First off I want to say thank you for the birthday wishes and taking the time to visit my blog. It always means a lot to me to hear how much you enjoy my work. I mentioned in my last post that there was something going on in my life right now that really had me bummed out. After thinking it over for the last few days I thought I would blog about what is going on to see if any of you have any suggestions for me.
I have been stamping for almost 4 years now and it is something that I really love to do. I have always been the kind of person that likes to take something I love to do and make it into more than just a hobby. Since my nail business is not doing very well at the moment I have really been concentrating on trying to sell my stamped items to help bring in a little extra income. I know that the economy is not very good right now and that could have something to do with my items not selling, but lately I have seen other stampers start selling their work on Etsy and being more successful at it.
That is what brings me to my question: What do you think is keeping my work from selling? I am not trying to take anything away from the other talented stampers out there that are successful but sometimes I feel like success in the stamping world is based more on who you are and not just what you do and that has me very discouraged right now. Do any of you feel that way too? I have also tried other avenues to be successful in the stamping world like publishing,contests and challenges but I am not getting anywhere with those things either. I am just putting so much time,effort (and money) into this right now I would really like it to pay off some how. I would greatly appreciate it if you would share your thoughts on this and if you have any suggestions or advice for me please share that too. If you have read this far thanks for taking the time to listen. In the meantime I will continue stamping and hope to be back with more stamping stuff to share soon.
1 hour ago
5 comments:
Hi Terri
thanks for the info on Twitter, will follow you. OK, I had to pitch in on this. The first thing that springs to mind is: are you doing enough to promote yourself and your work? Are you submitting to loads of magazines, taking part in enough swaps and challenges, and generally putting your name out there? And at the same time...Are you reaching the right audience?If, say, you are mostly networking with other stampers, they may not be likely to be buying stamped work. But connecting with other women who have a passion for handcrafted items (though they may not be able to do it themselves) could do the trick.
Just a few ideas..
c
Allot of times, I think presentation has allot to do with attracting customers. I am by no means a photographer but when looking thru Etsy, the photo's is what attracts me first, then the desire of purchase is considered.
I do agree with Carla, it's near impossible to sell to another stamper, unless it's a pattern or something they may be looking for.
If I ever figure out what John Q. Public wants I will be glad to let you know. I've sold my crafts before but have never done really well.
I would suggest looking around etsy for marketing ideas. I don't think that success on etsy just happens for anyone, unless they come there with a following to start with. I've seen some interviews with successful sellers and they all say that marketing is the key. Etsy also has groups that sellers can join to help each other. Even the key words that you list your items under can have an impact.
I wish you luck!
sorry things aren't going as well as you had hoped! I love the ideas the ladies shared with you already! I am pulling for you!! :)
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