So Long for Now

Hello Team..

 I write this with some saddness to tell you that I am moving on. I have enjoyed writing the blog, but I need to concentrate on other things now. Primarily, my own blog and my etsy shops. My business is growing steadily and at times I feel like I am spread way too thin to get everything done that I should. I have let this team slide along with the blog. I am also leaving the team for now. I just do not have the time to put into it what I should.

Please come by my blog from time to time to catch up.

Linda~The Homespun Loft (www.homespunloft.blogspot.com)

Getting Ready For Fall

You know when the NYS fair is here that our summer is about over!
Fall will be here and everyone's sales should take a jump.  Lots of us will be doing craft shows for more added stress!

Are you ready? Have you been stocking your store for the fall rush?

Take a look at some of the fall items I found with some of our team members shops:

Purple and Black Long Vest  $113.00  by Cindy Styles



From Faerie Garden Fancies - Boo Pendant $13.00


From SolaBowtique -- Halloween Headband $6.95



From KCFabricOrnaments  ~ Quilted Halloween Ornament $15.00



From WhiteOakRoom ~ Handmade Quilted Trick or Treat Bags $9.00


And from  PatsPassionQuilteds   ~ Halloween Table Runner Quilted Orange Black Purple $40.00


Nice items team... Please check out these items and pass them onto all your friends!

Happy End of Summer team...
Linda/TheHomespunLoft

International Shipping

I was on a forum site last week and this question kept coming up in groups I belong to... Others asked about shipping items overseas... and their concerns about it.
I will write here, basically what I told them there.

Do NOT Be Afraid to Ship Internationally.

I use USPS for all my shipping since my Post Office is close to my home. And it is just easier for me. The UPS office is about 14 miles from my home and it is hard to find a location near me or if it is near me-- it is out of my way to get to it. I am fine with the PO.

I routinely ship over seas. I am a long time eBay seller along with Etsy and so far, so good. I don't ship to Africa, because of the problems you hear with scams and there is no good mailing system there.

You do have to be careful and read about what is allowed to be shipped to each country. http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/ab_toc.htm You can look up each country and see if you can even ship your item there. Like in Italy- You can't ship anything with artificial flowers on it.

I would say with any of these selling sites you are on... IF your item is not able to be shipped to a certain country- then do not list it as a country that you ship to!  For my vintage site.. I often don't ship Glass items overseas, due to worry about breakage. It is my choice. I know with Etsy and eBay-- each ad is it's own entity. I can choose which countries to ship to with each ad.

Items under 4# are sent 1st class International and the price is not all that bad. Over that amount-- then it is Priority mail.  I find that if a customer wants your item enough- they will pay the shipping to get it. One thing to consider-- while the prices might look high to us here-- we don't really know that they are not higher for the person in their own country. Some items like Jewelry have to be sent Insured Priority in Australia... Okay- so do it.

On the custom form- you have to put what the item is, how much it weighs, the cost of it and your name and address.. sometimes your phone number then date and sign it. Your customer's name and address is also there and sometimes their phone number.

You have your receipt that you shipped the item and the number on the custom form as your proof of mailing- you can also pay to have a "proof of mailing" certificate stamped by the PO-- it is around $1.00. Items get lost in the mail. With your proof it was sent.. don't worry so much. Talk to your customer and see what they want to do. Call the PO and see what your options are whether you insured it or not. It will be okay! ( I do have to tell you that the only time in all my years of selling and shipping-- the only item that was ever "lost" was a book in the USA!.. I had delivery confirmation on it and my customer was very nice- and it ended well).

I use PayPal and Ship-n-Click and it all works great. I have a postal scale that I bought on eBay and I print my own labels here on my printer and put it in my mailbox or bring it to the PO when I am out and about. Easy. The payment for the shipping is taken from my PayPal account.

If sending Priority mail through the PO-- you can order the boxes for free and they are delivered to your home. They also have stickers and tape and labels. Many items for free. You can purchase Postal Scales from them-- but I have found looking around locally are usually less pricey at the wholesale clubs and big box stores.

 You can go to www.USPS.com and pre-figure out the postage for all the countries that you want to ship to.  I have not had a problem with weights or the accuracy of the fees charged. It will also give you an estimated time of mailing. With some of these countries-- it can take 2-3 wks or more!

I would certainly make sure to have a note on your policies page that the customers pay all custom duty fees and tariff fees.. just so no one thinks you are paying them. With eBay-- they suggest strongly that you add something to your policies along this line.. with Etsy I added it.

And I would also be aware that it is Illegal in the USA to mark an item as a Gift when it is a purchase. When you mark it as a gift- the recipient does not have to pay the duty on it. Make sure to mark items as Merchandise. By signing the custom form- it is basically a legal contract you signed. There is no point to not do it correctly. I would not want a custom or postal inspector knocking on my door.

As I said before.. even with all these rules... I get lots of International sales and some customers that come back for more.. so, it can't be all that bad for them. I do think that it increases your market to offer International Shipping. Do your homework.. make sure your items can be shipped to all countries that you offer to ship to. Use the PO as a resource.. they are very helpful.

And please leave your comments here, especially if you have been concerned about International Shipping.. I'd love to hear what you have to say....

CNY Etsy Team Meeting 2013

CNY Etsy Team Meeting will be Sat May 18th at St Thomas Church in New Hartford. 

It is the same place as previous years with one change. The parish center is being used, so it will be in the church basement in one of the classrooms.

Go around to the back of the church and there is a door , enter and go down the stairs.

The meeting is at 1 pm and usually is over by 3.

Bring some samples of your work, business cards, anything you like.

Feel free to bring a snack to share if you want, not required. Bring a drink for yourself.

Please let Lauren Darby ( https://www.etsy.com/shop/OriginalsbyLauren?ref=teams_post) know even if you are/aren't coming so we can get a head count.

Thanks!

serenitylane Interview

Our next Interview is with serenitylane

1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?
Many people have asked me how I came up with the name - Serenity Lane, and the significance of the pink Gerber daisy.
I started Serenity Lane officially July 1, 2011, but the idea had always been in my head. We used to live on a road called Serenity Lane, and I always thought that was such a quaint and cute name. I've always loved to craft, but while living in that house, my love for rubber stamps began.
The pink Gerber daisy has a special meaning for me. In the spring of 2010 I was asked to lead a women's spiritual life retreat. The theme I choose was "No One Can Take Away Your Joy". In doing research for the retreat, I learned that the Gerber daisy symbolizes cheerfulness and joy, and the color pink symbolizes - in the Christian sense, joy and happiness. I adopted these symbols and used them in the retreat. My mom went on this retreat with me, and a week after the retreat she got very ill. She spent 2 months in and out of ICU, and we were told her disease - Scleroderma, was finally going to win her almost 30 year battle. My mom passed away 6 months later. The pink Gerber daisy symbolizes many things for me - the joy and happiness crafting brings me, and a special way to remember my mom, and knowing she would love that I've stepped out and started this new adventure.
2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?
I love to make handmade cards – I actually don’t have many in my shop right now, but I’m working on that ;) . People would tell me all the time that people would buy them, and then one day a woman asked me to make her a few, and she PAID me for them. I was so excited!
3) Who or What started you on this path?

I have been rubber stamping for years and get together a lot with other friends and family members to stamp and craft for fun.
4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?
I’d be nowhere without my stamps and ink pads and papers! :)
5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?
Best advice I could give is never give up on a dream, do what you love, and challenge yourself.
6) Are you doing any craft shows this year? or are you selling in any co-ops or shops?

I’m in the process of lining up show for the year, and I’m looking into getting into a couple of shops!

7) Please pick the fave thing in your shop.. and provide the link to it.. and tell why you like it best.

coasters-rustic-natural-stone-tumbled    $21.00
This set of coasters, and a few others caught the attention of many last spring when I had a great opportunity to be on ABC’s The Chew. What an exciting adventure that was. There are photos and video, and the whole story on my blog if you’d like to learn more!
8) Lots of things that I like in the shop too...Love the coasters.. but to be different.. there are some very cute cards too!

baby-card-onsie-green-and-blue-plaid   $3.75


9) Please provide your links
Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/serenitylane
Blog: serenitylanedesigns.blogspot.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/SerLaneDes
Twitter: twitter.com/SerLaneDes
Pinterest: pinterest.com/serlanedes/

Thanks, Diane.. I am sure your mom is watching over you with pride.

Dew on a Petal Interview

Our next Interview is with Dew on a Petal..

1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?

 It was a name I came up with many years ago. I tossed around a few ideas and this just sounded not too restrictive yet friendly

2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?

 I started out making jewelry. I took classes at the pca.pittsburgharts.org/ in lampwork beadmaking and jewelry construction back in the 80s. I moved on to fiber jewelry because I have been a crocheter all my life. I have many skills such as machine knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing, but have little time for that now.
3) Who or What started you on this path?

Honestly? Money. I wanted to find something I enjoyed doing while making a profit doing it. I had just put 2 girls through private college (including Juilliard) with no help from their father and was desperate when it came time to start repaying. I was living in Manhattan which as you may know, has almost no middle class. I was still working fulltime making enough to pay the rent and bills but little else. I opened up an Etsy account to sell jewelry but decided that it was too competitive. I had put all my candle supplies in storage (a former hobby) but I decided to take then out of storage to make candles as gifts for my co-workers. At that time I discovered soy wax and experimented with it and fell in love with it. Shortly after that, I received my first wedding order and the rest is history. I now do custom color matching which I think is unique to the industry.
4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?

I have tons of molds and love experimenting with the qualities of each one. I have also expanded to include other fragrance products such as diffusers, soap and sachets. I developed a recently candle with a tea light insert to create a ForeverCandle.
4) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?

Always be open to change. Make what sells. Find your niche. I started out with jewelry, moved on to crochet jewelry and stickpins, then on to home goods, then to candles. I have found my niche in wedding and custom candles. If my customer has an idea, I will do my best to create it for them. In 6 years I have perfected the art of making candles.
5) Are you doing any craft shows this year? or are you selling in any co-ops or shops?

I do very few shows now and keep them closer to home. I love meeting customers face to face when I can. I always do the Indie Garage Sale in Utica a few times a year, Whitney Point Fall Festival, Skaneateles and a few others. My candles are in a few shops now, including The Barstow House and a shop in LA. Most of my business is now wholesale and making blanks for PersonalizedCandles www.etsy.com/shop/PersonalizedCandles

6) Pease Pick the fave thing in your shop.. and provide the link to it.. and tell why you like it best.

Soy pillar candle set of 4 with tea light inserts 4" diameter ForeverCandle.  I like it because it’s a unique product.

7) This os one of the things I like in her shop:
 
Fireplace Soy Candle, Travel Tin, Wood Fireplace, Winter Fire $8.00

8) Please provide your links
www.DewOnAPetal.com
. www.facebook.com/DewOnAPetal
twitter.com/dewonapetal

Thanks Marty.. good interview!

Interview with ALynnCeramics

Our next Interview with ALynnCeramics:

1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?

A Lynn is the first letter of my first name and my middle name. As an undergraduate student, my name (Amanda Chestnut) was long enough that I didn't like signing it on my work, so I chose a shortened version.
2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?

I receive encouragement from one of my first customers, who is a friend of mine from high school. Lisa is also my biggest fan, and it's amazing to me to hear her rave about my work to anyone who will listen. She helps me believe that I can do this!
3) Who or What started you on this path?

 I've been making in one way or another for almost 15 years. Selling on Etsy, as well as in other venues, was a logical progression.
4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?

Right now I've just discovered some copyright-free antique medical images, that I'm experimenting with transferring on to surfaces and incorporating in my work.
5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?

Make what you love! As soon as you stop loving what you're making it starts to feel like work. Being a maker, if you love it, will never EVER feel like working.
6) Are you doing any craft shows this year? or are you selling in any co-ops or shops?

 I'm currently selling at Chartreuse on Park Ave in Rochester, New York. I'm planning on submitting applications to judged shows for the first time ever this summer!
7) Please pick a fave thing in your shop.. and provide the link to it.. and tell why you like it best.

 www.etsy.com/listing/61948098/platter-in-rustic-red-for-baking-or
This is the first large platter I ever made, and I love it. The color is great, and it has such a sturdy hand-feel. It really is very usable in the kitchen!
8)   There was so much in Amanda's shop that I love that it was hard to pick just one.

I like the simplicity of this bowl and the color calls me. I think this would go perfectly in almost any decor. How pretty would it look on a table?
blue-bowl-for-babies-condiments-or  $12.00

9) Please provide your links :

www.facebook.com/ALynnCeramics
 twitter.com/manda_nut

Thanks Amanda! Great items..thanks for sharing!

K. Michele Creations Interview

Thank you, Karen for the Interview...

1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?

The name for my shop has had many transformations until I settled on K. Michele Creations. I just went with my name and it just seemed to fit and allowed me to just create anything I wished without being confined to one idea since my interests vary from time to time.
2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?

           The first piece I ever sold was one of my mixed media art pieces called A Mother's Love (faery edition). I had just learned about mixed media and had been experimenting with it. I was super excited when it sold.
3) Who or What started you on this path?

   I am the only one in my family who is artistic in anyway. I like to believe I got my love of creating and of handmade from my late grandmother. She was always crafting something and always had a handmade gift for all 8 of her grandchildren when we'd go and visit. But it's my whole family who has encouraged me on my artistic endeavors and who've always told me I should sell my creations. So here I am on Etsy.
4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?

             My hands, they are my instrument of creation.

5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?

    Be patient and be diligent. It doesn't happen over night. It takes a lot of work and diligence to build your shop. And it's something that I am constantly working on.
6) Are you doing any craft shows this year? or are you selling in any co-ops or shops?

  At the moment, just Etsy. I am looking into possibly doing some craft shows this year.
7) Please pick the fave thing in your shop.. and provide the link to it.. and tell why you like it best.

   Hello Friend has to be one of my favorites. As a kid, I'd sit outside under a full moon and just talk to it, getting everything that's been bugging me off my chest. I love faeries and this piece reminds me of those nights talking and sharing secrets with the moon. www.etsy.com/listing/99611771/hello-friend-mixed-media-original-9x12

8) I really like this print. I think it would make a really nice Mother's Day gift or something Nice to put in the Baby's room..

                             
A Mother's Love Mermaid Edition - Original Mixed Media Art $25.00

9) Please provide your links 
                 Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/kmichelecreations
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kmichelecreations
Blog: kmichelecreations.blogspot.com/

Interview with In Fine Feathers

Our next Interview with In Fine Feathers ...

1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?

 I began my business under the name "Fine Feathered Finds" . After a year or so of tongue twisting and attempting to shorten my business name in conversation I decided it was time for a new name! I came up with In Fine Feathers because I didn't want the new name to be too different so everyone would still know it was me. To be "In Fine Feathers" to me says a lot about someone. You are someone that appreciates the handmade, original wearable works of art. You are not afraid to display your feathers like a proud peacock would. Also, the feathers must be fine, as in fine jewelry. I use cruelty free naturally molted feathers for most of my items. I complete the process from sanitation, to dyeing them and finally using them for headdresses and other items you find in my shop.

2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?

The first item I sold in person was a beautiful little flapper hair clip with a peacock feather sticking out. The first item I sold online was a very cute flower hair clip with little blue and purple flowers and purple and teal feathers coming out of the sides. I sold it for $10 and it took me 4 months to get my first sale!

3) Who or What started you on this path?

 I have always loved to dance. Dancing is the inspiration behind the items I create. I love the way costumes and accessories add even more beauty to the dancer! I also love that everyone seems to be getting in touch with their inner-dancer and realizing how healthy it is and how much it enhances your well-being. I think that somehow down the line we became too busy to dance, to dress up and to be creating beauty in the moment.

4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?

 My favorite tool of the trade is a toss-up between my hot glue gun and sewing machine.

5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?

 My advice: You're business is only going to be as successful as you believe it will be. Another good one is: Your business is only as good as your word. Those are two business mantras I repeat pretty much on a daily basis.

6) Are you doing any craft shows this year? or are you selling in any co-ops or shops?

 I do vend mostly at music festivals such as Sterling Stage Folkfest, Ameribeat and Last Daze in Sterling, NY. I also am going to vend at Upstate Live's music festivals Spring Revival and Fiddler's Picnic. You can also find me at Oswego Farmer's Market every Thursday from 4-9 during the Summer. I do vend at Beaver Lake's Golden Harvest, Lioness Apple Festival and with CNY Arts at Harborfest. I am sure to be adding many more to the list but those are my definites.
7) pick the fave thing in your shop.. and provide the link to it.. and tell why you like it best.

My current favorite item is my Mayan Empress Headdress from A Vintage Privilege Collection, my newest item.  I choose these headdresses because they make a statement and are powerful. They are each strong and demand your attention but at the same time are feminine.



Here are a couple things that I like in this shop:

Life Is A Carnival Hand Dyed Colorful Feather Hair Extension Clip In ($18.00)

And I like this too..

SALE Moon Glow Vintage Inspired Lace Headband Dance Headdress Petals To Metal Collection
($22.99)

Here are her links:

You can find me on Facebook! www.facebook.com/infinefeathers
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/infinefeathers
Twitter: www.twitter.com/fine_feathered_
Follow my Blog: www.infinefeathersshop.blogspot.com
and of course Etsy: www.infinefeathers.etsy.com

Thanks for the Interview!

East Street Tins Interview

Our next Interview is with East Street Tins


1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?

    I live on East Street and it seemed an easy name

2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?

 I started out making brooches out of zippers and approached a few shops and they were interested.
3) Who or What started you on this path?

Then I took a two week course at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts using many different kinds of materials to make wearable art. The material I liked best was tin because of the color and recycling nature of the cans. I came right home and set up a studio in my basement and started production.
 4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?

Probably the thing I use the most other than my eyes for color, is my flex shaft machine for sanding and drilling.

5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?

When it is slow on Etsy, pack up your merchandise and go on the road. Look for shops to carry your products.

6) Are you doing any craft shows this year? Where can others find you?

I hope to do some craft shows this year. At the present I am signed up to do one at Baltimore Woods in May. Last year I had successful shows at MayDay Underground in Rochester and the Pepper Market in Syracuse. I sell my jewelry at Imagine in Skaneateles, Craft Co.# 6 in Rochester and the Schweinfurth Art Center in Auburn. Always looking for more.

7) What is the favorite item in your shop and why?

My favorite item of the week is a necklace I just completed using a tin mold and tin from a variety of vintage cans. I love the mix of colors and textures.

 

 Into the Sunset-Mixed Recycled Tin Necklace- Statement Travelers Necklace-Sailing Ships ($72.00)
8) My favorite picks for this shop are: 
 

 
Black Turquoise Medallion Disc Earrings-Recycled Tin-Ornate Patterns-Lightweight Earrings ($22.00)

I think these are so pretty. Something different.


Necklace: Mixed Metal Disc -Purple Necklace- Recycled Tin- Long Necklace- Handmade Steel Chain ($82.00)

I like one because it is simple and pretty.

8) Please tell us your links (ie facebook/twitter/web site etc).
 Her links are:
www.eaststreetpins.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/EastStreetTins
vimeo.com/35467991

Thanks, Betsy...good answers

Interview with KC Fabric Ornaments

Our next Interview is with KC Fabric Ornaments


1) How did you come up with the name to your shop? 

KC Fabric Ornaments, the K stands for Kim and C stands for Chris. We are a daughter/mother team that makes fabric ornaments for Christmas and many other occasions.
2) What was the first thing that you created & sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?

We sold one of our Christmas ornaments locally and received positive feedback from many people. It gave us the reassurance that we create quality ornaments.

3) Who or What started you on this path?

We have always been into doing crafts. Last year we were looking for something new to make for Christmas and came across the quilted fabric ornaments online. We made over 50 ornaments in a few months span and we wanted to share them with others.
4)What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?

We LOVE fabric. We enjoy the creative process of picking fabric and combining them to make a beautiful ornament. The choices and combinations are endless.

5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?


To do your research for pricing your items. We also suggest joining teams and circles on Etsy to try and get your shop name and products out to as many people as you can.
6) Are you doing any craft shows this year? Where can others find you?

We will be building our inventory this coming year, and intend on doing a couple craft shows in the Ilion, NY area in the Fall of 2013.7) My favorite picks for this shop are:

  Ornament with Dog Bone Fabric: http://www.etsy.com/listing/124409125/quilted-no-sew-fabric-ornament-white

 

And this one...

One for St Patrick's Day- http://www.etsy.com/listing/121323338/quilted-no-sew-fabric-st-patricks-day?
 

 

8) Please tell us your links (ie facebook/twitter/web site etc).
Etsy  www.etsy.com/shop/KCFabricOrnaments
facebook  www.facebook.com/KCFabricOrnaments

Thank you for the Interview..it is being posted about 3 months later than it should..
 

Workmanship

Workmanship.. I have noticed both on Etsy and at Craft shows that some vendors believe that just doing enough is okay. I totally disagree. I think that if it is not the best work that you know how to do- then you should not sell it. Period.

One artisan recently wrote about how she cut costs (and workmanship) to sell her item at a "reasonable" price. Why? It takes no longer to make something correctly than it does the less correct way. For example, with sewing it takes no longer to match plaids on a item than it does to match them-- and the item looks so much nicer with the plaids matched.

I wonder if these vendors who think this way get a lot of repeat business? I would hope that everyone who reads this note... Please just do your very best. And if you know that your sewing machine is skipping stitches or you are sewing with rotted thread.or your wood is cracked (or whatever your medium is)that you just don't sell that item.

 I absolutely think it is to the vendor's benefit to have integrity when they are making and selling. And really think-- would you want to receive the item that you are trying to pass off as perfect, if you had bought it? I wonder... thanks for reading along...

Come Meet The 1829 Farmhouse on Etsy

My New Interview is with Judi at  The1829Farmhouse

1) How did you come up with the name to your shop?
    My home is a farmhouse built in 1829, it has been in my husband's family on & off through the     years.

 2) What was the first thing that you created or sold that made you think- Wow- I CAN do this?
      My first sale was a soft grey Homer- Laughlin covered vegetable dish that I bought at a yard sale for very little money.  I sold it for a very good profit and was ecstatic.

 3) Who or What started you on this path?
   I believe I discovered Etsy via another blog and decided to check it out.  It was such a simple concept, although it took me almost a year to stock it after I set up shop!
 4) What is the Favorite tool of your trade and why?
      I would have to say yard sales, thrift stores and antique shows are my tools plus my love of the     neglected item along with paint to repurpose and breathe new life into.
 5) What is your best advice or tip to give another vendor?
       Stay focused, be consistent (I struggle with juggling the rest of my life with this) and keep learning how to improve.
6) Are you doing any craft/antique shows this year? Where can others find you?
   I have many of my items in a little shop called Antique Harbor in Liverpool,NY that is open Saturdays (so far) from May thru December.
 7) What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
    My favorite item is the handpainted antique dresser:

 It was a sore sight before it was beautified with a sweet paint treatment, drawer pulls and lined drawers. The mirror was found in a dumpster and married to the dresser. It would look so perfect in a little girls bedroom or nursery.

This is one of the items that I like in her shop:

                    peppermint soak, bath salts, organic ingredients, natural, one pound package
     8) Please tell us your links (ie facebook/twitter/web site etc).
 the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com, twitter.com/burrows_judi, pinterest.com/1829farmhouse/
Thanks, Judi!

Please go check out her shop and follow her links!  

Scam Convos...Sellers Beware

I received this Convo today... I have reported it to Etsy. I believe It is a scam. Notice the way the English is not "right". (i would like to purchase some of it in bulk order) and "price lists" (when the wording should say Price List not the plural).  "I saw"-- that should read 'I see'.  She also goes from capitol I to small i's in her words.

Granted some of it is minor grammar mistakes that anyone could make, but When you read the convo out loud you can see that is not how natural Americans talk....and together with the subject is the other red flag.

Plus the fact that she is trying to get me to sell her my things off of Etsy-- which is a Major No-No.

AND the fact that I only have 1 Quilt up for sale.. and I don't promote my shop as a Quilt shop. That was the biggest Red Flag to me.

Also- she doesn't have any feedback, nor does she have a shop...and she just joined today!

Here is the convo:
Hi there!
I saw that you are selling quilts ,and i would like to purchase some of it in bulk order.
Can you please send me your price lists together with your phone number that i can call?
Or you can email me at ... (I removed her email).
Thanks!

I also know that there are other scams with sellers trying to get your phone number and bank account information. I have had team members tell me of ones where someone convos to ask about an already sold quilt-- that they will pay more for it-- if you just refund the difference to them..

Another-- watch out for the persons asking you to put your item on their web site-- then if it sells there-- they will pay for it and you ship to the customer.... a drop shipper.

I have not responded to her as I don't want to encourage her. I am not interested... as much as I would love someone to buy a bunch of items from me...But I want it done legally.

Understand... also that with Yahoo or Hotmail or even Gmail-- you do not have to give your real name or age or zip code or anything. You can totally make up a new identity for yourself.

Sellers- Just be careful.. I get that we all want sales.. but I like Etsy and have no desire to mess that up. I think if some convo you get--- doesn't feel right, it is best to just report it and let them handle it.

Have a good day...

Do You Have New Items in your Shop?

Are your are sales slow?  I will be posting a series of posts about what works for me and what might work for you. This is just the first.

The time of year is probably the cause.. Jan & Feb are traditionally slow in the crafting and bricks/mortar shops.

But could it be that you are not working your shop? 

I know from past experience that I need to list something in my shop every 5 to 6 days or I come off the front page of a Google search. Everyone is different. I have a friend who also has an Etsy shop and her time frame is 3 days. Check your own times. 

I had been helping another team weed out it's non contributing members and noticed that the ones with little to no sales-- have just listed a few things and walked away. I had one lady tell me, that she doesn't check her shop until she gets an email saying she sold something-- she has been here 2 yrs and has only sold 3 things. I predict that if she continues to carry on this way-- it will be another 2 yrs before she sells the remaining 5 items in her shop! 

People-- You have to work your shops to get sales.. and that means listing new things in your shop. Think about it.. when I go to a shop.. I don't want to see that this item has been sitting in your shop for almost 4 months ( I can tell in the list view of your shop)... and basically that you just walked away. 

I get that some of you are discouraged.  But if you never have anything new in your shop-- why would I want to come back to see the same ol' thing. When you are out and about and stop into a store and they never get in anything new-- you don't go back. You write them off. And they eventually close their doors. 

I know that I only have to list 1 thing every 5-6 days.. So, when I am sewing-- and I have made say 8 things... I space out my listings. I don't have to list them all the same day. Sometimes I do.. but my shop is established and I don't worry as much.  I can list 1 of those 8 items every 5 days and still be on the front page. That is the goal-- to be on the 1st page of Google. 

I will be talking about helping you get more sales in the coming blog posts... My thoughts on what is working for me... and what I am reading on the forums that works for you.

Next post with be about Avatars.

 

Stay warm everyone, Linda/The Homespun Loft