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Home > Category: Small Business
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Viewing the 'Small Business' Category
May 15th, 2008 at 11:07 am
You already know I am in the Etsy handcrafted internet marketplace. There are 100,000 shops (of which about only 1/2 are really active). But it is a fabulous community of buyers and sellers as you might have checked.
The good? What fun!! You have never seen the likes of some of the outrageous and inspirational crafted goods.
The bad? What a mountain of stuff! It is a huge task to see and be seen sorting through the items.
One of the active and smart sellers who undoubtedly has some advertising know how started a new site to pull out some of the 'Buried Treasure'.
I joined here:
http://buriedtreasury.blogspot.com/2008/05/prettycheap.html
Please make a comment on my little gallery if you like! And you can put in other tags (where it says 'Dig it Up') to see other galleries.
Try the tag 'bargain' or 'clever'!
Have Fun!
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April 8th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Sales are tough, especially for handmade jewelry! Lots of folks enjoy crafting, and most everyone seems to try their hand at jewelry. But it's true for card makers, soap shops, and knitters.
How can you compete? Especially on the internet?
I've had a sale this past week from a no cost promotion and am going to tip you off!
What's at stake? These are SOLD
'O' Iolite Earrings
1. Games. Make it fun for your customer to play a game. I ran a 'Name that Tune' puzzle and gave a virtual gift certificate to the person(s) who answered correctly. The puzzle can be hidden in various places in your shop, such as the titles, item descriptions, item pictures and anywhere else you want them to go. What other games can you think of? Do you like word scrambles? Trivia?
I give you only one big caveat! Be sure to comply with local laws, ie special laws apply to drawings (with or even without purchase required) and sweepstakes type games. Avoid the whole sweeps issue by removing any aspect of chance to your players. For example, give EVERYONE who gets the answer right a prize.
2. Mailing Lists. Make sure you have a mailing list for potential customers! Put out a sign up sheet at every craft fair you vend. Get names by giving out small goody bags ('Free Goody Bag for signing up') filled with samples of your work, candy, or whatever you ingeniously think up! Use that list! Send out specials to subscribers at least monthly, including 'Free Gift with Purchase', Sneak Preview prices, and more. Do a simple, no cost email mailing without an attachment (many spam filters will flag an attachment).
3. Join some Groups. Many internet groups are out there for posting free ads, showing off work and general camraderie. The trick is defining your market!!! It would be exhausting and unprofitable to post just anywhere so if you make baby clothes, join some mommy groups! If you make dog treats, join the pet lovers groups! Look in yahoo, google, myspace and just google your target market.
It takes time, but has returns.
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April 2nd, 2008 at 07:52 am
This Saturday I am hosting a craft fair at my house (yikes!). Five local colleagues will have booths out front, we are providing light refreshments and have free goodie bags to hand out for every guest that brings a coupon which has been on a flyer we are distributing.
Send me sales mojo! It is intended for our extended contacts, ie family, friends, neighbors, school friends, co-workers, etc. But I expect half or more of the attendence will come from the street signs 2 of us are placing within 1 to 2 miles of the house. I have made about 16 BIG signs.
Am busily tagging my things with prices as I speak (write). And just yesterday had a little lightbulb go off while making a necklace. See the shell piece on the item below, it was picked up off the beach by my then 8-y-o and has languished in my bead box awaiting the perfect use.
Natural Buddha
Strand of polished jasper chips (obtained in a trade), bone donuts (reclaimed from a former necklace), and tiny gold beads, hold a framed picture of peaceful Buddha. Picture protected by a permanently affixed plexiglass window.
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March 22nd, 2008 at 08:29 am
I have monthly craft fairs starting in April and have made some new things, like
White Wedding or whenever Earrings
Classic for ladies down the red carpet, or just perfect for prom. White ceramic drop ringed with sparkling swarovski crystal. Finished on goldplated ball posts to keep them fabulously affordable. Shown in tahitian-style pearl and apricot. (click mini photo, left column for more description and price).
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March 17th, 2008 at 09:29 am
You've been to those infomercial home shows (BLEH) where a rep takes an hour of your time showing stuff you don't really need....
You've been to a home boutique where the place is packed with specialty items, they hand you a hot tea or coffee to sip, and it's a pleasure to walk around browsing...
How about something inbetween?
By default (since my first choice venue fell through), I am hosting a home craft show in a couple weeks. It has been fun planning! Without any retail experience, it's falling together well.
1. Get commitments from your sellers.
Every seller needs to take ownership of the event by taking a volunteer assignment. Examples: placing low/no cost ads in local media outlets, making street signs, or bringing snacks/drinks.
I am charging no table fee, a very nice perk for my sellers, however, each is responsible for some other part of the event.
2. Motivate your sellers in prior weeks in attracting guests
Prepare an email flyer, as well as a print flyer and send these to your sellers at least a month ahead of the event date. Send reminders (such as weekly) to your sellers to distribute these and give them specific ideas!
In the reminders, include anecdotes of your own experiences giving out the fliers to give your sellers a feeling of confidence and comfort. Examples: hand out to church friends, neighbors, school contacts, co-workers, shops frequently patronized (the shop will likely allow fliers to be left for other customers).
3. Have small refreshments for the guests.
I am holding my entire event outside, so this is less problematic than if you have an indoor event. We will have individual sized plain water, flavored waters, soda. Trays of very inexpensive snacks are planned, such as pretzels, cookies, crackers. The cost of snacks can be shared by your sellers, or (in my case) are being brought as part of the 'fee' to be in the event.
4. Have a 'freebie' for guests.
On our flier we have included a coupon to be reedemed at the event for a goody bag. My sellers have donated small items (representative of what they sell) and I have made very nice goody bags with the items, including: jewelry samples, greeting card samples, hair ribbons and bows, fun magnets and pins, and more. Coupons should indicate "while supplies last". Other shows have drawings for one large basket or box of similar donated items, but there are local laws regarding raffles I wish to avoid.
5. Make the event festive but inexpensive.
Our event is a spring boutique and I'll dress up the front of the house with balloon bouquets, a big banner, and create shade structures with draped sheer fabric overhead. Other holiday events can make great use of decorations you already have!
Wish me luck and stay tuned for more blog posts as the time gets closer!
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February 29th, 2008 at 08:12 am
I wish I could say I was doing something that cool. But just another day at work for the most part.
May I show off a handsome necklace I designed this past week? Not available in my internet shop Pretty Cheap Jewelry unless reserved by special request.
SEMI PRECIOUS BUDDHA
Carved cinnabar, brickred stone, bloodred sparkling swarovski, and milkwhite freshwater pearl links hang in a 'Y' necklace featuring a bark brown carved stone buddha pendant. (please excuse my hasty photography)
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February 21st, 2008 at 12:21 pm
He is a marketing guru of sorts, championed by the internet crafters and small business entrepreneurs I hang out with, but I don't know much about his qualifications or knowledge.
Here is his blog, and he constantly gives reference to other websites:
http://www.sethgodin.typepad.com
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February 1st, 2008 at 01:32 pm
My crafting group, the California Crafters Club of Etsy (CCCOE) had a monthly contest where each member made an item in the topic of "SCIENCE".
All the entries are in and we ask the public to vote on the best one.
A door prize will be given to a random voter at the end of the voting period (shipping included).
If you want to have a little free fun, look over the entries and post your vote here:
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5447218
To vote you must be registered with Etsy (just with an email and password, like amazon).
The link above includes a link to the picture of the prize (there are two), links to each of the items, and a place where you can see all the items at once. If you have time, read some of the item descriptions. Several of these crafters are extraordinarily interesting (the prize for example!).
Why? Yes, we do it for exposure to our crafts, our shops, and also for stimulating our creative skills.
Mine is in there, you'll have to discover it for yourself.
Good luck and have fun! There is no big catch, this is a casual group of small entrepreneurs supporting and learning from each other. And this is our 4th or so monthly contest, they have been a great success!
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January 30th, 2008 at 03:48 pm
I am a shop owner inside the 'Etsy' website (as many of you know, click on the left pics for a little piece of them).
An investor came in with $27 million for Etsy which will help them become a household word.
See an article here from cnet, internet news service:
http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9861216-36.html?tag=blog.1
And they expect to go public. No time line, no other details.
But I've been involved for 2 years, a veritable oldster!! And am ready with the little buck$.
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January 24th, 2008 at 08:59 am
Not Saving Advicers, my Etsy buddies!
I belong to a team of California Crafters inside the Etsy handmade marketplace. We call ourselves the California Crafters Club of Etsy (CCCOE). It is a statewide group, so alot of distance separate many of us.
But a good number are in Los Angeles, of course. And a few near my location.
A comment in our group discussion was made about the wholesale fabric shop in downtown LA (Michael Levine's) and a couple members decided to meet there to shop!
A few more members are truly professional jewelers and work in the downtown LA jewelry district. They wanted to join and it took off from there.
I am going down just to have a blast and see who some of these characters are! And they no doubt wonder about me!
As I mentioned, a couple new members of this Crafting team are fantastic professionals and I show two pieces below. Somewhat intimidating but inspiring to be in this group!
New Beginnings Ring
by Amanda K Lockrow Jewels
http://www.amandaklockrowjewels.etsy.com
BodyCast
by PalliekoDesigns
http://www.palleikodesigns.etsy.com
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January 22nd, 2008 at 11:13 am
Which is higher priority?
Craft items to build 'after' Valentine's Day stock?
Redesign business cards to reflect new logo on website at Pretty Cheap Jewelry?
Pursue April Art Show (application due in Feb)?
Oh, yes;
Plan 2 kids birthday parties in Feb?
Cook hot meals?
Clean the house?
OK, nevermind those last two.
I actually am fairly caught up and have started a line of wedding styles for my business. Watch for photos after Valentines Day!
Three day weekends are helpful, and we have another one coming up 1/28 (Teacher Buy Back Day). That means I stay home from work with the kids and get a couple hours to chip away at the list.
SOLD Yesterday!
Vintage Cupid Valentine's Bangle.
~~~~Offer to Saving Advicers~~~~~
Free pack of handmade pressed floral notecards with any order from my shop (click 'prettycheap' left column). Mention this offer, expires 1/31/08.
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January 18th, 2008 at 05:02 pm
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December 15th, 2007 at 08:07 am
So many times people cringe at the word cheap, other times it is regarded as humorous.
Without changing much in the business overview, I'm redesigning my banner and biz cards like this (might be hard to see because it is long).
or just see it at the top of my website
http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
My son gave me the idea to just put a slash over the 'cheap' word, and it is a very effective visual tool imo.
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December 6th, 2007 at 06:42 am
Want a little dirt on Pretty Cheap Jewelry?
I belong to an internet team of California Crafters, an interesting and diverse group!
One card maker/graphic designer featured me in her blog here
Nothing too racy, but a fun read. Here's a Bow Pin for sale at Pretty Cheap for $4.
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December 5th, 2007 at 09:32 am
"Oooo that's clever"..."That's cool"..."Wow, look at this"
Some of the many comments I hear about one particular design of mine (photo not available). Over the past 3 day weekend of craft fairs, I was advised to copyright the particular design and am now investigating.
The fee is not too much, in fact, sales at Pretty Cheap Jewelry this past month have been enough to cover the cost.
What is the benefit of copyrighting? If someone steals the idea, I can sue? Bleh. Forget it. But it is also a symbol of respect and accomplishment.
Please put your 2c in below. And have fun looking at a couple other clever ideas in the shop --->
Important Little Things-Cross Stitched Hummingbird Blank Unlined Journal
Wish Upon a Star Pin
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November 8th, 2007 at 08:56 am
Just a clever name for an item I made and lowered the price in my little internet shop Pretty Cheap Jewelry
Fringed Blues Bracelet $6
Want the good news or the bad news? The bad news first...yesterday my shop was spammed by a bogus 'buyer'. Not just a spam email. This one actually went into the shop and bought 4 things, with payment never to be sent. The good news? I notified the Etsy admin and they corrected the situation immediately. Whew! thanks for the fast response.
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October 31st, 2007 at 03:58 pm
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October 16th, 2007 at 09:44 am
I use this blog to showcase particularly interesting items handcrafted and for sale in my internet shop Pretty Cheap Jewelry.
A nice blank book (20 pages, 40 sides) I made using an anonymous quote fits in:
"Petroleum and Coffee had no value a few centuries ago"
For more pics and details, click on the link above. It's bargain priced of course. My specialty. Thanks for havin' a look.
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October 5th, 2007 at 02:15 pm
I bought the leaf painting below from a fellow artist. How is the frame job?
I did it by: mounting on pumpkin textured paper and inserting in a walnut shadow box (with a hinged door!). Cost about $20.
The alternate: about $100 for a professional framer (this is the half off cost) for a shadow box type frame.
Opinions?
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October 3rd, 2007 at 09:00 am
I belong to a state-wide craft group which had a design contest last month. The topic was 'Alternative Media' and the entries are in!
We are inviting the public to vote on the best entry and here is one of our member's blogs showing pics of each:
SandySimone's blog
Each entry has a url to click for more detail and information about the piece.
If you want to vote, you must be registered with Etsy, an amazing handcrafted internet marketplace. Then go to this forum post and vote for one here.
A prize is going to be given to one randomly picked voter, just for fun (see the blog for a link to the prize as well).
Thanks for visiting!
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September 14th, 2007 at 06:17 am
I belong to an internet independent design collective which has put up a great fun page from the artists for:
"Deals" - Loads of price breaks, buy one/get one, and the like
-and-
"Contests" - Freebies! You are one of a pool from which a random winner is picked. There are many, many Contests, each from a different shop.
So go win something here 
http://www.indiecontests.com/
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September 7th, 2007 at 06:30 am
The other wonderful internet community I belong to of handcrafters is having a fun contest.
We were asked to craft an item in the subject of 'Typography' (def:having to do with the general appearance of matter printed with type).
Any media was allowed, each of us specialize in different crafts, (sewing, drawing, jewelry, etc.)
The entries were made last month and are now up for a vote. One lucky voter is going to be picked to receive a pair of handmade gemstone earrings (see pic below) from the shop of http://www.sandysimone.etsy.com
Do you want to have some fun judging the entries and casting a vote?
Here is the post with all the details: where you can see all the entries together, where you can see them separately with more detail, and the prize details.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5218080
You must be a registered member of Etsy to vote. Etsy is an amazing handcrafted internet marketplace (register just like Amazon, with an email and password).
Why did we do it? A design challenge among peers stimulates each of us, to attract attention to each of our shops, to attract new members to our group. You get the picture, right?
Voting closes Saturday 9/8 at midnight. Thanks!
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August 22nd, 2007 at 10:49 am
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August 3rd, 2007 at 08:20 am
Planted too many tomatoes? It's those darn 6-packs! What's your excuse?
Summertime Curse Tomato Soup Recipe
No Fat, Heart Healthy
Ingredients
Backyard tomatoes: 2 Large Mixing Bowls Full (Salad Serving Bowl size)
Chopped Fresh Onion, or Dried Minced Onion
Olive oil
Ground Pepper
Salt
Steps
1. Wash and quarter tomatoes
2. Heat tomatoes in large pot to boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 1/2 hour until very soft.
3. Remove from heat, cool for handling.
4. Press mixture through strainer to remove skins and seeds.
5. Saute onions in olive oil until browned.
6. Combine strained tomatoes, oil and onions, salt and pepper to taste.
7. Return to low heat and simmer about an hour until thickened. Or place mixture in slow cooker, high for a couple hours.
Voila! Delicious! Serve with crusty bread and salad. Garnish with grated cheese.
Record your Dog Days of Summer Recipes and Garden Foibles in this great journal from Pretty Cheap Jewelry (bargain priced!). Click on my shop (left column) to see more pics, description and price.
Special Offer to Saving Advice Bloggers Only! Mention Saving Advice at check out for refund on shipping!
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July 20th, 2007 at 11:31 am
I've been selected to fill a showcase in the gem and mineral category for the County Fair! The showcase is about 3.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet deep. It will include my original jewelry designs of glass, stone and metal.
However, there are no business signs allowed! HA! HA! Those Fair people are smart, this is not to be turned into a big cheesy advertisement! Not even a business card  but if I win any sort of ribbon (even a mention) they will turn over my name card and pin the ribbon to it inside the case.
That's ok with me! I'm just thrilled to be viewed by thousands and thousands of people.
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July 9th, 2007 at 04:43 pm
A true artisan has made this item as part of a design contest, it's a 'never seen the likes of this before'.
DreamWoven's Masterpiece
Not noted in the description is that it is on display at an art gallery at this time.
:->
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June 29th, 2007 at 09:04 am
Last chance to get in on the $20 Starbucks Card Giveaway from Pretty Cheap Jewelry.
On July 4 a name will be picked from the (small pool) of those subscribing to our mailing list.
Want to try?
1. Go to http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
2. Contact prettycheap (click 'contact prettycheap in the lower right margin). Follow the instructions to register with Etsy (if you are not already).
3. Send your email in the contact.
That's all! It costs you nothing.
Don't worry you won't get alot of pesky emails. Just a one page, once a month newsletter filled with exclusive offers (to subscribers only), more freebies, and zany trivia.
(Regular readers, please bear with me this is the LAST time I will post this!)
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June 26th, 2007 at 08:35 am
Look to the left for the added 'preview' to Pretty Cheap Jewelry.
Feedback? Too many items? It can be set to 8 instead. Too in your face? Too blatant commercialism?
Or understated? Simple and clean set up?
Thanks for the comments.
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June 22nd, 2007 at 07:21 am
Giving away a $20 Starbucks card to celebrate 1 year of Pretty Cheap Jewelry!
To get a chance, just join the mailing list by:
1. Go to http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
2. Contact prettycheap (click 'contact' lower right margin). It may ask you to register with Etsy, a wonderful handcrafted internet marketplace. All you need is a username and password.
3. Send your e mail address in the contact.
You won't get a bunch of spammy e mails. I am not that sophisticated!! (yet?). It will be a monthly one page newsletter, filled with fun trivia, special offers and pics.
Like this-
Field Mouse and Friends Blank Note Cards, Pack of 3 ...$5
Let field mouse send greetings for you! Hiding in a patch of dried pressed star jasmine, where a feathered friend once visited, field mouse and crow are ready to help. Set of three cards, each with whimsical design featuring critters, bare foot prints, sneakered footprints and dried, pressed star jasmine. (Only one shown). Exceptional value only available at Pretty Cheap Jewelry.
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June 21st, 2007 at 05:59 am
To escape the noise of distant popping fireworks (they have already started during the afternoon around the neighborhood), my dog tried to climb up into the shelves of our bedroom closet.
Right where an old box or two of my childhood items were kept. The only two boxes I have of things.
He clawed open the corner of one box shredding some of the contents. So it was taken down to clean up and throw out.
Inside was my coin collection from younger days (about 40 years ago). It wasn't as extensive as my memory had told me. It contains a booklet of incomplete pennies from 1902 to 1940, although I had just found two 1943 pennies in recent months and added them right away. (In 1943 pennies were made with aluminum instead of copper due to WWII. THey are rare and collectable).
Am going to go throught the rest in the next couple days just for fun. Some buffalo nickels, a variety of 'wheat back' pennies, mercury dimes, etc. Even at a young age I knew if you just tucked away rare coins for a long period of time, they will increase in value!
Also want to show off a handsome rock for the man who needs to tell it like it is. Available at http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com
Dads Rule Keychain $5
Pure raw quartz crystal set in sterling silver handmade bail hung on split ring keychain lets you slyly tell Dad he's in charge. The quartz was collected by my family in the USA backcountry (I'm not telling exactly where so they are cleaned out!). White ceramic letter beads hang on two stiff wire charms. Reasonably priced for easy giving.
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