Embarassed

Petunia844 · May 2013

I was hesitant if I should post this or not because I don't want it to seem like I'm trying to get you guys to help.... I just need to vent and I don't know who else to tell about it. I started my Etsy shop a while ago and one of the first things people ask when they see/talk to me is "How's the Etsy shop?" Well, the honest answer is I"m worried it's going to totally flop... I've only sold things to people I know or a few people on TB and those were at cheaper prices for me to get samples. I feel like it's not going to work and don't know how to answer when people ask..... I'm both sad it's not working and embarrassed because everyone knew I was doing it.

ksyknelvr73 · May 2013

I don't have much to offer, but you should pin some of your stuff in your shop to pinterest with links to your shop. I have found SO MANY things on pinterest that I love that are through Etsy.

Petunia844 · May 2013

ksyknelvr73:
I don't have much to offer, but you should pin some of your stuff in your shop to pinterest with links to your shop. I have found SO MANY things on pinterest that I love that are through Etsy.

I did like two...but I was embarrassed to pin my own stuff... I guess just suck it up?

emeraudecephiro · May 2013

With art and crafts, sometimes the best thing is to become your biggest promoter. Show it everywhere, be proud of your work and show the world! There is no shame in trying to make something awesome out of your hard work. you can do it

In all honesty, since I moved over to PAL i've been eyeing some stuff and pondering asking DH to let me get some stuff Honest to goodness, not just trying to make you feel better BS here

Petunia844 · May 2013

daylights1:
I would just be honest and them it's slow going. I wouldn't judge anyone who told me that. Etsy is hard to get started in these days. Especially with China trying to take it over.

Normally I try to sound chipper and say "Good, but slow" but it's awkward then.... it's like if someone asks how your goldfish is doing and it just died.

Petunia844 · May 2013

emeraudecephiro:
With art and crafts, sometimes the best thing is to become your biggest promoter. Show it everywhere, be proud of your work and show the world! There is no shame in trying to make something awesome out of your hard work. you can do it
In all honesty, since I moved over to PAL i've been eyeing some stuff and pondering asking DH to let me get some stuff Honest to goodness, not just trying to make you feel better BS here

Haha, thank you... whether or not you do it really makes me feel better just that you'd think about it... I feel like a little kid showing mom her artwork and she says "uh huh, that's nice..." and quietly tucks it into a drawer. KWIM?

Junebug060609 · May 2013

I just pinned a bunch of stuff. Hopefully people repin them! Big Smile

Petunia844 · May 2013

Junebug060609:
I just pinned a bunch of stuff. Hopefully people repin them!

Thank you!

jertie · May 2013

I agree with Susan - you gotta get your stuff out there and promote yourself. I know it has to be tough because it's yours - you know - so it represents you. When people ask how it's going - just tell them the truth - it's a little slow, but that's normal. It takes a while to get the word out and then things will start picking up.

Also, don't feel bad about posting this - in my opinion this board is about what's going on in our lives - struggles and triumphs. (GL!!)

Junebug060609 · May 2013

Just thought of something. There is a baby stuff resale store up in Mission Valley called Baby Go Round. They have some stuff made by other moms for sale there. Mostly it's onesies, wipes holders, headbands...but maybe they could carry a couple of your things?

tetiananina · May 2013

I think you should utilize every option. If you post a link on here I will definitely look at it and pin it. Everyone starts small and word of mouth will definitely help. And I don't think there isn't anything wrong with you pinning your own stuff. :

Petunia844 · May 2013

tetiananina:
I think you should utilize every option. If you post a link on here I will definitely look at it and pin it. Everyone starts small and word of mouth will definitely help. And I don't think there isn't anything wrong with you pinning your own stuff. :

Thank you! I actually tried to pin it after I wrote this and it's not working for some reason! The link is in my siggy... or you can search for Art by Allison DeGeorge on Etsy. I swear I wasn't writing this post to get people to go look at it, just needed to vent...so I'm hesitant to post the link other than my siggy.

Petunia844 · May 2013

**Michbot**

Sorry didn't wanna quote that whole thing, but thank you! I know everything I read says to be patient, but it's hard isn't it?? I just want it to make enough that it takes in what a part time job would. What's your shop name? I'd love to check it out.

tetiananina · May 2013

Petunia844:
tetiananina:
I think you should utilize every option. If you post a link on here I will definitely look at it and pin it. Everyone starts small and word of mouth will definitely help. And I don't think there isn't anything wrong with you pinning your own stuff. :
Thank you! I actually tried to pin it after I wrote this and it's not working for some reason!  The link is in my siggy... or you can search for Art by Allison DeGeorge on Etsy. I swear I wasn't writing this post to get people to go look at it, just needed to vent...so I'm hesitant to post the link other than my siggy. 

I will check it out! : I understand. But any extra support is great!

Petunia844 · May 2013

Michbot12:
Petunia844:
**Michbot**
Sorry didn't wanna quote that whole thing, but thank you! I know everything I read says to be patient, but it's hard isn't it?? I just want it to make enough that it takes in what a part time job would. What's your shop name? I'd love to check it out.
It can definitely be frustrating waiting for sales. Even once you start getting more sales, it is feast or famine. You could get a lot of action for a few weeks and then nothing for the next couple weeks. I checked out your shop and I think you do an amazing job. I really think once you get some sales under your belt you won't have any trouble. Try not to focus on how much you are making at this point because it will bum you out. I would like to make a part time income with mine too and hope to begin selling more now that I'm not working full time. My shop is called MichyCreations.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichyCreations?ref=si_shop

Your shop is super cute! You do have LOTS of listings! I thought 32 was a lot... **ipad embarrassed face**

crystal8503 · May 2013

Don't be embarrassed! You have a talent and your stuff is adorable! I love the alphabet canvas! It's adorable! I pinned your stuff and also shared it with one of my Facebook communities. I know that's not why you posted this but every bit of exposure helps! I hope to buy something after we move and I get to set up my son's playroom.

Have you thought about doing a sale through Group Dealz? I bet you'd have some success there. I'm not sure how it works or the turn-around time expected but I'm sure your canvases would do well considering the main work is done and you will *only* need to order the prints. I know there is probably more to it than that but at least that should be less time consuming than your made to order name signs.

Good luck and keep working at it!