Selling work online

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Permalink Reply by Sandy Giuliani on January 24, 2011 at 3:52pm

I've had some of my products on Etsy for well over a year; lots of views, very few sales.  Seems like just fellow Etsy listers are looking, I don't know.  I also have an online store, just received an order for a double dog leash hanger a couple minutes ago.  I had a lot of orders in Nov/Dec, now they are just a here and there orders.  Most of my orders are for custom orders - I make the hangers from email pictures.  I've looked into Groupon, but once I deduct a discount to attract buyers, then I only get 70% of that if my "store is promoted".  I would make $14.70 on a $30 item if I listed it for 30% off.  It doesn't cost anything out of pocket to list your store, but I am a solo act, from design, cut, paint, the whole sha-bang!  I don't know, I have been told I don't charge enough.

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Permalink Reply by Lou Works on January 24, 2011 at 5:45pm

Thanks Sandy & Bruce, I am considering going on Custommade.com I did upload a few things for free but don't want to commit money, yet at least. I here you about not charging enough, I have heard it too, but with the way things have been, I think it has made the difference sale vs no-sale many times.  I am also selling online, but not much luck so far, I suppose it takes time I just got that website up recently.  I am looking to find shows closer to home and cheaper too.   It's hard knowing what to do, I know I can't afford $400-$700 shows anymore, at least until things get better.

Permalink Reply by Don Mabry on July 31, 2011 at 2:16pm

Lou,

I haven't tried Etsy buy I have managed to sell all that I've posted on eBay (which hasn't been very much).   And, I've sold a few pieces off my site.  Custommade has been after me for a long time but I haven't committed yet.

 

To me, it seems like the best way to sell (in most respects) is at the show -- where the customer can see what he's buying before he gets it.  With the on-line sales it seems like there is some sort of problem about 80% of the time.  The color is not quite what the customer wanted; he actually wanted one a little larger, etc., etc.  If he can see it before he buys it eliminates a lot of these issues.

 

I would always choose the shows over the on-line sales but, a sale is a sale and I'm happy to get one wherever it comes from.  And, as you know, the shows can present their own list of hassles.  It would be nice if there was one perfect venue that we could be involved in but I suppose that's never going to happen.  I'd be interested in hearing how CustomMade works for you.  It may be the best of the group.  Good luck with it.

Permalink Reply by Lou Works on July 31, 2011 at 2:33pm

Don,  Thanks for your post.  I agree, selling in person is probably the best, I have had as much luck online as you descibe.  Actually I don't even have a website anymore.  Customade.com hasn't worked for me and I do have some issues with their methods of trying to enlist people.  I have taken the year off from doing shows mostly, in favor of my wholesale business, which has sustained me so far.  I can't afford to put out for show fees and gas just to end up breaking even.  Really when I look at all that has happened, I still feel fortunate I am still able to do what I am doing at any level.  It has been tough sledding for us all, if you do happen to find the perfect venue, don't keep it to yourself!     Lou