I love my online shop but it can be a confidence whittling, time draining enterprise periodically. I worked hard that first couple years getting Pretty Cheap Jewelry high on the google (and search engine) returns. During that time I must have been doing something right because I made enough income to at least pay for my expenses.
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It was an endurance test, though, waiting a month between selling one thing (sometimes longer). Was my stuff ugly? The word 'cheap' a turn off? Or was there just too much competition?
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I hung in there and managed my supplies carefully so I could buy a pop up tent with earnings and dive headfirst into live person events the next couple years. Jewelry without doubt, sells better in person. After investing lots of weekend time, my daughter was heard to say more than once, "You're busy again?!" or "stay home this weekend and help me with homework". So once again I reevaluated and made adjustments to the business practices and picked very carefully which events would be more successful with less time commitment for me.
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So it was SUCH a pleasure that this Sunday I had very good sales out front of my local art gallery in the harbor. Even though it was cool and foggy.
It was a low-key, informal display which I made recycled guitar string bracelets (it was Earth Day after all).
I brought a few different things such as the funny collage cards (made from magazines and catalogs) and silk mini-bags (made from retired neckties). It was Earth Day after all.
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Why these silk mini bags don't get much attention on line is a mystery. Maybe folks aren't looking for them? Because in person they were the most popular thing to see on Sunday! Everyone from grandma's to kids took a look. Two were sold, and a shop owner from a new boutique in town asked me to bring some for selling!!
Silk Mini Bag - Diagonal Stripe
Perfectly fits a cell phone, driver license, or gift card. Pure silk, with shoulder cord.
This is the kind of day that gives me a shot in the arm! Though I remind myself often this is a fun sideline it's also a great feeling when the income comes in (not to mention the amazing tax relief from having a home business.)
Thanks for having a read !
Make Earth Day Every Day - Silk Mini Bags a Hit
April 23rd, 2012 at 06:21 pm
April 23rd, 2012 at 08:13 pm 1335212035
April 23rd, 2012 at 10:52 pm 1335221558
I hope you don't mind an honest comment based on my experience applying for juried craft shows and based on the first thing that popped into my head when I saw the picture. I noticed that the threads aren't trimmed. It's a little thing but I noticed it right away. Perhaps the others on the forum didn't see it at all and I'm just biased based on my personal experiences. Maybe you could post a picture of one that is better trimmed and in various colour choices? Best of luck - you have wonderful creative ideas that are environmentally sound so you have lots of marketing avenues. If I've overstepped please accept my apologies.
April 24th, 2012 at 02:36 pm 1335278205
Dashed off the first few mini bags quickly (mostly to see results). The next set of mini bags I will take more time with, especially with details.
Thanks and good to know!
April 25th, 2012 at 01:11 am 1335316261