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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Goals and Craft Show Update

I made 3 goals for the year back in December, and haven't updated them lately. So here goes:

1. I would like to double my Etsy sales to 104 for the year. That's essentially 2 a week, or 8 a month. In those terms it seems much less daunting.
As of today, I have sold 13 items on etsy. 6 items to friends/coworkers, and 2 items at a craft show. Not doing great on this goal at all, but hopefully the holiday season changes things for me.

2. Participate in at least 4 craft shows.
So far I have participated in 1 craft show. I applied to a second show, but was not accepted. Now I'm trying to pick myself up, and dust myself off, and move on to find other shows.

 3. My goals for creating products is a tough one. I will say that I need to dedicate 5 hours a week to product creation only.
This one has been extremely hard to do, as well as keep track of. The last two weeks I have probably spent 5 hours a day creating. The month before I probably spent about 5 hours a week. Before that, none. I was working 8 hour days, and commuting 3 hours a day, so I was burned out and not motivated. I also needed some adjustment with my meds, which have really helped. I'm hoping to be more dedicated on this point for the rest of the year. Creating really makes me feel better, so I should make it a priority.

 
Craft Show update.
I used my square credit card reader on one customer at the craft show. I was paranoid it was going to pop out or something, so I had difficulty swiping it so it would read. But once it read, it was easy!! I set it to automatically add sales tax to orders. I didn't have to do math!!! And the customer just had to sign and it was sent through. The show was on Saturday, and the money was in my account on Monday. Awesome.

On the not so great side, I only made 2 sales at a 7 hour show. Unfortunately, I was invited to this show, so I figured they knew what would sell, and I didn't research it. It was not in an area where people had lots of disposable income. So even if the people did recognize the quality, they couldn't justify spending money on jewelry. It was also too early in the season for people to start Christmas shopping. It was also a food truck show, and I think everyone spent their money on outrageously over priced fried food.

I did however change my earring displays from my last craft show, and I love my new displays. I think they are classy, while still showing some of my personality. I also bought some bracelet and necklace displays, as well as pillow gift boxes from nilecorp.com The price was super reasonable, and quality was great.


My Handmade Earring Displays- I can actually hang 4-5 cards across.


My Handmade Earring Displays- I can actually hang 4-5 cards across.


Smaller Necklace Tree (on left) from Nilecorp.com

Pewter Bracelet Display from Nilecorp.com

17 comments:

  1. Would love to know more about your earring displays.

    Hang in there... sales are hard right now.

    I feel for your commute... Back in Feb / March I had a similar one for a gig...Only I was working 14 hours + 3 commuting + 1 to walk the dog + 1 to eat and bathe.... Yeah. It was awful! I didn't create a thing during that time~

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  2. Your display pics are so nice! Don't be harsh with yourself, these are the times we live in... Good luck on catching up with the sales goal!

    Magda

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  3. I agree with Magda, the economy isn't the best anywhere. And while you didn't meet your goal, that's two sales that you didn't have beforehand. They may come back to bless you in other ways. Keep your head and spirits up and keep creating! BTW - love the displays!

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  4. I applaud the fact that you have goals and are holding yourself to them!! You have a plan! That is awesome! Keep on keepin' on!

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  5. thanks for sharing, I'm going to do 2 holiday shows soon, I've never done this before, so it'll be a good learning experience

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  6. You are a strong business woman and smart to revisit your goals. Revising them is not always a bad thing.

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  7. Hmmm ... I'd better take a look at my Goals for the year and see how I'm doing. Thanks for the reminder.

    I was sorry to hear the Show was not what you were hoping for, but it wasn't because your display was lacking ... it looks great, Turtle. And the earring display is fab❣

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  8. Sorry it didn't go better for you. You'd think September would get people out buying but it's never been my experience. I do much better in Oct/Nov as they start thinking about Christmas gifts. Good luck doing more shows!

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  9. Christmas is coming. I'm sure that your sales will increase! It's fantastic that you set goals!

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  10. Sales will be up soon hopefully! Push for your goals!!!

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  11. I am sorry the show was not good but still your jewelry are gorgeous. The problem is not your jewelry but I think the economy and people not ready yet to shop now for Christmas.

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  12. hugs..keep me in your prayers..I have my fashion show coming up and the lady in charge predicts big numbers but others involved say to plan for the future

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  13. I love your display. I know you may not think the show was as successful as you'd like, but keep in mind that you were getting your name out there and your cards are in the pockets of people who WILL visit your Etsy shop.

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  14. Keep plugging away. There is not as much discretionary income as there used to be so most of us are stretching a bit.

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  15. Your display is awesome love it. yes things are very tight for a lot of us. Sales are down. But we all have to keep our spirits up and things will change, looking forward to the Christmas season coming and hoping we all do better then.

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  16. uniquecozytreasures- Christmas shopping will pick up shortly. Nice displays.

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  17. I love your get up and go!!! You will do wonderful at your next show... your setup is beautiful!

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