It Only Takes One

It makes me so sad when I read about someone who has a negative experience with an independent artisan...especially with Etsy.

While doing my Entrecard drops I ran across a blogger who had a bad experience with a jeweler on Etsy (and of course trying to find that post is impossible now), which of course hits near and dear to my heart.

The one negative feedback I got made me cry, and I wrote about it here. I didn't blame the customer or try to push responsibility back on them...no. I contacted them and tried to make it right. The customer actually ended up apologizing for her quick feedback response, rather than taking the time to contact me directly.

If someone contacts me I generally will bend over backwards to make them happy. Even if it means accepting a return on something. Just recently I made a mistake in the description of one a piece I sold...I had the dimensions larger than actual size. TOTALLY my fault. And I accepted the piece back (and adjusted my listings for that piece). That's my responsibility.

Being rude to customers and trying to blame them for your jewelry falling apart is just not okay.

I have several clients waiting for me to do repairs right now. It's a little disheartening to me that a couple of pieces have broken over several years of wear...but really when I think about it statistically it's not a bad record. One of these pieces is a bracelet that the woman wears very nearly every day. Considering that it is made with Swarovski crystals and bead wire it's amazing that it lasts as long as it does (Swarovski beads are VERY hard on wire and rub it until it snaps). The other one is totally my fault but I'm still impressed that it lasted for so many years.


Would I EVER blame my customers for these issues? NO!!! Even if it were their fault I'd be hard pressed to extend the blame to them. If it's something I can help with then that is my duty as a jeweler and indie artisan (which I do consider myself to be).

If you ever have a bad experience with a designer, or for that matter a corporation, let them know. Try to resolve it first with them. And if they still treat you badly...let EVERYONE know about it!

And conversely...if you have a great experience, please let the person/company know. There is NOTHING better than getting a really great e-mail or card in the mail from a happy customer. =) Of course, tell everyone you know about your great experience too.

Communication Matters!

This post definitely deserves the exclamation mark. As sad and teary eyed as I was on Friday, I'm equally happy and relieved today.

Open and honest communication really does matter in business, and I think even more online.

I sent a message to the person who left me negative feedback on Etsy and heard back from them yesterday. My message offered to allow her to return (for full refund) the item, exchange it, or I'd replace it. Unfortunately she does not have the time to deal with a return, which I completely understand.

However she agreed that she should have contacted me about her displeasure before leaving feedback and she used the "kiss and makeup" feature on Etsy. I'm SOOOOO relieved and thankful. Truly and humbly thankful.

She has EVERY right to leave negative feedback as she was not satisfied with her purchase. I am thankful though that she saw how much I wanted to make the situation right and rescinded her negative feedback. I also left her positive feedback, with my thanks.

Every situation has two sides...and thankfully we were able to amicably resolve the issue. And I have told her that if she finds some time in the future I will take the earrings back for refund, exchange, or replacement even up to a few months from now (well past my 7 day policy).

I believe feedback is an incredibly important part of shopping online. It's one of my disappointments with 1000 Markets, that they have no manner for customers or artisans to leave feedback. I understand their reasons, but to me feedback is an incredibly important part of knowing who you are buying from.

I'm glad that my feedback is once again negative free - and trust me, I've also learned that every single item I send out has to meet my normally stringent standards. Pregnancy is NO excuse for sloppiness!

Revisiting Craft Shows

I used to have another blog for my jewelry...except that I stopped updating it and forget the address and my log on details. =) So I started this one to replace it. I eventually did remember my log in details but kept this blog as my main jewelry blog.

There were some helpful posts on my old blog, at least I think so, and I'm continually referring back to them. So here are a few that I think were particularly decent.

• Thinking of selling at a show? "Things to Consider"
• Getting ready for the show...Don't forget anything. "What do you NEED at a Show?"
• What's it like? My "Average Show Experience."
• Linking to another great article - "What Not to Do when Selling Crafts"
• More ideas on what to take to a show.
• Do you go to craft shows to shop? "Please Don't Do This."
• Pricing isn't a fun part of selling, but it is necessary. "Pricing Nightmare"
• Don't sit like a lump on a log ... "Stay Active" in your booth.

I hope some of these older write ups are helpful. I think it's probably time for me to write some new ones, but there are probably others who have more expertise...especially since I haven't done a craft show in over a year.

What Should I Do?

I have an idea but I'm torn. It involves designing and making jewelry that I can sell for less than $25. Very simple designs obviously...nothing too complex.

I've always railed against people cheapening handmade products...but in reality I have many, many stones that would make lovely small and simple earrings that I could price fairly low and still make a nice profit. It doesn't take me very long to make simple earrings...a lot less time than it took me when I first started making jewelry.

Of course, my previous thought was that I'd rather have fewer, higher cost sales, than more lower cost sales. But if I lose my job I'll have plenty of time to work on all sorts of jewelry.

And in this economy I think people who want to support handmade artisans may appreciate a less expensive, but still high quality, option to buying mass produced products from overseas.

Everything about these pieces would be "minimalist" ... even the shipping and packaging. I wouldn't include gift boxes or bags ... just simple plastic zipper style bags with bubble wrap shipped in the smallest envelope I can use. This will keep my shipping charge down. Right now I charge $5.50 for USPS Priority with delivery confirmation. I use the Post Office boxes (which I get for free) and try to reuse bubble wrap and peanuts when we get them. I was hoping to be able to charge less than $2.50 for the minimalist pieces.

But I can't decide if I want to dive in and do it full throttle - open up a separate Etsy shop just for these minimalist pieces - or combine them into my current Etsy shop. Or maybe I should just transition my entire Etsy shop into a more minimalist shop and use my 1000 Markets shop as my more artistic expressions shop.

The whole idea rests on whether or not I lose my job tomorrow of course. If I do I'll have plenty of time...if I keep my job then things won't change that rapidly, though I may start listing a few lower cost items.

I hate not knowing what my immediate future brings...there's nothing I can do except go to work tomorrow and find out my fate.

Business Idea - Booth Sitter

So it might not be a 100% original idea, but it came to me today while I was making my lunch. Because the time is looming nearer when I find out if I get to keep my job as the company finishes its analysis.

I thought about how I'll probably want to sign up for some of the craft shows that I've stopped doing in the last couple of years. But I also thought about how boring shows are and how I really didn't enjoy them the last year I did them. Especially because I was always doing them by myself.

I am horrible at booth set up. *sigh*

Then it hit me...what if I hired myself out, not to sell my own work, but to relieve other people who have to do shows by themselves.

Okay, it might not be a million dollar idea, but it could provide a (very) small amount of money. Say I hired myself for $5 per 15 minute break. In some of the larger shows I could very easily watch 30 booths in an 8 hour period (giving myself 30 minutes for my own bathroom breaks). That's $150 a day...$300 in a weekend. There were some shows that I didn't even sell that much. Plus there's no overhead (except time and gasoline) and no booth fee!

I know I would have hired someone for $5 for a 15 minutes of free time when I was doing shows. Heck, I would have been willing to pay $10 sometimes.

The key would of course be establishing a reliable reputation. You don't want just anyone watching your stuff.

Some high school shows have the students booth sit but I have not found this to be a very pleasant experience. Most can't answer basic questions (and I don't blame them for this...it's just the nature of it) from customers, nor do I really trust them to take money (or credit cards).

But if someone who already knew how to take credit cards, and was familiar with basic craft show concepts, could booth sit ... I think the repeat customers would be there as well. Travel to a few different shows, you always see some of the same vendors.

And word would spread if you did a good job.

What do you think? Would you pay to have an experienced and trustworthy person watch your booth for 15 minutes while you got lunch, went to the bathroom, or browsed?

Great and Inexpensive Advertising

Even though sales might be down, it's no reason to stop promoting yourself and your products.

A wonderful way to do this is through Total Indie Coupons. I've been participating with this project since the beginning and it is a wonderful and inexpensive way to get your name out to 5,000 shoppers who are already web savvy and who support handcrafted works. And it is only $50!

Unlike most promotional materials where you pay for, say, 5000 postcards which would be sent to 5000 people who may or may not even read it, with the Totally Indie Coupons, you are only paying for 125 pieces, yet are still getting your name out to 5000 people who you know already support indie businesses!

There are only a few spots remaining so head on over, read about the requirements, and sign up.

For me, these coupons have definitely paid for themselves. They have pretty long expiration dates and I've received orders from previous coupons even after the expiration date.

Don't be intimidated by having to create your own coupon...it's really quite simple and if you just can't do it, they'll help you out for a very small fee.

A huge thank you to Lily from A Planet 4 Creations - she rocks and has helped with the coupons for what seems like forever.

I hope to see some new names for this Round 10 of Indie Coupons!

No Time to Slow Down

We might be in a recession, but it's not an excuse to slow down completely. I admit to falling prey to this myself. I feel like keeping every penny tucked away under my mattress. This is very counterproductive though.

A great article, which came to me via e-mail, talks about using a recession as a building period.

My experience through a number of recessions is the lower priced items sell faster than the middle tier and the higher tier sell well since many people are more selective where they invest their money. I become more creative when things are slow. I look for avenues, venues, new opportunities. This is not the time to slow down.

This is GREAT advice. I've been trying to do this myself recently. While my purchases of supplies have slowed, they have not stopped and I'm waiting impatiently on one order to arrive right now. I still have ideas and my creative juices are flowing.

My goal is different than many other artisans, as I'm not nearly as interested as pumping up my sales as I once was. Right now, my goal is slow and steady, with as little stress as possible.

But since I'm going to be creating I might as well offer those creations for sale, right? =)


One piece of advice that I would give - do NOT lower your prices just to try to make a sale. You undercut yourself and devalue your work, which is not fair to you or to other artists.

If you feel you need a lower price point try to think of something that you can make that you could price lower, but still make a profit. But don't lower the price on your current work just because it isn't moving as fast as you'd like. And don't skimp on quality to try to lower the price. You'll ruin your reputation faster than you can ever rebuild it.

Value yourself and your work and others inevitably will too.

Don't Be Too Eager

As sales likely decrease over the next few months it can be tempting to latch onto any potential sale, but be careful. Scams abound, and while not all are as obvious as this, you should always be wary.

"Greetings sales,
I was looking to order for some of the nice product you have in stock.but before I proceed, I will want to know if you do the below.

1) accept credit card payment
2) lagos Nigeria shipment
3) which of the courrier services you ship with.

kindly get back to me as soon as possible today along with your website address if these are acceptable.

Sincerely.
J"

Isn't that nice of "J"? He wants to buy my nice product, but doesn't even know my website. Nor does he know my name.

This is an obvious scam e-mail and I immediately hit the delete button, but sometimes scammers are more subtle and harder to flush out.

Never send product without payment. Never agree to ship to an out of country address if it isn't the same as the billing address.

I'd personally hold a shipment if paid with a money order - especially on a large purchase - if made from overseas. Money Orders can be faked - sometimes so well that banks can't even tell. If you are at all concerned - listen to that inner voice - hold the shipment. For as long as you need - 10, 15 days. Whatever. If they are legitimate they will understand.

Be careful out there!

Who Has Responsibility?

An interesting topic came up yesterday in the Etsy forums regarding shipping policy, and then again today a person has a question about what to do in a shipping situation.

She shipped out a package and used delivery confirmation through the post office. The customer says that they have not yet received this package, but the delivery confirmation shows that it has been delivered. Delivery confirmation only tells whether or not the post office has received the package. It does not guarantee that the recipient has actually received their parcel. The only way to confirm a package in hand is with signature confirmation or insurance.

So what does she do?

My first hope is that she has her policies written up to include this kind of situation. My shipping policies specifically say that I cannot be responsible for packages after they leave my hands. I have no control over the Post Office, though I do my best to ensure that all packages are shipped per USPS policies to ensure safe delivery. When writing my policies regarding shipping I tried to be extremely explicit in explaining as many situations as I could. Feel free to read through them here.

I cannot be responsible for packages sent to incorrect or outdated addresses. Please double check to verify that the shipping address is correct and current. Should a package be returned due to an address error on your part, you will be responsible for any re-shipping charges to send it out again.

A person in yesterday's Etsy discussion said that this isn't a fair policy. Perhaps my policies are harsh, but as a one woman show (doing business now for 5 years or so) I have learned that if I don't protect myself no one else will. There are unscrupulous people who WILL try to take advantage of small businesses and I refuse to be a victim. Let's just say that learning the hard way is not something I want to experience so I've tried to learn from others.

From a customer's perspective I can totally understand how frustrating it is to not get a package, and I do my best to find the package (sometimes they are left at the post office, sometimes mis-delivered to a neighbor) or replace/refund, but it isn't always possible and it sucks. Not being a large box store I don't have hundreds of pieces of inventory waiting on the shelves, nor do I have a large supply of funds stocked away to issue refunds.

I also can't feasibly insure every package I ship out. It doesn't make sense to insure a $25 pair of replaceable earrings - the odds are good that they will arrive safely and if I add insurance to every package the costs would add up very quickly. Insuring larger packages or difficult to replace pieces, of course, makes sense. If an insured package gets lost it can be refunded or replaced.

[Did you know? If you pay for overnight shipping and it does not arrive overnight you can get a refund from the post office? I had that happen last Christmas.]

Then there is the dreadful situation - what if a package DOES get delivered but the customer is trying to scam another one or a refund? Claiming a package hasn't arrived doesn't necessarily mean that it hasn't. Of course, there is virtually no way to confirm this but there are places online where small shops talk about these kinds of things ... sometimes there are patterns.

My policies are my policies and therefore I can work around them if I need to ... and thank goodness I haven't had to deal with this very often. My goal is obviously a happy customer, but I also must protect myself. I think there are too many artisans out there who are so desperate to please that they will do anything - even to their own extreme detriment - to please a customer.

I want to please, but I'm not willing to do just anything.

Picture It

I think that one of the most important aspects of online selling has to be photography. Unfortunately, it can be a difficult skill to master. I certainly do not think I've mastered it at all, but I have come a long way since I first started selling online.

I wish I could find some of my very first photos but I think I've hidden them. =) I do have some earlier photos though and I want to share those so you can see that I have come a long way. At least I think I have.


This one wasn't so bad, or at least I didn't think so ... but you can see in the corner where there is a background distraction and really the outdoor lighting is too harsh.

This one makes me a little ill to my stomach. The gray looks terrible and the green frame around the photo is distracting. Plus my attempt at a watermark is ridiculous.


Here you can see my failed attempt to take a quick photo inside. The yellow tone is because I was just using indoor lighting and nothing else. I didn't yet have a photo tent at this point.

Now that I do have a photo tent with lights I don't have to wait until it's bright and sunny outside to take my photos. Which is good since I live in Washington State and those days are few and far between.

Yesterday I took a few hundred photos - yes a few hundred. It takes many attempts to get just a few good pictures. So I thought I'd share the untouched attempts and the final edited results.

Here are a few samples from the 17 pictures I took of these earrings. If you want to see all of them in greater detail you can check them out on Flickr.







As you can see, some are blurry, some are too bright, others too dark. There's almost always some sort of fuzz or hair floating around.

I admit to being a lot more lazy lately when it comes to my photos. I should be using my small tripod - especially with the earrings are hanging. It's nearly impossible to get a clear and crisp shot just holding the camera.

My final results aren't that great but you can see what simple editing software and a few minutes can do to improve ghastly photos.








I was really trying to show the flash from the Labradorite since it is gorgeous, but it is tough to capture. I ended up with 7 photos that are decent, though imperfect. Looking at them again I can see a piece of red fuzz that I missed. Oh well.

And I can only use 5 of them in the Etsy listing. So I'll try to pick the best 5 and go with it. They are a simple pair of earrings so I'm not too concerned about attaining the *perfect* photo. I have so many other pieces of jewelry that spending too much time on an inexpensive pair doesn't make a lot of sense.

I hope this post was somewhat helpful. Photography matters a LOT when you sell online. People can't touch, feel, smell, or sense what you are selling except through your photos. They need to be all they can be. =)

Details, People - Details!

While I haven't been posting new work in my Etsy shop I'm still logging in and checking things out every day. I even snagged a treasury last night. Woohoo!

One thing I noticed yesterday, on the front page was a gorgeous pair of earrings that were priced so low as to make me wonder why. So I clicked and was taken to a shop with very pretty jewelry, all priced way too low. These particular earrings were on sale, taken from a too low price to begin with to a ridiculous slave labor price.

This makes a big difference in perception as I've written about before. If you don't value your work no one else will either.

But the price wasn't even what made me raise my eyebrows. Looking at the listing I noticed that the artist had not included very many details.

She listed the material type but there were no measurements listed. There was no reference picture to show how they would hang. I went to look at another piece and there was only one photo.

Her photos were good but only showing one photo is a big no no. People want to see and touch and feel and smell. Selling online is hard because people can only see. That requires a little extra work on our parts.

Photos need to be from all angles. Details need to be included in each listing that gives the potential customer a good idea of how something wears, tastes, smells, and looks.

I'm not perfect in this and can get lazy when listing something that I think is obvious but that is something that needs to be addressed. Not everyone knows sizes in mm or even inches. Some people cannot visualize a size and need to see size referenced in a photo with an item they are familiar with.

So as a reminder - don't assume that potential customers will automatically know something that you know. Include as many details as you can think of with each item you want to sell - and that includes as many photos as you think necessary (which is almost always more than one).

Happy New Year!

Dealing with Returns in the World of Handmade

Even if your product is well made, clearly photographed, and described in detail you may have customers who want to return the item for some reason or another.

It's not the most pleasant e-mail to receive ... the one asking how to return an item. For me it brings disappointment in myself and a bit of panic. Why don't they like the item? What's wrong with it? Is there enough in my Paypal account to issue a refund? (I don't keep my Paypal account stocked with money.) Did they read my policies before they made their purchase?

The one question that also sticks in my mind is - Do they understand the impact of returns on an artisan's business?

Returning items to a big store like Walmart is something people do all the time without a second thought (me included). Large stores factor returns into their bottom line and accepting returns is part of their good PR. People today are accustomed to buying on a whim with the thought in the back of their minds that they can always return it later. It's a cultural phenomenon that has a direct impact on artists and small businesses.

For artisans it can be a very challenging decision as to whether they can accept returns at all. When I first started my policy was - no returns unless there was an error in craftsmanship (i.e. the clasp broke or a bead broke or something like that) within the first 30 days. I have revised it several times and today my return policy is a little more liberal, but does include a "restocking" fee and a note about the difficulty of accepting returns. I also do not accept returns on custom orders.

This year I've had several returns and each one was personally painful. That is another big difference between big box stores and artisans. When you return something to an artisan it is personal because it feels like a direct rejection ... and we all know how fun rejection is. :)

I know in my mind that it isn't personal. But my heart doesn't always get that message. My mind, however, tries to learn something from each return. The latest returns were due to size.

My photos are always up close and larger than life in order to show details. I try to always state in my listings the measurements for each piece, but unfortunately people can get an unrealistic expectation in their mind from photos. I think that in the future I may add a disclaimer to all my listings in big bold letters *** ALL PHOTOS ARE ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL. NOT ACTUAL SIZE. *** That may help a bit.

Having a return policy that is spelled out very clearly is imperative for selling online. Customers need to feel confident that you know what your policies are and that if they are not satisified that they will be accommodated somehow - whether that means store credit, exchange, or money back.

I highly recommend thinking through some of these questions before you get your first return. Because if you're anything like me, when that first return comes you'll be a little more than flustered.

• Do you have a policy written down for customers to read?
• Have you thought about what it means to have someone ask to return something? What will the logistics be?
  
• Will you issue a refund via Paypal, check, money order, store credit, or... ?
• Will you have a restocking fee?
• Will you refund the shipping fees?
  
• Will you pay for return shipping?
  
• Can you resell the item?

If you need help deciding on your return policy, I highly recommend joining The Switchboard Forums and doing some research. You're also welcome to use my return policy or use it as a template to create your own. It's partly mine and partly taken from other artists' (with their permission) policies.

Has anyone ever asked you if they could return something? How did you deal with it? And do you have any recommendations for avoiding returns in the future?

Craft Show Results

My expectations for last Friday's craft show were tempered. I did not expect outstanding sales like I had several years ago. My best year ever for the show topped $1,200. This was not going to be that year.

I set my sales goal at $500. This is a 4 hour show and is only open to associates, contractors, and interns within the company. I think the company has around 1,000 people in our main location. So really, $500 is an ambitious goal for even the best of times. Especially when there are at least 5 other people selling jewelry.

Thankfully, I've been selling my jewelry for several years at this show and people know me. Some people I only see at this show.

I could definitely see a difference in traffic compared to previous years. Most shows find people standing in line 10 deep to make purchases. This year I did have two people lined up waiting at one point but I think that only happened a couple of times.

Thankfully I met my goal with a little over $550 in sales. Plus I traded a bracelet for some Christmas presents. So technically that would bump me over $600 but I'm not counting it as a sale.

Of course, this is still not a profit producing show. I mostly run at a deficit all year because my goal isn't to make enough money to pay my bills. My goal is to create and learn new skills. However I do need to continue to sell jewelry in order to fund that endeavor. I'm hoping this year to break even or close to it as I've been fairly frugal in my purchases all year.

After the show I went to a Gem and Jewelry wholesale show and spent half of my earnings. But that was actually my intention so it wasn't as painful as it sounds. I needed more silver wire and I found some sterling chain at a vendor having a clearance sale.

I know that craft shows are hurting for attendance and sales. I've saved all year to buy gifts for Christmas and I'm hoping to buy more this weekend at a nearby high school annual show. If you know of a show in your area I strongly encourage you to attend. Keep your money in your community by supporting local artists.

Fashion Challenged

It's probably not a good thing to admit, but I'm fairly fashion challenged. Not that I don't know what is in style or what looks good to wear...but I'm cheap. I have pants that have holes in them ... and yes, I wear them to work.

My favorite pair of boots are 20+ years old (I've had them since the third grade!!!) and have gone through many resoles but the leather is now starting to fade and wear through. :( I'm so sad. They're my favorite!

I did splurge last weekend. I bought a pair of pants at Target for $12 and a shirt for $2. =) The shirt is for Christmas. It's silver and shimmery. Out of style? Probably. Although I don't generally cheap out when I buy new shoes. My current favorite pair I paid full price but they are rockin'! *grin* If I do say so myself. Sometimes you have to pay a little more for good quality and long lasting shoes.

All of this makes it uncomfortable for me to sell my jewelry to someone in person because I feel so out of step with fashion while at the same time trying to sell a fashion item. Do you think it is a hindrance to my design that I don't dress "in style?"

I've always been a little "off" fashion wise. In high school I would wear business suit jackets and skirts ... basically dressing about ten years above my age. At the time I refused to wear any brand name clothing. No Gap. I refused. No Tommy Hilfiger....which my mom called Tommy Hilf....never mind. I just felt that if I was going to wear a name brand across my chest then they should pay ME. :) I've lightened up a bit on that though. I love my Cabela's sweatshirt. *grin*

Yet I make jewelry for those who do have style. =) At least, that is my goal. And selling online makes it easier to work with those who would look at my clothes and cringe.

I have a show at work on Friday. Thankfully most folks see me every day and like my jewelry anyway. ha ha ha I'm glad they don't hold my lack of fashion against me.

Let's Exceed Expectations

I've written here a few times about my absolute obsession with good customer service. I'm very picky as a customer and I really do expect a lot. After all, I'm parting with hard earned money in order to obtain something ... food, clothes, candles, whatever. We all have so many choices out there when it comes to where we shop. So I feel that people should earn my respect, trust, and business.

Designing jewelry is something I absolutely love. I get a special thrill when I am really happy with how a piece turns out. And, fortunately or unfortunately, in order to continue to design I must also sell my work. Which means I end up on the other side of that business/customer relationship ... and it means that I need to be sure to treat my customers the way I expect to be treated.

This year's holiday selling season may be tougher than most ... okay more than "may be" but I'm trying to be optimistic.

As a small little fish in a gigantic ocean, why should someone spend their hard earned dollars with me instead of someone else? Why should I part with my money to buy something from you?

I think the most important thing we can convey to customers is that we care about their business and we care about them. My customers aren't just another "sale" ... I WANT them to love my jewelry as much as I love to create it. I want them to be happy.

It's funny...I've had a few returns over the last few years and looking back on them it's not the returning of money that upsets me. It's that someone wasn't happy or thrilled with my work. That bothers me a heck of a lot more than having to return money. But I'm glad that they were willing to return it rather than keep it and not be happy.

So this season, just remember that those of us who sell, sell more than just a product or service. We're selling an entire experience. From start to finish we need to convince and convey that our "widget" and the experience of buying that widget is going to be the best that a person can find. Does that make sense???

Here's a great article titled "What Are You Really Selling?" that has some great ideas on making the customer experience better.

"In these challenging economic times it is more important than ever to know who we really are as a company, how we are unique in the marketplace and how we can better serve our customers with consistently reinforced service messages that will bring them back to our business again and again and again."

Hang in there. Yes, this is a roller coaster ride of an economy right now but I have faith that our system will survive and recover even stronger than before. =)

Learn a New Skill

Have you always wanted to create your own jewelry? Or have you created jewelry but want to try something new?

My good friend Jennifer Casady has created a tutorial for her signature freshwater pearl teardrops bracelet and is offering them up for sale in her Etsy supply store.


You can order the tutorial by itself for only $10 or you can order the full kit with all the materials included for only $49. You should have a basic understanding of how to work with jump rings and the tools needed for this design.


She's so great and I think you'll really enjoy her tutorials.

Love These!

Okay...I'm not a super funky chick. I am very conservative in just about everything, including the way I dress and the jewelry that I wear. But I saw these Resin bracelets today being featured on Etsy's front page and was pulled in. They are gorgeous!



I do not understand how she can only charge $15 a piece. Seriously. I took a resin class a couple of weeks ago and did NOT like it at all. It is not an easy material to work with. I seriously ended up throwing away 99% of the pieces I made in the class. And I burned myself during class. I know some people are just naturals so Resinated must be one. I think she should be selling these for at the very least $30 each. I think she'd even sell more at that price...perceived value and all that.



Each of her hand crafted resin bracelets requires filing and polishing. Plus they are just fabulous!

Charging for your time is a very important aspect of pricing that many artists don't account for when thinking about their profit. Sure an item may only "cost" you $2 to make. (Just an example, I have no idea how much her resin bracelets actually cost to make.)

That is $2 in materials outright. Now ask yourself how long it took you to make that item. I've made some very complex pieces that didn't necessarily "cost" a lot to make but they sure took a lot of time and energy.

I harp on charging enough for your work because charging too little hurts you and other artists. Handcrafted work needs to be valued and the consumer sometimes needs to be reminded why it is worth it to pay a little more to buy directly from the artist as opposed to shelling out less at Target or Walmart for something mass produced in China.

Think about alllllll the other random expenses that we don't always consider when creating our pieces. I have invested money into so many things that don't factor in to my final "cost" of an item.

For example:

• Business cards
• Advertising
• Professional Memberships
  
• Tools Purchased (I have almost more tools than hubby)
• Storage Containers and Bins
• Plastic Bags for material storage
• Work Desk and space taken up in my home (this does have a value)
• Electricity used - not just light...when I use my drill or kiln (if I had one) and Tumbler, it takes electricity
• Materials used that are hard to price like Liver of Sulfer and Solder that are hard to price per piece
• Pens and Receipt Books
• My Digital Camera
• Time spent Photographing and editing photos
• My laptop
• Internet connection
• Magazine Subscriptions related to my craft
• Classes I take to improve or learn new skills
• Oh and TIME

I'm sure there are tons of other things that people spend money on and don't take into account when pricing. I didn't even include packaging - that's another issue all together.

I know I'm guilty of not remembering to factor these costs in sometimes as well. But when you really write out all the things that "cost" us as artists you may realize that you're not making as much of a profit as you thought.

Women Owned Small Business?

If you are a female owned small business you need to be a member of The Switchboards. I cannot express enough how great this forum is. I have learned so much in the time I've been a member.

It doesn't cost anything and the level of professionalism is priceless.

There's also a "Private" part of the forum that is beyond helpful. You must apply to be part of this section and it is a wonderful place to discuss sensitive issues that you may not want to be viewable by just anyone.

I can't recommend this forum enough.

Charging More - You're Worth It!

So often, artisan jewelers do not value their work and end up not charging enough. David Weiman of Marketing Jewelry put together a little video to explain why we, as artisan jewelers, need to value ourselves and our work.




There's no need to gouge people and it's difficult to find that *sweet spot* price. To me the most important thing is covering costs and making some sort of profit - even if small. It needs to be big enough to reinvest in your business. Because if you are selling you are in business - even if you think of it as a hobby.

Admittedly, I am not perfect when it comes to charging for my work and I often do undervalue myself. But I am working on it. =)

Are you Indie?

Promoting your business is super important and especially difficult for us small fish in this large pond of retail. Especially for a price that doesn't break the bank.

Total Indie Coupons are a fantastic way to get your name out to a variety of different buyers - and the great thing is that these buyers are known shoppers of Indie. How can that be you may ask?

Because people who are ordering from an Indie person, like me, get a pack of these coupons with their order. So we already know that they are ordering or buying from an Indie person.

You are exposed, not just to your customers, but to the customers of all the other participants in these coupons. That comes to 5,000 potential hits from shoppers! For only $50!!!

Not only that, my customers love to get them. They're introduced to new and fun small businesses and get great deals.

Round #8 is up and available for sign up but I know spaces are going fast. Last I checked there were only 8 left.

Is your site on Etsy? No problem! I know Etsy won't do coupon codes, but you can offer a free gift with purchase and the "code" can be entered at checkout.

I've participated in nearly every round of these coupons and signed up for round 8. I have a feeling I'll go through my Round 7 set sooner rather than later. *hint hint* *wink wink* =)

So hurry and grab your space to take advantage of this great marketing opportunity!