When I opened my shop in August 2010, business was SLOW. I had about 5 shops listed for about $5. Each shop took me about an hour or more to design. My first sale was to The Rambling Scholar (here shop is still up and running great) it was a custom design that took me about 3 hours to complete from start to finish and I sold it for $5. I was so excited someone was willing to pay me for a design I really undersold myself. In the business world my time would go for over $40 an hour. It is amazing how unemployment can have you under value your worth. I didn't sell that many shop sets at first. I don't think my business really took off until I raised my prices to just $20, and began to use Facebook as a social media tool. Then I put forth my marketing and graphic design background to work for etsy artisans. I began using the knowledge that I had used in the professional world to the talented Entrepreneurs like you. I offered above and beyond customer service while being honest and up front at the same time.
I bartered with customers for etsy shops. I would trade craft supplies and lovely handmade items and I was able to have the most wonderful items for myself, children, and family members. Word of mouth has been the biggest blessing to my business. No matter how hard you try you can't do this by yourself. You need some help from friends, and other etsy artisans.
I began offering business branding and explaining to my customers how to use those items to promote yourself and your business. In August 2011 when everything was in Place everything really took off. I began to value myself and my time, and because I valued my skills and knowledge I think I was able to produce the best work I have ever made. I want to thank all of my wonderful customers and hope that my testimonial will help someone out there who is in my same boat. Now I keep thinking...I could be celebrating 500 sales....If I knew then what I know now. I am still learning...and I am happy to report things just keep getting better...
Again thank you to all of my customers...
