post them on all of your social networking sites (make sure it's not considered spam), in your stores front page, and in the Etsy forum. I don't suggest sending emails to customers who have not signed up to receive them. If you want to send these out I would suggest that with each sale asking your customer if they would like to receive promotional emails from you. Please don't assume that they will, you may lose some customers this way. Everyone likes a sale, but some don't want it shoved down their throats either, so again be mindful of how your customers may feel.
These are all just the way I do things, avenues that I use to promote and advertise. These may not guarantee a sale for you or myself, but they are definitely ways to get your name out there. If you try these, or currently use any of the online places listed above to promote I'd be interested in hearing your stories, successful or not, feel free to share!
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