ChicGeek Designs » Etsy

Cont. Thoughts on Homemade Shop Discouragement

The ChicGeek — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:00:19 +0000

First of all, thank you all for your feedback today/yesterday (depending on when you are reading this!). I didn’t want to address them all with an additional comment, so I thought I would do another post as well as write some more thoughts out. I’ll try to group the comments together to make the most sense.

Expand into new products of current photography
- I have started trying expanding into new products by offering greeting cards. Some of the greeting cards have quotes have them and some don’t.
- I’ll be honest that I’m nervous to move into further expansion until I know that something will “take”. But I guess that’s the price you have to pay. Right?
Renewing items more often
- I’ve never tried this, so I definitely will. Thank you!
Advertising with bigger blogs that focus on photography
- Thanks for this suggestion. Advertising is new to me, so I was just focusing on blogs that I knew would do some “tweeting”, giveaways, etc and then had a variety of followers to try to get my name out there. This is something to consider.
No theme within my Etsy shop/random shots of buildings
- This is a new perspective for me but I see it now.
- They are pictures from my travels but that’s what I love to share or feel like I take well. I know sometimes people wouldn’t want pictures of places they haven’t been. But I always like pictures of places I want to go. Different perspective. So something to think about. Can’t retake a lot of these anymore.
- I guess I don’t know what I would take/sell of “everyday” or things I see most often. Maybe its just thinking or thinking with a “new” hat on.
Branching out or starting new product different line
- I wouldn’t start a new product line unless it’s something I truly enjoyed. I don’t know how to say this but I enjoy so many different things, its hard to narrow it down. But then I don’t “specialize” in just one thing. I sew some – I’ve done a few quilts. My mom is the expert and would be able to help me along. I enjoy it when I do it though and I absolutely love fabric shopping, putting the combos together, etc. But because of moving and living situations I haven’t been able to do it too much. But we move again next month and I hope to set up “shop” a little better so I can sew more.
- Same goes for knitting, I just started but I can tell I enjoy it and would like to learn more. Again, my mom is the queen, so she will be able to help me along.
- So I’m just always looking to learn something new and maybe one or the other will be able to give me more something to do.
- Whatever I do, it will be something I can do on the evenings/weekends.

Ok, it’s been a long day and my brain can’t think of anything else at this point to add. Sorry. Other than I really appreciate every’s feedback/comments. It really has helped and given me lots to think about.

Homemade Shop Discouragement

The ChicGeek — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 02:27:02 +0000

It’s just one of those days, or few of those days where discouragement is getting to me and my Etsy Shop. I’m going to be honest, as hard as it is for me. I’ve been in business since October 2009. I’ve had 4 sales. 2 of those were to my mother (which I am very thankful for!). The other 2 sales have come in the last 6 months but the sellers never came back to leave feedback so I don’t know whether they liked their product or not. I tried to email one of them since it was a custom order. Never heard back. Another discouraging story, I had a giveaway on a blog that I sponsor, the winner and I emailed back and forth a few times. She never picked a product.

I’ll tell you what I have done to try and improve my shop and marketing:

asked for advice on Etsy and heeded their advice
asked for advice on Creative Empire and again tried to put their advice in practice
revamped my image/banner
retook product shots to make them better per the advice I got above
started advertising on various blogs
taking the Indie Business 3.0 class starting in March

So at this point, I’m at a loss at what to do with my shop and the products. I feel like its personal and no one likes my stuff. I know I shouldn’t feel that way and I’m trying not to. So instead I’m thinking of maybe diversifying and trying to add a total different product to my shop. Something like quilting, jewelry, or knitting. What do you think? If I were to offer a new product, what would you like to see in my shop:

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I guess at this point, my questions are these:

how did/do you get out of the rut of discouragement?
do you have any suggestions for my shop?
what do you think of me expanding my shop into new areas?
how do you not take people not buying your products personally?
how do you grow your shop?

Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate any feedback you can give me. Anything would be wonderful. If you don’t want to post something here, please feel free to email me at chicgeekdesigns [at] gmail.com

Valentine’s Day – For Him

The ChicGeek — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:41:42 +0000

Since I posted my Valentine’s Day list last week, I thought I would post some ideas for the man in my life and yours! So my man loves wooden items. He’s an outdoorsy guy. Which is funny because I’m so not. But we still make it work. So here’s a few ideas that I found – hopefully they help you as they may help me!

What are you planning on getting your hubby/boyfriend for Valentine’s Day? I always need ideas!!

Valentine Day Ideas – For Me!

The ChicGeek — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 03:22:22 +0000

It’s hard to believe that this month is almost over and Valentine’s Day is almost here! My hubby was asking me the other day what I wanted. My immediate response was my dream “Diamond Earrings” Sigh. But since that’s not happening anytime soon I came up with some great alternatives!

What is on your Valentine’s Day list?

Discount to My Etsy Shop!!!

The ChicGeek — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:49:57 +0000

Hello my Readers!

Happy 1 year Blogiversary to SandyaLaMode! She has some great giveaways going on over there so please go check it out! Since I’m one of her Sponsor’s, I’m participating in her Party and offering a discount to my Etsy Shop to her readers and mine. All you have to do is go to my shop and enter the code: SALM1YEAR (valid until 1/16 11:59 CST) and you will receive 20% off your order! Here are a few items that I have in my shop. If you see something that you like but want it in a different form or size, please let me know and we can definitely work something out!

Greeting Cards

Photographs

Images taken by me and cannot be reused without permission.